AFC Notes: Dolphins, Jaguars, Jets

Dolphins

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa believes he’ll continue to improve with his time in practice and games. 

“In all these performances, there’s always things I can continue to get better at, and that’s day in and day out, every day of the week,” Tagovailoa said via Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. “And how you do that is you continue to get the reps you need in practice, you know, more games under your belt, just being able to play in these tough games and whatnot. That’s really how you get better at those things.”

Tagovailoa mentioned that the biggest aspect of his development is extending plays when his initial reads aren’t available. 

“I think the biggest thing for me is I need to be better at if it’s not there, I need to be better at trying to extend plays and our guys trying to get open and find holes and we get better with our scramble drills, if that makes sense,” Tagovailoa said.

Tagovailoa pointed out that sometimes he hasn’t released the ball because his receivers are covered. 

“It’s not me playing like I’m scared or anything, it’s me trusting what I see,” Tagovailoa said. “If I don’t see the guy open, I’m not going to throw it. That’s really how it’s been in the games and also in practice, too. A big deal with this is I have to take ownership with being disciplined about seeing things for myself, as far as the film and looks that [the defense] gives and whatnot.” 

• NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero reports Tagovailoa jammed the thumb of his throwing hand on a helmet in Wednesday’s practice but it is not considered serious.
• On Thursday, Dolphins HC Brian Flores said they don’t think there’s a lot to be worried about with Tagovailoa: “He got banged up a little bit. He’s a tough kid. He’s going to do everything he can from a treatment standpoint. We’ll see. I don’t think this is something we’re too worried about. . . . He’s better today. We’ll see how it goes.” (Safid Deen)

Jaguars

Jaguars’ veteran QB Mike Glennon said he is ready for Week 12 given it’s his first start in three years and is will “let it rip” against the Browns.

“I’ve got nothing to lose,” Glennon said, via John Oehser of the team’s official site. “I haven’t been the starter in three years. I don’t know when this opportunity is going to come again. I’m just going to go out there, have fun, let it rip and see what happens. We’re a 1-9 football team. I’m just going to do whatever I can to help us win. I’ve been through some good. I’ve been through some bad. At this point in my career, I want to go out and play like I have nothing to lose.”

Jaguars OC Jay Gruden believes Sunday’s game is a “great opportunity” for Glennon. 

“There have been other quarterbacks throughout the history of the league who didn’t get a great opportunity – or when they did, they didn’t play well – and as they got older, they got another opportunity and took advantage of it,” Gruden said. “We’re hoping that’s the case with Mike and I’m sure he’s hoping the same thing. This is a great opportunity for him and hopefully he does take advantage of it.”

Glennon said he is going to “cherish” his Week 12 start. 

“I’m at the point of my career where I’m just going to cherish these moments,” Glennon said.

• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer says it appears a clean sweep of football operations is coming for the Jaguars, and it’s worth paying close attention to the role of co-owner Tony Khan, son of owner Shad Khan, who fought for GM Dave Caldwell and HC Doug Marrone to stay in 2020.  

Jets

• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer writes that with Jets owner Woody Johnson returning from his term as the ambassador to the United Kingdom, it’ll be interesting to see how he handles a staff he had no say in hiring. 
• Breer mentions that Jets HC Adam Gase is almost certainly gone after this season. But he suggests GM Joe Douglas and the front office could also be on thinner ice given they were hired by Johnson’s brother, CEO Christopher Johnson.
• Jets QB Sam Darnold (shoulder) practiced in full on Thursday, which indicates he could be back in Week 12.