AFC East stock up, down: What's shaking at backup QB for Bills?

Having allowed the sixth-most passing yards last season (3,992), the Dolphins are hoping to improve on this front under new DC Vic Fangio. With injured All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey expected to be out until December, Miami will need Holland to be its anchor in the secondary if things are to change.

Xavier Gipson, New York Jets wide receiver: Overshadowed by the hype surrounding Rodgers and Wilson, the undrafted free agent flashed potential in multiple facets of the game and likely secured a spot on the 53-man roster. Gipson hauled in seven of 10 targets for 79 yards on Saturday and also ran back a punt 20 yards. 

As if Gipson needed any outside help to make the team, a ringing endorsement from his future Hall of Fame quarterback should be enough to sway New York's decision-makers.

“I think Xavier Gipson really took a big step forward in his attempt to make the team,” Rodgers told reporters after Saturday’s game. “He had multiple plays where he was short of the sticks on catches and made guys miss, and obviously, he’s done a good job returning.”

Stock down

Kyle Allen, Buffalo Bills quarterback: Aside from his 52.9% completion rate and two turnovers in Saturday's win over Chicago, Allen enjoyed a solid preseason, which was likely enough to secure the No. 2 job in Buffalo. However, it became clear over the weekend that this wasn't the organization's preferred outcome.

As first reported by the San Jose Mercury News' Cam Inman, Buffalo submitted an offer to San Francisco for former third overall pick Trey Lance but couldn't top Dallas' winning bid for the dual-threat quarterback. Bills GM Brandon Beane later confirmed that the team had checked in on Lance. Allen may have the backup job for now, though if Buffalo is keeping its options open, it wouldn't be surprising if it signs a recently waived quarterback.

Bailey Zappe, New England Patriots quarterback: It's safe to say that Mac Jones won't have to worry about being unseated as New England's starting QB. Zappe, who led New England to a 2-0 record as a starter last season, struggled throwing and taking care of the ball in Friday's 23-7 loss to Tennessee. The Western Kentucky product completed just 8-of-15 attempts for 57 yards and fumbled three times, one of which he lost.

Although Zappe is not entirely at fault since he was sacked four times, his history of poor ball control can't be overlooked at this point. Last season, he fumbled four times in as many games. Zappe probably never stood a chance in the quarterback "competition," but it doesn't make his performance any less troubling to see from someone who was rumored to be vying for the job. 

Jack Jones, New England Patriots cornerback:  This offseason has already been troubling for Jones following his June arrest for possession of two loaded firearms at Logan International Airport, but it seems his issues have spilled over onto the field. Not only was Jones called for a pass interference penalty, but he allowed a 30-yard completion on the only pass he attempted to cover. On top of that, the 2022 fourth-rounder found himself on the wrong end of a Tyjae Spears stiff arm. 

Despite starting just two games last season, Jones stood out as a bright spot on a team that finished 8-9 and seemed to be a key piece of the defense. Yet, given his off-field issues, inconsistent preseason play and the fact that the Patriots drafted cornerback Christian Gonzalez in the first round, one more major slip-up could spell the end of Jones' time in New England.