Bowles was a well-respected defensive coordinator, but will be learning on the job as a first-time head coach. I think we’ve got what we need. I think those guys, if they can bring it together they can be one of the best defenses out there.
Advertisement
New York Jets first round pick Leonard Williams will play alongside Muhammad Wilkerson during his rookie season.
“I just hope he’s healthy and he’s able to compete”, Bowles told the Daily News this week. He faces the same challenge Ryan did in many of his seasons with the Jets: a team loaded with defensive talent, but short on offensive firepower.
Obviously, the rounds that these players get taken in will fluctuate depending on the number of teams in your league, and whether it’s a salary or keeper league.
Jon Gruden acknowledged that he is “accused of liking everybody”, but on Tuesday the ESPN analyst confirmed that Jets quarterback Geno Smith remains on that list. Next up was the hiring of Bowles, who won a Super Bowl as a player in 1988 with Washington and has steadily risen through the coaching ranks.
Jon Gruden, who coached the Raiders and Buccaneers, said Bowles must remember what got him the job as he transitions from assistant coach to head man.
Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie are back in New York to form what was one of the most feared duos of cornerbacks in the NFL. Cromartie is back after playing one season in Bowles’ defense in Arizona. Unlike Idzik, who talked a good game about fostering competition but did little to actually create it, Maccagnan also bolstered the Jets’ depth at the position by signing free agent Buster Skrine. Jets were done in by eight-game losing streak after winning opener, setting tone for season marked by inconsistent play from quarterback Geno Smith and struggles in injury-filled and inexperienced secondary.
If not, then Fitzpatrick will be behind center sooner than later and the Jets will be in the unenviable position of looking for a franchise quarterback while fielding a roster that otherwise is built to win now.
Advertisement
The best-case scenario for the Jets is that Smith matures, on and off the field, this summer and establishes himself as the starter for a team with playoff aspirations.
