Through seven weeks, the Patriots have assumed their usual spot at the top of the AFC East standings, but the Bills and Dolphins remain within striking distance of Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, and company. This weekend, both East runners-up will visit 1-6 teams, with the Bills facing the Jets and the Dolphins traveling to Jacksonville. As we look forward to seeing if they can keep pace with the Pats, let’s check in on a few Tuesday notes from around the division….
- While the financial burden the Jets are assuming by acquiring Percy Harvin may not be exorbitant, the team is risking stunting Geno Smith‘s development, writes Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. If Harvin’s transition is smooth, he’ll act as another playmaker for Smith to utilize, but Mehta hears from multiple sources that Harvin resented Russell Wilson for “myriad reasons” in Seattle, and believes that the wideout could do more harm than good for Smith.
- Ian Connor of ESPNNewYork.com takes Jets general manager John Idzik to task for his roster decisions over the last couple years, arguing that the GM is in over his head and overmatched in his current role.
- According to reports from Adam Caplan of ESPN.com and Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter links), the Jets recently worked out fullback Tony Fiammetta, safety Chris Prosinski, and cornerbacks Johnny Adams and Marcus Cromartie.
- In addition to the auditions reported yesterday, the Dolphins also tried out defensive backs Tommie Campbell and T.J. Heath, as well as wide receiver Derek Moye, tweets Wilson.
- Former Troy wide receiver Eric Thomas is working out for the Bills today, according to Wilson, who adds (via Twitter) that the team also recently tried out punter Michael Palardy.