AFC East Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick said HC Brian Flores “has a presence” around the locker room and has been “very consistent” with his message to the team. 

“Competition definitely brings out the best in you,” said Fitzpatrick, via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. “Coach Flo has a presence in our meeting room at times, talking about a lot of different situations. He has a really good personality. He’s been very consistent with his message so far and that’s something that really carries weight in the locker room and gets guys to play for you.”

Fitzpatrick feels that he has seen a lot of “shade and disrespect” shown his way over the years. 

“There’s been a lot of shade and disrespect thrown my way for a lot of years,” said Fitzpatrick. 

As for working with Dolphins’ special advisor and Hall of Fame QB Dan Marino, Fitzpatrick said he’s been able to “bounce questions off him” and Marino “has a great perspective on everything.”

“What a great guy,” Fitzpatrick said. “The biggest thing that pops out to me is his humility. Being able to bounce questions off him [has been great]. He’s been a neat presence to have around, not only as a Hall of Fame quarterback but just as a guy, knowing some of the things we go through whether it’s off the field with family or on the field. He has great perspective on everything. It’s been great getting to know him.”

Jets

Jets S Marcus Maye will have had to overcome a lot before he even steps onto the field in 2019. An array of injuries, including to his ankle, shoulder, thumb and foot limited him to six games, then he had to win over new HC Adam Gase who reportedly had concerns about Maye when he took the job. After all of that, Maye is expected to play a major role in DC Gregg Williams‘ aggressive defense. 

“It’s a lot of different calls,” Maye said via the NY Daily News’ Manish Mehta. “So (I’m) just trying to put everything together and learn as we go. When we hit the grass, seeing different formations and stuff like that. But once you’re sitting and learning, you know how to group everything, it’s pretty simple.”

Patriots

• ESPN’s Mike Reiss listed Patriots P Ryan Allen as a potential veteran cut. Allen performed well in the Super Bowl but was only re-signed to a one-year deal, while the team traded up to spend a fifth-round pick on P Jake Bailey.
• Former agent and CBS analyst Joel Corry says Patriots LB Jamie Collins could earn another big deal if he performs well in 2019, which is a contract year.