AFC East Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

While some have indicated that they want out of Miami, veteran WRs DeVante Parker and Allen Hurns have no interest in requesting trades.

“It’s a great organization,” Parker said, via the Miami Herald. “I want to put the team back and get it back on track where we used to be.”

“I’ve never been one to ask for a trade during a season,” Hurns said. “Once I’m committed to something, I’m committed to it. I thought signing here I would play with a lot of those guys [Laremy Tunsil, Kenny Stills, Minkah Fitzpatrick]. Unfortunately they’re not here. But nobody wants to hear those excuses. . . .

“It’s difficult. You’re competitive. But you have faith. It’s still early in the season. You’ve got to find your peace and joy and be thankful you’re playing this game. Just count your blessings. You’re living a dream.”

• According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Hurns stayed in Dallas overnight as he was still dealing with the effects of a concussion suffered in Sunday’s game. 
• Hurns traveled back to Miami on Monday and is now in the concussion protocol. 

Jets

• Per North Jersey’s Andy Vasquez, Jets HC Adam Gase says QB Sam Darnold went through additional testing and he’s trending positively in his recovery from mono. 
• The Jets are cautiously optimistic Darnold will be cleared by next Monday to practice and then play the following week against the Eagles as the team comes out of its bye.
• Darnold told reporters he’s hopeful he’ll be able to play and will start doing light cardio work this week. (Brian Costello)
• He added his spleen has shrunk from its previous swollen size but it’s not yet where it needs to be to avoid the danger of bursting. He’ll be tested again next Monday. (Costello)
• Jets LB C.J. Mosley, WR Demaryius Thomas and first-round DT Quinnen Williams are also all trending towards being ready to play in Week 5 against the Eagles, per Gase. (Costello)

Patriots

So far through three games, New England’s defense looks like one of the best in the league and has been a big part of the team’s 3-0 start. The Patriots defense has yet to allow a touchdown so far, though none of its first three opponents (Steelers, Dolphins, Jets) have been able to find a win either. Patriots HC Bill Belichick is notorious for nitpicking even exemplary performances, and likely has no shortage of items for the defense to improve on. 

“If you ever sit in a Bill Belichick meeting, don’t worry. He’ll find it,” Patriots DB Devin McCourty said via NESN’s Michael McMahon. “So we’ll come in here tomorrow and he’ll have it broken down. Whether it’s run technique, whether it’s pass-rush games up front, leveraging coverage, depth on the safeties on the half-field, on the middle. All of those fundamentals he’ll have down.”

• Belichick said FB Jakob Johnson, assigned to the team through the International Pathway program, has made remarkable strides to be able to be active and contributing Sunday: “He was not on our radar. I don’t think we ever would have signed him. … I can’t say that we were excited to have him. … He definitely started off as the 91st player on the roster and had a long, long, long way to go back in the spring. I don’t think anyone envisioned him being on the roster at that point.” (Zack Cox)
• A source suggests Patriots WR Julian Edelman‘s rib injury isn’t major and he hasn’t been ruled out for this coming week: “He’ll be good.” (Ian Rapoport)
• Patriots QB Tom Brady, who appeared to bond with former Patriots WR Antonio Brown in their 11 days together, didn’t have much to share regarding his feelings about Brown’s release from the team: “I do have a lot of personal feelings, none of which I really care to share. It’s a difficult situation. That’s kind of how I feel.” (WEEI)