NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS. September 5, 2016 Table of Contents

Transcription

1 NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS September 5, 2016 Table of Contents ASSOCIATED PRESS... 1 Jets claim 4 off waivers; cut Robinson, McDougle (Dennis Waszak)... 1 NEWSDAY... 2 Cornerback Dexter McDougle latest John Idzik draft pick to be cut by new Jets regime (Kimberley Martin)... 2 THE RECORD... 3 Jets: Position-by-position review (Andy Vasquez)... 3 Jets claim four players off waivers, cut ties with Khiry Robinson (Andy Vasquez)... 5 ESPN NEW YORK... 5 Jets' revamped backfield doesn't include Khiry Robinson (Rich Cimini)... 5 Jets add four players on waivers, including two tight ends (Rich Cimini)... 6 Why it makes sense for Jets to keep four QBs (and other roster nuggets) (Rich Cimini)... 7 NEW YORK POST... 9 Jets get as much distance from John Idzik drafts as possible (Bart Hubbuch)... 9 NJ ADVANCE new faces for 2016 Jets Darron Lee, Matt Forte, Ryan Clady (Connor Hughes)... 9 What will cause the Jets to make, or miss, the playoffs? (Connor Hughes) key storylines for Jets' 2016 season Ryan Fitzpatrick, Matt Forte, Buster Skrine (Darryl Slater) Jets hope to add recently-waived Dexter McDougle to practice squad, per source (Connor Hughes) Why the Jets not putting Bryce Petty on the injured reserve makes sense (Connor Hughes) Here is Jets' initial 7-member practice squad, after Sunday's signings (Darryl Slater) Jets waive 4 players, including Khiry Robinson, to make room for 4 waiver claims (Darryl Slater) Jets practice squad, waiver claims tracker after 53-man roster cuts (Darryl Slater) Dee Milliner, Trevor Reilly clear waivers, revert to Jets injured reserve. What it means (Connor Hughes) Jets claim 4 players off waiver wire, including two tight ends (Connor Hughes) NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Titans claim Jace Amaro off waivers, Jets add four players as Dee Milliner hits IR (Daniel Popper) SUNDAY S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS ASSOCIATED PRESS Jets claim 4 off waivers; cut Robinson, McDougle (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press 1 P a g e

2 NEW YORK (AP) The New York Jets are heading into the first week of the regular season with four tight ends, four quarterbacks and a handful of new faces. A day after setting its initial 53-man roster, the team claimed four players off waivers on Sunday, including tight ends Braedon Bowman from Jacksonville and Brian Parker from Kansas City, running back Troymaine Pope from Seattle and cornerback Darryl Roberts from New England. The Jets also have veterans Kellen Davis and Brandon Bostick at the tight end spot, so it remains to be seen if all four make it to opening day. New York waived Jace Amaro and Zach Sudfeld on Saturday. To make room for the waiver claims, the Jets waived/injured running back Khiry Robinson, who was hurt in the preseason finale last Thursday in Philadelphia. They also waived cornerback Dexter McDougle, a third-round draft pick in 2014 who has been beset by injuries; safety Ronald Martin; and running back Dominique Williams. Despite all the moves, the Jets made the unconventional move of keeping all four of their quarterbacks: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith, Bryce Petty and second-round pick Christian Hackenberg. It appeared Petty, entering his second season, could be a candidate for injured reserve and resolve the glut of quarterbacks on the active roster after bruising his right shoulder against the Eagles. Instead, the Jets chose to keep Petty, a fourth-rounder last year who had a solid preseason. Bowman was signed by the Jaguars in May as an undrafted free agent out of South Alabama. He had three catches for 32 yards this preseason for Jacksonville. Parker had one catch for 6 yards in nine games for the Chiefs last season. He was signed by San Diego as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Albany last year, and was claimed off waivers by Kansas City after being one of the Chiefs' final cuts last year. Parker, who had two receptions for 20 yards this summer, was waived by the Chiefs on Saturday. Pope, signed by Seattle as an undrafted free agent out of Jacksonville State, ran for 162 yards on 24 carries in the preseason. He replaces Robinson on the roster after the running back broke his right leg against the Eagles. It is the same leg Robinson, signed by the Jets in the offseason, broke last season in Week 8 against the Giants while with New Orleans. Roberts was a seventh-round pick of the Patriots in 2015, but spent his rookie season on injured reserve after hurting his wrist. New York also filled seven of its 10 practice squad spots, signing linebackers Freddie Bishop and Victor Ochi; cornerback Bryson Keeton; safety Doug Middleton; defensive lineman Claude Pelon; guard Craig Watts; and wide receiver Myles White. Bishop, Keeton, Middleton, Pelon and Watts all spent training camp with the Jets. Ochi, a former star at Stony Brook, was among Baltimore's final cuts Saturday. White had been with the Giants this summer. NEWSDAY Cornerback Dexter McDougle latest John Idzik draft pick to be cut by new Jets regime (Kimberley Martin) Newsday 2 P a g e

3 The Idzik 12 is practically gone. The new Jets regime continued its purge of John Idzik draft picks with the release of former third-round pick Dexter McDougle on Sunday. With Idzik as their general manager from , the organization drafted 19 total players including an eye-popping 12 in Now, six of those picks remain and only three members of the Idzik 12 are still on the roster: Calvin Pryor, Dakota Dozier and Quincy Enunwa. McDougle, a third-round pick in 2013, made it through the first wave of cuts. But the Jets chose to part ways with the oft-injured cornerback. The team also released safety Ronald Martin and running back Dominique Williams. Fellow running back Khiry Robinson was waived/injured with a broken right leg, which he suffered in the Jets preseason finale in Philadelphia. Robinson who signed a one-year, $ million deal that included an $80,000 signing bonus began training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list because he was still rehabbing from breaking his right leg last year with the Saints. Amaro to Titans A day after the Jets dumped him, tight end Jace Amaro found a new home. The 2014 second-round pick was claimed off waivers by the Titans. Thankful to organization for the opportunity, he tweeted Sunday. Can t wait to get to Tennessee to meet my new teammates & coaches! Rather than keep the underachieving Amaro, the Jets chose to claim two tight ends off waivers: 6-4, 220- pound Braedon Bowman (Jaguars) and 6-4, 265-pound Brian Parker (Chiefs). They also claimed running back Troymaine Pope (Seahawks) and cornerback Darryl Roberts (Patriots). Practice squad filled Seven players were signed to the practice squad, including former Stony Brook and Ravens edge rusher Victor Ochi. The Jets, who still have three more spots to fill, also signed WR Myles White, G Craig Watts, DL Claude Pelon, LB Freddie Bishop, CB Bryson Keeton and S Doug Middleton... After clearing waivers, CB Dee Milliner and Trevor Reilly are now on the Jets injured reserve list. Both were released with a waived/injured designation on Saturday. THE RECORD Jets: Position-by-position review (Andy Vasquez) The Record September 5, OFFENSE Quarterback At age 33, Ryan Fitzpatrick is coming off his finest season as a pro. He threw a career-high, and Jets record, 31 touchdown passes last season, to go with 3,905 yards. Now we find out if he can build on it. Geno Smith will be the backup, despite an uninspiring preseason. Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg will only see time if something goes drastically wrong this year. Running backs Matt Forte joins the Jets from Chicago, and should add a new dimension to the running game. Expect offensive coordinator Chan Gailey to capitalize on Forte s versatility as a pass-catcher. Bilal Powell will 3 P a g e

4 also get a lot of touches he s coming off a career high 47 receptions for two touchdowns. Running back Khiry Robinson was waived after reportedly reinjuring his broken leg in Thursday s preseason finale at Philadelphia. The Jets signed Robinson in the off-season and he was supposed to have seen plenty of action behind Forte and Powell. But the risk didn t pay off as Robinson, who broke the leg last November, was reinjured in his first preseason appearance. Receivers/tight ends Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker are the unquestioned leaders of this receiving corps. They combined for more than 2,500 of the Jets nearly 4,000 passing yards last year, and 25 of Fitzpatrick s 31 touchdowns. The same will be expected. But can someone emerge as a viable third receiver? Quincy Enunwa is the favorite to do just that, but don t be surprised to see rookies Robby Anderson or Charone Peake get opportunities. On Sunday, the Jets claimed running back Troymaine Pope via waivers and added tight ends Braedon Bowman and Brian Parker. Tight end Jace Amaro, who the Jets waived Saturday, was claimed by Tennessee. Offensive line Right tackle will be the position to watch, especially early in the season. The Jets put starter Breno Giacomini on the physically unable to perform list to start the season, meaning he ll miss at least the first six games. The Jets will wait until the end of the week to decide who takes his place. Ben Ijalana and Brent Qvale have rotated in a battle for the spot this preseason. The Jets added veteran experience in Ryan Clady at left tackle, a much-needed replacement for the retired D Brickashaw Ferguson. Center Nick Mangold will try to make his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl. Brian Winters and James Carpenter are expected to be the starting guards. DEFENSE Defensive line The Jets defensive line is stacked, and might be their greatest overall strength. Muhammad Wilkerson is coming off a career-high 12 sacks. Sheldon Richardson is a force to be dealt with after his week 1 suspension. Leonard Williams is poised for a breakthrough season. Veteran Steve McLendon joins the Jets from Pittsburgh as a seasoned, proven nose tackle. Linebackers Over the last year the Jets have overhauled their linebacking corps, becoming younger and much more athletic. Veterans David Harris and Erin Henderson are still reliable, veteran anchors. But expect the Jets young guys to be flying around and making plays. Lorenzo Mauldin had an impressive preseason, rookie Jordan Jenkins earned a starting spot at OLB if his calf cooperates and rookie Darron Lee will also be frequently used in his first NFL season. Secondary Darrelle Revis is getting up there in age 32. But he s still one of the very best cornerbacks in the league, and expect opposing offenses to treat him as such. That means more balls thrown Buster Skrine s way, as he takes over for the departed Antonio Cromartie as the other CB. Rookie Juston Burris should see lots of playing time after a strong preseason. The Jets also claimed cornerback Darryl Roberts on Sunday. The Jets hope for another steady season from free safety Marcus Gilchrist. Strong safety Calvin Pryor is seeking a breakout year. And safety Rontez Miles showed flashes of potential in a strong preseason. Special teams 4 P a g e

5 Nick Folk is a reliable kicker. The biggest concern is his health he suffered a season ending quad injury last November. The Jets may have found a solid punter in Lachlan Edwards, who had a great preseason. Expect Jalin Marshall to get the kick/punt returning duties after Jeremy Ross was cut on Saturday. Jets claim four players off waivers, cut ties with Khiry Robinson (Andy Vasquez) The Record The Jets claimed four players off of waivers Sunday and made a surprising release as they came closer to finalizing their Week 1 roster. Running back Khiry Robinson was waived/injured after reportedly reinjuring his broken leg in Thursday s preseason finale at Philadelphia. The Jets signed Robinson in the off-season and he was supposed to have seen plenty of action behind Matt Forte and Bilal Powell. But the risk didn t pay off as Robinson, who broke the leg in November, was reinjured in his first preseason appearance. As for the players the Jets added via waivers: they claimed tight ends Braedon Bowman and Brian Parker. They also claimed running back Troymaine Pope and cornerback Darryl Roberts. Tight end Jace Amaro, who the Jets waived on Saturday, was claimed by Tennessee. To make room for their new additions the roster must stay at 53 players the Jets released safety Ronald Martin, corner back Dexter McDougle and running back Dominique Williams. The Jets also added seven players to their practice squad: Freddie Bishop (LB), Bryson Keeton (CB), Doug Middleton (S), Claude Pelon (DL), Craig Watts (G), Myles White (WR) and Victor Ochi (LB). ESPN NEW YORK Jets' revamped backfield doesn't include Khiry Robinson (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York The New York Jets' backfield makeover is complete. We think. In a mild surprise, Khiry Robinson -- projected as the No. 3 running back -- was waived on Sunday with the injury designation. It came three days after he made his preseason debut, earning praise from coach Todd Bowles. Robinson carried the ball 13 times and caught three passes against the Philadelphia Eagles, seemingly unscathed in his first game action since fracturing a leg last November for the New Orleans Saints. But tests the following day revealed an injury, a source said. So the Jets' running-back depth chart looks like this: Matt Forte Bilal Powell 5 P a g e

6 Troymaine Pope Julian Howsare (fullback) It's a different look for the Jets, whose starters from Chris Ivory and Tommy Bohanon -- are gone. Pope, an undrafted rookie cut by the Seattle Seahawks, was one of four players acquired on waivers Sunday by the Jets. To make room, they waived Robinson, running back Dominique Williams, cornerback Dexter McDougle (third-round pick, 2014) and safety Ronald Martin. McDougle was a member of the Idzik 12, former general manager John Idzik's 12-man draft class. Two years later, only three players remain from that group -- safety Calvin Pryor, guard Dakota Dozier and wide receiver Quincy Enunwa. The Jets took a small gamble on Robinson, signing him to a modest contract (one year, $1.175 million) even thought he still was injured. It included an $80,000 signing bonus. They saw him as an under-valued free agent, a 220-pound thumper who could add a physical presence to the ground game. He missed the first three preseason games, but seemed to make a positive impression last Thursday night even though he rushed for only 25 yards (1.8 average). "He was quick," Bowles said. "It was good to see him get some touches, get banged around a little bit. He was fresh, so we wanted to get a good look at him and we got a good look at him." Without Robinson, the Jets lack a classic big back. At 5-foot-8, 205 pounds, Pope is known for his elusiveness, not his power. He rushed for 162 yards in the preseason, seventh in the NFL. There still could be some roster tinkering over the next couple of days, but here's a breakdown of the current 53: Quarterbacks: 4 Running backs: 3 Fullback: 1 Wide receivers: 6 Tight ends: 4 Offensive line: 9 Defensive line: 6 Linebacker: 9 Secondary: 8 Specialists: 3 Jets add four players on waivers, including two tight ends (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York One day after the not-so-final final cuts, the New York Jets continued to tinker with their 53-man roster on Sunday. They acquired four players on waivers, including help for their depleted tight-end position. 6 P a g e

7 The Jets picked up two tight ends, Brian Parker (Kansas City Chiefs) and rookie Braedon Bowman (Jacksonville Jaguars). They join starter Kellen Davis and Brandon Bostick on the roster, but there's no guarantee the Jets will carry four tight ends into the season. In addition, they claimed running back Troymaine Pope (Seattle Seahawks) and cornerback Darryl Roberts (New England Patriots), who was waived with the injury designation. He was injured in the final preseason game, but the Jets evidently don't think it's serious. Pope, an undrafted rookie from Jacksonville State, was the Seahawks' leading rusher in the preseason yards on 24 carries, a 6.8 average and two touchdowns. He earned effusive praise from coach Pete Carroll, but was stuck behind Thomas Rawls and Christine Michael. Pope has a neat back story, as detailed nicely here by Seahawks reporter Sheil Kapadia. Pope was urged by loved ones to return to his job in a car factory, but he stayed with football, chasing his dream. With the new additions, the Jets have to cut four players by 4 p.m. Roberts was a seventh-round pick by the Patriots in 2015, but he suffered a wrist injury in the first preseason game and spent the year on injured reserve. He was off to a promising start as a rookie and actually started that first preseason game. He can play inside and outside, and he's also a capable gunner on special teams. As for the tight ends, we're talking about developmental players. Bowman, an undrafted rookie from South Alabama, caught three passes for 32 yards in the preseason. Parker was beginning his second year with the Chiefs. He played nine games last season, finishing with one catch for six yards. In other developments, cornerback Dee Milliner, released Saturday with an injury designation, cleared waivers and reverted to the Jets' injured-reserve list. The two sides can reach an injury settlement, which would allow them to release him. Milliner has a minor hamstring injury. Tight end Jace Amaro was claimed on waivers by the Tennessee Titans. Why it makes sense for Jets to keep four QBs (and other roster nuggets) (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York This isn't the New York Jets' final 53; it's only the initial 53. There will be tinkering, but let's take a look at the current team, shall we? OFFENSE Quarterback (4) -- Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith, Bryce Petty, Christian Hackenberg Quick take: The Jets will be mocked by people around the league for keeping four quarterbacks -- the first team in three years to do so -- but what was the alternative? They drafted a project who wasn't good enough to beat out last year's project, who wasn't good enough to beat out their 2013 project. The upside: They're covered for the short term and have long-term options. The downside: Hackenberg won't get practice reps, stunting his development. The Jets kept both of their quarterback projects: Bryce Petty (left) and Christian Hackenberg. AP Photo/Seth Wenig Running back (5) -- Matt Forte, Bilal Powell, Khiry Robinson, Julian Howsare, Dominique Williams 7 P a g e

8 Quick take: A couple of curious decisions -- picking Howsare over incumbent Tommy Bohanon at fullback and keeping Williams even though he missed the last three games with a concussion. The Jets might not be done tinkering, so we'll reserve final judgment until the dust settles. Wide receiver (6) -- Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, Quincy Enunwa, Jalin Marshall, Charone Peake, Robby Anderson Quick take: They made the right call, keeping the three rookies -- Jalin Marshall, Peake and Anderson -- over Jeremy Ross and Kenbrell Thompkins. If the kids develop, the Jets should be set at receiver after Brandon Marshall and Decker are gone. As of now, Jalin Marshall is the favorite to return punts and kickoffs. Tight end (2) -- Kellen Davis, Brandon Bostick Quick take: Jace Amaro never was embraced by this regime, which ran out of patience. The reports I've heard aren't flattering: He was a bad blocker who lacked a physical mentality, I'm told. Don't be surprised if they add a tight end from the waiver wire. Offensive line (9) -- Ryan Clady, James Carpenter, Nick Mangold, Brian Winters, Ben Ijalana, Brent Qvale, Wesley Johnson, Dakota Dozier, Brandon Shell Quick take: They created a roster spot by placing Breno Giacomini (back) on reserve/pup, which begs the question: Who starts at right tackle? Ijalana and Qvale split the reps in the preseason. From what I hear, there's some internal debate. Qvale is seen as the more consistent player, but Ijalana has the edge in athleticism. It probably will remain a mystery until the first game, but I'd say it's Ijalana right now. DEFENSE Defensive line (6) -- Muhammad Wilkerson, Leonard Williams, Steve McLendon, Jarvis Jenkins, Deon Simon, Lawrence Thomas, Sheldon Richardson (reserve/suspended). Quick take: Simon was quietly solid throughout the preseason and Thomas, an undrafted rookie, impressed from Day 1. They might have to make a move when Richardson returns in Week 2. Right now, he doesn't count on the roster. Linebacker (9) -- David Harris, Erin Henderson, Lorenzo Mauldin, Mike Catapano, Jordan Jenkins, Darron Lee, Bruce Carter, Josh Martin, Julian Stanford Quick take: There will be growing pains, especially on the outside. The four outside 'backers have combined for one career start (Martin). Trevor Reilly, identified in the spring as a core special-teamer, didn't make the cut despite a strong finale. Freddie Bishop is likely to return on the practice squad. Secondary (9) -- Darrelle Revis, Buster Skrine, Calvin Pryor, Marcus Gilchrist, Marcus Williams, Juston Burris, Dexter McDougle, Rontez Miles, Ronald Martin Quick take: Oddest decision of the day: In the battle of the hamstring injuries, they kept McDougle over Dee Milliner. Why? Milliner's salary is guaranteed, so it's not like it was a salary dump. McDougle has missed a lot of practice time, and it's not like he has a wealth of experience to fall back on (only 50 career snaps on defense). Rookie safety Doug Middleton could return on the practice squad. SPECIALISTS (3) Quick take: Nick Folk, Lachlan Edwards and Tanner Purdum are the guys. No moves were made on the final cutdown. 8 P a g e

9 NEW YORK POST Jets get as much distance from John Idzik drafts as possible (Bart Hubbuch) New York Post The Jets added two tight ends Sunday while continuing their assault on John Idzik s draft classes. A day after releasing second-round tight end disappointment Jace Amaro, the Jets showed how much they wanted Amaro gone by immediately acquiring a pair of tight ends off waivers in ex-chief Brian Parker and former Jaguar Braedon Bowman. Gang Green also claimed ex-seahawks running back Troymaine Pope and former Patriots cornerback Darryl Roberts off waivers less than 24 hours after getting down to the league s 53-man roster limit by the deadline. To make room for the waiver claims, the Jets waived running backs Khiry Robinson (injured), and Dominique Williams, safety Ronald Martin and cornerback Dexter McDougle. The release of Robinson with an injury settlement was a surprise on multiple fronts. The veteran back was expected to be third on the depth chart behind Matt Forte and Bilal Powell, and Robinson appeared to come away unscathed from 13 carries and three catches in his preseason debut last Thursday against the Eagles. Robinson, who was with the Saints last season, had been signed to a one-year, $1.1 million contract in the spring that included an $80,000 signing bonus. Pope, an undrafted free agent, is much smaller at 5-feet-8, 205 pounds, than the 220-pound Robinson. He was released by Seattle despite rushing for 162 yards in the exhibition season, good for seventh in the NFL. McDougle was the third former pick of Idzik the Jets general manager for two years until he was fired in 2014 released by successor Mike Maccagnan in just two days. Amaro and cornerback Dee Milliner, the first player selected by Idzik, were released Saturday. Amaro was immediately claimed off waivers Sunday by the Titans, who were first in the claim process due to their league-worst record last year. With Amaro, Milliner and now McDougle gone, the Jets have just three of Idzik s 12 picks from 2014 still on the roster safety Calvin Pryor, offensive tackle Dakota Dozier and wide receiver Quincy Enunwa. Three others remain from Idzik s seven-man 2013 draft defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, quarterback Geno Smith and guard Brian Winters. NJ ADVANCE 3 new faces for 2016 Jets Darron Lee, Matt Forte, Ryan Clady (Connor Hughes) NJ Advance Media September 5, ml#incart_river_index 9 P a g e

10 The Jets are the NFL's version of a unicorn heading into Somehow, someway, they avoided any dramatic roster turnover. The majority of the Jets' key players and contributors from the 2015 season are back for another go this year. That alone is a big reason the team has playoff-or-bust expectations. But there are still a couple of new faces on the roster. Who are they? Here are the big three: Darron Lee, Linebacker Well, head coach Todd Bowles said he wanted the Jets to get faster. In the first round of this year's draft, the team selected Ohio State linebacker Darron Lee, hoping he, and his 4.47 speed, could bring another dimension to the defense. The Jets are set to play some top-tier tight ends this season Rob Gronkowski (Patriots), Charles Clay (Bills), Travis Kelce (Chiefs). Lee's goal in those games will be to shut them down. Tight ends, specifically Gronkowski, had an awful lot of success against the Jets' defense last year. Bowles and Co. hope Lee can put a stop to that. Matt Forte, Running Back The Jets didn't have much spending money in the offseason. This year, it was all about the bargain buys. The biggest name? Long-time Chicago Bear Matt Forte, who signed a three-year deal in March. At 30 years old, Forte isn't the same player he used to be, but he's still quite good. Father Time hasn't taken away his field vision and awareness, nor his ability to be a factor out of the backfield. The Jets don't need Forte to touch the ball 500 times or run for 1,500 yards. But if he can total 1,100 or 1,200 total yards from scrimmage? It will go a long way for the offense. Ryan Clady, Left Tackle This season will be the first time since the Bush Administration that the Jets have someone other than D'Brickashaw Ferguson protecting the quarterback's blindside. This offseason, Ferguson hung up the cleats. To replace him, the Jets made a trade with the Broncos for former all-pro left tackle Ryan Clady. When on the field, Clady is one of the game's best. Key words being 'on the field.' Clady has missed 30 games the last three seasons, including the entire 2015 season, with injuries. The Jets don't have much depth on the offensive line, so Clady's ability to stay healthy will be a big key to success this year. What will cause the Jets to make, or miss, the playoffs? (Connor Hughes) NJ Advance Media September 5, ml#incart_river_index The last time the Jets made the playoffs, Rex Ryan was roaming the sidelines of MetLife Stadium, not riding a tandem bicycle with his brother in Buffalo. Mark Sanchez was the Jets' budding franchise quarterback, not a backup to a rookie fourth-round pick in Dallas. You get the picture. It has been a terribly long time since the Jets tasted the postseason. Six years, to be exact. This year, the new regime, led by head coach Todd Bowles and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, are hoping to change all that. What's the key to the Jets reaching the playoffs? What could cause them to go home? Let's take a look: The Jets make the playoffs if P a g e

11 They survive their brutal six-game stretch to start the season. Weeks 1 through 6, the Jets will play four road games (two on the West Coast) and five playoff teams. The only team the Jets play that didn't make the playoffs in 2015 (the Buffalo Bills) is one they haven't beaten since Sept. 22, 2013 five-straight losses, including last year's playoff-eliminating defeat Week 17. The Jets have to have their heads above water after these first six. If Oct. 18 they're sitting at 3-3 or 4-2, they've got a great chance of qualifying for the postseason for the first time since The Jets are going home if... Ryan Fitzpatrick and the offense start the season slow. The defense is going to be one of the league's best, barring injuries. Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams are a ferocious front that will give any offensive line fits. In the secondary, Darrelle Revis, Buster Skrine, Marcus Gilchrist and Calvin Pryor should continue to shut down passing attacks. The offense, led by the 33-year-old Fitzpatrick, is the big uncertainty. In the preseason, they weren't good. If they don't hit the ground running against the teams they play to start the year, the Jets won't have a shot at the playoffs. 5 key storylines for Jets' 2016 season Ryan Fitzpatrick, Matt Forte, Buster Skrine (Darryl Slater) NJ Advanced Media September 5, ncart_river_index The Jets have reached their first game week of the 2016 regular season. On Sunday, the Jets host the Bengals. Here are five key storylines for this Jets season: Any way Ryan Fitzpatrick can repeat? The Jets' starting quarterback had a career year in 2015, his first season with the organization. He threw for 3,905 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, while leading the Jets to a 10-6 record. Is there any way he can replicate those stats? It won't be easy. Of the Jets' 13 opponents this season, eight ranked in the top 13 last season in Football Outsiders' defensive DVOA. That includes No. 3 Arizona, No. 4 Seattle, No. 6 Kansas City, and the No. 7 Rams. Fitzpatrick is back with the Jets this season on a one-year contract. He has a history of success with offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. But Fitzpatrick turns 34 years old in November. So there's that. Does Matt Forte still have it? Forte is now the Jets' No. 1 running back, replacing Chris Ivory, who departed for the Jaguars in free agency. Forte is no spring chicken. At 30 years old, he has 2,035 career regular season carries on his body. He dealt with a hamstring injury for most of training camp. Will Forte be able to remain fresh for the entire season? Or will the hamstring issue come up again? The Jets must monitor his workload. They have a more-than-competent complementary back, in Bilal Powell. And both Ivory and Powell give the Jets a pass-catching dynamic out of the backfield something Ivory lacked. How will Buster Skrine do outside? The Jets cut Antonio Cromartie this offseason, so Skrine is their new outside cornerback, opposite Darrelle Revis. Which means teams will throw often at Skrine, who was the Jets' slot corner last season. Skrine did play outside and in the slot while with the Browns. So he's not unfamiliar with playing outside. Skrine said he's ready to be targeted a lot. But not backing down from the challenge and being able to handle tons of throws coming your way are two entirely different things. We'll see if Skrine is up to it. 11 P a g e

12 Edge linebacker production. The Jets haven't gotten much of it in recent seasons. Their outside linebacker spots were underwhelming last year, with Calvin Pace and Quinton Coples as their starters entering the season. The Jets are going young this season at outside linebacker, with Lorenzo Mauldin (second-year pro) and Jordan Jenkins (rookie third-round draft pick). Mauldin will need to prove he can be more than just a situational pass rusher. Replacing D'Brickashaw Ferguson. The Jets' longtime left tackle was revered in the locker room, but there is no question his play had declined in recent years. So how will his replacement, Ryan Clady, do? Well, Clady has had issues with staying healthy lately. And that's something Ferguson never, ever had problems with. But if he stays healthy, Clady could definitely be an upgrade over Ferguson. Clady made the Pro Bowl in each of his last three fully healthy seasons. He just needs to stay upright, which hasn't been a given for him lately. Jets hope to add recently-waived Dexter McDougle to practice squad, per source (Connor Hughes) NJ Advance Media ml#incart_river_index Dexter McDougle might way to stay within close proximity to One Jets Drive. According to a source with close knowledge of the situation, the Jets hope to add McDougle, whom they waived on Sunday, to their practice squad if he goes unclaimed on the waiver wire. McDougle was among those waived to make room for the Jets' four waiver wire acquisitions tight ends Braedon Bowman and Brian Parker, running back Troymaine Pope and cornerback Darryl Roberts. McDougle, 25, was selected by the Jets in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft. In 14 games last season, McDougle had six tackles and one pass deflection. He played largely on special teams. Despite his unquestioned talent, McDougle hasn't yet reached his full potential, mainly due to injuries. McDougle tore his ACL in training camp his rookie year and missed the entire season. He missed most of training camp this season with a hamstring injury which he re-injured two weeks ago. Because the Jets waived McDougle, and didn't waive him with an injury designation, the team can place him on the practice squad if he clears waivers. If the Jets had waived McDougle with an injury designation, he would revert to the injured reserve if unclaimed. On the practice squad, the Jets can activate McDougle to the 53-man roster at any point in time. On the injured reserve, McDougle's season would be over. The Jets, right now, have Darrelle Revis, Buster Skrine, Marcus Williams, Juston Burris and Roberts on the 53-man roster. If McDougle clears waivers, he will join undrafted rookie Bryson Keeton on the practice squad. Why the Jets not putting Bryce Petty on the injured reserve makes sense (Connor Hughes) NJ Advance Media r_index 12 P a g e

13 When Jets' team doctors diagnosed Bryce Petty with a bruised shoulder suffered in Thursday night's preseason finale against the Eagles, it appeared as if New York's quarterback conundrum was over. The Football Gods themselves finalized the debate on keeping, or not keeping, four quarterbacks. Ryan Fitzpatrick (the starter), Geno Smith (the backup) and rookie Christian Hackenberg (the presumed future) would make the the 53-man roster. The Jets would then place Petty (the project) on the injured reserve. Three QBs on the 53. One off to the side, under contract, but not occupying a roster spot. Perfect, right? Wrong. The Jets passed, deciding against conventional wisdom to keep all four on the 53. Why? Well, it actually makes sense: Any player on the IR before 4 p.m. Saturday is not permitted to practice with his team during the season. Any player on the IR after 4 p.m. Sunday is eligible (team can only pick one IR-ed player) to return six weeks later, but for those six weeks, he cannot practice, either. The IR-ed player can, technically, work out on his own, but he cannot get any reps at the facility. If the Jets put Petty on the IR, he would not be allowed to get any on-field instruction, stunting his growth. Petty took monumental strides from his rookie season a year ago, to He overcame a slow start in training camp to finish strong. His play reflected as such in the preseason. Petty was arguably the Jets' most impressive quarterback. Albeit against second- and third-stringers, Petty completed 57 percent of his passes and threw for 481 yards. He tossed three touchdowns and only one interception. Outside of Hackenberg, Petty is the only Jets' quarterback under contract heading into the 2017 season. Smith is in the final year of his rookie contract, and it is highly unlikely he re-signs. The Jets structured Fitzpatrick's contract in such a way that he too will be a free agent next year. This means Hackenberg and Petty will be the two players battling it out for the Jets' starting quarterback job in Now, before you have me committed, odds are the Jets will add a veteran into the mix via free agency either the return of Fitzpatrick, or another battle-tested backup. But veteran or not, that doesn't make New York's quarterback future any less murky. In this hypothetical situation, the Jets, heading into 2017, would have Hackenberg, a massive question mark. A veteran to-benamed-later, in his first year with the team. And Petty, whose last rep would have been his 44-yard touchdown to Robby Anderson against the Eagles. If the preseason showed nothing else, it is that Hackenberg needs much more than a tweak or two before he is ready to start. The Penn State product completed just 17 of 47 passes in his two preseason appearances (36.2 percent). He threw one touchdown and two terrible interceptions. In all likelihood, Hackenberg needs two full years of developing before taking the field. By keeping Petty on the 53-man roster, the Jets can continue to develop and work with him. Will he get a massive amount of team work? No. But he will still be there watching Fitzpatrick, and getting instruction from offensive coordinator Chan Gailey and quarterbacks coach Kevin Patullo. If he lands on the IR, he won't get any of that until organized team activities next May. By the Jets keeping Petty active, and continuing his development, they aren't putting all of their eggs in Hackenberg's basket. if Hackenberg isn't where they want him to be next year, they still have the possibility of Petty. While retaining four quarterbacks isn't an ideal situation, the Jets have no other choice. For their future, they need all on the 53 this year. 13 P a g e

14 Here is Jets' initial 7-member practice squad, after Sunday's signings (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media member_practice_squad_afte.html#incart_river_index The Jets on Sunday established their initial seven-member practice squad. Three spots remain, because NFL teams are allowed to have a maximum of 10 guys on the practice squad. Let's get to know these initial seven guys, shall we? (We have marked, with an asterisk, the returning Jets players who were cut Saturday.) *S Doug Middleton: The Jets cut him Saturday, after he competed for a backup job this preseason. He went undrafted this year out of Appalachian State. Middleton did some positive things in training camp. He wasn't overmatched. OLB Victor Ochi: Another 2016 undrafted guy, Ochi played at Stony Brook and went to high school on Long Island. The Ravens cut him Saturday. They were his only previous NFL employer. *DE Claude Pelon: He was in the same situation as Middleton signed as an undrafted free agent this spring, and then cut Saturday. Pelon played at Southern California. The Jets liked him enough to re-sign him to their practice squad. *OLB Freddie Bishop: The Jets signed him out of the CFL earlier this offseason, but he didn't make it through Saturday's cuts. Bishop was in the CFL from , after he went undrafted. So this is his first real NFL season. *OG Craig Watts: Another returning guy who was cut Saturday. Watts went undrafted in He spent two seasons with the Chargers, mostly as a practice squad player, before the Jets signed him in January. *CB Bryson Keeton: The Jets cut him Saturday. He went undrafted this year out of Montana State. He got a tryout at the Jets' rookie minicamp after the draft, and landed a contract. So it's a nice step for him to make the practice squad. WR Myles White: He went undrafted in 2013 and spent two seasons with the Packers. White joined the Giants last September, initially as a practice squad guy. They released him last week. White has played in 19 career games and has 16 catches for 154 yards and a touchdown. His Giants numbers from last season: 12 games, seven catches, 88 yards, and one touchdown. Jets waive 4 players, including Khiry Robinson, to make room for 4 waiver claims (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media l#incart_river_index The Jets on Sunday waived four players, to make room for the four players the organization claimed on waivers Sunday. The released players: cornerback Dexter McDougle, safety Ronald Martin, running back Dominique Williams, and running back Khiry Robinson. 14 P a g e

15 The biggest surprise was Robinson, a free agent signing this offseason who seemed to have established himself as the Jets' No. 3 running back. McDougle, Martin, and Williams were not surprising departures. Robinson was waived with an injury designation, due to a broken right leg. He sustained a season-ending broken right leg last year. Robinson broke his leg again in Thursday's preseason finale at the Eagles, according to a league source. Robinson had spent this summer working his way back from last year's injury. Once Robinson clears waivers, he will land on the Jets' injured reserve list. All four of Sunday's released players made the Jets' initial 53-man roster on Saturday. But that roster is fluid every year, due to Sunday's waiver claims of cut players. The Jets' waiver claims Sunday were tight end Braedon Bowman (Jaguars), tight end Brian Parker (Chiefs), running back Troymaine Pope (Seahawks), and cornerback Darryl Roberts (Patriots). The Jets currently have four tight ends on their active roster, including Brandon Bostick and Kellen Davis. At running back, the Jets have only Pope behind Matt Forte and Bilal Powell. The Jets also retained fullback Julian Howsare. The Jets retained just five cornerbacks, with Roberts taking McDougle's spot. McDougle, whom the Jets drafted in Round 3 in 2014, hasn't been able to consistently stay healthy. His departure means that just three of ex-general manager John Idzik's 12 draft picks from 2014 remain with the Jets. Overall, just six of Idzik's 19 total picks from remain in the organization. However, Idzik pick Trevor Reilly, who was waived with an injury designation, is under contact through He cleared waivers Sunday and is now on the Jets' injured reserve list. They are able to retain his rights for 2017, if they want to. At safety, the Jets are going with just one backup, Rontez Miles, though they have Doug Middleton on the practice squad. Jets practice squad, waiver claims tracker after 53-man roster cuts (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media man_r.html#incart_river_index Even after establishing their initial 53-man roster Saturday, the Jets' work isn't done. That's because Sunday brings waiver claims and the establishment of a 10-member practice squad. The claiming period for players waived this weekend expires at noon. And at 1 p.m., teams can begin making practice squad signings. (All times Eastern.) Some of the 20 players whom the Jets cut Saturday can (and will) be re-signed to their practice squad, as long as they clear waivers. The Jets can also sign, to their practice squad, eligible players cut by other teams, once they clear waivers. There is a large pool of available players, released by NFL teams Saturday. And they're hitting the waiver wire. 15 P a g e

16 The Jets will get an opportunity to claim these players. The current waiver claim order mirrors the 2016 draft order. So the Jets are 20th. If the Jets land a player via a waiver claim, that would obviously bump off somebody who made Saturday's initial 53-man roster. The Jets' issue, with a potential waiver claim, is salary cap room. The Jets currently have about $2.2 million in room, according to overthecap.com's estimate. Only the Saints have less cap room. Keep it here Sunday to track all of the Jets' moves, in the space below. It's not guaranteed that they'll land a player via a waiver claim, but they'll definitely be establishing a practice squad. And you can follow along right here: Here's a look at the Jets' practice squad, which still has three open spots. The Jets cut four players to make room for the four waiver claim guys. According to a source, the Jets are adding cornerback Bryson Keeton, whom they cut Saturday, to their practice squad. The source said the Jets are also adding former Giants wide receiver Myles White to their practice squad. That makes seven guys on the Jets' practice squad. Practice squad member No. 5 (out of 10 possible) is offensive guard Craig Watts, released Saturday by the Jets, a league source confirmed (first reported by Wilson). The Jets re-signed outside linebacker Freddie Bishop, a CFL pickup, to their practice squad, according to National Football Post's Aaron Wilson. The Jets had cut Bishop on Saturday. Two more practice squad guys for the Jets, bringing their total so far to three: safety Doug Middleton (undrafted rookie cut by Jets on Saturday) and outside linebacker Victor Ochi (according to multiple reports). Ochi went undrafted out of Stony Brook this year. He attended high school on Long Island. He was cut Saturday by the Ravens, his only previous NFL employer. The Jets have added UDFA defensive end Claude Pelon to their practice squad, according to his agent. Pelon spent training camp with the Jets, but was cut during the 53-man roster trim. The two players the Jets waived Saturday with injury designations (outside linebacker Trevor Reilly and cornerback Dee Milliner) unsurprisingly went unclaimed on waivers. So they will revert to the Jets' injured reserve. Former Jets second-round draft pick Jace Amaro, a tight end, was claimed on waivers by the Titans, after the Jets released him Saturday. The Jets claimed tight end Braedon Bowman (Jaguars), tight end Brian Parker (Chiefs), running back Troymaine Pope (Seahawks), and cornerback Darryl Roberts (Patriots), per multiple reports. As the Jets prepare for Sunday's action, here's a look at the full schedule for this weekend. And here's a look at why players who made Saturday's 53-man roster aren't safe yet. Dee Milliner, Trevor Reilly clear waivers, revert to Jets injured reserve. What it means (Connor Hughes) NJ Advance Media cart_river_index Cornerback Dee Milliner and linebacker Trevor Reilly are back with the Jets. 16 P a g e

17 Sort of. After being waived/injured on Saturday during the Jets' 53-man roster trim, both cleared waivers and have been placed on the injured reserve. Of those the Jets cut, just Jace Amaro was claimed by another team. This year, the NFL changed its rules regarding the injured reserve. Now, after a six-week stay, any one player on a team's IR can be activated. In the past, a player needed to be pre-designated. This rule, however, does not apply to Milliner and Reilly. Only players placed on the IR after 4 p.m. Sunday can be activated during the season. Because the Jets waived/injured Milliner and Reilly during the 53-man cut on Saturday, they are not eligible to return to the field. They will remain on the IR throughout the 2016 season unless they reach an injury settlement with the Jets. If that were to happen, they would be released from the IR and become a free agent. For Milliner, landing on the IR doesn't change much. The Jets will still need to pay him $4.028 million this season. Because he is in the final year of his rookie contract, he will still be a free agent after this season. Unless he reaches an injury settlement and is released, Reilly will return to the Jets in He still has one year left on his contract, which is not voided because he went unclaimed. Had the Jets waived Reilly with no injury designation, then he went unclaimed, he would not be with the team next season. For a complete list of all the Jets roster claims and practice squad additions, check out our LIVE tracker here. Jets claim 4 players off waiver wire, including two tight ends (Connor Hughes) NJ Advance Media incart_river_index Like we said yesterday, that initial 53-man roster released by the Jets 4 p.m. Saturday was just that: The initial 53-man roster. The Jets were one of the NFL's more active teams on the waiver wire Sunday. The team was awarded four players: Tight end Braedon Bowman (Jaguars), tight end Brian Parker (Chiefs), running back Troymaine Pope (Seahawks) and cornerback Darryl Roberts (Patriots). By claiming four players, the Jets will now need to free up four roster spots to make room for said players. This could spell trouble for running back Dominique Williams, tight ends Kellen Davis and Brandon Bostick, along with cornerback Dexter McDougle. Some background on the claimed players: Braedon Bowman (TE) An undrafted rookie out of South Alabama, Bowman caught three passes for 32 yards with Jacksonville this preseason. Two of those grabs and 28 of those yards game against the Jets in the preseason opener. Bowman stands 6-4 and weighs 244 pounds. Coming out of college, Bowman was heralded for his ability as a blocker and on special teams. Brian Parker (TE) Parker, now in his second year, signed with the Chiefs last season as an undrafted free agent out of Albany. He appeared in one game last season and caught one pass for four yards. In the preseason this year, Parker caught two passes for 20 yards. He stands 6-4 and weighs 265 pounds. 17 P a g e