Around the AFC East: Fitzpatrick’s Return, Jets’ Defensive Drought, and Patriots’ Offensive Identity
Dolphins: Fitzpatrick’s Full-Circle Moment, Dulcich’s Rise, and Leadership Shifts
There’s a little extra juice in the air this week in Miami, and it’s not just playoff positioning. Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver knows exactly what this game means to Minkah Fitzpatrick. After being drafted by Miami, traded to Pittsburgh, and now returning to the Dolphins in a deal that sent Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers, Fitzpatrick is back in aqua and orange with something to prove - even if he won’t say it out loud.
“I know deep inside, regardless of what he says, it would mean a lot if we could walk off that field with a win,” Weaver said. “And I know he’s gonna do everything possible within the scheme to protect his teammates and try to get that done. But yeah, they all count the same, but some mean more.”
That’s a coach who gets it. Fitzpatrick’s been a professional through it all, but this one’s personal - and the Dolphins know it.
On the offensive side, tight end Greg Dulcich is making the most of his opportunity. Head coach Mike McDaniel praised the young playmaker, calling him “a very adept football player” who’s earned the respect of the locker room. Dulcich has carved out a bigger role in this offense, and it’s clear he’s turning heads with his consistency and approach.
Meanwhile, the league handed out a few fines to Miami players following last week’s game. Running back De’Von Achane and fellow back Jaylen Wright were fined for violent gestures, while safety Ashtyn Davis took a hit to the wallet for a hit on a defenseless player. It’s a reminder that while this team plays fast and physical, there’s a fine line between aggressive and costly.
Inside linebacker coach Joe Barry offered some insight into the growth of Jordyn Brooks, who’s gone from quiet newcomer to vocal leader in just six months. “I don’t think first six months he talked.
Now he’s the voice of our team,” Barry said. “He has become an elite player and an elite leader.”
That’s exactly the kind of transformation you want to see in a high-ceiling linebacker - and Brooks is delivering on both ends.
Off the field, the Dolphins could be heading toward a new leadership structure. With former GM Chris Grier out, the front office may shift to a three-headed model, featuring a new general manager alongside McDaniel and salary cap wizard Brandon Shore. Shore’s influence has grown significantly, and the organization is looking at models used by teams like the Rams and Lions.
Interim GM Champ Kelly is firmly in the mix for the full-time role. Whoever lands the job will have 2026 as a proving ground to evaluate the entire operation - including potential changes at head coach and quarterback, if needed. For now, the Dolphins are focused on finishing strong, but the front office chessboard is already in motion.
Jets: Defensive Takeaways Dry Up, Wilks’ Future Uncertain, and Roster Questions Loom
In a season full of frustration, the Jets are now flirting with an unwanted place in NFL history. With just two takeaways through 13 games, they’re on pace for the fewest ever in a single season. That’s not just a stat - that’s a flashing red light for a defense that’s struggled to flip the field or create momentum.
Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks may not be around to see how this story ends. According to reports, his future in New York could hinge on head coach Aaron Glenn’s plans. If Glenn looks to shake things up, Wilks might be the odd man out.
One area that hasn’t panned out as hoped? Linebacker Jamien Sherwood.
The Jets invested in his development, but tackling issues have limited his impact. It’s a tough break for a player the team had high hopes for, and it leaves a hole in the middle of the defense.
Then there’s Will McDonald. The former first-round edge rusher is heading into a pivotal offseason, with the team needing to decide on his fifth-year option.
His pass-rush metrics have dipped, and while the talent is there, the production hasn’t followed. The Jets will have to weigh potential against results - and soon.
Patriots: Diggs Embracing Team-First Role, Henderson’s Breakout, and Maye’s Learning Curve
Stefon Diggs hasn’t been lighting up the stat sheet in New England, but he’s bought into the culture. After a narrow loss to his former team, the Bills, Diggs spoke candidly about sharing the spotlight in a crowded receiver room.
“I would never sit up here and act like a robot and act like I don’t want the ball. Everybody wants the ball and to play at a high level, but it’s like seven dogs and one bone,” Diggs said.
“You see guys out there playing at a high level, and treating every play like their last, you just don’t know when you’re going to get it again. It’s an unselfish [group], and you’re pulling for your brother.”
That’s the kind of mindset head coach Josh McDaniels is trying to instill - and it’s catching on. Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson had a breakout game against Buffalo, posting 148 yards and two touchdowns. McDaniels praised his effort and mentality, saying, “He’s out there every day, every rep, and does it as fast as he possibly can - which we know is explosive - and he runs back and is ready to do it again.”
It’s been a rocky start to the year for Henderson, but this performance may be the turning point. He’s showing the kind of burst and resilience that could make him a foundational piece moving forward.
Quarterback Drake Maye, meanwhile, is still learning how to close out games. After the Patriots let a lead slip away, Maye put the blame on himself.
“We just have to be better when we’re up. It starts with me making some throws,” he said.
“And from there, like Coach says, no naps, not relaxing. I didn’t feel like we relaxed, just didn’t make enough plays.”
That’s a young quarterback taking ownership - and that matters. Maye’s development is going to be a central storyline for the Patriots moving forward, and games like this, while painful, are part of the process.
Final Word
From Fitzpatrick’s emotional return to Miami, to the Jets’ historic struggles on defense, to the Patriots finding identity in adversity - the AFC East continues to be one of the most compelling divisions in the league. There’s no shortage of storylines, and as the playoff picture sharpens, every snap, every decision, and every player’s growth matters more than ever.