AFC East Notes: Bills, Jets, Patriots

Bills

Bills WR John Brown has been quietly putting together a terrific season, which was punctuated by his nine-catch, 137-yard, two-touchdown performance on Sunday against Miami. Brown bounced from the Cardinals to the Ravens before landing with the Bills this offseason as a somewhat under the radar signing. But his teammates are hoping Brown doesn’t stay under the radar for much longer with performances like that. 

“John Brown is a baller,” Bills RB Frank Gore said via NewYorkUpstate.com’s Matt Parrino. “He’s been doing great all year. I’m happy that he’s getting an opportunity to show people the type of receiver he can be in this league. … Like I told him, (people have) been sleeping on him a whole lot.”

• Bills HC Sean McDermott says DB Siran Neal is in the concussion protocol while OT Ty Nsekhe is still having his injured ankle tested. (Matthew Fairburn)

Jets

• ESPN’s Rich Cimini points out that Jets QB Sam Darnold has played better since becoming more assertive in meetings with HC Adam Gase to take more ownership of the offense. 
• Cimini notes Sunday’s 34-17 win over the Redskins could have been an audition of sorts for Jets DC Gregg Williams, who’s thought highly of by people in Washington’s front office as a head coaching candidate. 
• Jets OT Kelvin Beachum re-injured his ankle but could still potentially play this week. Third-round rookie OT Chuma Edoga is day-to-day with an ankle and knee injury as well. (Brian Costello)

Patriots

The Patriots still only have one loss on the year after a 17-10 win against the Eagles on Sunday moved them to 9-1. But Patriots QB Tom Brady was notably pessimistic about the state of New England’s offense, which is still trying to figure out issues along the offensive line and receiver. Brady essentially said the expectation right now is for the offense not to sabotage the defense, which is a far cry from where expectations usually are for the unit piloted by one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. 

“The strength of our team is our defense and our special teams,” Brady said in a radio interview on WEEI. “On offense we just have to take advantage when we get opportunities and understand where our strengths lie and try and play to them — not giving any short fields, not turning the ball over and try and take advantage when we get into the red area to score touchdowns. That is kind of where our offense is. That is kind of where our team is.”

• Patriots HC Bill Belichick said the team hoped to activate LT Isaiah Wynn this week. (Jim McBride)