AFC East: Most surprising takeaways from 2024 NFLPA survey

On Wednesday, the NFL Players Association released its 2024 team report cards, a poll of 1,706 players regarding their daily experience and working conditions. 

Per the NFLPA website, the annual survey is designed to “highlight positive clubs, identify areas that could use improvement and highlight best practices and standards.” 

Below is the most surprising takeaway from the survey for each AFC East team.

Buffalo Bills: Poor travel conditions

Buffalo earned a respectable overall ranking in the survey, finishing 11th among teams, but came under scrutiny in the "Team Travel" category. The Bills were given a D grade in this area, ranking 25th overall.

Just 45% of Bills players believe there is a comfortable amount of personal space during team flights, which ranks the lowest of any team, with their biggest gripe being the seating arrangements on the plane. Staff members have priority over players, who are assigned to the smaller economy seats where many of the heavier players don’t fit comfortably. That's one way to reward an offensive line that surrendered the fewest sacks during the 2023 season (24). (Full report)

Miami Dolphins: Best run franchise in the NFL

The Dolphins haven't won a playoff game since 2000, but at least they're being run like a championship-winning organization. Miami was the top-rated team in the survey, finishing in the top three in 10 of the 11 categories and eighth in the "Head Coach" category.

However, that's not to say there's an issue with HC Mike McDaniel, as he was ranked as the second-best coach when it comes to how willing he is to listen to the locker room.

Stephen Ross was also voted as the top owner in the NFL, receiving a 9.9/10 rating from his players when taking into account his willingness to invest in facilities. This shouldn't come as much of a surprise since Ross is an owner who has spent big on high-profile roster acquisitions. In fact, it's reassuring to see that he's taking his business seriously in all its facets. (Full report)

New England Patriots: Inadequate weight training facilities

The Patriots, who finished 29th in the overall rankings among the NFL's 32 teams, received the worst mark in the "Weight Room" category. Not only do Patriots players feel that the equipment in their weight room is below average, but they believe there isn't enough space in it.

Additionally, New England was the only team in the NFL with the majority of its players believing that their team's facility is worse to work out at than places they can train elsewhere. Upgrading the team's training facility should be a top priority for owner Robert Kraft this offseason, especially considering he's hoping New England will be a premier free-agent destination. (Full report)

New York Jets: HC Robert Saleh's lack of time management skills

New York has already had quite an eventful start to the offseason, and Wednesday's survey didn't do the franchise any favors. The Jets finished 21st among teams with several bottom-10 marks, though none may be more concerning than the "Head Coach" category assessment.

Despite being given a B grade, Saleh ranked as the 24th-highest-rated coach in the league. As per the survey, 72% of Jets players feel Saleh is efficient with their time, placing 28th overall, and believe the coach is somewhat willing to listen to his locker room, which ranked 29th. With Saleh entering next season on the hot seat, he needs to take these grades to heart and quickly adjust his style. (Full report)