AFC Notes: Bills, Dolphins, Patriots

Bills

Bills QB Josh Allen said he is not concerned about his looming contract situation and is allowing his agent to handle the situation. 

“I’m just trying to be the best quarterback that I can be for the Bills,” Allen said, via Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News. “That’s why as players, most of us, not all of us, have agents to take care of that side of things. Again, that’s the least most thing I’m worrying about right now. I’m just trying to find ways I can do better and be better for this team, and help us accomplish the goal that we want to accomplish.”

Allen mentioned that solving his contract situation will alleviate questions about his deal, but reiterated that he’s focused on being productive next season. 

“I think on your guys’ end, getting it done quick would kill all these questions that you have about it,” Allen said. “Again, I’m focused on being the best version of myself. Being the best quarterback, best leader that I can be for this team day in and day out.”

Bills HC Sean McDermott believes the organization’s “good communication” with its players has helped provide their strong attendance for minicamp. 

• The Bills have hired Sophia Lewin as a full-time offensive assistant coach. (Troy Vincent)

Dolphins

Dolphins’ QB Tua Tagovailoa admitted that he was not comfortable calling plays last season, and he now feels much more confident with the playbook and his role for the upcoming season.

“I wasn’t comfortable calling plays,” Tagovailoa said, via Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald. “I think the guys that were here last year were phenomenal. I just didn’t have the comfortability of checking plays, alerting plays, and doing that. I just rode with the play, even if I knew it wasn’t going to work. I was going to try to make it work still. I didn’t actually know the playbook necessarily really, really good and that’s no one else fault but my fault. Our play calls were simple when I was in. I didn’t have alerts and checks. Where now, I feel comfortable and I can maneuver my way through these things now.”

Patriots

• Patriots’ HC Bill Belichick shared his thoughts on QB Cam Newton heading into 2021: “He’s been a consistent participant, he continues to give us his usual leadership and energy. Cam’s very professional. I’m sure he’ll continue to work hard.” (Karen Guregian)
• Patriots’ DL Henry Anderson on his impressions of the Patriots’ defensive schemes so far this offseason: “It’s a 3-4, they do a lot of different stuff, they move guys around, put guys in diff positions to succeed…Guys will kind of be moving, especially with defensive linemen moving around.” (Michael Giardi)

• Patriots QB Brian Hoyer‘s one-year, $1.075 million deal includes $100,000 guaranteed and an injury split of $515,000 if placed on the injured reserve. (Ben Volin)
• Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne called the offense’s system “complex” and that he’s been moving around to several spots: “Whatever the coaches want me to do.” (Michael Giardi)
• Patriots TE Hunter Henry said he is “pumped” to sign with New England and has enjoyed his brief time there: “[I’m] pumped to be here. Really enjoyed my time the…month or month and a half I’ve been here.” (Michael Giardi)