ESPN NFL

Buffalo Bills

Bills general manager Buddy Nix assured Ryan Fitzpatrick that he would be the team's starter ahead of the signing of Vince Young, the quarterback told SiriusXM NFL Radio on Wednesday.

Fourth-round draft selection Nigel Bradham relishes his role on special teams.

Miami Dolphins

Ovie Mughelli, a two-time Pro Bowl fullback who was a salary-cap casualty in Atlanta this offseason, is in South Florida for a Thursday workout with the Dolphins. It might be a signal, Brian Biggane writes, that the team is worried about Jerome Messam, who underwent his second knee surgery in five months this week.

Former Dolphins running back Ricky Williams shared his views on concussions with ESPN's Dan Le Batard.

New England Patriots

The Patriots signed receiver Jeremy Ebert, their seventh-round draft pick from Northwestern.

According to a Forbes report, Bill Belichick is the highest-paid coach in sports.

New York Jets

Darrelle Revis led a chorus of Jets praising new addition Tim Tebow, the New York Daily News reports. "He's a born leader," Revis said. "... It's the passion within ... of him wanting to be a leader, wanting to win. You see it in him all the time... eating lunch. Walking down the hallway you see it. He's just one of those guys."

Offensive tackle Wayne Hunter, coming off a tough 2011, received praise from new offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo. "This guy is the starting right tackle," DeGuglielmo told ESPNNewYork.com. "Until they tell me otherwise, until they ship him out of this building or until they shoot me dead in my office, that sonofagun is going to be the starting right tackle."

Here are the most interesting stories Tuesday morning in the AFC East:

• Should Miami Dolphins fans expect to see rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill anytime soon?

Morning take: Despite being a first-round pick, Tannehill most likely will be put on ice for at least the first half of the season. Miami wants to make sure the rookie gets ample time to learn the NFL game behind veteran starters Matt Moore and David Garrard.

• With Matt Light retiring, it's up to second-year left tackle Nate Solder to step in.

Morning take: Solder looked promising during his rookie year in 2011. He was a former first-round pick that Bill Belichick invested plenty in. Solder has to pay dividends early.

• Buffalo Bills general manager Buddy Nix delivered a strong message to the locker room with his extension of running back Fred Jackson.

Morning take: It shows that Buffalo will stay true to its word with its players. Jackson was injured and first-round pick C.J. Spiller was waiting, but the Bills still took care of their starting running back as promised.

• The New York Jets see some of Ray Lewis in third-round pick Demario Davis.

Morning take: These comparisons are always dangerous before someone plays their first down. But the Jets like Davis' football maturity and passion for the game. Any form of leadership is needed in New York's locker room, even if it comes from a rookie.

The Buffalo Bills stayed true to their word. They reportedly gave a two-year contract extension to running back Fred Jackson, who has been one of the NFL's most undervalued and underrated players the past several seasons.

Jackson was an early MVP candidate when he tore up the league with 934 rushing yards in the first 10 games. At the time, Jackson thought he proved he deserved a new contract, and the Bills agreed to work something out.

Unfortunately, Jackson suffered a season-ending leg injury, and former first-round pick C.J. Spiller did a good job replacing Jackson in the starting lineup. That could've been reason enough for the Bills to go back on their word. But the Bills and general manager Buddy Nix stayed loyal to Jackson, which is not something you often see in the cut-throat business of the NFL.

Jackson has been a model of consistency on and off the field in Buffalo. He's one of the team's leaders, a self-made player and hard worker who often represents the Bills in the community.

There are some risks involved, but the length of the agreement lowers that risk. First, Jackson is a 31-year-old running back. He can hit the wall at any time, just like many great tailbacks before him. He also is coming off a season-ending leg injury and needs to prove he can bounce back. Jackson, a late bloomer, says he still has plenty left in the tank.

Risks aside, Jackson's extension caps the best offseason in Buffalo in recent memory. The Bills signed bookend defensive ends Mario Williams and Mark Anderson in free agency, used a top-10 pick on cornerback Stephon Gilmore and extended Jackson and No. 1 receiver Steve Johnson. All of these moves should help the Bills, who were 6-10 last season, be competitive in the AFC East.

Nix and the Bills' front office have set the table for a good year of football in Buffalo. Now, it's up to the Bills' coaches and players to put it all together on the field.

Here are the most interesting stories Saturday morning in the AFC East:

• In the first day of rookie minicamp, New York Jets first-round pick Quinton Coples was impressive.

Morning take: Jets head coach Rex Ryan says Coples could've had several sacks in his first practice. Coples is being moved around, which could be a preview to his role this season.

• Miami Dolphins second-round pick Jonathan Martin looks the part of a starting offensive tackle in rookie in minicamp.

Morning take: Martin has a lot of attributes Miami likes, but strength could be a concern.

• Speaking of offensive linemen, Buffalo Bills general manager Buddy Nix says second-round pick Cordy Glenn can play offensive tackle in the NFL.

Morning take: Glenn played most of his career at guard but finished at left tackle. Buffalo needs a tackle more and will give Glenn a chance on the left side.

• New England Patriots left tackle Matt Light will hold a press conference Monday to officially announce his retirement.

Morning take: This has been in the works for weeks. Light had a stellar career with New England and could have finished out the final year of his contract. But Light is ready for life after football.

Here are the most interesting stories Thursday morning in the AFC East:

• Free-agent receiver Jabar Gaffney told Josina Anderson of ESPN that he is joining the New England Patriots.

Morning take: The Patriots continue to load up on receivers and the competition is going to be very stiff in New England. The move also keeps Gaffney away from division rivals Miami and Buffalo.

• The Buffalo News has reaction from the Bills on the death of future Hall of Fame linebacker Junior Seau.

Morning take: Bills general manager Buddy Nix was in San Diego for two years, and defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt coached Seau in Miami. This is a big loss all around for the NFL community.

• Did the Miami Dolphins thrive in the NFL draft? General manager Jeff Ireland told The Finsiders yes.

Morning take: We won't know for sure until after a few seasons, but Miami did get a lot of potential in the draft. The Dolphins just have to develop it.

• According to Travis Chan of Yahoo! Sports, the New York Jets should bring back veteran receiver Braylon Edwards.

Morning take: This was a stronger option before the draft. But the acquisition of second-round pick Stephen Hill closes that door a little more. Santonio Holmes, Hill and Jeremy Kerley in the slot is not a bad trio as long as Hill becomes a fast learner in the NFL.

The Buffalo Bills held their pre-draft news conference on Wednesday. General manager Buddy Nix addressed the team's need at left tackle but also gave a vote of confidence to inexperienced backup Chris Hairston.

"We need tackles, but we think Chris Hairston can play left tackle for us and win," Nix said, according to the team‘s website. "People say Fitz [Ryan Fitzpatrick] gets the ball out quick, but we run our offense with a lot of empty sets, with five blockers and if they bring six he better get it out. In this offense he has to get it out quick. Chris Hairston might not be the prettiest foot athlete that he can protect the back side. We’ve got [Erik] Pears and Sam Young is coming off of knee surgery. So we’ve only got three. We’d like to have two more."

Is this a clue where Buffalo is looking in the first round? Perhaps.

I think the Bills ideally would like a left tackle at No. 10. But it's just a matter of whether the Bills are completely sold on former Iowa tackle Riley Reiff. If not, there will be plenty of good prospects who can help Buffalo.

If the front office and coaching staff believe Hairston can do the job, it may be better to help another position.

The Buffalo Bills' already stout defensive line just got even better.

Buffalo signed former New England Patriots defensive end Mark Anderson to a four-year contract Wednesday. Anderson joins fellow defensive end Mario Williams and defensive tackles Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus on Buffalo's defensive line.

The Bills had trouble getting to the quarterback last season and made it a point to put their resources toward fixing the issue. Anderson recorded 10 sacks for the Patriots last season. Williams has 59 career sacks and is one of the NFL's best pass-rushers. Consider the problem solved.

Buffalo's defensive line is looking downright scary. The group will be very tough to move in the middle and pass protect against on the edges.

The Anderson signing also hurts the reigning AFC East champion Patriots. New England lost last season's team leader in sacks to a division rival. The Patriots are looking to add pass-rushers, not lose them.

For the first time in a long time, Buffalo is spending big money and making moves in free agency. Bills general manager Buddy Nix said the team will be major players this offseason, and Nix continues to prove it.

The Buffalo Bills raised some eyebrows when they interviewed Baylor quarterback and likely No. 2 pick Robert Griffin III last week at the NFL combine.

Buffalo holds the No. 10 overall pick, and the team just gave starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick $59 million this past October. So what gives?

It turns out Buffalo simply was doing its due dillegence. General manager Buddy Nix told BuffaloBills.com Thursday that the team will not move up in the draft to pursue Griffin.

"It is absolute. It's a no," Nix said sternly. "You've got to give up the farm. We're not in that business."

The Bills need their draft picks and have several holes to fill. The most pressing needs are left tackle, wide receiver and an outside pass-rusher. Buffalo also plans to spend to the salary cap this year, which helps.

It's still to be determined if Fitzpatrick is a franchise quarterback who can take the Bills to the next level. But the reality is the Bills paid Fitzpatrick a lot of money and have to find out if it was a worthy investment over the next couple of years.

Any quarterback Buffalo drafts this year should be developmental, because you can't have $59 million sitting on the bench. Maybe the Bills will take a quarterback in the third, fourth or fifth round with that in mind. But it won't happen with their first pick.

With the offseason in full swing, let's take a look at one major question facing each AFC East team as it begins preparations for the 2012 season:

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Who is the quarterback?

It won't be Matt Moore. That much is clear entering the offseason. Miami has not been shy to say the team will explore all options to find a franchise quarterback for 2012.

Is it Peyton Manning? Is it Matt Flynn? What about Robert Griffin III? Everything is up for discussion, according to Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and general manager Jeff Ireland. Expect Miami to be in the hunt for every big name at quarterback who becomes available.

Look for Miami to see what happens with Manning first. The Dolphins want to make a splash with a proven quarterback who can put fans back in Sun Life Stadium. Manning obviously fits the bill. The only question is his surgically repaired neck, which reportedly has been operated on four times.

The next option would be Flynn, who played under rookie Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin in Green Bay. Flynn is a bit of an unknown commodity, but he has played very well in limited opportunities.

Griffin would be a third and unlikely option. The Dolphins hold the No. 8 or No. 9 pick and would have to trade up to get the Baylor quarterback. With so many teams interested in Griffin, the Dolphins don't have a strong chance.

But a lot of parts are in place in Miami. The Dolphins are a franchise quarterback away from being a playoff contender. The Dolphins will be a team to watch in 2012 if they fill that void.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

How will they improve the defense?

You know Patriots coach Bill Belichick isn't happy with his 31st-ranked defense. He built a reputation being a defensive guru, and Belichick will do all he can to get that side of the ball fixed.

The good news for New England is the team has plenty of cap room and flexibility. Twenty free agents have cleared up more than $20 million in cap space. Belichick will have the option of trying to re-sign the players he wants to keep -- Wes Welker and Matthew Slater, for example -- while using the rest of the salary cap to upgrade the roster with outside free agents.

In terms of the draft, the Patriots have two first-round picks and two second-round picks. Belichick is always looking to trade down for more picks. But this could be the year he cashes in and gets the most out of his picks. New England can use help at cornerback, safety and another pass-rusher on the edge.

BUFFALO BILLS

Will they really be players in free agency?

Bills general manager Buddy Nix surprised a lot of football observers this offseason when he said the team will spend to the cap and chase the best free agents. Buffalo is infamous for keeping a low payroll, but Nix said the Bills will spend this year.

Buffalo lived up to that early billing by recently going after CB Stanford Routt, who has reached an agreement with Kansas City. Even though Routt didn't choose Buffalo, it was a good sign the Bills are willing to go after top-end talent.

The biggest issue for the Bills: Can they convince big-name free agents to come to Buffalo? It's not often talked about, but the Bills traditionally struggle to land good free agents when competing against winning teams in more desirable cities. If the money and years are equal, Buffalo often comes up short.

This is a good year to spend money in free agency. There are a lot of very good players available, and Buffalo may have to overpay to get some on the roster.

NEW YORK JETS

Can they fix the offense?

New York's 25th-ranked offense sprung leaks everywhere last season. Sometimes it was the offensive line. Sometimes it was the quarterback and receivers. Poor play calling also was a factor.

This offseason the Jets' biggest priority is getting their offense back on track. The Jets already made steps in that direction by replacing offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer with former Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano, who is responsible for improving chemistry and getting everyone on the same page.

Veterans such as starting receiver Plaxico Burress and future Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson are not expected to return. New York won't have much cap space, so the team must get creative while making upgrades.

This is also a huge offseason for quarterback Mark Sanchez, who has made only marginal strides in his three seasons. The Jets publicly back the third-year quarterback. The team knows if Sanchez plays well and remains confident, everything else on offense falls into place.

Free agency begins in less than two months. Teams around the league are planning their strategies and figuring out which big names to pursue.

But where teams stand with the $120-million salary cap next season will be an indicator of which will be aggressive and which won't.

Let's take an early look at the projected 2012 cap numbers in the AFC East:

Buffalo Bills (6-10)

Projected cap: $105.5 million

Key free agents: WR Steve Johnson, TE Scott Chandler, K Rian Lindell

Analysis: The Bills are looking pretty good entering free agency. General manager Buddy Nix says the team will spend to the cap this year. The first order of business is deciding on Johnson's future. The two sides are still a ways apart and I think it's a 50-50 proposition. With or without Johnson, Buffalo has the space to acquire impact players. We mentioned Houston Texans defensive end/linebacker and unrestricted free agent Mario Williams as a possibility to help the Bills' pass rush. But getting Williams -- or any top free agent -- to come to Buffalo will be a tough sell.

Miami Dolphins (6-10)

Projected cap: $114.3 million

Key free agents: DT Paul Soliai, G Vernon Carey, QB Chad Henne

Analysis: The Dolphins are in decent (but not great) shape with the cap. There will be an interesting dynamic in Miami to keep an eye on this offseason. Usually when a new coach comes in, there is huge turnover in the coach's first season. But that probably won't happen with general manager Jeff Ireland still in charge of the 53-man roster. Ireland is not going to cut many of the players he helped bring to Miami. But the Dolphins would have to do something if they want to make enough room to make a splash for a big free agent. Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn is a good example.

New England Patriots (13-3)

Projected cap: $99.9 million

Key free agents: WR Wes Welker, DE Andre Carter, WR Deion Branch

Analysis: It's amazing that the best team in the AFC East also is in the best shape with the cap. The Patriots have done a masterful job and have plenty of money to spend in free agency if they choose. A big chunk of it will go to Welker, who is due for a nice payday. New England won't let Welker slip away. The Patriots also have the tools to acquire defensive help in free agency, as well as sign their two first-round picks and two second-round picks in the draft. The Patriots are in position to be a major force again next season.

New York Jets (8-8)

Projected cap: $125 million

Key free agents: WR Plaxico Burress, DT Sione Pouha, S Jim Leonhard

Analysis: The Jets are the only AFC East team projected to be over the cap. This was a team built to win now and it didn't work out; now New York has to make some trimmings on the roster if it wants to do anything in free agency. There's a good chance Burress and Leonhard won't return. Pouha is a good player and could come back at the right price. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson also is a free agent. But his role was drastically reduced this past season and it's unlikely he will return. Tomlinson is contemplating retirement.

Plenty of focus this week has been on the New England Patriots, who are the only division team remaining in the playoffs. However, let's briefly put the spotlight on the other three teams already planning for the offseason ahead.

Here is one free-agency question we have for each team.

1. Will the Miami Dolphins go after Matt Flynn?

Analysis: Dolphins owner Stephen Ross was clear in saying the team needs a long-term franchise quarterback to make it to the next level. Matt Moore is a great backup and part-time starter. But he is not capable of leading Miami to a Super Bowl. Unfortunately for Miami, the team is in a tough spot trying to find a starting quarterback. The Dolphins will pick No. 8 or No. 9 in the NFL draft, depending on a coin flip with the Carolina Panthers. Miami’s pick will be too low to land Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck or Baylor’s Robert Griffin III in April’s draft. It’s possible the Dolphins could look to move up into the top three picks. But there are no guarantees. Moving up would be costly and other quarterback-needy teams could be interested in doing the same. Something the Dolphins could control is pursuing pending Green Bay Packers free-agent quarterback Matt Flynn. He has been Aaron Rodgers' backup for four years and is looking to get his own opportunity next season. Flynn looked great in limited playing time. He threw for 480 yards and six touchdowns in Green Bay’s Week 17 victory over the Detroit Lions. That performance will make Flynn a lot of money if he hits the open market. The Dolphins should be one of the first suitors in line.

2. Do the New York Jets need two safeties?

Analysis: It’s easy to focus on the quarterback position. But any chance of the Jets trading for or signing Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is mere speculation unless he becomes available. But what is clear is New York needs a lot of help at the safety position. Starter Jim Leonhard and top backup Brodney Pool are both free agents, and Eric Smith struggled last season. The Jets may need to sign and/or draft two starting-caliber safeties next season. Opponents eventually figured out you can attack New York’s defense by avoiding the corners and throwing over the middle. Tight ends, in particular, had huge days against the Jets’ defense. Teams will continue to attack the Jets over the middle next season unless they drastically upgrade at safety.

3. Will the Buffalo Bills really chase big names?

Analysis: I like what I’m hearing from Buffalo general manager Buddy Nix. According to Nix, Buffalo can -- and will -- spend to the salary cap this offseason. That should be music to Bills fans’ ears. Buffalo has been notorious for not doing much in free agency. Nix and head coach Chan Gailey both know 2012 is a big year for the current regime. The Bills are showing slight improvement (4-12 in 2010, 6-10 in 2011) but need to make a bigger jump next season. Spending to the cap would help. The Bills have big holes at several key positions and there are a lot of players available. A pass-rusher is perhaps the Bills’ biggest need. One player I’d like to see on Buffalo’s radar would be Houston Texans defensive end/linebacker Mario Williams. The former No. 1 overall pick will be an unrestricted free agent coming off a season-ending pectoral injury. Houston’s defense finished second in total defense and looked fine without Williams. If the Texans aren’t willing to pay a huge extension or give Williams the franchise tag, he could provide the pass rush the Bills need.

Buffalo Bills general manager Buddy Nix's message is clear: The team has no regrets about extending starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick during the season.

Things went downhill for Buffalo after giving Fitzpatrick a six-year, $59 million contract in late October. The Bills (6-10) finished the year 1-8 in their last nine games. Injuries certainly contributed, but Fitzpatrick's play didn't help. He threw for 3,832 yards and 24 touchdowns but also led the league with 23 interceptions.

Fitzpatrick will be Buffalo's starting quarterback for the foreseeable future, and Nix remains confident in his quarterback.

"I got no reservations about Ryan. He had some bad games, but the thing we know for sure is we've seen him do it," Nix said during this week's season-ending news conference. "We've seen him have the good games. He is what we thought he'd be. I think when we started losing players and losing weapons for him, he compensated by trying to carry the load some and playing with different receivers each week. It sounds like excuses, but they're reasons."

Buffalo also has plenty of cap room and Nix expects the team to be players in free agency. If that's the case, the Bills could fill a lot of holes in March leading up to the draft. Buffalo owns the No. 10 pick, which should help land another impact player. The Bills could use an outside pass rusher, an offensive tackle and depth in the secondary.

"If a guy is there in free agency that fits what we need, we're going to be aggressive," Nix said. "We're going to try to do whatever we can do. ... We're at a point where we can spot three or four positions, where if we can fill those with the right guys, and get our injured guys back, I think we will be competitive."

Buffalo Bills general manager Buddy Nix said during Monday's season-ending news conference that the team intends to keep No. 1 receiver Steve Johnson. That will be the biggest offseason story to watch in Buffalo.

The interest between Buffalo (6-10) and Johnson appears mutual. But the two sides cut off negotiations during the season because they were too far apart and will have to re-start talks before free agency begins in March.

Johnson caught 76 passes for 1,004 yards and seven touchdowns this past season. But his antics at times hurt the team and overshadowed his production. Reportedly Johnson is seeking upwards of $8 million per season. The Bills want to extend Johnson but at a salary they are more comfortable with.

"I think he would like to stay here, and he said that," Nix told reporters in Buffalo Monday. "If he was willing to hit the market, he would say he was willing to hit the market. Or if he wanted to go somewhere else, he would have said that. I take him at his word. He says he wants to be here. I think if we’re fair and it seems fair to him, I think we will get a deal done."

Here are some other news and notes from Nix:

• One of the biggest things that stood out is Nix says Buffalo will be aggressive in free agency. The Bills have plenty of cap room and are notorious for not using it to sign big-money free agents. Nix says he believes the team is ready to take a big step next year and he will look to improve the team via free agency in addition to the draft. "We can spend the cap and we will," Nix said.
• Nix also wants to extend running back Fred Jackson's contract before the start of the 2012 season. Buffalo told Jackson during the regular season that the team will take care of him. He is under contract for another year but was one of the NFL's most underpaid players, considering his production. Backup C.J. Spiller filled in well for Jackson, but it appears the Bills are committed to bringing Jackson back as the starter. "Fred and I have talked, and we want to extend Fred," Nix said. "I'd like for Fred to finish his career as a Bill. He's meant a lot to us and I have great respect for him."
• Nix wasn't as stern about the return of outside linebacker Shawne Merriman. His status is up in the air after two consecutive season-ending Achilles injuries. Merriman is rehabbing, and Nix said if Merriman is healthy and can pass a physical, he would remain in Buffalo. Merriman also is under contract next season.
• Finally, the Bills plan to stick to a 3-4 defense. There's been a lot of talk in Buffalo since the team fired former defensive coordinator George Edwards. Nix said the 3-4 is not as big an issue as people think. Buffalo's priority in the offseason, according to Nix, is to continue to add more players to fit the 3-4 scheme.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills showed up for meetings Monday following the aftermath of a 34-31 upset win against the New England Patriots.

Here are a few notes from the Bills' locker room:

• The general theme Monday was not to get a big head. Several players said the key this week will be putting things in perspective and moving on to the Cincinnati Bengals. Buffalo won its biggest game in recent memory by snapping a 15-game losing streak to New England. The Bills now are in first place in the AFC East at 3-0. "It's just three weeks," Buffalo running back Fred Jackson said. "Even with that big win yesterday, we're 3-0. We had more wins [4-12] last year. That's kind of how we're approaching it."
• On the injury front, Bills rookie defensive back Aaron Williams will be out "a while" with a collarbone injury, Buffalo coach Chan Gailey said. Williams hurt himself defending a pass to Patriots receiver Wes Welker. Gailey said he's unsure of the degree of Williams' injury. Linebacker Chris White will be out a few weeks with a pulled hamstring. Linebacker Kirk Morrison (hamstring) and starting guard Kraig Urbik (knee) have a chance to return this week.
• The Bills are getting praise for their back-to-back comebacks. But Buffalo is looking to start games faster to avoid a tough spot. "The objective is to do whatever we need to do to win the game, but we'd like to not have to set records for coming back," Gailey said. "You'd like to be a little closer or be ahead if you can. Week 1 was easier than Week 2 and 3."
• Finally here's a personal observation: I like the chemistry of this team. There is no star system in Buffalo, and it's working. It's a loose, relaxed group and no one wants all the credit for the team's success. Part of that comes from Buffalo's roster being filled with overlooked players. But Gailey and general manager Buddy Nix also deserve credit for creating a blue-collar culture.

Buffalo Bills

During a radio interview Thursday, GM Buddy Nix didn't deny that Lee Evans is available on the trade market.

The New York Times' Andy Benoit has a season preview for the Bills.

The Bills still have some needs to fill, but with veterans Drayton Florence, Terrence McGee and Leodis McKelvin in the secondary, the team is set at cornerback.

Miami Dolphins

Coach Tony Sparano admitted the Dolphins will stick to a rudimentary game plan for the team's preseason opener. Sparano on expectations for the offense: "I don’t want to use the term vanilla, but that’s kind of where you’re going to be.”

Considering what's gone wrong for the Dolphins over the past year, they could use an image makeover, according to TCPalm.com's Ben Becker.

More details are emerging about the April incident that left both Brandon Marshall and his wife Michi-Nogami Marshall injured. According to reports, the police "found a 13-inch kitchen knife laying next to a magazine clip from a firearm on a table outside of Marshall’s office. Both were covered in blood."

New England Patriots

Receiver Taylor Price, a 2010 third-round pick, impressed Bill Belichick with his performance in Thursday night's preseason opener. Belichick on Price: "Taylor had some good plays, made a couple good catches. ... But again, he’s done some of those things in practice over the last couple weeks. It’s good to see them happen in the game, but he’s been very competitive in training camp this year. The year’s made a big difference.”

Rookie running back Stevan Ridley didn't waste any time making a big impression in his first NFL action.

Tom Brady was among a number of New England's starters would did not see any action in the opener.

New York Jets

The Associated Press has a profile on Mark Sanchez and Scotty McKnight, childhood best friends who have been reunited as teammates on the Jets.

Center Nick Mangold was fine after leaving Thursday's practice early with what was later described as a stinger.

Rex Ryan said he plans to play Plaxico Burress for a few snaps in Monday’s preseason opener with the Texans, even though Burress continues to be limited in practice due to an ankle injury.

The Star-Ledger's Conor Orr looks at Dustin Keller and the Jets' depth at tight end heading into the season.