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Jets training camp preview: Five issues facing Gang Green in 2015
BY SETH WALDER NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Saturday, July 25, 2015, 3:30 PM A A A
Darrelle Revis is back with Gang Green and his camp battle with Brandon Marshall will be a highlight.
After loading up on veteran starters this offseason, the Jets have retained their intrigue even after the firing of Rex Ryan. Yet again, there’s optimism surrounding the Jets because of their acquisitions, despite the team’s dreadful 4-12 season of a year ago.
Jets players report to Todd Bowles’ first training camp on Wednesday. Unlike most years under Ryan, the Jets are staying at home in Florham Park for camp instead of traveling north to Cortland.
Here are five questions facing the team as it heads into camp:
How ready is Leonard Williams?
The Jets completely eschewed need in their first-round selection of Williams, who joins an already exceptional group of defensive linemen. He wasn’t expected to start when he was drafted, but after Sheldon Richardson was suspended four games for marijuana use, the youngster will have to step up right away.
Even if Williams, who was touted as one of the absolute best prospects in the draft learns quickly, it will be hard to replace the production of Richardson, who made it to the Pro Bowl as an alternate last year. It will be interesting to see how Bowles handles the defensive line rotation when he returns.
What happens if Geno Smith struggles in the preseason?
Seriously, what happens? Because Chan Gailey himself made it sound like even that wouldn’t be grounds for a benching. Asked in May about the possibility of Smith losing the starting quarterback job, the offensive coordinator said, “Just like anybody else in the NFL, if you don’t play well over a period of time you could. But not in preseason, not in practices.”
That could put the Jets in a tough spot, because Smith hasn’t played well enough in the last two seasons to earn a lot of leeway, and if Smith is being significantly outplayed by Ryan Fitzpatrick, fans — and maybe some teammates — could quickly get restless looking for a change.
Todd Bowles begins his first training camp in charge of the Jets.
JULIO CORTEZ/AP
Todd Bowles begins his first training camp in charge of the Jets.
What will change under Bowles?
One thing, it seems, is that he will run a tighter ship. Players certainly loved Ryan, but it became clear that the Jets could have used a little more discipline last season. There were issues with lateness (involving at least Geno Smith and Calvin Pryor) and players such as Jace Amaro and Willie Colon mentioned that tardiness and accountability were issues with the Jets last year.
Expect a greater disciplinarian in Bowles, who is still well-liked by players despite a seemingly stricter attitude. It will be interesting to see how Bowles responds early on if a situation arises that calls for discipline.
Who will play right guard?
This is the one position that seems like it’s really up for grabs. Colon, the incumbent, is returning, but as an aging veteran who is flagged often, it might be hard for him to hold on to the job. Challenging for the spot are Oday Aboushi, Brian Winters and Brent Qvale.
Who will win in practice, the receivers or the corners?
This isn’t so much an issue as it simply will be a spectacle. Fans and teammates in Florham Park will be treated to quite the set of showdowns during team drills, when, for example, Brandon Marshall squares off against Darrelle Revis. Eric Decker against Antonio Cromartie ought to be a fun battle to watch as well.
BY SETH WALDER NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Saturday, July 25, 2015, 3:30 PM A A A
Darrelle Revis is back with Gang Green and his camp battle with Brandon Marshall will be a highlight.
After loading up on veteran starters this offseason, the Jets have retained their intrigue even after the firing of Rex Ryan. Yet again, there’s optimism surrounding the Jets because of their acquisitions, despite the team’s dreadful 4-12 season of a year ago.
Jets players report to Todd Bowles’ first training camp on Wednesday. Unlike most years under Ryan, the Jets are staying at home in Florham Park for camp instead of traveling north to Cortland.
Here are five questions facing the team as it heads into camp:
How ready is Leonard Williams?
The Jets completely eschewed need in their first-round selection of Williams, who joins an already exceptional group of defensive linemen. He wasn’t expected to start when he was drafted, but after Sheldon Richardson was suspended four games for marijuana use, the youngster will have to step up right away.
Even if Williams, who was touted as one of the absolute best prospects in the draft learns quickly, it will be hard to replace the production of Richardson, who made it to the Pro Bowl as an alternate last year. It will be interesting to see how Bowles handles the defensive line rotation when he returns.
What happens if Geno Smith struggles in the preseason?
Seriously, what happens? Because Chan Gailey himself made it sound like even that wouldn’t be grounds for a benching. Asked in May about the possibility of Smith losing the starting quarterback job, the offensive coordinator said, “Just like anybody else in the NFL, if you don’t play well over a period of time you could. But not in preseason, not in practices.”
That could put the Jets in a tough spot, because Smith hasn’t played well enough in the last two seasons to earn a lot of leeway, and if Smith is being significantly outplayed by Ryan Fitzpatrick, fans — and maybe some teammates — could quickly get restless looking for a change.
Todd Bowles begins his first training camp in charge of the Jets.
JULIO CORTEZ/AP
Todd Bowles begins his first training camp in charge of the Jets.
What will change under Bowles?
One thing, it seems, is that he will run a tighter ship. Players certainly loved Ryan, but it became clear that the Jets could have used a little more discipline last season. There were issues with lateness (involving at least Geno Smith and Calvin Pryor) and players such as Jace Amaro and Willie Colon mentioned that tardiness and accountability were issues with the Jets last year.
Expect a greater disciplinarian in Bowles, who is still well-liked by players despite a seemingly stricter attitude. It will be interesting to see how Bowles responds early on if a situation arises that calls for discipline.
Who will play right guard?
This is the one position that seems like it’s really up for grabs. Colon, the incumbent, is returning, but as an aging veteran who is flagged often, it might be hard for him to hold on to the job. Challenging for the spot are Oday Aboushi, Brian Winters and Brent Qvale.
Who will win in practice, the receivers or the corners?
This isn’t so much an issue as it simply will be a spectacle. Fans and teammates in Florham Park will be treated to quite the set of showdowns during team drills, when, for example, Brandon Marshall squares off against Darrelle Revis. Eric Decker against Antonio Cromartie ought to be a fun battle to watch as well.