Tough question, gotta pose it

Morris County – Nick Marshall was back returning kicks and punt today for the Jets. He had missed the Tuesday and Wednesday practices with a stomach virus . . .

I asked Todd Bowles a string of tough questions today. It’s nothing personnel. I’m just doing my job.

I asked him if Darrelle Revis needs to play better than the first Jets-Pats game when he gave up two touchdowns to rookie wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell.

The Jets lost 22-17 so obviously those two plays were quite costly.

Bowles said, “Everyone needs to play better – we lost.”

I said, “Obviously, some played well – the game went right down to the wire.”

Quincy Enunwa played well. David Harris did as well. There were others.

I expected the answer, but that doesn’t mean you avoid the question. He generally answers questions this way when you ask about an individual.

Revis was one of the top reasons why they lost that game.

But he is beyond reproach around here. He can’t be criticized and he can’t be pulled.

Ryan Fitzpatrick who was 22-32 for 267 yards and two touchdowns in that game has been benched.

But Revis, he could give up four touchdowns in a game and probably keep his job.

The Jets treatment of this player sends a bad message to the locker room.

There shouldn’t be any player on the team beyond benching.

I also asked Bowles about Petty’s ability to take a hit with his current injury.

And the premise of the questions was based on his own words.

“I don’t think there will be side effects unless you get hit again,” Bowles said at the beginning of this week.

Well don’t you think he’s going to be hit with four starters out on the Jets’ offensive line. The only original starter left standing is left guard James Carpenter.

Look, I don’t like to predict injuries. That is below the belt. I’m just saying don’t you think that Petty is going to take a few hits? And based on what Bowles said, he thinks he if takes some hits there could be a setback.

Bowles said if he’s cleared to play by the doctors, he’s 100 percent.

I don’t agree. How on earth could a human being be hit like that – sandwiched by two of the most powerful, explosive defensive linemen in the league – Wake and Suh, and be 100 percent later that week.

He can play, but I guarantee you there are some lingering effects.

And once again, I’m just going by what Bowles said – “I don’t think there will be side effects unless you get hit again.”

Look, I’m not stirring this up. I’m just going with what the coach said . . .

Another thing I asked him was about Darron Lee. The player was brought in to improve their pass coverage at linebacker on running backs and tight ends, and it hasn’t happened, yet. That is the bottom line. Look, I’m absolutely not writing him off. I do think he is going to be good, but the main premise of the pick hasn’t reached fruition.

Bowles said he is happy with him and there have been many times when he had good coverage so the quarterback threw somewhere else.

Hey, you gotta try.

I respect Todd, but I have a job to do.

December 22, 2016

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