When the New York Jets hired Todd Bowles, some questioned why replace a defensive-minded wizard like Rex Ryan with another defense-first coach.
Cornerback Antonio Cromartie played four years under Ryan and spent last season under Bowles. Cro knows exactly why the Jets locked down Bowles.
"I think it's a great hire," he said Friday on NFL Network's NFL Total Access. "The reason why I say that is he's one of the smartest coaches I've been around. I've been around Rex (Ryan), I've been around our defensive coordinator (with New York Jets) in Dennis Thurman -- those guys are smart. Being around a guy like Todd Bowles, who can tell you exactly what an offense is gonna do just by from the offensive linemen to how the quarterback stands in the backfield or where the running back is, that just speaks volumes on what kind of time he puts into his work.
"When you bring in a guy like Todd Bowles, who's from New Jersey, grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and he's back at home, I think he's gonna love what he's doing."
Cromartie said Bowles is a "fiery guy" who will flourish with the talent on the defensive side of the ball in New York, praised Bowles for bringing in Chan Gailey (the presumptive OC favorite) and, of course ...
"Plus, they gonna have $50 million in cap space too, so that's a chance to go out and get players," Cromartie said.
Well isn't it interesting that Cromartie, a soon-to-be free agent, knows that the Jets have a boatload of cash to spend -- even if $50 million is a bit of a stretch.
Would he be open to a reunion with the Jets and Bowles? Or would he like to return to Arizona?
"I'm leaving the door open, until the Super Bowl is over with I'm still an Arizona Cardinal. Until they come to me about a contract, I'm still an Arizona Cardinal," he said. "But once (free agency) hits and no one's offered me a contract, then I'm free game. And I'm open to anything to go out and try to win a championship and help any organization."
