AFC Notes: Bengals, Jaguars, Jets

Bengals

Bengals HC Marvin Lewis said a few weeks ago that RB Joe Mixon will see an expanded role in their offense this year.

“His role will be expanded,” Lewis said of Mixon, via Bengals.com. “Joe has been great since the day he walked in this door. His effort, his energy. Now his sophomore year, he understands his attention to detail has to be better.”

Bengals OC Bill Lazore added that he’s really excited to see what Mixon can do with the increased opportunity.

“When you’re a rookie back and being part of a backfield that had as many as three guys playing, some of the more intricate things went to the veterans because there are only so many reps,” said Lazore. “Then you get to a point, ‘This guy should be able to do it all.’ Whether it’s a multitude of runs, different specialty plays, the passing game, protections, running routes. If you’re as talented as we thought when we brought you in here and you’re a smart guy, let’s do it all. Let’s have all that stuff in the toolbox … I’m really excited for him.”

Jaguars

Jaguars QB Blake Bortles says he’s looking forward to the challenge that comes with living up to higher expectations for the team.

“I think from what we did last year, I think the expectations have kind of changed a little bit,” Bortles said, via the Florida Times-Union. “Within the locker room, they were definitely different last year, and I think they are only going to continue to change and grow and get higher. I’m looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be a good challenge and it will be a good year.”

Jets

• Brian Costello of the New York Post writes that Jets LT Kelvin Beachum is entering a make-or-break season in 2018.
• As of now, the Jets don’t have anyone on their roster to push Beachum for the starting left tackle job. However, should he struggle this season, Costello mentions that the Jets could cut him next year and save $8 million of cap space.