The Jets already figured to have their palms 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 can 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 one of the distinctive offenses and clearly Lamar is among the most original gamers within the league,” defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich stated.
“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 super one.”
Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley, a Ravens teammate throughout Jackson’s rookie season in 2018, stated the largest enhancements the previous Heisman Trophy winner has made is “in his consciousness and understanding of the sport.”
“It’s not straightforward [to stop him], as we’ve all seen. Most groups attempt exhausting to maintain him contained, however we’re not going to attempt to stress ourselves out attempting to be good and attempting to maintain him within the field,” Mosley stated. “We’ve to attempt to keep even-keeled, as a result of we all know he’s gonna make performs.
“However it’s been cool to see him go from that rookie quarterback my final 12 months there and now seeing him as one of many faces of the NFL. Undoubtedly cool to see.”
Addressing not with the ability to attain a long-term cope with Jackson, Ravens basic supervisor Eric DeCosta stated: “We vastly recognize how he has dealt with this course of and we’re enthusiastic about our workforce with Lamar main the way in which. We are going to proceed to work in direction of a long-term contract after the season, however for now we’re trying ahead to a profitable 2022 marketing campaign.”
Jackson will subsequently play out the season on his fifth-year possibility, making about $23 million.
The marketplace for prime tier quarterbacks, in the meantime, has eclipsed $40 million a 12 months.
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 ambiance much more emotional than a normal 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 might like it if everybody sings the Nationwide Anthem, don’t simply hearken to it, however sing it,” Saleh stated. “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 vehicles being at [Giants] Stadium for months afterwards as a result of nobody might 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. However it’s just a little bit extra necessary right here and you already know that it means much more than only a soccer recreation to lots of people.”
Cornerback D.J. Reed had been restricted in apply Thursday with a knee problem, however he stated 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 absolutely Friday.
