Tensions in the AFC East have not thawed because of the offseason.
Dion Dawkins, an offensive tackle for the Bills, made it apparent recently that there is still animosity between the rival teams after a postgame altercation during Buffalo’s most recent game against the New York Jets in November.
“I detest them. In a shirtless interview on VladTV last week, Dawkins stated, “All of them, bro.” Indeed, when it comes to sports, some people play them because they are passionate about them, and some people just play them to fit in. They seem to play the sport in an attempt to appear cool. Those guys are just interested in taking photos for Instagram, that’s all. That’s whack.
If there’s ever a hate fest between the Bills and Jets, there are decades of history to draw from.
Dawkins, a three-time Pro Bowler who has played against Gang Green with Buffalo for all seven of his NFL seasons, finds motivation in the Bills’ 32-6 victory over the Jets in their Week 11 meeting.
“Weirdos acting strange.” When asked what occurred to cause a scene in the tunnel at the conclusion of the competition, Dawkins gave an explanation. “I want to talk about the man without even giving him credit. However, 72. Clemons Michael. B——— boy.
Dawkins claims that in the second half, the Jets defensive end approached Buffalo’s sideline and started pointing and yelling profanities at several players.
Dawkins naturally drew the line at going after his quarterback, Josh Allen’s blindside defender.
Why are you speaking with my quarterback, first of all? Dawkins commanded, “Don’t talk to my quarterback.” “Remain over there. Don’t keep quiet around any of my guys. Son, just stay over there. Avoid conversing with 17. I mean it when I say that. Avoid conversing with him. Don’t say anything at all to him, am I correct?
Dawkins expressed his displeasure three minutes into the fourth quarter by forcing Clemons to the ground and then, in his own words, “belly flopping” on his opponent.
For needless roughness during the play, Dawkins would ultimately receive a fine. This led to a tense fourth quarter, which required teammates to separate the two in the tunnel after the game.
Dawkins is still obviously upset about the incident, even though he only let some people get away with it, like defensive tackle and two-time Pro Bowler Quinten Williams of New York.
“Well done, Quinten Williams. “I respect the dude,” Dawkins said, adding that he also respected Ryan Davis, the defensive assistant for the Jets, and former head coach Todd Bowles.
“How about the others? Feel indifferent. “I dislike you,” he continued.
2023 saw the Bills and Jets split their season series, but Dawkins is still using his position of authority to spew hate speech.
Although the Jets’ disappointing third-place showing in 2023 was still their best since 2019, it was a far cry from expectations when quarterback Aaron Rodgers first arrived in the city. Buffalo has won the AFC East for four straight years.
After rupturing his Achilles tendon four snaps into the season in the wake of New York’s stunning upset victory over the Bills in Week 1, Rodgers will return to rekindle Gang Green’s hopes of unseating Buffalo in 2024.
Clemons ought to return as well; he has a contract through 2025.
The next time Dawkins and the Jets play, those two and the rest of the team will definitely greet him with open arms.
