Signal-callers have two of the hottest seats in the AFC, which is not surprising given that starting quarterbacks’ every move is scrutinized on the field. Two seasoned coaches from the same division are also feeling the heat rising as a result of their failure to live up to expectations.
The following represents each AFC team’s hottest seat as chosen by Yardbarker NFL writers:
AFC East
BUFFALO BILLS | Sean McDermott, head coach:While he cannot be held solely responsible for Buffalo’s difficulties, it is disheartening for any team that hopes to win the Super Bowl and ends up missing the postseason, as the Bills (6-6) are expected to do. McDermott’s 1-6 overtime record, which is the worst all-time among coaches with at least 81 games in their careers, according to ESPN Stats & Info, may raise concerns about his job status this offseason, even though it is unlikely that he will be fired.
MIAMI DOLPHINS | Kicker Jason Sanders:
How successful a season has been is evident when the kicker is the one under fire. But Sanders’s inconsistent play could make Miami less likely to win the Super Bowl. It will be challenging to trust Sanders in the postseason because he has the fifth-worst field-goal percentage since 2021 (77.9%) and is ranked 27th this season (78.6%).
NEW YORK JETS | General manager Joe Douglas:
Although Doug was powerless to stop QB Aaron Rodgers’s Achilles injury, he ultimately cost New York another season by signing a number of the four-time MVP’s close friends and failing to acquire a competent backup quarterback. Naturally, if Douglas hadn’t wasted the second overall pick in 2021 on quarterback Zach Wilson, all of this could have been prevented.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS | Head coach Bill Belichick: New England (2-9) is off to its worst start since Belichick was hired in 2000, and the 71-year-old’s poor roster construction is largely to blame. The Patriots are 27-34 since QB Tom Brady left for Tampa Bay, and many are speculating that their lack of success may spell the end of Belichick’s historic tenure, which includes six Super Bowl wins. — Colum Dell
AFC West
Russell Wilson, quarterback for the Denver Broncos:Although the 35-year-old’s play has improved this season, he is still only two years into a five-year, $242.58 million contract. To demonstrate that he is still a franchise quarterback and isn’t overpaid, he needs to lead the team on an unlikely playoff run.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS | Wide receiver Skyy Moore:
The Kansas City Star was informed prior to the season by general manager Brett Veach that he anticipated a “huge leap” from the second-year wide receiver, but that hasn’t materialized. Moore has only caught 20 passes for 239 yards and one touchdown. WR Rashee Rice, a rookie, has obviously outperformed him with 44 receptions for 527 yards and five touchdowns.
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