Things in the AFC East have changed quickly this season. Early days had the Buffalo Bills looking to top the division, but the Patriots had other plans. Now, with both sides locked into what many expect to become a long-term “dog fight” for divisional supremacy, former NFL legend Shannon Sharpe recently addressed the rivalry on the Nightcap podcast.

“Look, the Patriots are going to be good for a long time. And what we thought was a foregone conclusion that Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills are going to run this division for the next 10 years, that’s not going to be the case,” Sharpe predicted on the podcast. “This is going to be a dog fight. Between two teams, it’s going to be always for the next decade, it’s going to be the Patriots or the goddamn Bills.”

Sharpe’s belief that the Patriots are here to stay would put the Bills on notice as they see the gap widening between the 2nd and the 1st place in the division. They are currently 6-3, sitting second, while the Patriots added a win to make it 9-2 today.

Their latest loss to the Dolphins exposed a problem with turnovers and a lack of receiving options. Even quarterback Josh Allen admits it’s his fault. 

“It sucks losing, but knowing in the losses this year, we’ve turned the ball over. And that’s pointing the thumb directly at myself. If we take care of the football, we are a good football team,” Allen said.

As the Bills search for answers and try to keep pace, the Patriots continue to build momentum, widening the margin with every win. That latest victory prompted head coach Mike Vrabel to deliver a special message.

Mike Vrabel reflects on Patriots’ win over the Jets

The Patriots’ massive shift is driven by new Head Coach Mike Vrabel, who has instilled a tough, yet smart, new culture in just one season.

The team’s success is highlighted by the breakout performance of second-year quarterback Drake Maye. After a year of development, Maye has exploded into the MVP conversation, leading the NFL with a completion rate of 71.9% and ranking highly in passing yards and touchdowns. 

“His performance in general has been what we expect,” Vrabel said of Maye. “We have high expectations for Drake, and he has high expectations for himself. I know he’ll stay humble through this all.”

Vrabel’s disciplined approach is also visible in key veteran additions, like wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who had 9 receptions for 105 yards against the Jets. 

By the time the rematch rolls around between the Bills and the Patriots in mid-December, it could very well be the decider for the division win. While the Bills have played fewer games, the Patriots have an eight-game winning streak and are now positioned as a major contender.