The Jets already figured to have their fingers full Sunday with elusive Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, and that was earlier than the previous NFL MVP had the added motivation of his self-imposed Friday deadline passing with out agreeing to a mammoth contract extension.
The revamped protection will likely be examined instantly going through Jackson, a twin menace who rushed for 767 yards in solely 12 video games final season after exceeding 1,000 in every of the earlier two years.
“It’s an incredible problem, it’s simply some of the distinctive offenses and clearly Lamar is among the most original gamers within the league,” defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich mentioned.
“It’s a headache, however I actually consider our guys are up for it, and I’m excited in regards to the problem, though it's a large one.”
Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley, a Ravens teammate throughout Jackson’s rookie season in 2018, mentioned the most important enhancements the previous Heisman Trophy winner has made is “in his consciousness and understanding of the sport.”
“It’s not simple [to stop him], as we’ve all seen. Most groups strive arduous to maintain him contained, however we’re not going to attempt to stress ourselves out making an attempt to be excellent and making an attempt to maintain him within the field,” Mosley mentioned. “We now have to attempt to keep even-keeled, as a result of we all know he’s gonna make performs.
“But it surely’s been cool to see him go from that rookie quarterback my final yr there and now seeing him as one of many faces of the NFL. Positively cool to see.”
Addressing not having the ability to attain a long-term take care of Jackson, Ravens common supervisor Eric DeCosta mentioned: “We enormously recognize how he has dealt with this course of and we're enthusiastic about our staff with Lamar main the best way. We'll proceed to work in the direction of a long-term contract after the season, however for now we're wanting ahead to a profitable 2022 marketing campaign.”
Jackson will subsequently play out the season on his fifth-year choice, making about $23 million.
The marketplace for high tier quarterbacks, in the meantime, has eclipsed $40 million a yr.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh believes the opener falling on the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist assaults — and being performed at MetLife Stadium — will make the environment much more emotional than a typical season opener. Saleh’s older brother, David, made it out of the South Tower of the World Commerce Heart safely on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001.
“I'd find it irresistible if everybody sings the Nationwide Anthem, don’t simply take heed to it, however sing it,” Saleh mentioned. “There’s little question it’s amplified as a result of it's 9/11 on this metropolis. Not a lot for me, however for the individuals who have been within the thick of it.”
“Clearly, it’s been documented about my brother. However I heard tales this week about automobiles being at [Giants] Stadium for months afterwards as a result of nobody may decide it up and at Lengthy Island practice stations. … So I feel it’s very private for lots of people and I feel that zeal is felt countrywide, not simply in New York. But it surely’s a bit of bit extra necessary right here and you realize that it means much more than only a soccer recreation to lots of people.”
Cornerback D.J. Reed had been restricted in observe Thursday with a knee concern, however he mentioned he’s “prepared for Sunday, no issues.” Reed, offensive linemen George Fant (knee) and Conor McDermott (ankle) and cornerback Justin Hardee (calf) formally have been listed as questionable, however all practiced totally Friday.
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