AFC East NFLPA report card takeaways: Dolphins cruise, Jets lose

On Wednesday, the NFL Players Association released its third annual report cards for the league's 32 teams. Nearly 1,700 players shared with their union information about their team's facilities, treatment of their families and more.

Here are four surprising takeaways from the AFC East. 

Buffalo Bills: Let the coach ride coach

Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy used to ask his team (and fans), "Where else would you rather be than right here, right now?" Had he asked current Bills players, they may have offered 22 other cities. This year, Buffalo ranked 23rd among NFL teams, a far cry from the No. 11 spot it held in 2024.

Last year, 55 percent of the players complained they were made to sit in smaller seats when traveling for away games while the coaches and staff sat in first class. This year, 65 percent of players said they had insufficient space when traveling, earning the Bills an F- for team travel. 

They also asked for more trainers/physical therapists in the team’s training room last season, but even more players called the training staff "inadequate" this season. Fortunately, the team is scheduled to open a new 18,750-square-foot facility in addition to a new stadium in 2026, which should offer plenty of room for additional staff.

Miami Dolphins: Head of the class

For the second straight year, Miami earned top marks among NFL teams with an A grade or better in all 11 categories and a No. 1 ranking in seven. On the field, the team hasn’t had the success many expected but it seems team owner Stephen Ross has done everything he can to take care of his players.

According to the survey, the Dolphins renovated their game-day locker room at Hard Rock Stadium over the summer, even though stadium locker rooms are not evaluated in player surveys. No wonder wide receiver Tyreek Hill wants to stay in Miami.

New England Patriots: The not-so-friendly skies

It’s hard to believe that a team with six Super Bowl championships, all under current owner Robert Kraft, would finish with the survey’s second-worst scores but changes could be on the way.

For example, New England received failing grades for its weight room and treatment of families last season. This year, the team hired a staff member to oversee family services and broke ground on a new $50M facility next to the stadium. The building won’t be ready until 2026, but in the meantime, Kraft needs to find a new ride.