The New England Patriots have had a stranglehold on the AFC East for the past decade and a half. Since 2001, the Patriots have not finished first in the division just twice: in 2002 the Patriots finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs and in 2008 the Patriots finished 11-5 and missed the playoffs. Two caveats: in 2002 it was the first post-Super Bowl season and they still were in a three-way tie for first place losing on tiebreakers. Also, 2008 was the last year a team won 11 games and missed the playoffs as the Tom Brady-less Patriots lost the division crown to the Dolphins and wild card to the Ravens with identical records due to tiebreakers again.
New England Patriots AFC East Offseason Analysis: Buffalo Bills
