As the smoke clears from some notable offseason transitions, it seems the AFC East is buzzing with change and opportunity. The Dolphins, Jets, and Patriots, storied rivals, each have uniquely compelling narratives unfolding on their respective turfs.
For Miami, head coach Mike McDaniel is banking heavily on the potential of De’Von Achane, who is poised to take the lead in the backfield. The departures of veterans Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson have left a void, but McDaniel is confident Achane is ready to fill it.
“Year 3, I see a guy that understands a broader picture of not only how to be successful independently, but your independent success is helped by the collective success,” McDaniel noted about Achane’s evolution. From a reserved rookie to a vocal field presence, Achane is crafting his leadership identity.
His growth reflects a player not just enhancing his own skills but elevating his teammates, a hallmark of true leadership in the NFL. In McDaniel’s eyes, this offseason program has revealed a competitor ready to lead, even as he continues to hone his craft.
Meanwhile, the New York Jets are navigating their own transitions, with Chris Banjo stepping into the role of special teams coordinator. Banjo is stepping off the field and onto the sidelines with rich insights from his playing days, especially under the influence of former coach Aaron Glenn during his time with the Saints.
Banjo’s path to coaching was unanticipated, yet as he matured, he embraced the role of mentor naturally. Now, under Aaron Glenn’s tutelage, Banjo is overseeing a fiercely competitive Jets environment.
“It’s just competitive as hell,” Banjo said, highlighting the team’s commitment to intensifying each play. There’s a robust emphasis on developing a thriving competitive culture, a detail not lost on Banjo and the staff.
In New England, the Patriots are welcoming a new face in the backfield, as TreVeyon Henderson makes waves early in his rookie season. Drafted in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, he is already being recognized by Rhamondre Stevenson for his explosive play.
“Explosive. Explosive guy,” Stevenson remarked, capturing the excitement surrounding Henderson’s rapid adaptation to the Patriots’ offensive schemes.
Stevenson is embracing his role as a mentor, eager to share insights from his own NFL journey, a crucial peer-to-peer learning aspect of the league. Henderson’s keen ability to process and react to defenses is turning heads, setting the stage for a dynamic running back group poised to benefit from shared experiences and collective growth.
As these teams drive deeper into preparations, the stage is set for intriguing developments in the upcoming season. It’s clear that leadership, whether from a rising running back, a transitioning coordinator, or an insightful veteran, is shaping a vibrant narrative across the AFC East.
