BY NICK ST. DENIS
Three of the AFC East's four teams are in a class of their own. It's not a class they want to be in.
The New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills boast the NFL's worst third-down defenses, surrendering first downs on 46 percent of third downs. The New York Jets are right behind them, giving up a third-worst 43 percent of third-down conversions.
At least the Miami Dolphins are picking up the slack as the league's third-stingiest third-down defense at 33 percent.
The Dolphins, however, make up for it on fourth down. Miami has given up nine first downs on 10 of its opponents' fourth-down tries, which is tops (worst) in the league.
The Jets have surrendered first downs on six of eight fourth downs, Bills opponents are 4-for-6 on fourth down, and the Patriots have given up five first downs in 11 fourth-down situations.
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