AFC Notes: Bills, Jets, Patriots

Bills

• Regarding any potential last-minute activity for the Bills at the trade deadline, HC Sean McDermott said he’s content with the players he has, per Chris Brown.
• He added Bills GM Brandon Beane could still be working on something, though: “I know Brandon is always looking for ways to improve our football. Nothing we know of right now in terms of being in the works, but I know he’s watching to see if something works.” (Brown)
• Regarding the addition of practice squad LB Darron Lee, McDermott commented: “Brandon is always looking for ways to improve and Darron has played some snaps in the league. He has some skills we want to take a longer look at to see if it fits us.” (Brown)
• Bills C Mitch Morse is in the concussion protocol. (Brown)

Jets

• Per Brian Costello of the New York Post, Jets HC Adam Gase said QB Sam Darnold‘s shoulder was sore and they’re doing further evaluations, although Gase thinks Darnold will be fine. 
• Gase adds Darnold will have an MRI and a second opinion: “We want to make sure we’re not putting him in harm’s way where any further damage can be done.” (Connor Hughes)
• Darnold said his “worst nightmare” is not playing in a game he’s physically capable of playing in, so he’s focused on being able to go in Week 9. (Rich Cimini)
• Jets DT Quinnen Williams (hamstring) and C Connor McGovern (knee) could miss practice time this week. (Hughes)
• Jets WR Breshad Perriman remains in the concussion protocol. (Costello)

Patriots

A 2-1 start for the Patriots has quickly gone off the rails as New England dropped its fourth straight game by losing to the Bills Sunday. New England’s slide coincides with its COVID-19 outbreak which knocked out QB Cam Newton, who also has been in a slump. The timing isn’t lost on the team. 

“Going back, and knowing this team as well as I do, coming off that Raiders win I think everyone had a full head of steam and momentum. Then obviously what happened with COVID…it’s just been a slippery slope, trying to regain your footing,” Newton said via ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “We’re close and I think everyone can attest to that. … Just one play here and one play there, and those are different games.” 

• Patriots HC Bill Belichick said New England was limited in how many of its holes that are now being exposed it could address this offseason: “I mean, look, we paid Cam Newton $1 million. It’s obvious that we didn’t have any money. It’s nobody’s fault. That’s what we did the last five years. We sold out. We won three Super Bowls, played in a fourth and played in an AFC Championship Game. This year, we had less to work with. It’s not an excuse, it’s just a fact.” (Zack Cox)