Jets' News 8/10

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7 Points: Jets-Jaguars in Preseason Opener

Ex-Jet Chris Ivory's Running, Ex-Jag Brant Boyer's Special Teams Among Thursday's Attractions

The second preseason opener of the Todd Bowles era is upon us, with the Jets hosting Jacksonville at MetLife Stadium on Thursday evening. And the head coach says the game plan is simple: "We just want to see guys go out and play fast and play hard and know their assignments and see who can play and who can't."

We know our assignment, which is that when the games begin, it's time to kick off another season of "7 Points":

1. The Series So Far
The Jets are 7-6 all-time vs. JAX, including preseason, but they hold the recent upper hand with four straight wins. That includes the teams' only preseason meeting in 2013, a 37-13 victory at MetLife in which Bilal Powell motored for a game-high 73 yards of offense. (It was also the last game Mark Sanchez started as a Jet) and also last regular season's 28-23 home verdict featuring Ryan Fitzpatrick throwing TDs to — who else? — Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker while then-rookie Lorenzo Mauldin posted the first 2.0 sacks of his pro career against Blake Bortles, whom he'd like to run into again early Thursday evening.

2. Big Backs Ahead
We all know about Chris Ivory, the big bopper who had the best rush (1,070 yards) and scrimmage (1,287 yards) seasons of his career as a Jet last year. He left as an unrestricted free agent and is now listed as a "co-starter" with T.J. Yeldon on the Jaguars' depth chart. If the Jets' run defense needs any added incentive, it's this: The backs who executed all three 40-yards-plus runs in Jets games last year will be in black and teal Thursday: Ivory (50-yarders vs. Washington and at Buffalo) and Yeldon (45-yard run late in Game 8).

3. Hold the Forté
Too bad Matt Forté, the good-hands RB who's replacing Ivory on the Jets, will sit out this opener with his achy hamstring. He scored four TDs and averaged 130 yards from scrimmage in four regular-season games vs. the Jaguars when he was a Bear. But Powell, who artfully averaged 80.5 yards of offense in Games 10-15 last year, has carried the load this summer for the first offense, and OC Chan Gailey is a happy camper: "Bilal's done very well. ... He's picked up right where he left off."

4. Big Night for Brant
The Jets have an ex-Jaguar on staff in Brant Boyer, the first-year special teams coordinator who had 10 sacks and two interceptions in six seasons as a Jacksonville LB. It's a big debut for Boyer's specialists as we see rookie Lachlan Edwards' first game-action pro punts, and also how the Jets' returners perform — Jeremy Ross, Kyle Williams, Romar Morris and rookie Jalin Marshall are listed 1-2-3-4 on both the kick-return and punt-return depth charts.

5. Other Familiar Foes
Ryan Quigley, the Jets punter for the past three seasons, wasn't re-signed and wound up in North Florida, where he's competing with Brad Nortman, Carolina's punter the past four years. And Shaq Evans, the Green & White's fourth-round pick in 2014, is trying to find a spot among the Jaguars' young, talented WR group that includes 1,000-yard receivers Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns.

6. Youth Watch
You may have heard Jacksonville has had a good offseason and a few good drafts. So has ESPN, which ranked the Jaguars as the NFL's No. 1 "U25" or under-25 team. The Jags defense features the top two picks from this year's draft, CB Jalen Ramsey and LB Myles Jack, and feisty DE Dante Fowler, last year's No. 1 who was in the middle of a practice brawl Tuesday. But the Jets, not ranked as high, also have some young defenders of note such as second-year man Leonard Williams and rookie LBs Darron Lee and Jordan Jenkins.

7. What Does It Mean?
It would be great to get off on the right foot with a win in the preseason opener, but the outcome in this game isn't indicative of much. The Jets' last two playoff teams in '09 and '10 lost their preseason openers, as did Bowles' 10-6 team last year. And the 2014 Jets won their opener before going 4-12. As Fitzpatrick said about goals for this summer lidlifter: "No presnap penalties, get out of the game clean with no turnovers ... and you hope on both sides that nobody gets injured."

 

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Jets’ Fitzpatrick Says He Will Consider Larry David’s Beard-Shaving Plea

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — What’s the deal with the beard?

Larry David, the creator of “Seinfeld” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” is a big New York Jets fan. He’s not too fond of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick’s facial hair, though.

“I don’t know why Fitzpatrick can’t shave, honestly,” David said Tuesday to guest host Charissa Thompson on “The Dan Patrick Show.” ”Why does he need that beard? That beard really bothers me. I don’t know what this quarterback looks like. Who am I rooting for? Imagine Mickey Mantle with a full beard like that. It would have changed my entire childhood.”

Fitzpatrick usually sports a bushy, mountain man-like beard during the season, but it’s a bit toned down right now midway through training camp. He did show up Tuesday with his mustache shaved, and the quarterback didn’t sack David’s idea.

“Well, I’ve heard that he’s a big Jet fan,” a smiling Fitzpatrick said after practice. “But I’m probably a bigger ‘Seinfeld’ fan, so I don’t take that lightly. I will take it into consideration, Larry. And I respect you very much.”

David also might be coming for Chan Gailey’s job — or anyone else who runs an NFL offense.

“I’m not joking. I’m positive I could be an offensive coordinator,” he said. “All I have to do is, I think if I just studied, if I just hung around and just learned a little bit … give me one season shadowing an offensive coordinator, one season, and I know I could do it.

“What can be so hard about it? You make up plays. Why is that so hard? I’m creative in certain respects, and I think I can do that.”

Yadda, yadda, yadda.

Fitzpatrick was asked what he thinks of the chances of David being a successful NFL offensive coordinator.

“Pretty, pretty good,” Fitzpatrick said, mimicking a popular line from “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

 

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Petty Hopes To Shine During Preseason, Prove To Jets He Belongs

Though It's Possible New York Keeps 4 QBs On The Final 53-Man Roster, It Will Need To See Something
August 10, 2016 7:34 AM


NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Bryce Petty was once thought of as a potential solution in the Jets’ decades-long search for a franchise quarterback.

Now, he appears to be just another guy looking for any way to stick with an NFL team.

The second-year signal-caller will look to make the most of his latest opportunity as he will likely see significant minutes when the Jets open their preseason schedule on Thursday against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium.

“Light it up? Hell yeah. That’s what I want to do,” Petty told the Daily News this week. “I don’t want to make execution sound boring or sound lame. I want to go in there and Brett Favre it. Just do amazing things. That’s the way I feel you kind of have to be.

“There’s got to be some inspiring plays in there and some things that make them say, ‘Wow! Did you see Bryce?’ That’s what I want them to say, (but) I don’t want to play outside of the execution and try to (force) things. Just let things work, but at the same time, I want to ball out, for sure,” he added.

MORE: Jets Activate Muhammad Wilkerson From PUP List

Petty was selected in the fourth round of last year’s draft out of Baylor and was considered a project, mostly due to the fact that he had to transition from the spread offense to a pro-style offense. That’s not an easy ask considering the spread is executed almost exclusively out of the shotgun, while NFL quarterbacks do much of their work from under center, where footwork and visualization are a must.

“When your feet are more comfortable as a quarterback, then the rest takes care of itself. Then I can really throw it and be confident with where I want to go with the ball. Being comfortable, it is crazy how far I’ve come from last year,” Petty said.

“Things are getting easier to see,” he added. “So every time I get out there, I try to get better at something. Then, wherever that takes me — whether that’s playing here or playing somewhere else, whether that’s No. 2 or No. 3 here, whatever the case is, I will be a better quarterback from this camp.”

Blessed with a big arm and a 6-foot-3, 230-pound frame, the prototypical size NFL teams long for, Petty appears to have the physical tools to play at this level. But he has yet to instill the confidence in the Jets to guarantee his place on the roster. Despite Petty’s improvement in practice over the last year-plus, the Jets still selected Christian Hackenberg in the second round of this year’s draft. And with fourth-year man Geno Smith locked into the primary backup role behind Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Jets will likely need some kind of incentive to keep four quarterbacks on their final 53-man roster.

“Preseason is big, because it’ll tell them — tell coaches — where I’m at and how far I’ve come,” Petty said. “And at least give them a run for their money as far as their decision on what happens. At least make it a hard decision for them.”

After taking on the Jags, the Jets travel to Washington, host the Giants and play a road game at Philadelphia, leading up to the regular season opener on Sept. 11 against visiting Cincinnati.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/08/10/bryce-petty-new-york-jets-training-camp/

 

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8 QB observations from Jets camp Day 11

The Jets on Tuesday held their 11th training camp practice — their final full workout before Thursday's preseason opener against the Jaguars. How did the Jets' quarterbacks look Tuesday? Here are eight observations about them.

What went right for Fitzpatrick

He handled pressure well and found Charone Peake over the middle. Fitzpatrick showed nice touch on a cross-body lob, with pressure in his face, to Jalin Marshall in the end zone, during a red zone period. Fitzpatrick hit Brandon Marshall in the back of the end zone, later in this red zone period. On the next throw, Fitzpatrick found Jace Amaro in the back corner of the end zone. Fitzpatrick also threw another red zone period touchdown to Brandon Marshall, on a pretty slant.

What went wrong for Fitzpatrick

Nothing major. He threw a high ball for Quincy Enunwa in the middle of the end zone. He was long on another throw to the end zone in a red zone period. He was high for Brandon Marshall in the end zone, with Darrelle Revis in coverage. But no enormous miscues from Fitzparick on Tuesday.

What went right for Geno Smith

He kept his eyes up while scrambling and hit Kellen Davis. He threw a 20-yard touchdown to Peake, showing nice touch after Peake beat Juston Burris. Not a ton of reps for Smith on Tuesday.

What went wrong for Geno Smith

Also nothing major. He was long for Jeremy Ross, and high for Jace Amaro in the end zone. But no interceptions, which was good for Smith.

What went right for Bryce Petty

His best throw came on the run, as he scrambled and hit Zach Sudfeld for a touchdown. And even though Petty was "sacked," he connected with Jalin Marshall, who made a nice leaping catch.

What went wrong for Bryce Petty

He continues to be very much a work in progress. He was long on a pass to the end zone in a red zone period. He was nearly picked off by Burris on a throw for Jalin Marshall. And he was well long on a deep ball to end practice.

What went right for Christian Hackenberg

He got just four reps, so ... yeah. He hit Romar Morris on a check-down throw. And Hackenberg also handled pressure and connected with Dominique Williams on a short pass.

What went wrong for Christian Hackenberg

Minimal reps, as we've mentioned. Here's what offensive coordinator Chan Gailey had to say about that topic; after practice.

 

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Chan Gailey Training Camp Takeaways...........Again I can't copy and paste this one, but both stories are good reads. Both Connor Hughes and Slatter are good scribes IMO, just wish they would use a different format. LOL

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/08/8_qb_observations_from_jets_camp_day_11_how_do_the.html#0

 

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TOJ Roundtable – Jets vs. Jaguars, Pre-Season Edition
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By Joe Caporoso. August 10, 2016


Posted in:

New York Jets
NFL
TOJ Roundtable
Training Camp 2016
Tagged: New York Jets, NFL, TOJ Roundtable, Training Camp 2016


The TOJ Roundtable is back. Make sure to give everybody a follow on Twitter and to let us know your opinion down in the comment section below!

What do you want to see from the New York Jets against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday Night?


Joe Caporoso – Stay healthy. I will take another 23-3 opening game loss (what the Jets did last year) as long as there no serious injuries. Offensively, Jalin Marshall has been the darling of training camp so far, can he translate that into a game situation? If Marshall cannot separate himself from veteran Jeremy Ross as a returner, he will have more of an uphill climb to making the roster. Defensively, let’s see the young pups (Darron Lee, Jordan Jenkins, Lorenzo Mauldin and Juston Burris) on the defense overcome a few inevitable mental mistakes and find a way to make plays. The first pre-season game is not about the starters, it is about the middle class and back half of the roster taking advantage of extended playing time.

Dalbin Osorio – On offense, I would to see how Ryan Clady looks matched up against former first rounder Dante Fowler, Jr. The Jaguars are a talented bunch on defense, and this will be a test for a makeshift OL that’s a little banged up right now. Also, can Brent Qvale or Brandon Shell make the most of the opportunity created by the injury to Breno Giacomini? The depth behind the Jets starting OL is much maligned, so someone needs to step up.

On defense, I’m really interested to see Darron Lee. One of the most interesting things heard when Rex Ryan was fired and Todd Bowles was hired was that this signaled a change from Rex’s ways. Last year, I saw a coach that resembled Rex in many ways including poor clock management, refusal to give your number one corner help or to adjust your scheme to fit your players, and a stubbornness (at times) to cut back on an underperforming player’s playing time (Demario Davis got beat soundly on way too many wheel routes). With that said, with a potential franchise QB on the board in Paxton Lynch the Jets and Bowles opted for Darron Lee. This is the second consecutive year the Jets go defense in the first round after 6 straight drafts under Ryan of them taking defense. That’s 8 straight years without an offensive player taken in the first round. The Jets better hope Lee is the real deal, and against the Jaguars is the first step towards proving Maccagnan and Bowles were right.

Alex Kaczynski – Week 1 of preseason, I am looking to see what all these new additions are capable of against this young and talented Jacksonville team. I would like to see a lot from offense. I’m looking to see if the line be able to hold up even through the 3rd and 4th quarters. The success of this offense is going to rely heavily on the lines ability to stay healthy and be productive. My one hope is that Clady looks as dominant as ever going against a pretty star studded line up on the other side. I also want to see how these young receivers will do in game situations. When I was at camp last week, I really liked what I saw out of the receiving core and I hope they can keep production up. I also would like to see some production out of Amaro, because in reality if he gets going this season, the offense might fall under the “scary” good category.

Joe Malfa – The preseason accomplishes two things. It gets the starters back into a rhythm, and it separates the men from the boys at the back end of the roster. Heading into tomorrow’s game, I don’t really have any interest in the starters, but I am very eager to see the cream rise to the top at a few key positions.

Right now, there are questions regarding depth in the secondary and on the offensive line. I want to see guys like Marcus Williams, Dee Milliner, Dexter McDougle, and Juston Burris fighting for roles because at the moment, there is a vacancy opposite Revis on the outside and behind Skrine as depth in the slot. I want to see if Ben Ijalana, Brent Qvale, and Brandon Shell can prove their worth as backup tackles to Ryan Clady and Breno Giacomini, who have had their fair share of injury issues. Lastly, I want to see if the recent draft picks at guard — Jarvis Harrison and Dakota Dozier — show any signs of life as possible backups to James Carpenter and Brian Winters.

I will also be keeping an eye on two undrafted free agents that have turned some heads in training camp — S Doug Middleton and EDGE Freddie Bishop.

Matthew Stalker – The main thing I want to see Thursday night, throughout the preseason and even more of in training camp is Christian Hackenberg. If he is indeed who the Jets want to work on for their future quarterback, he needs more reps, and running with four quarterbacks is simply a detriment to his progress. A kid who is a pocket quarterback with NFL size, durability, toughness and good arm strength/velocity sounds like a win in my book, but without the chance, he is just more wasted talent. The saddest thing in life is wasted talent.

Aside from Hack, the list goes on. I want to see offensive line play from guys like Jarvis Harrison, Brandon Shell, Dakota Dozier, Brent Qvale, and Ben Ijalana. It’s important these guys play enough and learn quickly, because if any injury hits this line it will be a significant blow to this team. Staying with the offense, undrafted free agent Jalin Marshall who is playing great and receiving praise from his fellow receivers. Finally, Jace Amaro. After injury derailed his 2015 season, he seems to be approaching 2016 determined and focused. A 6’5″, 258 pound Amaro could be a huge difference maker for the Jets in 2016.

Defensively, I want to see more from Juston Burris, who down the line could be a nice press corner in Bowles’ defense. So far it’s been your typical rookie ups and downs for Burris, but he did pick off Fitzpatrick to win a bet and shave Fitz’s head. Finally, their 2013 first-round selection Dee Milliner who after three interceptions in his rookie year has only played 21 of 48 games over his first three seasons. My fingers are crossed yoga helps him stay healthy and we see him opposite Darrelle Revis a bit more this year.

David Aitken – Even though it is only the first preseason game, there is a lot to be excited for this Thursday night. Obviously the main draw is it’s the first time in eight months the Jets will suit up and perform against an opponent. Better yet, it means roughly every week from this point on over the next few months there will be a game of Jets football.

What I’m most looking forward to watching is the group of younger players that could be solid contributors in 2016. The usual suspects that the Jets relied on for last year’s ten win season will probably have just a cameo appearance, so the spotlight will turn to the likes of Jace Amaro, Dee Milliner and members of the 2016 rookie class. In particular, the pair of rookie linebackers will be worth following. First rounder Darron Lee should see plenty of reps in this game with the second team, and it’ll be interesting to see if he finds any snaps at all early on with the starters in certain packages. Playing in the Jets nickel base defense is ultimately where Bowles would probably like to have Lee ready for come Week 1, and I’d like to see him show signs of a potential passing down problem. Meanwhile third rounder Jordan Jenkins has opened up as a starting outside linebacker on the team’s first released depth chart. Thursday marks his first in-game action on the pro level and I’d like to see him show he can start on merit and not have Maccagnan resort to bringing back Father Time for his fourteenth NFL season.

John Hargaden – Going into the first preseason game something that we can hope for is no injuries across the board. On offense, most of the starters will see maybe 1-2 series tops and should be off the field rather quickly. I am going to be interested to see how Bryce Petty plays. I have a good hunch he should be playing for over a quarter or so. I am interested to see in how he has developed and we should see an improved quarterback coming into year two in the NFL and under the Chan Gailey offense. Looking at the WR spot I am going to keep my eyes out for Jalin Marshall and Chaderon Peake. Marshall has been a name that most Jets fans should know so far. He has been making plays left and right. Time to see if it translates into the game. Peake has come on here the last few days making a few plays here and there. Also a guy I want to see is Jace Amaro coming back from a season ending injury last year and see what he can show.

On the defensive side of the ball I am going to be watching Jordan Jenkins and Darron Lee and seeing how they fly in this defense. Since it sounds like the 110 year veteran Calvin Pace won’t be back this is Jenkins job being a starting OLB. In the secondary I am interested in two guys: Dee Miller and DougMiddleton. Milliner trying to prove to the franchise he was worth the #9 overall pick and earn the #2 job. Also Middleton a UDFA has shown some glimpses here and there.

Kevin Zielaznicki – New York Jets football is FINALLY back. One thing I’m excited to see this Thursday night is rookie wide receiver Charone Peake in action. Peake has been one of the early training camp stars and it will be great to see him in a game situation. According to many reports coming out of Jets camp, Peake has been a solid deep threat and has flashed big play ability in 11 vs. 11 drills. With Devin Smith still sidelined as he recovers from a torn ACL, Peake has an opportunity to find a spot in Chan Gailey’s offense as a deep threat that can stretch the defense on any play. Overall, I hope to see a good performance from the Jets and I really hope that both sides come out of this game injury free.

 

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Is Ryan Fitzpatrick the next Rich Gannon?

Aug 4, 2016; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) stretches during practice at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

By: Joe Lacalandra | 2 hours ago

Ryan Fitzpatrick has had an eventful and unlikely 12-year run in the NFL.

He’s gone from seventh-round draft pick to starter, to backup and once again a starter. But he’s never played at an elite level, until 2015 when he threw a franchise record and career-high 31 touchdowns.

Typically, quarterback’s entire their prime in their mid-to-late 20’s, not at 33 years old. But Fitzpatrick believes he’s just getting started and that his best years are ahead of him.

“I feel like I continue to get better and better as football player, and I feel more comfortable this year than I did last year and the year before,” Fitzpatrick said earlier in training camp. “Hopefully, I continue to get better.”

RELATED:

Larry David confident he could be the offensive coordinator of the Jets
One of the big reasons for Fitzpatrick’s unlikely success with the Jets is his relationship with offensive coordinator Chan Gailey.

It’s hard to argue with the statistics. Fitzpatrick is simply a better quarterback under the tutelage of Gailey and with the type of receivers the Jets have, he is primed for greater success even as he enters his mid-30.

Fitzpatrick’s career arc is eerily similar to former Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon. Gannon was a solid, but average quarterback for the majority of his career until he came to Oakland in 1999 and played for noted quarterback guru John Gruden.

“I talked to Ryan this morning, and you know, I parallel his career to Richie Gannon. said SiriusXM NFL Analyst Pat Kirwan. “Gannon was 34 when he found Jon Gruden and Gruden found him. So with Chan Gailey again this time around, I think Ryan’s very much energized.”

Gannon was the MVP of the NFL at 37 years of age in 2002.
Gannon was the MVP of the NFL at 37 years of age in 2002.

In 11 seasons with Kansas City, Minnesota and Washington, Gannon compiled just a 31-27 record as a starter and completed just 56 percent of his passes.

Things changed however when he came to to the Raiders at 34 years of age.

In his first four seasons with the Raiders from 1999-2002, Gannon was arguably one of the league’s top passers. He completed 63 percent of his passes, throwing for 105 touchdowns and just 44 interceptions leading the Raiders to a 41-23 record in the span.

He was also the league’s most valuable player in 2002 at 37 years old, throwing for a league-high 4,689 yards and finishing with a 97.3 passer rating.

At the time he was the second oldest player to win the MVP in NFL history behind former Giants-great Y.A Tiddle.

RELATED:

Three plays the Jets should add into their offense for 2016
Gannon didn’t have one of the league’s best arms and he wasn’t the most accurate.

So what was the difference? Coaching and supporting cast.

Gruden had a proven track record with quarterbacks going back to his days with the Packers and Brett Favre, much like Gailey, who is known as a quarterback whisperer. Also, Gannon was throwing to one league’s best receiving corps led by Hall of Famer’s Jerry Rice and Tim Brown.

Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall may not be Rice and Brown, but they do represent one of the league’s best duos at wide receiver.

No one is expecting Fitzpatrick to win the MVP this year like Gannon did, but the question on everyone’s mind is, will be able to replicate his magical 2015 campaign?

He thinks so and if Gannon’s career is any indication, he will.

http://jetswire.usatoday.com/2016/08/10/is-ryan-fitzpatrick-the-next-rich-gannon/

 

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Jets OC Chan Gailey: Managing four quarterbacks is 'very difficult'

9:27 AM ET
Rich Cimini
ESPN Staff Writer

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- This four-quarterback thing isn't easy, according to New York Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey.

"You're trying to get guys ready to play the season, and evaluate other guys, and it's very difficult," Gailey said on Tuesday. "That's what we're trying to do at this time, and it's not easy."


With veterans Ryan Fitzpatrick (No. 14) and Geno Smith (No. 7) receiving the majority of the reps in training camp, the Jets are having some trouble assessing the progress of rookie Christian Hackenberg (No. 5) and second-year QB Bryce Petty (No. 9). AP Photo/Julio Cortez
Get used to it. General manager Mike Maccagnan has said he's open to keeping four QBs on the final 53-man roster.

Obviously, the priority is to prepare starter Ryan Fitzpatrick and backup Geno Smith for the regular season. On a typical day, they'll combine for 80 to 90 percent of the practice reps, leaving only the scraps for Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty.

Most affected by the crowded situation is Petty, who needs to demonstrate progress to solidify a roster spot in his second season. The organization isn't rushing Hackenberg at all, and it seems content to chalk this up as essentially a redshirt year. As a second-round pick, he's not going anywhere. He gets very few reps, though, which stunts his development.

Gailey admitted it's hard to get an accurate read on Hackenberg.

"Yes, he's grown," Gailey said. "It's hard to tell how much because he's not getting the reps to really figure out how much. But I'm sure he has grown. I think that's what he'd say, that he has learned a ton about the game."

Yet even the casual observer can see that Hackenberg is struggling with his accuracy. His footwork seems mechanical at times, even on handoffs. He's learning. Petty, meanwhile, is "throwing the ball a lot more accurately" than last year, according to Gailey.

As for the two veterans, Fitzpatrick was "rusty" on some new plays, said Gailey, who didn't seem concerned by his starter's long layoff in the offseason. Gailey said he's pleased with Smith, adding: "He's playing very intelligently and throwing that ball accurately."

Fitzpatrick's return on the eve of training camp fueled speculation about Smith's roster spot, but Gailey sounds like he doesn't want to break up the Fitzpatrick-Smith tandem.

"Yes, [Smith] has proven that he can go out and play in ball games and win ball games, and you're right, a lot of people don't have that," Gailey said. "And that's a good thing for us to be able to say we have. Not very many teams have it [in a backup]."


http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/...-managing-four-quarterbacks-is-very-difficult

 

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New York Jets: Will Ryan Fitzpatrick Shave His Beard
by Nick Ziegler 3 hours ago Follow @NickZiegler20

Will Larry David be able to convince New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to shave his famous beard before the season?

Comedian Larry David is a big fan of the New York Jets, but he is not a fan of the beard that quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has. Fitzpatrick had a career-year for the Jets in 2015, as he set the single-season record for passing touchdowns in a season.

However, after a long contract negotiation with the team this offseason, Fitzpatrick came into training camp looking like he hasn’t seen a razor in years. His bushy hair did not last too long, as he lost a bet with rookie cornerback Justin Burris, who then shaved his head. Now, we will have to see if David is able to convince him to shave his beard.



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“Well, I’ve heard that he’s a big Jet fan,” Fitzpatrick said after Tuesday’s training camp practice to Darryl Slater of . “But I’m probably a bigger ‘Seinfeld’ fan, so I don’t take that lightly. I will take it into consideration, Larry. And I respect you very much.”

Since arriving at camp, Fitzpatrick does look he has had his beard trimmed up a bit, but there is still plenty to shave off. In addition to wanting Fitzpatrick to shave his beard, David was also lobbying for a job as the offense coordinator of the Jets. After the Jets had a much-improved offense under Chan Gailey last season, David will likely not be considered for the job at this time. However, if David applied a few seasons ago, he might have been hired.

New York Jets
When he heard the David wanted to be the team’s offensive coordinator, Fitzpatrick pulled one of his lines from Curb Your Enthusiasm.

“Pretty, pretty good,” Fitzpatrick said, mimicking one of David’s popular lines from “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

While David certainly created some comic relief for the Jets, we shouldn’t have to worry about him becoming the offensive coordinator any time soon. For Fitzpatrick, his beard might have to watch out before the start of the season.


http://empirewritesback.com/2016/08/10/new-york-jets-will-ryan-fitzpatrick-shave-his-beard/

 

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Mo's a go: Jets activate Wilkerson from active/PUP list


Aug 9, 2016 at 9:13p ET
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) Mo's a go for individual drills. Fully participating in a practice might not be too far off.

The New York Jets activated defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson from the physically unable to perform list Tuesday after he missed the start of training camp while rehabilitating from a broken leg.

Wilkerson was limited to participating in just defensive line drills, with the next step being team drills.



''I'm glad to be off the PUP list,'' Wilkerson said after practice. ''I did some position drills and we're just taking it slow.''

He isn't expected to play in the preseason opener Thursday night against Jacksonville, but coach Todd Bowles wouldn't rule it out.

''We'll see how he looks,'' Bowles said. ''He's scheduled to play. We'll see how many plays we may give him or may not give him. He may or may not play. He's in pads. We're going to see what he does (Wednesday). We're going to let him run around a little bit. If we can steal a rep or two, we'll play him and, if not, we'll sit him out.''

Wilkerson broke his right leg in the season finale against Buffalo last December. He had a career-high 12 sacks last season and was selected for his first Pro Bowl, but couldn't play because of the injury.

He had surgery performed by Dr. Robert Anderson, a renowned Charlotte, North-Carolina-based orthopedist, during the winter. Wilkerson then spent the past several months rehabbing, posting videos throughout the offseason of an increased workload that included running on a treadmill.

''It was my first major injury, so it could be frustrating at times,'' Wilkerson said. ''With the rehab process and my teammates reaching out to me and visiting me, that helped me to just have the mental toughness. I'm just glad that process is almost over and I'm back to being a full go.''

Wilkerson's teammates and coaches were excited to have him back on the field and participating in practice after months of uncertainty. He also broke down the defensive huddle, receiving handshakes and high-fives from everyone around him.''

''It was really good,'' defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers said. ''It was uplifting.''

Wilkerson received a contract extension two weeks before training camp began, a deal worth more than $85 million that included $37 million in guarantees through the first two years.

Right tackle Breno Giacomini (back) and wide receiver Devin Smith (knee) are the Jets' only remaining players on active/PUP.

''It was good to see him out there,'' Bowles said of Wilkerson. ''He needs to get his feet under him. He's in shoulder pads for the first time in a while, so it's going to take a little while to get in shape. He bounced around pretty good, so it was good to see him in pads and a helmet.''

NOTES: Bowles said he and his assistants have not yet decided what the breakdown of playing time will be for the Jets' four quarterbacks in the preseason opener. ... WR Eric Decker returned to practice a day after sitting out with leg soreness, saying the team wanted to be smart about it. He added that he felt good throughout practice Tuesday. ... LG James Carpenter sat out with a sore leg. ... RB Matt Forte (hamstring) remains out and won't play against the Jaguars. ''There's probably a timetable, but it's definitely nowhere right now,'' Bowles said. ''We haven't even played a game yet. A lot of people get tweaks in their (hamstrings) and leg injuries and all of that. Then you wait to see until after the last preseason game to see who surfaces the next week. Matt's a pro. He's been doing this for a long time. We trust that he's going to have himself in shape.'' ... LB Trevor Reilly has a leg injury that has sidelined him the past several practices, and he won't play Thursday.

---

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/AP-NFL

 

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Jets' News 8/10

Thursday marks the one-year anniversary from when Geno Smith’s life was forever altered.

On Aug. 11, 2015, Smith was in the Jets locker room when then-teammate IK Enemkpali punched Smith, breaking his jaw and costing him his starting quarterback job.

“It feels like 10 years, 20 years,” Smith said Tuesday, when asked about the one-year mark.

What led up to the punch depends on whom you ask. What has happened since then can’t be disputed. Smith, who was expected to be the Jets’ starter for the third straight season, went to the bench. Ryan Fitzpatrick seized his opportunity, leading the team to a 10-6 record, and then re-signed on the eve of training camp, pushing Smith back to the bench. Smith’s career, which had some promising moments in its first two years along with some struggles, was derailed.

Smith does not like talking about the Enemkpali situation, trying his best to move past it. He made an exception Tuesday for several reporters who wanted to get his thoughts on the anniversary. Smith said he did not realize it had been a year until a reporter told him that.
“I don’t think about it,” he said. “It was a crazy situation, a life-defining moment. It could go one of two ways – it could make you or it could break you. It hasn’t broken me. It won’t break me ever. A situation like that won’t change my demeanor or my attitude. I know who I am. I know what I can do. I’m just trusting my instincts. I know I’ll get back in there. I just have to stay focused and keep believing and working hard and when I do, I’ll be ready for it.”

The 25-year-old Smith appears to have matured over the past year. His teammates and coaches say it, and you can tell from his public comments that he has a different outlook.

Smith spent this offseason running the first team while Fitzpatrick remained unsigned. When Fitzpatrick signed the night before camp started, Smith knew it meant he was back on the bench. The next day he told reporters that he was “pissed off.” Not at anyone, but at the situation because he wants to play. Smith said Tuesday that feeling remains.
“It’s been fuel to me every day. I’m still pissed off,” Smith said. “That’s not going to change until I get back into the saddle. I do have an understanding that it’s a team game. You do have to be respectful of your coaches and your teammates and you’ve also got to support them. That’s what I’ve been doing, all the while still progressing myself.”
Smith said he has been a starter his entire football life, so sitting on the bench has been an adjustment. He leans on his friends and family for support.

“Can I sit here and say it’s not tough? Of course it’s tough,” Smith said. “Sometimes I hate it. Sometimes it sucks. But the one thing I do is I stay focused. I don’t let my circumstances dictate my attitude. I try and be the same guy no matter what. Up or down, good or bad, I try to stay level-headed.”

Smith is eager to play Thursday night in the preseason opener against the Jaguars at MetLife Stadium. Jets coach Todd Bowles has not revealed how much each quarterback will play, but Smith will probably play the majority of the first half after Fitzpatrick and the starters get a series or two. Smith only played in one game in 2015 – in Oakland after Fitzpatrick injured his left thumb.

It has been a bumpy year for Smith, who admits it took a while after the punch for him to figure out that he had to make the best of it.

“It really did take me some time to get to this level-headedness because I’m so competitive,” Smith said. “I hate the fact that I’m not able to go out there and compete with my teammates to win championships. I’ve been doing that my entire life. I’ve been leading the way my entire life. To take a step back is kind of abnormal for me. It’s still a good thing. You can still gain something from it. Every loss is not a loss, you can gain a lesson. I’ve definitely learned a lot.”

 

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​

FLORHAM PARK— There weren't many highlights from Jets receiver Charone Peake the first two weeks of training camp.

The rookie would occasionally flash here and there, but it wasn't anything to write home about. Maybe he'd catch one long ball down the sideline, or a comeback for a 15-yard gain. To put it bluntly, Peake's camp practices paled in comparison to some of the others at his position.

On Tuesday, that wasn't the case. The rookie caught a pair of touchdowns in team drills, and made several other receptions.

Who else stood out from practice? Check out the video above for the three stars from Jets camp, Day 11.

Got to say Connor Hughes is becoming one of my favorite beat reporters. Seems to actually report what's going on with out all the hyperbole. What a novel idea

 

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What did Muhammad Wilkerson do at Jets practice? | Complete Day 11 injury report

FLORHAM PARK— Muhammad Wilkerson is back... sort of. The Jets Pro Bowl defensive end is off the physically unable to perform list, but not yet a full participant in practice.

Tuesday, Wilkerson did the team stretch, individual drills and defensive walkthrough. When the offense and defense came together, Wilkerson worked on the side with a trainer.

"I'm glad to be off the PUP list and doing some position drills," Wilkerson said on Tuesday. "We're just taking it slow. I feel good."

Wilkerson had missed organized team activities, minicamp and the first 10 training camp practices while he rehabbed from a broken leg. In the Jets' Week 17 playoff-eliminating defeat to the Buffalo Bills, Wilkerson fractured his fibula. The injury was a dark blemish on an otherwise terrific season. Wilkerson finished 2015 with 64 tackles and a career-high 12 sacks.

Just before the start of training camp, the Jets rewarded Wilkerson for his on-field production with a new five-year, $86 million contract. While the Jets aren't rushing Wilkerson back, coach Todd Bowles did leave open the possibility of him playing in the Jets' preseason opener Thursday night.

"We'll see how he looks," Bowles said. "He's scheduled to play. We'll see how many plays we may give him or may not give him. He's in pads. We're going to see what he does tomorrow. Then we're going to let him run around a little bit. If we can steal a rep or two, we'll play him. If not, we'll keep him out."

Wilkerson, when asked if he'll push the coaches to allow him on the field, sounded a bit surprised that playing was a possibility.

"I appreciate that news," Wilkerson said. "I didn't hear that."

Here's a look at the Jets' complete injury report:

Just receiver Devin Smith (knee) and right tackle Breno Giacomini (back) remain on the Jets' PUP list. When asked for an update on both, Bowles said things are still up in the air. Giacomini remains "week to week," while there is no timetable for Smith.

Speaking of Robinson (leg), he did just individual drills again Tuesday. Robinson was activated off the PUP list Monday.
Left guard James Carpenter was a notable new absence from practice Tuesday. Bowles said he's dealing with a sore leg.
Running back Matt Forte is still out with a hamstring injury. He did some individuals early last week, but did nothing on Monday or Tuesday. Bowles said there is a timetable for Forte's return, but it's nothing of concern right now.
Running back Bernard Pierce (hamstring), cornerback Dexter McDougle (hamstring), linebacker Trevor Reilly (leg), safety Ronald Martin (unknown) and tight end Wes Saxton (unknown) are all still out.

 

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Bart Scott isn't a fan of Ryan Fitzpatrick. He made that abundantly clear this offseason.

And the Jets' starting quarterback isn't out of Scott's crosshairs just yet. Only this time, the former Jets linebacker is electing to build up Fitzpatrick's backup, Geno Smith, instead of throwing shots at the bearded signal caller.

"I think it's set up perfectly for Geno Smith to come in and be the hero," Scott said Tuesday morning on the Boomer and Carton Show on WFAN.

Scott's assertion is predicated on the Jets' difficult schedule to start the year. New York will play five playoff teams the first six weeks of the season. The Buffalo Bills, the lone team that didn't qualify for the postseason, is one the Jets haven't beaten since Sept. 22, 2013.

Scott implied Fitzpatrick will struggle early, and the Jets will lose. That will lead to Fitzpatrick's benching and Smith's return to the starting lineup.

"If Geno would have started the year, [Jets fans] would be screaming for Fitz," Scott said. "If I'm Geno, I'm encouraged that I get to come out and be the hero. The most popular person on a football team is the backup quarterback.

"If [the Jets] come out and struggle because of the teams they're playing, people will start saying, 'Give Geno a shot!' He's going to get more strength because they aren't going to bench Fitzpatrick, then put him back in."

In Scott's opinion, the Jets' offense is better off with Smith under center because of the quarterback's arm strength. As has been well documented, Fitzpatrick struggles to make certain throws on the field. Smith, from a talent standpoint, can make them all.

As long as Smith can be successful in the red zone, Scott says there's no reason he can't match and exceed what Fitzpatrick did in 2015.

"I think Geno gives them an ability to use more of the field because of his big arm," Scott said. "Most people sit on [Fitzpatrick's] routes. They know he can throw the deep ball, but he has to throw it earlier which doesn't allow for much separation.

"[Eric] Decker and [Brandon] Marshall have tremendous catch radiuses. They make it look a lot better because they're sure-handed receivers. The ball doesn't have to be on point."

Arm strength aside, Fitzpatrick is coming off one of the best quarterbacking seasons in Jets franchise history. He led the team to a 10-6 record (six games better than 2014) and threw for 3,905 yards including a single-season, franchise-record 31 touchdowns.

Granted, that was throwing to Decker and Marshall. Smith never had the luxury of playing with those two, absent a few quarters in Oakland last year.
"He had Clyde Gates," Scott said.

 

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Jets need Ryan Fitzpatrick to get up to speed quickly

When Ryan Fitzpatrick ended his long contract stalemate and finally rejoined the Jets, he could feel the rust on his 33-year-old body. But it's been nearly two weeks since the quarterback signed his one-year, $12 million contract.

The time for patience is over. Fitzpatrick's rust better be gone.

Yes, it's still early in the preseason -- the opener doesn't take place until Thursday night -- but the bar is set pretty high for Fitzpatrick and the Jets this season. He's coming off the finest year of his career, and he drove the Jets to a 10-6 record and a near-miss of the playoffs. This summer is about building on that, so he and the team can take another step forward.

Even offensive coordinator Chan Gailey made it clear he won't baby his quarterback just because Fitzpatrick wasn't there when the offense was being re-installed all offseason.

"I evaluate him on the curve that he left at, not on the curve assuming that he missed some things," Gailey said on Tuesday. "I don't want to short-change him. I don't want that to be an excuse for anybody. A lot of people miss time, but you've got to pick it up and go."

Fitzpatrick absolutely has to do that because this Jets team is built to make a run now. They have most of the key pieces back from a defense that ranked fourth in the NFL last season. They've got a terrific 1-2 punch at receiver in Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker and the same will be true at running back if Matt Forte (hamstring) can ever get on the field.

And if Fitzpatrick can duplicate what he did last season, they have the quarterback, too. He was outstanding in 2015, completing 59.6 percent of his passes for 3,905 yards, 31 touchdowns and just 15 interceptions. Yeah, he blew it with three interceptions in the Jets' costly finale in Buffalo, but without Fitzpatrick's season-long brilliance they don't even get that close.

So now they have to hope that the long contract squabble that kept him away from mini-camp and all the spring practices wasn't costly. There are new plays and new concepts in their ever-evolving offense, and even Fitzpatrick conceded he has been slightly behind.

"They definitely had a few plays where I felt like a rookie again because I stumbled the first few times I tried to call the play, because a lot of this stuff is so ingrained in me," he said. "But I picked up on it."

Physically it seems like he's picked right back up too after that rough and rusty first day.

"It truly is like riding a bike," he said. "I was able to get out there and lube it up a little bit and throw some oil in there and it works just fine now. The surprise is there really hasn't been much soreness or anything. I think that's really a good thing."

"He's done pretty well," Gailey said. "We tried to really limit his throws early. He's coming along well. He's seeing things well. He's rusty on some things that we put in, but other than that I think we're all right."

They need to be, and soon, because there is no learning curve for this offense. The Jets' offense ranked 10th in the NFL last season. Their passing offense ranked 13th. And they expect those numbers to increase as they make a playoff run this year.

That doesn't mean Fitzpatrick needs to be on top of his game now, especially in the one or two relatively meaningless series he'll play in the Jets' relatively meaningless preseason game on Thursday night. There's still a month and four games to go before the opener. There definitely is time.

But the progress has to be forward, and they need to be picking up where they left off last season. That's what everyone expects.

"I think it takes time no matter what, whether you've been going at it for six months or you haven't," Decker said. "I feel like with our experience last year, with the knowledge we have, we can go on at a good rate. He's a smart football player."

Yes he is. And last year he proved he was a good one -- better than a lot of people around the NFL thought. For the Jets' sake, he needs to be that player again this season. And he needs to play like his long absence never happened. He has to play like he never left.

 

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Bryce Petty wants to “Brett Favre it”

The Jets have four quarterbacks on the roster. Presumably, one of them won’t be on the roster by Week One. Conventional wisdom is that, between Geno Smith and Bryce Petty, one is getting a Water Pik and the other is getting a pink slip.

Petty is determined to win the Water Pik.

“Light it up? Hell yeah. That’s what I want to do,” Petty told Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. “I don’t want to make execution sound boring or sound lame. I want to go in there and Brett Favre it. Just do amazing things. That’s the way I feel you kind of have to be. There’s got to be some inspiring plays in there and some things that make them say, ‘Wow! Did you see Bryce?’ That’s what I want them to say, [but] I don’t want to play outside of the execution and try to [force] things. Just let things work, but at the same time, I want to ball out, for sure.”

Petty will need to do something to improve his current status on the team. Third on the depth chart ahead of second-round rookie Christian Hackenberg, Petty is the guy currently in the most danger of being released.

“It’s hard to look at that, because I feel as soon as I start looking at that stuff, then I’ll have a negative perception coming in,” Petty said. “I want to be in a positive mindset. So I try not to think of totem poles. I try not to do any of that. I’m just trying to do what I know to do, what I’ve built my foundation on: Work, work, work. Keep my nose to the grindstone. . . . So if it doesn’t happen [and I get cut], at least I can say, ’Hey, I gave it all I got.’”

The opportunity is there for Petty, especially with Fitzpatrick and Smith not under contract beyond 2016. Then again, if the Jets thought highly of Petty, they wouldn’t have draft Hackenberg, and they wouldn’t have brought back Fitzpatrick.

Either way, it’ll be interesting to see what Petty can do, if he indeed intends to go out and play with the kind of Favre-style abandon that can result in plenty of good things, but also in plenty of bad things.

 

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Where are Jets in NFL preseason power rankings?

The Jets open their preseason schedule Thursday night at home against the Jaguars. But before that, how about some more power rankings?

Surely, you are at least somewhat sick of these dopey things by now. How can you not be, at this point in the offseason?

But if you're at all interested, NFL Media's Elliot Harrison has rolled out some more power rankings.

He placed the Jets 15th, nine spots higher than where he had them in early May.

Why? Well, here's why, according to Harrison:

Huge leap for the Jets, mostly due to Ryan Fitzpatrick returning to the fold. He even trimmed his hair, transitioning from a Pantene mountain man who believes in leave-in conditioner to the bass player of a metal band in Cleveland. (Those dudes are all going high and tight now. No more Whitesnake.) As far as the Marshall-Revis skirmish ... Need I remind you that Rocky and Apollo not only made up, but wore short shorts together.

Extra points for spicing this up with some clever/snarky pop culture references.

Do you agree with Harrison's ranking of the Jets? Disagree? Don't care, and would rather listen to Whitesnake than read more power rankings? However you feel, sound off in the comments.

 

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Jets' Ryan Fitzpatrick responds to annual ESPN QB poll that had him ranked 25th

Ryan Fitzpatrick was dripping with sarcasm upon hearing the news that ESPN had just released its annual quarterback rankings, fully aware that he wasn’t going to sniff the respect reserved for the usual suspects.

“Where was I?!” he asked with faux excitement.

When I broke the news that 42 unnamed league insiders comprised of coaches and front office executives concluded that he was the NFL’s 25th best quarterback, his sarcasm went into overdrive.

“That’s pretty typical, right?” Fitzpatrick told me. “It’s amazing that I’ve been the worst quarterback in the league for the last 11 years and somehow I’m still in the league. It’s amazing how that happens, but it happens every year.”

Technically, there were eight signal callers below Fitzpatrick (more on them later) in the four-tiered rating system. Fitzpatrick was near the bottom of Tier 3 described as a “legit starter, but needs heavy run game/defense to win.”

Fitzpatrick, who will start Thursday’s preseason opener against the Jaguars after missing the entire offseason due to a protracted contract stalemate, has been called much worse. His mindset, however, hasn’t changed: He’ll forever be supremely confident regardless of perception.

“Let’s say each team puts their top three quarterbacks out there: 32 teams, 96 quarterbacks,” Fitzpatrick said. “And you line us up all in shorts and you put ski masks on us and have us throw. I’m going to be in the 90th or lower (percentile), I’m sure.”

“But I almost pride myself on that, because I’m not a Combine guy,” he continued. “I’m not a guy that got recruited out of high school. I’m not a guy that was a first-round pick. I’m not a coveted free agent. I’m just a guy that comes in and works my tail off and tries to do my job.”

He’s also the perfect quarterback for Todd Bowles right now given the roster makeup. He makes the most sense for a veteran team. He’s always made the most sense for the Jets.

He doesn’t want to classify himself even though Brandon Marshall has labeled him an “elite” quarterback coming off his 3,905-yard, 31-touchdown season.

“Brandon is in the world of the media,” Fitzpatrick said. “He loves tagging words and giving you guys stories. But I don’t care.”

Fitzpatrick doesn’t have the resume or jewelry like ESPN’s three-man top tier (Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger), but some of the quarterbacks ranked ahead of him are head scratchers.

Fitzpatrick is too classy to pick apart the final rankings, but I’m certainly not.

These league insiders almost certainly factored in long-term upside, but the order is a highly debatable.

At least the pollsters had the good sense to rate Fitzpatrick higher than Tyrod Taylor (unproven), Brock Osweiler (rich), Sam Bradford (physically/mentally brittle), Colin Kaepernick (regressing), Blaine Gabbert (Blaine Gabbert), Mark Sanchez (turnover prone), Robert Griffin III (underachieving/injury prone/logo) and Case Keenum (lost).

It all serves as fuel for Fitzpatrick, who plays with a belief that he’s one of the best at his profession.

“It’s not just me,” Fitzpatrick said. “I need to have everybody on this team believing that when we get the ball – whether it’s a two-minute drive or at the end of the game – that I’m the guy they want to be there and I’m the guy that’s going to lead the team to a win. The most important thing is that belief that it’s going to happen. At the end of the year last year, that started coming. Maybe there were some situations early in the year, where we just didn’t capitalize. Then we got on a nice roll at the end of the year. But you’ve got to prove that over and over and over again every year.”

There’s plenty of room for growth even at 33. He wants and needs to be more accurate after completing only 59.6 percent of his passes. “Not acceptable,” Fitzpatrick said. “I need to be above 60, I know that. The completion percentage has to come up.”

He aims to improve on third downs and in the red zone. He wants to take fewer sacks, which is as much a product of his offensive line play as anything else. He also hopes not to take off and run as much a year after he required in-season thumb surgery thanks to a Week 3 scramble in Oakland.

“I always think to myself that I need to run less, but it just depends. If it’s a good look…” Fitzpatrick said before pausing. “I’ll try to be a little more careful this year, because I don’t want to play one handed again.”

Fitzpatrick is too valuable for a team ready to win now. His first season with his sixth team showed plenty of promise. Only five quarterbacks won more regular-season games than he did in 2015. He firmly believes his best is on the horizon.

Perception fuels him. It even makes him laugh from time to time.

 

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Jalin Marshall Will Get a Shot to be the Jets Returner

New York Jets undrafted rookie wide receiver Jalin Marshall has been making a name for himself ever since mini camp this past spring. It is always a long shot for undrafted rookies to make a team, but Marshall appears to have a good shot of doing just that. While it is unlikely that he will play a major role on offense, there is one side of the ball where he will get the opportunity to make a big impact.

Special Teams has long been known as the way for young players to make their mark and earn a spot on the team. Normally this is on coverage teams, but with the Jets struggling the past few years to find an answer to their punt and kick returner woes, Marshall is going to get a shot to make a difference with the ball in his hands. Earlier this week head coach Todd Bowles said that Marshall is going to be splitting first tem punt return duties in the first preseason game against the Jaguars tomorrow night with Jeremy Ross.

There are currently four receivers who have locked up roster spots in Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, Quincy Enunwa, and Kenbrell Thompkins. If Marshall is able to prove that he is capable of handling return duties, it will give him a great shot at earning one of the final two spots on the roster. The fact that his former teammate at Ohio State Devin Smith is doubtful to be ready for the start of the season opens the window for a roster spot even further for Marshall.

This spring Marshall went undrafted after deciding to leave Ohio State following his red shirt sophomore season. Marshall has been making flashy plays ever since the Jets signed him as a priority rookie free agent. The coaching staff has been very impressed with what he has done in practice, but as Bowles has already said several times this summer, it only really matters if he prove that he can do it once the bright lights come on. Marshall has full confidence that he will rise to the occasion once he finally lines up against people in different color jerseys. Pointing out how when playing at Ohio State, the spotlight is always on you.

Thursday Marshall will finally get the chance to back that confidence up. With the starters going to be playing very little in this first preseason game, Marshall will get plenty of opportunities to prove his worth on offense as well as on special teams. So fans tuning in for Gang Green’s first tune up game should make sure to keep an eye on #89 in green and white.

 

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Carter Adding Speed to Defense

General manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles wanted a faster defense in 2016 and linebacker Bruce Carter fits the mold.

“At the linebacker position, most of the time you get guys who are real big run stuffers, but the game has changed to more of a passing game,” Carter said. “You have to have guys who can go out there and cover, run, be fast, blitz, get sacks and do everything. That’s really what a linebacker is. That’s what I really bring and I feel like Coach Bowles believes in me as a player to help this team.”

One of five ‘backers in the NFL to record at least five interceptions since 2008, Carter’s speed and coverage ability attracted the Jets. The UNC product picked off the quarterback a career-high five times in 2014 as a member of the Cowboys and even took one to the house.

“Obviously tackles for loss are always great,” he said. “But when you get an interception, it really changes the game. It gives the offense another possession to score. I’m kind of 50/50 on which I like more, but it all comes with the job.”

The 6’2”, 240-pounder may be recognized more for his speed, but his versatility is not overlooked. He has been working primarily with the second team alongside rookie Darron Lee. Carter led a goal line stand in Saturday’s practice, stuffing running back Romar Morris behind the line of scrimmage on first down. Now, however, he’s ready for some fresh meat.

“I’m pumped, I can’t wait,” he said in regard to Thursday’s preseason opener against Jacksonville. “We’ve been hitting each other for so long it’s kind of getting old. So being able to hit somebody else is going to be great.”