AFC Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

Dolphins’ veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick acknowledged that he is the “placeholder” for first-round QB Tua Tagovailoa and will continue to support him. 

“I know I am the placeholder for Tua Tagovailoa. I will be his biggest cheerleader when he gets in,” said Fitzpatrick, via Joe Schad.

Fitzpatrick mentioned that other players will “gravitate” toward Tagovailoa and is already “very likable” around their locker room. 

“[Tua] is a really interesting guy. You can tell guys are going to gravitate to him. There’s something about him that’s very likable. I can already tell he [will] get along with everyone. Has that air about him. Not a whole lot of ego involved,” said Fitzpatrick, via Barry Jackson.

Dolphins OL Jesse Davis said he’s been working at center this week after appearing at tackle last season. 

“We don’t have a center that’s out there right now. Let’s see what happens. I have to learn the stuff,” said Davis, via Adam Beasley. “It’s something to mess with, especially with this COVID stuff. You don’t know who will be up and who will be down.”

• Davis said that the Dolphins’ staff has told him he’ll play right guard or right tackle. Jackson writes that the Dolphins still want to see second-round OL Robert Hunt play at right guard and right tackle before committing Davis or Hunt at either position. 

Jets

Jets S Jamal Adams is now wishing the organization well after things went south prior to his trade to Seattle, including GM Joe Douglas and HC Adam Gase.

“I have nothing but love and respect for a lot of those guys over there in that organization,” Adams said, via Pro Football Talk. “I wish them well. I really do. I know a lot of people might think it’s not coming from the heart. It really is. I’m pulling for them. We have to move on. It’s part of the business. A lot of those guys and coaches reached out. They said they’re going to miss and they love me. It’s the same back. I’m pulling for those guys over there. I really am. I have no hate in my heart toward anybody. Joe Douglas, Adam Gase, it doesn’t matter. I really wish them well.”

Adams also expressed his admiration for rookie S Ashtyn Davis, who could be tagged to step up and replace him this season.

“Ashtyn Davis reached out to me. He’s been reaching out through the whole process. He’s the new rookie safety that they drafted. A hell of a player. I’m a big fan. I told him ‘man, I’m here to help you,’” Adams said. “‘I know the defense in and out. Any questions you have bro, I am going to help you. … I don’t care what I’m doing, I will take the time out to help you.’ And I mean that.”

Patriots

• Doug Kyed of NESN says LB Chase Winovich is expected to start and there could be high expectations after the Patriots lost LB Dont’a Hightower, who decided to opt-out of the 2020 season.
• Kyed also mentions that rookie RB J.J. Taylor may have benefited the most from the opt-outs, as he is now one injury away from earning a roster spot.
• Patriots HC Bill Belichick on having six players opt-out of the 2020 season: “We all have to make decisions, and I talked to those guys and they explained their situation and they had to make the decision that was best for them, and I totally respect and support it 100 percent.” (Ben Volin)
• Belichick also mentioned that despite signing QB Cam Newton this offseason, the quarterback job is still up for grabs in New England: “That spot is like every other spot on the team…we’ve got a long way to go.” (Michael Giardi)
• Belichick says the Patriots spent quite a bit of time with Newton “just trying to see how the fit would be. I know it was very positive on our end, and I’m glad it worked out.” (Doug Kyed)
• Belichick responded to the health concerns during an offseason filled with uncertainty: “I think the players have done a great job of responding to (staying healthy, safe, testing) so far, and both in the recent week and the previous weeks and months before that, that overall has been really a very good thing for us throughout the entire spring.” (Kyed)