AFC East Notebook: Jones out a month; Vick confident in Harvin
Every Monday and Friday, theScore's NFL editors will bring you a roundup of everything you need to know from around the division with the AFC East Notebook.
New England Patriots
Jones out a month. The Patriots' pass rush will be without their most productive player for at least the next few games, as a hip injury is expected to sideline defensive end Chandler Jones for about a month.
Ayers happy to be with the Patriots. With the injury to Chandler Jones, the Patriots made a deal to trade for talented Tennessee Titans pass rusher Akeem Ayers. Making the move to a team right in the thick of the playoff race, Ayers is happy to be there.
Missed tackles hurting defense. The Patriots' defense has struggled to slow down opponent running games so far this season, and defensive tackle Vince Wilfork says they have to be able to tackle against Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte on Sunday.
Revis sent home for oversleeping. Star cornerback Darrelle Revis arrived late to team practice Tuesday after oversleeping and was sent home for the day by head coach Bill Belichick.
Buffalo Bills
Running back tandem likely moving forward. With C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson both set to miss some time, Anthony Dixon expects to be part of a backfield combination with Bryce Brown.
Pass rush continues to produce. While the Bills have seen significant improvement defending the run, that hasn't resulted in any sort of drop off in getting after the quarterback, as they lead the league in sacks through seven weeks.
Bills looking to improve pass protection. The offense has certainly seen an increase efficiency with Kyle Orton under center, but the 13 sacks surrendered in his three starts is an issue that needs to be addressed heading into a matchup with a strong New York Jets defensive front.
Watkins only getting started. The transition to the NFL game undoubtedly makes for an adjustment, but rookie wide receiver Sammy Watkins is well on his way to becoming a complete receiver.
Miami Dolphins
Move to right guard paying off for Pouncey. The Dolphins chose to have Mike Pouncey play at right guard upon his return from injury, and both he and the team believe the move has been best for the offensive line as a whole.
Jenkins stepping up. A season-ending injury to Dannell Ellerbe was a significant loss for the Dolphins' linebacker corps, but Jelani Jenkins has stepped into his starting role and been able to make an impact on a weekly basis.
Jordan expected to play Sunday. Defensive end Dion Jordan is expected to be activated for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He'll have to work his way into the pass-rush rotation, but the Dolphins' defensive front could be that much more dominant should he even begin to live up to his potential.
New York Jets
"He won't be a monster here." Backup quarterback Michael Vick is confident that newly acquired wide receiver Percy Harvin won't cause any problems in the Jets' locker room.
Running game giving Jets a chance. The Jets' playoff hopes may have already slipped away, but a dominant rushing attack is what has been keeping them in games of late.
Jets' pass rush should stand out Sunday. With the struggles the Buffalo Bills have had in protecting the quarterback, the Jets' pass rush gives them a significant advantage on defense for Sunday's division matchup.