AFC East Notes: Trumaine Johnson, Jets, Patriots

Trumaine Johnson

Jets CB Trumaine Johnson largely failed to live up to his $72 million deal after arriving in New York as a big-splash free agent signing. Johnson had four interceptions, but recorded a career-low five pass defenses in 10 games and was benched for the season finale for repeated tardiness. He’s hoping a reunion with DC Gregg Williams will be exactly what he needs.

“His best years were when we were together,” Williams said, via Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. “He’s really motivated. He understands me. I understand him. It’s my job to try to help him be the best he can be. He’s excited. I’ve been excited about the work that he has put in here. . . . There’s a good familiarity there. I can’t wait to get back in games together, because he and I have had some really good moments together.”

Jets

Jets LB Avery Williamson was pushed from middle linebacker spot weakside linebacker with the addition of LB C.J. Mosley. The role comes with more coverage responsibilities, which has been a weak spot in Williamson’s game. He’s been focused on shoring that up, especially since he has no more guaranteed money after this year in the three-year, $22.5 million contract he signed in 2018. 

“I feel like I’ve gotten a lot more comfortable with it,” Williamson said via the NY Daily News’ Manish Mehta. “The biggest thing is coverage. I’ve just got to be more in tune with the corners and what they’re doing. I’m definitely picking up on a lot of stuff and feel like I’m starting to become a more intelligent football player.”

Patriots

Patriots LB Kyle Van Noy acknowledges New England will have more players than usual to replace heading into a new season. However, he says HC Bill Belichick has done a good job establishing a culture with the players to remain, making it easier to integrate newcomers. 

“Bill does a really good job of the culture being set with the players that have been there for their tenures,” Van Noy said via NFL Media’s Kevin Patra. “Like Patrick Chung, Dont’a Hightower, Devin McCourty, Tom (Brady), they’ve been there for a while, Matthew Slater. Those guys have already been passed on from your generation, the standard. And we’re just trying to keep that legacy going. When that culture is set, it doesn’t matter, we all have the same goal in mind and that’s just to win.”