AFC Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

In several posts on Twitter, Buccaneers DT Ndamukong Suh reflected on his time spent with the Miami Dolphins from 2015-2017 and how his attitude with the organization created “divisions on the team.” 

“EQ (Emotional Quotient) is one of the most important traits I look for in people. But for many, it’s seen as less valuable than IQ. This is not true. Here’s the story of how I learned the importance of EQ, the hard way in Miami. If you’ve watched me play, you know I can be a lot of in your face. I’m a very direct person by nature. My job is entirely about imposing my will on others. So that bleeds into other aspects of my business. For a long time in my career, I was always just saying what I wanted to say. Never thinking about how I delivered the message. Everything changed when I got to Miami. I was in a strong, influential position. So I was just making my opinion known, regardless of how it impacted others. 2 years in, I realized this attitude was: – Creating divisions on the team. – Pushing people away. – Putting me in a negative headspace,” wrote Suh. 

Suh explained that he “disagreed with everything” under Dolphins’ former HC Adam Gase after his addition in 2016, which forced the defensive lineman to reassess how he worked with people. 

“Then along came our new coach. I disagreed with everything he wanted to do. But…nothing I said was being heard. I couldn’t get the support I wanted. I realized it was because I had 0 tact. If you’re not careful about how you do things, you end up being the bad guy. So what did I start doing that I still do today? 1. I listened way more than I talked 2. I paid attention to HOW I interacted with people 3. I observed other’s reactions and adjusted as needed 4. I chose my words carefully to be more empathetic,” added Suh. 

Suh thanked Miami for the lessons he learned while with the organization. 

“It was a total 180. There was less arguing & more agreements. I turned my influence on the team into impact. But most importantly, I felt better about myself and my mood improved. Since then, I’ve never forgotten how much EQ matters. In business and life, being sensitive to others always brings better results. Don’t just think about what you want. Think about what others want. TAKEAWAYS: – Listening > talking (we have 2 ears, 1 mouth) – Observe other’s reactions to you closely – Assess yourself and be self-aware, always improve – Think before speaking (esp. in disagreements) I promise you’ll see way better outcomes in your relationships. Thanks Miami!”

Jets

Jets OC Mike LaFleur said they are using TE Trevon Wesco as their primary fullback and have been impressed with his versatility as a blocker. 

“Yes, he is our fullback right now,” LaFleur said, via the team’s official Youtube. “He’s a bigger body, he’s longer. He’s going to be able to play a little bit more inline, so we can use him in multiple ways, whether it be 21 or your typical 12 personnel formations. So, he’s embracing it.”

LaFleur reiterated that Wesco has “done a really good job” at converting to fullback and plans to observe him going forward. 

“It’s going to be a challenge but he’s a guy that has done a really good job at it and it’ll be really cool when we put on the pads and get into training camp and preseason,” said LaFleur.

Patriots

• NBC Sports’ Phil Perry writes that to be considered a roster lock, Patriots WR N’Keal Harry either needs to win a top-three receiver spot on the depth chart or contribute on special teams, and Harry has never really played on special teams. 
• Perry notes it’s not out of the question New England keeps Harry as its No. 4 or No. 5 receiver but with how much the team looks like it’s going to lean on multi-tight end sets, there might not be much opportunity on the active roster. 
• He believes the best-case scenario for the former first-round pick is to either flash enough to beat out Jakobi Meyers or Kendrick Bourne for a spot in three-receiver sets or to prompt another team to trade for him. 
• The Patriots are expected to hire University of Richmond CBs coach Ross Douglas as a quality control coach. (Pete Thamel)