9 AFC East stories from last week for Bills fans to know

AFC East news roundup on the Patriots, Jets and Dolphins for Buffalo Bills fans to know.

New York Jets

Louisville Cardinals offensive lineman Mekhi Becton. Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

Mekhi confident in Jets’ O-line

There’s a lot of criticisms of Jets quarterback Sam Darnold from western New York. That’s because of the Darnold-Josh Allen comparisons since the two were drafted only a few picks apart in 2019. In terms of wins and losses, Allen has fared a lot better since entering the NFL. But Darnold’s club has done little to help him out, especially in terms of the offensive line play in front of him.

This offseason the Jets are doing their best to change that so Darnold can, maybe, shine. Of those moves, Mekhi Becton, their first-round pick at the recent draft, was one of those big pieces added to the offensive line.

Last offseason the Bills overhauled their offensive line in a similar situation, but they did so prior to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Because of it, Becton and the new-look line in New York haven’t gotten together much to work. Still, the rookie recently expressed confidence in their abilities.

“We’re a bunch of goofy guys from what I can tell from just the vets talking, so I know when once I get comfortable and have a chance to talk to them I’m going to be goofy with them,” Becton said. “I feel like we’re going to have a lot of good chemistry. We’re going to ball really good.”

If the 2020 NFL season unfolds as scheduled in March, the first test for the Jets’ O-line will be… Buffalo’s defensive line in Week 1.