Guys, I’m just going to be short and sweet — The New York Jets are B A D. They went 5-11 last year. They weren’t the Browns so that’s a plus but the Browns and Jets seem to be trending in opposite directions. After an offseason of unloading most of their talent, 2017 could get ugly. I would love to see the Jets go full “Invincible” mode and hold open tryouts for the community. Who knows, they could find their Vince Papale.
With a team in the rebuilding phase, there are a ton of positions up for grabs. Let’s examine what you should look for during training camp (if you even bear to look).
3 Position Battles to Watch
1. Quarterback
Josh McCown vs. Christian Hackenberg vs. Bryce Petty
Real question. Which Big3 is better? The one above or LBJ, D-Wade and Bosh? Just curious. I think it’s a toss-up.
Bottom line, those names aren’t the most impressive. With a team in rebuild mode, you have to think each guy will get their chance to start this season (okay, maybe not Petty). McCown is the old fart here, entering his 15th season with the most experience. He’ll likely start Week 1. Hackenberg is entering year two and is the young project. Jets GM Mike Maccagnan is excited about his play.
Maccagnan says he’s “excited” to see how Hackenberg does over the next few weeks, including the preseason games.
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) July 31, 2017
There’s no question Hackenberg will draw some starts this year, it just depends on how quickly the Jets want to make that change. They did give McCown $6 million to play for them. I’m rooting for Petty here.
2. Nose Tackle
Steve McLendon vs. Deon Simon vs. Mike Pennel
This will be an interesting position to keep up with. The Jets parted ways with most of their veterans this offseason but McLendon hung on…for now. He’s 31 and only one of four Jets older than age 30. There have been rumblings that McLendon could be cut, which make guys like Pennel and Simon important. If Simon performs well during camp and shows he can handle NT in his second year, McLendon could be out the door.
I don’t think McLendon would mind.
3. Kicker
Martin Ross vs. Chandler Catanzaro
There are other battles to cover but I’m covering the Jets so I deserve to have some fun and talk about kickers. So what’s the kicker here (terrible Dustin)? We have a beautiful 1v1 battle, bigger than MJ and LBJ in my opinion.
After letting Nick Folk go this offseason, the Jets need a replacement. They signed former Cardinals K Catanzaro, but he’s coming off a year netting 75% of his field goals so he isn’t a lock. Also, Jets management are pulling for Ross to win the job so there’s that.
Either way, it’s looking to be a tight race to the finish line. This is fun.
Folks, we have a kicking competition on our hands. Ross Martin and Chandler Catanzaro with perfect rounds, including 53 yarders. #JetsCamp
— Ethan B. Greenberg (@EthanBGreenberg) July 31, 2017
Ready to Breakout: Juston Burris
Burris didn’t do a whole lot his rookie year but is on track to start this season. I picked him as my breakout guy for the Jets in early July. Here’s a little blip from the article.
Year two is lining up to be a big one for Burris. Connor Huges of NJ.com picked Burris as one of his “three stars” from mini-camp. More importantly, he earned first-team reps throughout mini-camp and OTAs.
Look for Burris to shine this season.
Fantasy Sleeper: Quincy Enunwa
You probably could’ve guessed this pick. With Decker and Brandon Marshall both gone, the top wideout spot is literally wide open and it’s Enunwa’s for the taking. He has the most experience receivers wise, and that’s saying something. If you, for some reason, want to draft a Jets WR, he’s your guy. Someone has to catch the passes. That is if they’re catchable.
Rookie To Watch: Jamal Adams
Yes, you probably could’ve guessed this pick as well. The Jets took Adams at #6 in the draft and he’s performing like a stud this offseason. New York Post’s Brian Costello said he had the most impressive rookie spring play since Sheldon Richardson. CB Morris Claiborne said he’s unbelievable. Adams could become a fan favorite during his rookie season in New York.
The Jets are well on their way to having a miserable 2017 campaign. If they can develop QB Hackenberg into a starter and bring their young guys along nicely, that’ll be more important than winning. They’re not going to win much anyways.
Just don’t give America another butt fumble, please.
My new favorite gif is now the Mark Sanchez butt fumble #HappyAnniversaryMarkSanchez ? pic.twitter.com/B2DLUKYwAQ
— Parker Elliott (@ParkElliott14) November 22, 2016
