AFC Notes: Bills, Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Bills

Dolphins

Dolphins DB coach Gerald Alexander said second-round S Jevon Holland will naturally earn his place into the starting lineup.

โ€œThat will come in due time whenever that situation presents itself,โ€ Alexander said, via Barry Jackson. โ€œJevon still has a lot of things to learn. He has never played in an NFL regular-season game. Heโ€™s shown some great flashes over the course of camp, and we understand some of the things he is going to be able to bring to our defenseโ€ฆ. He has an understanding of what terminology to use in certain defenses but at some point we have to graduate to course 401.โ€

Dolphins LB coach Rob Leonard said first-round OLB Jaelan Phillips has a long way to go before starting.

โ€œOur job with Jaelan is to be very specific on first and second down, weโ€™re doing this. Passing downs weโ€™re doing this. Here is how weโ€™re going to try to rush this guy. Here is how weโ€™re going to set the edge in the run game. I talk a lot with him that youโ€™ve got to work hard to be a trusted early down player because of all of the things they try to do to get you to not do your job. Itโ€™s a league of not beating yourself.โ€

Jets

Patriots

Patriots HC Bill Belichick wouldnโ€™t say if heโ€™s considering a quarterback platoon between QB Cam Newton and QB Mac Jones.

โ€œThose specific questions like that are really hard to answer,โ€ he said, via WEEI. โ€œI mean, hereโ€™s what I will always say: I will always say I am going to do what is best for the team. I am going to do whatever I can to help the team win. So, if thatโ€™s playing a guard in the backfield, then weโ€™ll play a guard in the backfield. If itโ€™s putting 10 defensive backs on the field, if thatโ€™s what it is, maybe weโ€™ll put 10 defensive backs on the field. I am not going to rule out anything. If I think something would help us win, I would consider it.

โ€œThe goal is not to have this happen, or have that happen, itโ€™s to work through our system and ultimately do what we feel like is best for the team. And thatโ€™s at every position, every game, all the way across the board.โ€

  • According to ESPNโ€™s Jeremy Fowler, Patriots CB Stephon Gilmore is still rehabbing his torn quad. While heโ€™s expected to make a full recovery, Fowler says itโ€™s not out of the question Gilmore lands on the PUP list. 
  • Fowler adds contract talks have not heated up and the Patriots appear intent on slow-playing the situation. Gilmore is set to make $7 million in 2021 and has made it clear he does not want to play for that little. 
  • Sports Illustratedโ€™s Albert Breer mentions Packers personnel exec Chad Brinker was requested for an interview by the Patriots for a position in their cap department. Green Bay blocked the interview and promoted Brinker. 
  • Patriots HC Bill Belichick recently responded โ€œit isโ€ when asked if Jones has a big opportunity with Newton (COVID-19 protocol) out of practice for half of this week.
  • NFL Mediaโ€™s Ian Rapoport reiterated Jones has an opportunity to take advantage of Newton being out of the lineup given the Newton couldโ€™ve avoided this situation by getting a vaccination. 
  • Rapoport points out that โ€œavailability is a very, very big thingโ€ for Belichick and the coach expects players to be ready when called upon. 
  • If Jones performs well in the preseason finale against the Giants, Rapoport says the Patriotsโ€™ coaching staff will obviously be intrigued by the rookie quarterback. 
  • Patriots TE Jonnu Smith has been impressed by the offense: โ€œYeah, I knew they would utilize me to the best of my abilities, and just try to create ways for me to get the ball, and just doing what I can do for the team, and taking advantage of those opps, making plays.โ€ (Michael Giardi)
  • The Colts and Saints also put waiver claims on Patriots recently signed TE Kahale Warring, but New England had a higher priority. (Field Yates)

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