AFC East Notes: Dolphins’ Second-Half Struggles, Jets’ Offseason Outlook, Diggs’ Motivation in New England
Dolphins: McDaniel Calls Out Second-Half Collapse
Mike McDaniel isn’t mincing words when it comes to the Dolphins’ troubling trend after halftime. Sunday’s third quarter was another low point - Miami was outscored 21-0, continuing a season-long pattern that’s become impossible to ignore.
Through 15 weeks, the Dolphins have been outscored 113-27 in third quarters. That’s not just a stat - it’s a red flag.
“I’m very frustrated and angry about this continued third-quarter thing,” McDaniel said after the game, clearly exasperated by his team’s inability to respond after halftime. The head coach pointed to a lack of mental toughness, saying the team lets “circumstances outside of our control” shift the way they play. That’s not a small thing - it’s a mentality issue, and McDaniel knows it starts with him.
“I’m furious because I’m allowing it to happen,” he said. “It starts with me. I need to get it fixed.”
With two critical games left on the schedule, the Dolphins are still in the thick of the playoff race, but they’ll need to do some soul-searching. McDaniel emphasized that everything is on the table as they look for answers.
“We have to be able to come out of halftime and adjust, and we aren’t executing that at all,” he admitted. “Back to the drawing board.”
One of the more intriguing storylines from Sunday was the debut of rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers. While the second half made it tough to get a full read on his performance, McDaniel saw enough in the early going to be encouraged.
“There’s a lot of venom and anger toward the third, fourth quarter,” McDaniel said. “But when I take a step back, I feel there was some positive stuff going on with this being his first start. It wasn’t too big for him.”
Ewers kept the offense clean in the first half - no penalties, solid rhythm - and showed poise for a debut. McDaniel noted a few missed third-down opportunities, but overall called it “a good starting point” for the rookie.
The challenge now? Building on that start while the team figures out how to stop the bleeding in the third quarter.
Jets: Glenn Confirms Cook as Starter, Eyes on Free Agency and DC Search
In New York, head coach Aaron Glenn made it clear that Brady Cook will remain the Jets’ starting quarterback for now. While the offense has been inconsistent, the team seems committed to letting Cook grow into the role down the stretch.
Looking ahead to the offseason, the Jets have decisions to make - and the resources to make them. With a projected $92 million in cap space, they’re in position to be aggressive. Several players are already being discussed as potential extension candidates, including kicker Nick Folk, defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, right guard Joe Tippmann, and running back Kene Nwangwu.
On the defensive side, the Jets are in the market for a new coordinator. Broncos pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard is reportedly a name to watch, thanks to his ties to Glenn and his reputation as a rising defensive mind. Other possible candidates include Bears pass game coordinator Al Harris, Eagles pass game coordinator Christian Parker, Seahawks pass game coordinator Karl Scott, and Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver.
Free agency will bring its own set of challenges. Running back Breece Hall is expected to return, but the team may have to choose between John Simpson and Alijah Vera-Tucker at left guard. Linebacker Quincy Williams may be on his way out, and there’s uncertainty around whether veteran QB Tyrod Taylor will be retained as a backup.
One name to keep an eye on is Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone, who has a connection with Glenn. A reunion with defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers could also be in play.
In the secondary, the Jets are reportedly eyeing Rams safety Quentin Lake, Bengals safety Geno Stone, and Eagles safety Reed Blankenship as possible additions. And with pass rush help high on the priority list, players like K’Lavon Chaisson (Patriots), Al-Quadin Muhammad (Lions), Odafe Oweh (Chargers), and Boye Mafe (Seahawks) are being mentioned as potential targets.
As for the wide receiver room, the Jets are expected to explore options like Romeo Doubs, Rashid Shaheed, and Jauan Jennings to add depth and versatility.
Patriots: Diggs Reflects on Signing, Fines for Hawkins and Hooper
Stefon Diggs is using doubt as fuel. The veteran wide receiver opened up about his journey to New England, saying he was well aware that the Patriots were considering other options before signing him. And he didn’t take that personally - he took it as motivation.
“Yeah, [the Patriots were] thinking about signing those other guys,” Diggs said. “I know all those other guys they was thinking about signing. But when they told me I had an opportunity to come here, I jumped at it.”
Coming off an ACL injury and on the wrong side of 30, Diggs knows the odds aren’t always in favor of players in his position. But that’s exactly what drives him.
“Teams don’t really like to sign guys over 30 just coming off of ACL,” he said. “So it’s just more motivation for me to come out and be myself.”
Elsewhere on the roster, the league handed out fines to a pair of Patriots players. Safety Jaylinn Hawkins was fined $9,944 for a hit on a defenseless player, while tight end Austin Hooper was fined $11,593 for a facemask penalty. Both infractions came during a chippy, physical game - and both players will be feeling it in their wallets.
Final Thoughts
As the regular season winds down, the AFC East remains one of the NFL’s most compelling divisions. The Dolphins are trying to stop a second-half slide before it derails their postseason hopes.
The Jets are preparing for a pivotal offseason with cap space and coaching questions looming. And in New England, Diggs is out to prove he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
There’s no shortage of storylines - and the next two weeks could shape the trajectory of all three franchises heading into 2026.