AFC East Notebook: Jones back at practice; Ryan not ruffling any feathers
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 back at practice. Pass rusher Chandler Jones made a quiet return to Patriots practice this week. Jones suffered a six-week injury in mid-October and was rumored at one point to be in danger of missing the rest of the season.
Belichick explains coin-toss strategy. Bill Belichick has chosen to defer after winning the coin toss 48 out of 50 times dating back to 2008. In a recent conference call, Belichick explained the rationale behind his strategy.
CBS protected Packers-Patriots in October. If you're wondering why Packers-Patriots is an afternoon game and wasn't flexed to prime time, it's because CBS designated the matchup as one of its protected games back in October.
New York Jets
Ryan says Jets best with Smith. Rex Ryan took ownership of the decision to re-insert Geno Smith as starter in place of Michael Vick, saying it's the best thing for the Jets. Ryan insisted the decision wasn't made over his head.
Ryan going out quietly. Manish Mehta of the Daily News contends that Rex Ryan didn't want to bench Vick for Smith, but is playing the role of good soldier because he doesn't want to ruffle feathers on his way out of the organization.
Next Jets coach? Matthew Futterman of The Wall Street Journal makes the case for the Jets thinking (way) outside the box and hiring FCS Coastal Carolina head coach Joe Moglia as their next head coach.
Buffalo Bills
Jackson doesn't respect former teammate. Fred Jackson had some choice words for former Bills safety Donte Whitner, calling him "dumb" and "an idiot" and saying he has no respect for him because of comments Whitner made in the summer about the Bills being relocated to Toronto.
Bills want Thigpen to boost returns. The Bills claimed Marcus Thigpen off waivers on Wednesday, but the expectation is that the speedy wide receiver will mostly be used in the return game.
Former Bill falls on hard times. Former Bills defender Darryl Talley's health is in shambles and he's out of money. The Buffalo News tells his sad story.
Miami Dolphins
Grimes not impressed by Beckham's catch. Brent Grimes doesn't think New York Giants rookie Odell Beckham Jr.'s diving backwards grab was the best catch of all time. Grimes doesn't even think it was the catch of the year – because he thinks he made a better one.
Satele anchors line. The Dolphins had one of the NFL's worst offensive lines last year. This season, they have one of the best. A huge reason for the turnaround is center/guard Samson Satele.
Fake spike flashback. Twenty years ago yesterday, Dan Marino capped a game-winning drive with a play that will forever remain one of the most unique in NFL history: the fake spike.