AFC East Notes: Bills, Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Bills

Bills QB Josh Allen is known for his impressive arm strength. However, HC Sean McDermott says all he cares about in terms of Allen is that he “throws the ball accurately.”

“All I care about really is that he throws the ball accurately,” McDermott said, via the Buffalo News. “There’s a debate out there about the strength of his arm and the debate with Patrick Mahomes, a great quarterback in and of itself. The key right now is for Josh to grow in our offense and the thing about it is he has that growth mindset. He loves to learn, loves to grow, loves to compete.”

Dolphins

Dolphins HC Brian Flores believes QB Josh Rosen has gotten better “across the board” and points out his footwork, pocket mechanics, and decision-making as areas he’s improved. 

“I think he’s made some improvement, really across the board. There’s things that a lot of people don’t see. Better footwork, mechanics in the pocket, decision-making. A lot of times people, all they see is the touchdown pass; they don’t see the checkdown that’s a positive play for the team,” Flores said, via Jelani Scott of NFL.com. “I think he’s improved in those areas and I think those are the little things that go a long way at that position.”

Flores added that Rosen could improve his accuracy, consistency, and leadership standpoints. 

“[Rosen could improve] from an accuracy standpoint, a consistency standpoint, a leadership standpoint,” said Flores, via Armando Salguero. 

• According to Adam Beasley, Dolphins TE Dwayne Allen is “hopeful, but not certain” he will return from an undisclosed injury in time for Week 1. 
• Dolphins S Reshad Jones was seen in a walking boot on his right foot during Saturday’s practice. (Adam Beasley)

Jets

New Jets C Ryan Kalil explained that he decided to come out of retirement because he felt he had “more football” left in him. 

“Coming off 2018, healthy, feeling great, feeling spry again, I just felt like I had more football,” Kalil said, via NFL.com. “And, by the time I sort of came around to collecting my thoughts and my feelings about it, it was already too late in Carolina. They moved on.”

“I look forward to getting after it and getting back into it and just grateful for the opportunity to live the dream a little bit longer,” Kalil added. “I’m here to compete, play hard, I’ve got some good football left in me and I hope I don’t let you guys down.”

• Jets GM Joe Douglas said it was a “no brainer” to sign veteran C Ryan Kalil after he returned from retirement earlier this week. 

Patriots

Patriots HC Bill Belichick recently offered some praise for LB Jamie Collins and the job he’s done since returning to New England. 

Collins mentioned that Belichick’s comments are “music to my ears.”

“From him, man, that’s music to my ears, man. It’s an honor to get that type of response from him, and I really do appreciate it. That just makes me feel better and makes me want to come to work even more,” Collins said, via the Boston Herald.

Collins didn’t want to get into his time with the Browns and is just happy to be back with the Patriots. 

“Cleveland’s the past,” Collins said. “Cleveland’s the past. I’m here. I’m in New England. I’m playing back here. I’d rather focus on right now.”