Ralph Vacchiano|Facebook|Twitter|Archive
New Jets defensive coordinatorGregg Williamssaid this week that he hasn't really started bringing the pressure with his play-calls yet.
All that changed on Thursday night.
Actually, it didn't matter because he was getting plenty of pressure from his defensive line, but Williams turned up the heat in the second game of the preseason. The Jets were all over Falcons quarterbackMatt Ryanin a 22-10 win in Atlanta. They sacked him three times on the 17 times he dropped back to pass, and pressured him on almost every other pass. He was still 10 of 14 for 118 yards thanks to his talent and a porous Jets secondary. But by the time he left, one thing was clear:
This Jets team can really bring the heat.
A lot of it came from the dynamic duo ofHenry Andersonand rookieQuinnen Williams, both of whom were dominant at times against the Falcons - an impressive feat considering linemateLeonard Williamsmissed the game thanks to a hip injury that limited his practice time this week. Neither had a sack, but they were close on a number of occasions. Williams had one play where he took out former Giants guardJamon Brownwith one violent shove, just sending him several steps back and to the ground. It was a heck of a display of power from the rookie.
It wasn't just the starters, either. When Anderson and Williams went out, third-year proBronson Kaufusi brought the pressure, causing enough chaos to helpBrandon CopelandandAvery Williamsonrip off back-to-back sacks.
The other Jets sack of Ryan came on a big blitz up the middle from safetyJamal Adams. Expect to see a lot of that this season, as Gregg Williams unlocks all the things he believes Adams can do.
It was an impressive display, regardless of the circumstances. Williams probably dialed up the blitzes to see if he could make up for all the problems in the Jets' secondary - problems that Ryan exposed anyway. It's doubtful he unveiled all his tricks, of course, and it appeared that most of blitzes were fairly simple.
If that's true, then this was a great sign of things to come for when he finally really does bring the pressure he wants to bring.
Here are a few other takeaways from the Jets' second preseason game …
- Jets QBSam Darnoldhad another fine preseason outing. He completed five of seven passes for 47 yards. But the numbers weren't the impressive part. What stood out is how he did it - under relatively constant pressure behind a patchwork offensive line. Darnold was missing four of the five starters in front of him, and it showed on nearly every play. Yet the pressure didn't rattle him. And it didn't stop him from making plays. He is fantastic at eluding the rush, getting out of the pocket and still getting the ball to his receivers. His field awareness is off-the-charts. His footwork is outstanding. And his speed is a little underrated. He's not exactly a running quarterback, but he showed again that he can make plays on the run.
-Adam Gaseis determined to proveRobby Andersonis more than just a deep threat, and he showed a little bit of that against the Falcons. Anderson caught a first-down pass on a beautiful back-shoulder throw from Darnold on the first drive. And later, he caught a slant over the middle on which he took a brutal (and possibly helmet-to-helmet) hit. Yet he held on and got up trash talking. That showed a lot of toughness.
- When the regular season begins it will surely be theLe'Veon BellShow (more on that below), but the Jets would be wise to use the versatileTy Montgomeryas much as possible. He had a nice game (7 carries, 36 yards) and showed his awareness on a one-yard touchdown run that looked like it was supposed to go up the middle, but ended with him seeing nothing there and bouncing outside.
- New kickerTaylor Bertoletpicked up where old kickerChandler Catanzaroleft off, by missing not one, but TWO extra points. Ugh. The Jets like Bertolet, but he missed those two and barely snuck a 49-yard field goal inside the upright. He's not likely to retire, but the Jets are almost certainly going to either shove him out the door on Monday or bring in someone to compete with him. Probably the latter. But it's a good bet at this point that their Opening Day kicker isn't on their roster. And the fact that the Jets are a mind-boggling 1 for 5 on extra points this preseason is also a reminder that the Jets had a Pro Bowl kicker a year ago, but GMMike Maccagnandidn't re-sign him and he eventually got a four-year, $15 million deal from Seattle. That decision looks worse and worse.
- RTBrandon Shellwas a late scratch with a knee injury, thrusting rookieChuma Edogainto the starting lineup. He had a lot of trouble with Falcons LBVic Beasley, who frustrated him with his speed and at times simply overpowered him. He'll get better. It's a great learning experience, if nothing else.
- RBLe'Veon Belldid not play again, and might not play at all this preseason. He's certainly not playing in the fourth game, so it's either next Saturday against the Saints or not at all. The Jets are obviously being very careful and taking it slow with their $52.5 million star, but either way it's a gamble. Bell's last game was Jan. 14, 2018 - 19 months ago. He says he feels refreshed after his year off, but there's just no way to know how his body will respond to football until he actually plays. No, they don't want to get him hurt before he's ready. But they will certainly play him on Sept. 8, and ideally they'd want his body to have at least gotten used to the pounding a little by then. It might be worth a few snaps next Saturday night and a few plays, even if they just have him run some routes as a decoy.
Highlights
Sam back shoulder to Robby 🤤
(via@nyjets)pic.twitter.com/Tl6Oo5gVGo
- Jets Videos (@snyjets)August 15, 2019
Quinnen Williams is a BEAST.pic.twitter.com/35saBvREd3
- Jets Videos (@snyjets)August 16, 2019
What's next
The Saints march in to MetLife Stadium next Saturday for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff against the Jets.
Tags:
Avery Williamson, Brandon Copeland, Jamal Adams, Leonard Williams, Robby Anderson, Sam Darnold,
Ralph Vacchiano
The Jets wide receiver room doesn't exactly scare anyone from top-to-bottom, but there's talent.
The top-three targets for quarterbackSam Darnoldon the outside areRobby Anderson,Jamison CrowderandQuincy Enunwa. In that group, New York head coachAdam Gasedoesn't want or see football players.
Instead, Gase wants basketball players, and he thinks he's got them.
Tags:
Jamison Crowder, Quincy Enunwa, Robby Anderson, Sam Darnold
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The Jets continue their preseason schedule on Thursday night on the road against the Falcons in Atlanta. Their first game was a loss in the "Snoopy Bowl" to the Giants, something they're looking to bounce back from tonight.
It will definitely be a tough task to do so, especially when you consider one big strength and one big weakness for the Falcons and Jets respectively.
Last season, the Falcons -- led by Matt Ryan on the offensive side of the ball -- were a pass-heavy team. That's not to say the rest of the NFL hasn't turned into that, but the Falcons did better than most teams. They finished fourth in passing offense for the regular season with 209.8 yards per game.
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Trumaine Johnson,
Scott Thompson
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The Jets' hottest new commodity in Le'Veon Bell is still getting acclimated to his new team. He was absent from most of the team's offseason voluntary workouts as he continued his routine of working out in Miami to prepare for the new season.
But, since Bell has been at training camp for the past few weeks, his new Jets teammates are learning what the dynamic running back is like on and off the field.
In between the hashes, Bell is the exact same player that he was when we last saw him: a patient yet explosive back that knows how to read defenses and make his opponents miss. He didn't show that against the Giants in preseason Week 1 as he sat out, but there have been spurts at practice where he's shown his mastery with the ball in his hands.
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Avery Williamson, Kelvin Beachum, Le'Veon Bell
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From Alabama to New Jersey
00:00:32
Quinnen Williams may turn some heads when you hear how the Jets defensive tackle thinks New Jersey is just like Alabama.
As Quinnen Williams gets acclimated to his new team, the Jets first-rounder is also getting used to his new surroundings.
Sitting down alongside his D-linemate Leonard Williams and SNY's Jeane Coakley, Quinnen Williams admitted that he has never been this far north. He has been in Alabama his entire life, growing up in Birmingham and playing in Tuscaloosa.
But Quinnen Williams is slowly learning how cool New York City and New Jersey can be. And maybe one day soon Leonard Williams will take him out on the town...
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Leonard Williams
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Darnold talks Gase relationship
00:01:33
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold discusses the relationship he has with new head coach Adam Gase and what's he's learned from him.
Sam Darnoldhad an impressive preseason debut last Thursday, and that may have a lot to do with his relationship with head coachAdam Gase.
The second-year quarterback was recently asked to describe what he enjoys the most about getting to know his new head coach, and Darnold explained that Gase has offered him advice pertaining to both on the field and off of it.
"He's crazy in the best way. I think we all are," Darnold said about his head coach. "You've got to be a little crazy in this profession, and it's fun to be able to gameplan with him, talk about football, but the coolest thing is being able to talk to him about things outside football - family life, friends and family, all of that kind of stuff."
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Sam Darnold
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After the Jets lost their top cornerback inTrumaine Johnsonfollowing Sunday's practice, GMJoe Douglasmoved swiftly to help fill the void.
The Jets signed seventh-year veteran Marcus Cooper,the team announced on Tuesday, waiving tight endNick Truesdellto create room.
The Detroit Lions cut Cooper on Monday.
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Jamal Adams
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Ralph Vacchiano|Facebook|Twitter|Archive
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The Jets knew the cornerback position was their biggest flaw, even beforeTrumaine Johnsoninjured his hamstring at practice on Sunday. They were shorthanded from the start at one of the most important positions in football.
Now, with Johnson out for the foreseeable future -- "I don't think it's going to be months,"Adam Gasesaid, "but I mean, we'll see." -- the situation is dire.
Tags:
Brian Poole, Jamal Adams, Parry Nickerson, Trumaine Johnson,
Ralph Vacchiano
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Williams on competition at camp
00:01:25
Gregg Williams says if you have to tell players they need to be competitive then they're not the right players, and high praise for Quinnen.
The Jets' intensity level at training camp thus far has been through the roof, and that's always a good sight when there is so much change going on with a franchise. Head coach Adam Gase is setting the tone early on with his offensive group, and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is doing the same with his unit.
When those competitive juices do get flowing at practice, the Jets have seen a scuffle or two occur on the gridiron.
And that's perfectly fine for Williams in particular. Speaking after practice on Tuesday, Williams explained to the media that he loves his highly-competitive group, and the fights and arguments at practice will happen when everyone is competing for a job on the 53-man roster.
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Jamal Adams
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Namath on Darnold's improvement
00:01:10
New York Jets Hall of Fame QB Joe Namath discusses the expectations and improvement he's seen in starting quarterback Sam Darnold.
If there's anyone who knows what it takes to play quarterback for the Jets, it's probably the man who was under center for the team's lone Super Bowl appearance and victory.
And Joe Namath continues to be impressed by the player who is now taking snaps for Gang Green some 50 years later,Sam Darnold.
"I liked what I saw of him physically when he was at Southern Cal before he got here," Namath said. "When he got here, I liked what the coaches and players had to say about him.
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Sam Darnold
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Following the first week of the exhibition season in the NFL, the optimism surrounding both of New York's football teams is through the roof.
The Jets'Sam Darnold led a single drive that was near perfect, as the second-year pro was 4-for-5 passing with a touchdown. The Giants' once looked down upon rookie QB inDaniel Joneswas one pass better, as he was 5-for-5 passing with a touchdown.
So... Jets vs. Giants Super Bowl?
Tags:
Sam Darnold
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Joe Douglas' go-to Karaoke song
00:00:52
Jeane Coakley finds out that Joe Douglas and Adam Gase might sing Pearl Jam and Take Me Home, Country Roads as their Karaoke choices.
For players, coaches and general managers alike, training camp is a grind. Between meetings, workouts and practices, it can sometimes seem the work never stops. So, every now and then, who doesn't need to blow off some steam and belt it out at karaoke night?
Well,Adam Gase, for one. The Jets head coach told SNY'sJeane Coakleythat he'd "never be asked to do karaoke and would decline if he was." But general manager Joe Douglas takes Gase for a grunge guy, saying he could "crush" Pearl Jam, given the opportunity.
Douglas is more of a low-key, country-western guy himself, tapping Kenny Rogers' "The Gambler" and John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" as his specialties when he gets the mic.
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Jets quarterbackSam Darnoldsaid following his team's preseason opener against the Giants last week that he's hoping the first-team offense gave fans a "taste" of what's to come in 2019.
The second-year QB was 4-for-5 passing in the game with a touchdown pass. Running backLe'Veon Belldidn't play in the game and the starters only played one series. Regardless, the group left a good impression.
The Jets will continue their exhibition season on Thursday against the Falcons and head coachAdam Gaserevealed that the team will probably give fans a bigger taste than it did in Week 1.
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Sam Darnold
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The Jets have a favorite for the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year Award in running backLe'Veon Bell.
BetOnline recently released odds for the honor, and Bell is tied with 49ers quarterbackJimmy Garoppoloas the favorite to win the award at 4/1 odds.
Bell, 27, would be a true comeback, as he signed a four-year deal worth $52.5 million and $35 million guaranteed this offseason after sitting out the entire 2018 season while looking for a new contract from the Steelers.
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Le'Veon Bell
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Bent, theJetsBlog.comFollow on Twitter
Entering training camp, cornerback was viewed as one of the weakest positions on the Jets' roster. Many viewDarryl Roberts, who started five games at cornerback last year and another five at free safety, as an inadequate option to start across fromTrumaine Johnson. Johnson, of course, had his own issues with injuries and insubordination last year, too.
In the first preseason game, Roberts and Johnson weren't tested in their brief appearance. However, concern intensified about the depth on the roster, as the second unit struggled badly.Derrick Jones, who was released the next day, was burned for a long catch andParry Nickersongave up a number of catches, including one that went for a 51-yard touchdown. RookieKyron Brownalso had a bad mistake that led to a 22-yard gain as he sought to jump the route on a pass to the slot receiver, leaving his man open on the outside.
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Trumaine Johnson
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When the Jets took the practice field on Monday, there was a bit of a change at cornerback.
WhileDarryl Roberts have been the starting corner on the right side with the first-teamers thus far, undrafted rookie Kyron Brown out of Akron was opposite him. And Brown was exposed early on during team drills, as Robby Anderson flat out beat him on a crossing route for a 40-yard gain.
The reason Brown was in with the first team to begin with was due to Trumaine Johnson's hamstring injury that now has him out indefinitely. The Jets were already short when it comes to cornerback depth.
Tags:
Jamal Adams,
Scott Thompson
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Already thin at cornerback, the Jets suffered another blow within the position group Sunday.
CornerbackTrumaine Johnsoninjured his hamstring, head coachAdam Gasetold reportersfollowing practice, after intercepting quarterback Sam Darnold and running it back.
Johnson, who battled a quad injury in 2018 on the way to 10 appearances 40 tackles and four interceptions, is out indefinitely.
Tags:
Brian Poole, Trumaine Johnson
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Maye returns to practice
00:01:01
Jets safety Marcus Maye and Head Coach Adam Gase on Maye's return to practice after being sidelined since last season by a shoulder injury
Early Sunday morning,the Jets announcedthat starting safetyMarcus Mayehad been removed from the Physically Unable to Perform List. The 2017 second round pick out of Florida had been out with nerve damage in his shoulder. When asked by media how it feels to be back, he responded with pleasure.
"It felt great, it's been a long process, but just getting out there running around and getting the feel of things, being out there with the guys, definitely feels good to be back," Maye said.
Maye was then asked if the process to getting back healthy has taken longer than he thought it would. "Yeah, but it wasn't in my control, nothing we could do about it," Maye said. "You just have to put your head down and go to work everyday, keep the same mindset knowing that it's going to get better and knowing the time is coming."
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Marcus Maye
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Darnold talks toughest critic
00:02:34
SNY's Jeane Coakley talks with Jets QB Sam Darnold about his toughest critic and learning discipline at a young age
For most quarterbacks, being your own worst critic comes with the job title. But for Sam Darnold, he definitely has some outside critiques that get to him.
SNY's Jeane Coakley sat down with Darnold, who explained how head coach Adam Gase as well as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains are always chirping to him whenever they can. Entering his sophomore season, the Jets believe Darnold is their quarterback of the future, but tapping Darnold's true potential is what Gase and his staff are looking to do.
And with that comes some constructive criticism -- nothing Darnold can't handle. He tells Coakley how he's become such a coachable player over the years, and it starts with a lesson from his mom at 12 years old...
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Sam Darnold
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Jets K Chandler Catanzaro has been struggling this training camp, and instead of letting the team decide what to do with him, he made the choice for them by retiring.
Reports have been surfacing that Catanzaro wasn't consistent at training camp, and it spilled over into the first preseason game against the Giants on Thursday night. The veteran only hit one of his three extra-point attempts, but knocked in his only field goal at 34 yards. After missing his first PAT, his second was a straight shank that left Jets fans scratching their heads.
Announcing his early retirement, Catanzaro's career ends after six NFL seasons. He began his time in the league with the Cardinals, where he would spend his first three seasons. He, then, made his way to the Jets in 2017, a season where he hit 25-of-30 field goals and made all 29 of his extra-point attempts.
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Chandler Catanzaro
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The Jets brought back kickerChandler Catanzarothis offseason, but the team could already be looking to replace him.
Catanzaro, 28, missed two extra points in the Jets' preseason opening loss to the Giants on Thursday.
TheNew York Daily Newsreports that the Jets will now hold workouts with kickers on Saturday, potentially to compete with Catanzaro as training camp rolls on. Potential kickers working out for the Jets include former All-ProBlair Walsh,Chris Blewittand the Jets could be interested in Kaare Vedvik.
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The Jets signed tight endNick Truesdellon Saturday and released another formerMike Maccagnandraft pick in cornerbackDerrick Jones.
Trusedell returns to the Jets having signed with the team on Aug. 4. His first tenure with the Green & White only lasted two days before he was released to make room for offensive linemanAlex Lewis, who the Jets traded for.
Trusedell has bounced around indoor football leagues and landed on the Colts for a short stint in 2016. The 29-year-old was also cut by the Vikings in 2017 and played in the recently defunct AAF with the Salt Lake Stallions.
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Millennials and YouTube
00:00:58
Quinnen Williams: "I got the money, I got the face, I got the brains" when it comes to running a business and learning from YouTube.
Quinnen Williams' NFL career with the Jets is just beginning, but that doesn't mean the rookie isn't thinking about life after football.
The Jets defensive tackle spoke about how he's taking time to learn to save his money, and how he thinks he could have a career in the business world after football.
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Ralph Vacchiano|Facebook|Twitter|Archive
The first pass he threw was nearly a disaster - an ill-advised dart into double coverage that went off Giants safetyJabril Peppers' hands. That would've been a heck of a way forSam Darnoldto start off what could be his breakthrough season.
"That was really dangerous," Darnold said later. "First pass under Coach Gase was almost a pick -- almost a pick six.
"(We're) really trying to limit those. But it was a close call."
Tags:
Sam Darnold,
Ralph Vacchiano
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Crab cakes and lobster tail?
00:00:37
Jeane Coakley talks off-the-field subjects with Joe Douglas and Adam Gase. Are they wine or beer guys, and is tequila in the mix?
Joe DouglasandAdam Gasehave a history together dating back to their time in Chicago.
Now that they're reunited with the Jets, Gase was asked what he would serve for dinner if Douglas came over for the meal. Gase seems to prefer some takeout, while Douglas was hoping for something a little different.
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Darnold, Gase happy after game
00:01:16
They only played a series, but Sam Darnold and Adam Gase were pleased with the first teamers after their preseason game against the Giants.
Thursday's preseason opener may have just been an appetizer for what's to come this season, but it was certainly a strong start forAdam Gase's Gang Green offense.
Starting at their own 25-yard line,Sam Darnoldand company methodically drove down the field, going 75 yards in seven plays, capped off by a three-yard touchdown pass from Darnold toJamison Crowder.
Darnold went 4-5 on the drive for 68 yards and a touchdown. Two of his passes went for 25+ yards, including a 32-yard pickup to Chris Herndon on third down, extending the drive and showcasing Darnold's mobility to step up in the pocket.
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Chris Herndon, Sam Darnold
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Ralph Vacchiano|Facebook|Twitter|Archive
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -Daniel Jonesentered his first NFL game on Thursday night to a smattering of cheers - a welcomed change from the reception he's gotten since the Giants announced him as the sixth overall pick in the NFL Draft.
And after the way he played in his debut, he might not have to worry about being booed anymore.
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Chris Herndon, Eli Manning, Sam Darnold,
Ralph Vacchiano
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The Jets began their 2019 season just how they envisioned with a perfect touchdown drive down the MetLife Stadium turf. And capping it off in the end zone was one of the new faces added to the offense in Jamison Crowder.
Expected to be a critical piece of this revamped offense under head coach Adam Gase, Crowder set up the red zone position with a 28-yard catch-and-run. Then, Sam Darnold found him on a bootleg pass play to the right for an easy six points.
CLICK BELOW TO SEE THE TOUCHDOWN CATCH
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Williams loves being in the NFL
00:00:30
Jeane Coakley talked with Leonard and Quinnen Williams. Quinnen says "it's dope, it's like playing Madden, but in Madden" about the Jets.
RookieQuinnen Williamscontinues to assimilate himself with his Jets teammates, and he's getting adjusted to the NFL lifestyle as well.
"It's dope," Williams said. "It's like playing Madden, but in Madden It's dope to me. I love every last bit of it, just to come to work, man."
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Ralph Vacchiano|Facebook|Twitter|Archive
Adam Gasecan't wait to see how this Jets puzzle all fits together. He's never coached a young quarterback quite likeSam Darnold, nor has he had a team with so many weapons seemingly in place.
The finished product won't be on display, of course, until the regular season opens, but he'll get a taste of everything over the next three weeks in the preseason, which opens for the Jets against the Giants on Thursday night. Here's a look at what he and everyone else will be watching for, as the Jets continue to get ready for what they hope will be a playoff run:
1.Is Le'Veon Bell still Le'Veon Bell, and will he be his old self by Opening Day?
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Le'Veon Bell, Sam Darnold,
Ralph Vacchiano
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