Bowles Beliefs

Jets coach Todd Bowles had some interesting things to say in his first availability in a few months. Let’s take a closer look . . .

Q)Why did you release Antonio Cromartie?

Bowles: We looked at the tape. After we looked at the tape, he didn’t have the greatest year.

Q)Who do you see at cornerback opposite Darrelle Revis right now?

Bowles: It’s open. Obviously, you’ve got Buster (Skrine), you’ve got Dee (Milliner), you’ve got Marcus (Williams). It’s an open competition and we’ll see who wins out.

Q)How much longer can Brandon Marshall keep up the level of play he showed this year?

Bowles: Brandon stays in phenomenal shape. He came in shape this year and played great for us. We look forward to the same next year.

Q)Are you optimistic that you can keep both Muhammad Wilkerson and Damon Harrison?

Bowles: We have certain plans in place and our plan is to keep [them].

Q)How optimistic are you that Ryan Fitpatrick will be the starting quarterback this year?

Bowles: We’ve got to get him back first. Once we get him back, then we can work from there. He’ll go in as the starter.

Q)Are you at all more optimistic that he will be back?

Bowles: We’re working on it. Me and Mike have been talking about it. We’re not going to divulge that in public.

Q)What do you have to see to feel comfortable with Bryce Petty being the backup quarterback in the regular season?

Bowles: That will be determined in preseason and how well he does in summer camp and spring.

Q)Where do you feel like you guys need to upgrade the most?

Bowles: We know we’re an older team. We want to get younger at almost every position and we’ll try to do that.

Q)Are you comfortable with Skrine moving outside to starting cornerback from the slot . . .

Bowles: It won’t be difficult if he plays inside and outside. He did it when Cromartie got hurt and he’s done it in Cleveland. I’m fine with him playing inside or outside.

Q)Where does Milliner fit in?

Bowles: He’s in the competition for the starting job. The spot’s open.

Q)What’s your evaluation of Leonard Williams’ rookie season?

Bowles: He got better as the season went on. He played hard. He’s a talent. He’s a big talent.

He got better at taking on blocks and reading blocks as the season went on and became more explosive.

Q)Is Jeremy Kerley part of your plans going forward?

Bowles: He’s on our team right now. Until we hit free agency and make decisions, Kerley’s part of our team.

Q)What can you tell us about new special teams coach Brant Boyer?

Bowles: He’s a bright guy. He was a special teams player for about 10 years with Jacksonville and Cleveland. I coached him in Cleveland for a couple of years.
He went on to Indianapolis and became assistant special teams coach for four years. Very bright, very energetic, understands the game. Probably has a lot of fire in him for what I’m looking for and getting things done. I think the connect can be made between him and the players.

February 29, 2016

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