AFC Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

• Dolphins HC Brian Flores believes Tua Tagovailoa‘s comments about not fully grasping their playbook last year is a reflection of his progress: “Makes sense. He’s thinking where he is right now. That’s good. This time is about reflection, where you were now to six months ago. He has improved in a lot of areas.” (Michael Giardi)

Jets

• Ralph Vacchiano of SNY.tv reports that the Jets are trying to get WR Jamison Crowder to take a “significant” pay cut from his $10 million salary instead of outright cutting him from the team.
• Vacchiano points out that the team has already drafted his replacement in WR Elijah Moore, who could wind up taking more than half of Crowder’s snaps this season.
• While the Jets have $26.5 million in cap space, they likely don’t plan on paying Crowder $10 million to sit on the bench. Yet Vacchiano adds that the team still prefers not to cut him even though he has no guaranteed money left on his contract.

Patriots

• Patriots HC Bill Belichick said first-round QB Mac Jones has a “pretty good understanding” of their system: “Mac has a pretty good understanding of what we’re trying to do…it’s a process.” (Michael Giardi)
• Belichick added that Jones is “giving his very best effort” and has already “earned a lot of respect” around the team.
• However, Belichick said Jones “has a long way to go.”
• Mike Reiss mentions that Patriots QB Cam Newton left practice after his hand collided with a soft pad which was tossed at him during individual drills.  
• Karen Guregian reports that Newton did not break anything in his throwing hand but New England plans on doing further tests.