AFC Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

• Dolphins HC Brian Flores told reporters that QB Tua Tagovailoa wasn’t injured and the decision to change quarterbacks in the fourth quarter “was best move at that point in the game He gave us best chance to win the game.” (Barry Jackson)
• Flores reiterated that the move was made was to give the team momentum and said he has no concerns that this could affect Tagovailoa’s confidence moving forward. (Barry Jackson)
• Flores added that they aren’t making any long-term changes at quarterback and Tagovailoa remains the starter: “He’s healthy… He’s a confident kid. He’s fine.” (Cameron Wolfe)
• Ryan Fitzpatrick also made it clear that Tagovailoa is the starter: “It’s very clear. This is Tua’s team. He’s going to continue to get better and grow.” (Josh Tolentino)

Jets

• ESPN’s Rich Cimini says the Jets have been tight-lipped about what the dynamic in ownership will be. Jets owner Woody Johnson is set to finish his term as the ambassador to the United Kingdom. His brother, CEO Christopher Johnson, has been running the team in the interim. 
• Cimini says it’s unclear what role Woody will play in the presumed coaching search, as his time overseas doesn’t end until late January and those hires typically move quickly.

Patriots

• Per ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Patriots RB coach Ivan Fears says they will ramp RB Sony Michel back up gradually behind starting RB Damien Harris: “We’ve got to get him back in shape and get him going again. He’s doing a great job. He’s really looking good in practice.”
• One of the strengths of the Patriots in 2020 has been their offensive line and HC Bill Belichick is happy with the work Cole Popovich and Carmen Bricillo have done replacing legendary OL coach Dante Scarnecchia: “Carmen spends probably a little more time with the younger players and Cole a little bit more with the guys that have more playing time. But they [also] overlap and work with each other. Both have a lot of good ideas in terms of game-planning and strategy, so it’s a good situation.”