Through five weeks of the NFL season, most divisions are beginning to take that shape.
That includes the AFC East and we are beginning to get an understanding of the division as a whole. With each season comes surprise performances from unexpected players and that has been no different this season. Here is one surprise player from each team in the division.
Joshua Palmer WR, Buffalo Bills
Palmer is in his first season in Buffalo after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers. Through five games, he’s collected 12 catches for 164 yards, good for an average 14.5 yards per reception.
He is still awaiting his first Bills touchdown and with some of the explosive plays he’s already made this season, it feels like that trip to the end zone is coming in the near future.
Stefon Diggs WR, New England Patriots
The version of Diggs we saw for all those seasons in Minnesota and Buffalo appear to be back. He leads New England in targets, receptions, yards and yards per game.
Much like Palmer, Diggs is still awaiting his first touchdown with his new team, but he and quarterback Drake Maye have developed a connection that should lead to plenty of points.
Darren Waller TE, Miami Dolphins
After a season away from the NFL, Waller has returned with a fire and passion for the game again. Injuries held him out of the first three games of the season, but his performance over the last two weeks has left Miami fans more than pleased.
Waller has eight catches for 105 yards and three touchdowns in his first two games with the Dolphins. He has become a focal point of the offense after the season-ending injury to wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
Justin Fields QB, New York Jets
Despite the Jets’ 0-5 record this season, the production on the field from Fields in his first season with the team could very well be considered better than expected.
He has not yet thrown an interception in 106 attempts, and he’s accounted for seven total touchdowns (four passing, three rushing). With continued solid performances from Fields, New York will be headed toward its first win of the season in the near future.
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