AFC East Notes: Rodgers, Saleh, Pats, Bills

Aaron Rodgers' first season as a healthy quarterback, in every respect, under Robert Saleh The start didn't go smoothly. The incident, in which the future Hall of Fame quarterback appeared to rush the fourth-year Jets HC after a touchdown in Week 3, preceded a sequence in which Saleh's views on the team's false start penalties in Week 4 did not match those from Rodgers matched. Saleh started the season in probably the AFC's hottest spot, and Rodgers' return was the only reason the current power structure remained in place. So far, Rodgers is downplaying the existence of a divide.

“I think there is a driving force in trying to put a wedge [from] outside the facility between Robert and me” Rodgers said, via Brian Costello of the New York Post. “But you know, we're really good friends. We enjoy each other and spend time [together]. Almost every day I'm in his office talking about things and talking about the energy of the team, the focus of the team, what we need to get done, how I can help him, how he can help me. So we have a great relationship.”

Rumors of friction between Rodgers and Saleh stem from embattled New York HC penalizing the quarterback for his trip to Egypt, which occurred during Gang Green's minicamp. The reason for this small penalty was that if he didn't impose a fine, Rodgers would check in the locker room, but cases of perceived tension between coach and player are increasing. Rodgers' denial likely won't do much to mitigate this conspiracy, especially as the Jets struggle for continuity.

Here's the latest from the AFC East:

• Jerod Mayo warned of consequences for Rhamondre Stevensonwho has fumbled in every game this season. The recently extended Patriots Back has received both public and private warnings regarding his RB1 status if this fumble continues. “That will definitely be taken into consideration“Mayo said of a demotion. “I have had several conversations with Rhamondre. But look, we can't preach that ball security equals job security and still have him out there most of the time.” Bill BelichickThe leash has been significantly shorter for fumble-prone RBs, but Mayo's patience is now running thin. The 1-3 Pats gave Stevenson a four-year, $38 million extension this offseason, with $17.12 million fully guaranteed.
• During the discussion, Mayo cited the issues with the Patriots' offensive line Drake MayeDue to limited participation to open the preseason, the team suffered further setbacks on offense. Since the Pats started four tackles at left guard in four games, they were missing their starting guard Sidy Sow for part of this season and was without Cole Strange through. Since then, they have been a third-round rookie Caedan Wallace on IR and are expected to play without a 10th-year center David Andrews the rest of the way. I would like to reject the notion that New England's O-line issues are to blame for why Maye is still behind Jacoby BrissettO.C Alex Van Pelt said (via Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald) that it wasn't part of the team's thinking. Maye began seeing first-team training representatives earlier this season, but the team is starting Brissett for a fifth game. The No. 3 overall pick will almost certainly play this season, although the Pats don't exactly have a great situation for a rookie QB.
• By Miller He likely received his four-game suspension for his arrest for assaulting a pregnant person Bills Edge Rusher and his girlfriend – the alleged victim – deny any crime. However, The Athletic's Tim Graham notes that the Bills aren't entirely sure why Miller was suspended. The team received word that a suspension was imminent days before it became official. Sean McDermott said. (via Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com). Almost two years after his second ACL tear, Miller (three sacks) is playing much better than last year. The issue of a suspension voiding the guarantees is now moot as Miller's 2024 salary is set (as a vested veteran); There are no longer any guarantees for 2025 and 2026.
• Kyle Dugger suffered an ankle injury, but ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler points out the extension was recently extended Patriots Security avoided a major problem. Dugger could still miss time for a reeling Pats team, although an IR stint may not be necessary.