AFC Notes: Drake Maye, Skylar Thompson, Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

Dolphins QB Skylar Thompson sustained a painful rib injury following hits by Seahawks LB Tyrel Dodson and DL Dre’Mont Jones. Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel said that Thompson tried to stay in the game but was ultimately replaced by QB Tim Boyle.

“Unfortunate, but such is the nature of the National Football League,” McDaniel said, via Pro Football Talk. “I’m not looking for excuses, I don’t think anyone in the locker room is. It’s tough, but the National Football League’s tough.”

Jets

Jets HC Robert Saleh said that pass rusher Will McDonald has benefitted from the absence of Haason Reddick after not seeing much playing time during his rookie season.

“Will’s done a great job taking advantage,” Saleh said, via SNY. “He’s been doing it since training camp. For him, it’s kind of a blessing without Haason being here, it’s given him a lot more reps than he would’ve taken had he been here. Credit to Will, he’s worked on it. He’s getting better and better, and he’s only going to get better.”

Patriots

Patriots QB Drake Maye got his first taste of game action in Week 2, with OC Alex Van Pelt commenting on the positive experience for the rookie. 

“I thought it was a great experience for him to get in, especially a night game in New York,” Van Pelt said, via ESPN. “I thought it was a great start for him. Definitely some things to clean up in his game, but he made some throws and made some plays with his legs. I’m encouraged by his future.”

“There were some things there to correct, and that’s usually the case the first time you’re out for a live [game] — it can change your feet and you revert back,” Van Pelt added. “Still a work in progress there; he’ll be able to take it to the next level.”

One issue addressed by Van Pelt was the performance of RB Rhamondre Stevenson, who fumbled and will focus on ball security heading into the third game of the season.

“Job security is ball security and now he has a target on his back. Teams are going to see that and they’re going to come after the football,” Van Pelt said of Stevenson. “I know he’ll address it. I know he’s proud about [being secure with the ball] and he’ll be better because of it.”