AFC Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

Tampa Bay Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians appeared on an Alabama radio show and weighed in on whether or not the Dolphins should start rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa.

“I think it all depends on his health; if he’s healthy I’m playing him,” Arians said, via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. “I don’t think you learn anything holding a clipboard. You know, I had Peyton Manning his first year, Andrew Luck his first year, Ben Roethlisberger was one of those guys that went in by accident because Tommy Maddox got hurt. You miss all the practice reps, you miss the game reps. I don’t know what you learn holding a clipboard watching.”

Jets

Jets’ second-year GM Joe Douglas is earning praise around the league and teams are taking notice that the organization is improving under his guidance. 

“He’s the right guy for that job, and I like a lot of the things he’s been doing,” said an AFC-team executive tells Ralph Vacchiano of SNY. “Are the Jets better than they were a year ago? I don’t know. Probably not much. But remember, Joe is just getting started. This still isn’t really all his team.”

Another NFL general manager explained that it takes “two to three years” for new GMs to form their teams and he believes Douglas is “taking the right first steps.”

“It takes two to three years for a new GM to really get the team he wants in place,” said the GM. “Joe will get there. He seems like he’s taking the right first steps. But they’re still first steps.”

An NFC scout said it will “take time” for Douglas’ final product, but praised the Jets improving their offensive line.

During Douglas’ time in New York, he traded for G Alex Lewis last year, signed G Connor McGovern this offseason, and selected first-round OT Mekhi Becton. 

“It’s going to take time,” said the NFC scout. “I like every player he added to that offensive line. Are any of them great? No. But in time they’ll be fine. Sam Darnold is terrific, but who’s he throwing to? They still aren’t loaded with offensive weapons. And is that defense really any better, or are they going to need Gregg Williams to perform another miracle again?”

Patriots

• Doug Kyed of NESN.com notes that while the salary cap may decrease in 2021, the Patriots will still have a number of big-name free agents including LB Donta’ Hightower, DT Lawrence Guy, LG Joe Thuney, RB James White, C David Andrews, and CB J.C. Jackson.
• Kyed mentions Thuney is the most obvious source of immediate cap space for the Patriots should they look to make a move.
• If QB Jarrett Stidham doesn’t play well in 2020, Kyed notes that the team will most likely be in a good position to draft a top quarterback prospect in 2021 such as Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields.