A Perfect Season, A Guarantee, A Bridesmaid, & A Late Bloomer - The History and Tradition of the AFC East

Heading down the home-stretch with the History/Analysis Rankings, we come to a division with a little bit of everything. It's got perfection, guarantees, the ultimate runner-up, and the most famous sweatshirt in NFL history.

AFC East

Miami Dolphins - How many teams can claim a residence in Perfectville? Only one. The 1972 Dolphins, led by the future founder of Shula's Steakhouse, claimed their residence by defeating the Redskins in Super Bowl VII. The Dolphins followed the perfect season with another title in 1973.

The Dolphins stayed strong through the early 80s as well behind the "Killer B's" defense and Dan Marino (who retired with every passing record, but no Super Bowl). After a playoff drought in the late 80s, the franchise returned to contention as a playoff regular in the 90s.

While the Dolphins don't boast the quantity of rings of some franchise, the quality of their championship teams is, well, nearly perfect. They haven't been the dominant franchise of the early 70's since that time, but are never far from contention.

14/20

New York Jets - J-E-T-S. The franchise's image and future changed when "Broadway Joe" Namath came to town in 1965. Known as much for his off the field persona as what he did on the field, Namath put the franchise (and the AFL) on his back when he issued his famous guarantee before Super Bowl III. Namath, of course, backed up the talk and established credibility for the Jets and the rest of the AFL.

Unfortunately, Namath's career took a downward turn due to injuries, and the Jets franchise followed the same path. They didn't have a winning season post-merger until 1981 and have failed to return to the Super Bowl since.

While the Jets of Namath's prime were an iconic franchise, the years since have been lean.

9/20

Buffalo Bills - Always the bridesmaid never the bride? That might be the first thing that comes to mind with the Bills. They did AFL championships in 1964 and 1965, but are more well-known for their Super Bowl losses in the early 90s.

Despite featuring O.J. and the Electric Company, the Bills of the 70s made just one playoff appearance. The franchise began to encounter real success in the late 80's and early 90's behind Coach Marv Levy and Jim Kelly, becoming playoff, and Super Bowl regulars.

Though they weren't able win the big game, the Bills of the 90's don't get nearly enough credit for 4 straight Super Bowl appearances. Still, between those losses, being on the wrong end of a "Music City Miracle", and, well, O.J., the franchise has had its share of misery.

8/20

New England Patriots - If this analysis only included the 21st century, it'd be tough to argue any team but the Patriots belonged at the top. Unfortunately for New England, The first 40 years weren't as kind as the last 10.

The Boston Patriots of the AFL struggled through the 60s, making the playoffs just one time. After the merger, the New England Patriots weren't a lot better, though they did make their first Super Bowl appearance in 1985, unfortunately running into the Chicago Bears. The 90s were a little better, as Bill Parcells led the team back to the Super Bowl in 1996 and the Flutie years were at least exciting. Then came a couple of guys named Belichik and Brady and you know the rest.

Today, many would point to the Patriots as the ideal NFL franchise, and rightfully so with 3 titles in the last decade. The rest of their history is nothing special, but three rings are three rings.

13/20