The Buffalo Bills have long held the upper hand over the New York Jets, making it difficult to consider their matchups a true divisional rivalry. Buffalo has clinched the AFC East title for four consecutive years, while the Jets’ third-place finish in 2023 was their best since 2019, a far cry from the expectations that accompanied quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ arrival.
Rodgers, who suffered an Achilles injury just four snaps into the season during the Jets’ surprising Week 1 victory over the Bills, is set to return and reignite the Jets’ hopes of toppling Buffalo in 2024. The Bills and Jets split their season series in 2023, but Buffalo offensive tackle Dion Dawkins did not mince words when expressing his disdain for his divisional rivals.
Dawkins, who was involved in a postgame altercation the last time Buffalo played the Jets in November, provided a detailed explanation for his animosity towards the Jets. In a recent interview, Dawkins expressed his dislike for the entire Jets team, singling out a few players and staff members he is on good terms with.
“I hate them. All of them, bro,” Dawkins said during a shirtless interview on VladTV. “When it comes to sports, there are people who play because they love the sport, and then there are people who play just to be cool. I feel like they play to be cool. They’re a bunch of dudes who just want to take pictures on Instagram. That’s whack.”
Dawkins, a three-time Pro Bowler who has faced the Jets with Buffalo for all seven of his NFL seasons, cited the Week 11 meeting in which the Bills defeated the Jets 32-6 as a source of inspiration. He specifically called out Jets defensive end Michal Clemons for his behavior during the game.
“Weirdos being weird,” Dawkins said when asked about the incident. “I don’t even want to give the man any credit. But number 72, Michael Clemons. Boy.”
According to Dawkins, Clemons came over to Buffalo’s sideline during the second half and directed obscenities at multiple players. As Josh Allen’s blindside protector, Dawkins took exception to Clemons’ behavior towards his quarterback.
“Why are you talking to my quarterback? Don’t talk to my quarterback,” Dawkins said. “Stay over there. Don’t say anything to any of my guys. Just stay over there, son. Don’t talk to 17. I’m really serious about that. Don’t talk to him. Don’t say anything to him at all.”
In the fourth quarter, Dawkins expressed his frustration by blocking Clemons to the ground before “belly flopping” on him. Dawkins received a fine for unnecessary roughness, and the incident led to a heated exchange between the two teams in the tunnel after the game.
Despite his animosity towards most of the Jets, Dawkins expressed respect for Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, former Jets head coach Todd Bowles, and Jets defensive assistant Ryan Davis. However, he made it clear that his dislike for the rest of the team remains strong.
With Rodgers expected to lead the Jets in the 2024 season and Clemons under contract through 2025, the rivalry between the Bills and Jets is sure to intensify. The next time they face off, Dawkins and the Jets are likely to exchange some heated words and physical play.
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