Tag: c.j. mosley

Jets LB C.J. Mosley’s return is off to a scorching start

Jets LB C.J. Mosley is off to a hot start after missing most of the past two seasons.

C.J. Mosley is finally giving the Jets what they paid for when they signed the linebacker to a massive five-year, $85 million contract in 2019.

Although the Jets are just 1-3 through the first month of the season, New York’s defense remains one of the brightest spots on the team.  Mosley’s play has been at the center of that.

The veteran linebacker tallied his third consecutive double-digit tackle game in New York’s win over the Titans – the first time he’s ever accomplished the feat in his career. Mosley added his first sack as a Jet in a game that saw New York record seven total. His 38 combined tackles lead the team by 14 and place him eighth in the NFL prior to Monday night’s match between the Raiders and the Chargers.

Mosley has been especially stout against preventing extra yardage this season. He had seven tackles that held the ball carrier to four yards or less without giving up a first down against the Titans, according to Jets X-Factor’s Michael Nania. That tied fellow Jets linebacker Quincy Williams for second-most among the position in Week 4. Mosley has 20-such tackles through four games this season, which is tied for second with Eric Kendricks of the Vikings and behind Bobby Wagner of the Seahawks, per Nania.

This is the same player the Jets thought they added to their defense two years ago and the one they missed over the past two seasons. Mosley only played in two games in 2019 after injuring his groin in Week 1. He opted out of the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Jets defense sorely missed his experience and skill, but the unit now appears to be rejuvenated with a healthy – and leaner – Mosley. New York is third in third-down conversion percentage allowed, tied for fourth in sacks, tied for the fewest passing touchdowns per game, tied for the 12th-fewest passing yards per game, and tied for the 12th-fewest rushing yards per attempt.

Those numbers can’t all be attributed to Mosley, but he’s played a massive role in rallying the defense under Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.

The next step for the team is to stack wins. Though the defense looks like it could be a top-10 unit, New York needs to consistently play at this high of a level, something Mosley is cognizant of after the Jets’ narrow win in Week 4.

“We can’t let off, we can’t be happy because of one win,” Mosley said after the game. “We have to lock down even more. We gotta keep going and have the same mentality we had this week going into next week.”

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Jets players, Robert Saleh react to New York’s first win of 2021

Zach Wilson, Corey Davis, C.J. Mosley, Quinnen Williams and Robert Saleh had plenty to say after the Jets’ first win of 2021.

Robert Saleh and the Jets picked up their first win of the season in dramatic fashion against the Titans, as it took a missed Randy Bullock 49-yard field goal in overtime for New York to cling to a 27-24 victory.

Zach Wilson stepped up to fire two touchdown passes in the second half, while the Jets’ defense mostly stood tall in big spots. Tennessee drove down the field in the final minutes of regulation to force overtime, but New York made just enough stops in the extra period to force the Titans to settle for a long field goal attempt that was pushed wide left.

The Jets can now breathe a sigh of relief. They are finally in the win column after three weeks of mostly non-competitive play. Here’s how New York reacted to its first triumph of 2021.

Zach Wilson, Corey Davis among Jets’ Studs & Duds in Week 4 win over Titans

Studs & Duds: Zach Wilson, Corey Davis & C.J. Mosley played major roles in the Jets beating the Titans in OT for their first win of 2021.

The first 30 minutes of the Jets’ Week 4 clash with the Titans looked like more of the same. New York’s defense was doing its part, but its offense wasn’t doing anything right.

That all changed in the third quarter, as Zach Wilson heated up to get the Jets to overtime. Jeff Ulbrich’s defense delivered after allowing Tennessee to tie the game in the closing seconds of regulation, forcing Randy Bullock into a missed 49-yard field goal to secure a 27-24 win — Robert Saleh’s first as a head coach.

Wilson threw two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, with his 53-yard strike to Corey Davis putting the Jets up 24-17. Wilson also led New York down the field in overtime, resulting in a short field goal by Matt Ammendola to go up 27-24.

Here are the studs and duds from the Jets’ thrilling overtime win over the Titans.

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5 takeaways from the Jets’ thrilling Week 4 overtime win over the Titans

The Jets got the job done on defense and Zach Wilson did enough for New York to notch its first win of 2021 in dramatic fashion. Takeaways:

It took until the final seconds of overtime to decide the outcome, but the Jets finally have their first win of the season.

New York’s defense came to play against the Titans on Sunday afternoon. Jeff Ulbrich’s unit did everything it could, doing its best to limit Derrick Henry and bringing constant heat on Ryan Tannehill. Mike LaFleur’s offense responded by doing just enough to etch out a 27-24 win thanks to heroics by Zach Wilson and an overtime stand by the defense.

Wilson hit Keelan Cole deep on the run to set up a Matt Ammendola field goal late in the third quarter to put the Jets up 10-9. Tennessee scored and converted a two-point try on its ensuing drive, but Wilson answered right back with a touchdown pass to Jamison Crowder to knot the score at 17. Wilson then dropped a 53-yard dime to Corey Davis with just over nine minutes remaining in regulation to go up 24-17.

Wilson then led the Jets down the field in overtime, but had to settle for a field goal after he couldn’t find an open man on 3rd-and-goal. New York’s defense stood tall after the Titans got the ball back, forcing Randy Bullock into a 49-yard field goal attempt that he ultimately pushed wide left.

The Jets still have plenty to improve upon, but they beat a good football team in grind-it-out fashion in Week 4. That’s a major improvement after struggling to compete the last two weeks.

Here are five takeaways from New York’s first win of 2021.

Michael Carter, Quinnen Williams among Jets’ Studs & Duds in Week 3 loss to Broncos

The Jets looked worse against the Broncos than they did against the Patriots. Here are some studs and duds from the action:

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The Broncos took control from the opening whistle and cruised to an easy win over the Jets in Week 3, handing New York its third straight loss to begin the 2021 season.

The Jets failed to put any points on the board, as Denver’s dangerous defense went after Zach Wilson early and often and got to the rookie quarterback with relative ease. Vic Fangio’s defense also took away New York’s rushing attack, forcing Wilson into third and longs on almost every series.

Here are the studs and duds from another ugly Jets loss.

C.J. Mosley excited to see Jets fans back in MetLife Stadium

C.J. Mosley wants to hear the J-E-T-S chant louder than ever when fans return to MetLife Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

C.J. Mosley has played just two regular season games in front of a MetLife Stadium crowd, but he is well aware of the noise Jets fans can bring in a big game.

New York will host its fans for regular season action for the first time since Dec. 2019 when the Patriots come to East Rutherford on Sunday afternoon. Jets fans returned to MetLife Stadium during the preseason, but an exhibition turnout does not quite compare to the raucous crowd that comes along with playing a division rival early in the season.

“I was excited to play last week, just to return to play football,” Mosley said Friday. “But to be back in front of the home crowd, have all the fans rocking and we’re going to be in all white [uniforms], it’s going to be real pretty. So I’m very excited and very excited to hear the J-E-T-S chant as well.”

Mosley has some fond memories of playing in MetLife Stadium despite missing nearly all of 2019 due to injury and the 2020 season after deciding to opt-out amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Mosley dominated in his first game at MetLife Stadium in 2019, returning an interception for a touchdown and recovering a fumble in a Week 1 loss to the Bills.

The Jets are hoping Mosley replicates his debut against Buffalo in this year’s home opener and the result flips in their favor. Either way, New York’s veteran linebacker can hardly wait to hear Gang Green’s rejuvenated fanbase back in action at MetLife Stadium.

“I just know it’s going to be rocking,” Mosley said. “Especially having all the fans back. We have a division opponent, we have the Patriots. We have all the checkmarks to make the Jets chant get louder and louder. Hopefully, we’ll be hearing it loud and clear at the end of the game, as well. That’s the plan.”

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C.J. Mosley warns the NFL: Don’t expect the same old Jets

C.J. Mosley issued a warning to the NFL: these are not the same old Jets.

C.J. Mosley felt bold following his return to action on Saturday night.

The linebacker made a tackle and defended a pass in his first game of any kind since Week 7 of the 2019 season, but it wasn’t his own performance that had Mosley making declarative statements in his postgame press conference.

Rather, it was the “explosive” showing from New York’s defensive line that prompted a warning from Mosley.

“If people come with that same mentality, they’re going to get their [expletive] blown out,” Mosley said, referring to the Jets as a whole when asked specifically about people sleeping on the d-line. “That’s 100%, no matter if we’re at MetLife or anywhere else. If they think there’s anything old about this Jets team, it’s not going to end well for them. That’s the mindset that we’re going to bring to work every day.”

Mosley made similar comments about Gang Green when he signed with the team before the 2019 season. This time, his comments followed a 12-7 preseason win over the Giants. The game hardly guaranteed anything about the Jets’ prospects in 2021, but New York’s defense, particularly the line, looked stacked against Big Blue.

The Jets defense totaled 10 QB hits, seven passes defended, five sacks, four TFLs and one recovered fumble on Saturday. Granted, many of the Giants’ starters sat the game out, but the Jets’ pass rush did its work against first-teamers at times, and a slew of young defenders made eye-catching contributions.

In addition to marveling at New York’s defense, Mosley also found himself appreciating his return to the field. Aside from a few quarters, the 29-year-old missed his first two seasons with the Jets after suffering injuries in 2019 and opting out last year due to the pandemic.

“I was embracing everything today. It was the same for me once we got on the field and that first play, it was just like I was back at home,” Mosley said. “It was fun to be out there with the defense.

“You can never take this game for granted.”

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Robert Saleh: Jets player vaccination rate is ‘above average’

Robert Saleh didn’t say exactly how many Jets players received the COVID-19 vaccine, but he said the rate is above average.

Updated July 28, 12:15 p.m.

Robert Saleh said that 81 players on the Jets’ 90-man training camp roster are vaccinated, thus putting the team’s rate at 90 percent. Saleh added that the entire coaching staff is also vaccinated.

RT George Fant, who was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday, tested positive. He will have to quarantine for 10 days, per league protocols.

Robert Saleh didn’t say exactly how many Jets players are vaccinated against COVID-19, but he sounded happy with the team’s rate on Tuesday.

“I know we’re above-average,” he said on the first day of training camp. “I feel good about where we’re at.”

Saleh added that he wasn’t sure if all of his coaches were vaccinated, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini. Per NFLPA/NFL protocols, all coaches and other staff members in direct contact with players – named “Tier 1” staff – must be vaccinated against the virus, or their access will be revoked.

Players are not required to be vaccinated, but those that receive the shot will have much more lenient policies, including less testing, not having to wear masks in the team facility or during traveling, and no social distancing restrictions. Unvaccinated players won’t benefit from those loosened protocols, and teams could forfeit games and paychecks if an outbreak occurs among unvaccinated players.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, 85 percent of players in the league received at least one shot, and 14 of the 32 teams had vaccination rates of more than 90 percent as of July 27. It’s unclear if the Jets are among those 14 teams after Saleh’s Tuesday comments.

The Jets placed tackle George Fant on the reserve/COVID-19 list later on Tuesday after intake testing. It’s unclear if Fant tested positive for the virus or if he is vaccinated.

A few Jets have posted photos about getting vaccinated or stated they’ve been vaccinated, including C.J. Mosley and Greg Van Roten.

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Seeing the entire board & field: Jets LB Jamien Sherwood has a knack for chess

One of Jamien Sherwood’s off-the-field talents may help him see the entire field when he’s playing linebacker for the Jets.

One of Jamien Sherwood’s off-the-field talents may help him see the entire field when he’s playing linebacker for the Jets.

Sherwood, on an episode of “Meet the Fleet” with team reporter Olivia Landis, recently revealed that chess is one of his hidden talents. The Auburn product went as far as saying he was “pretty good” at the game, which could be a modest take considering chess is not an easy craft to master.

A chess player’s success hinges on his ability to read the board and see one step ahead of his opponent. Strategy and approach are the driving forces behind a player’s ability to win. NFL linebackers often rely on their natural athleticism and sure tackling skills to make plays. While Sherwood is well off in that regard, he showcased traits throughout the spring that mirrored the detail-oriented approach of a chess player.

“I’ve been around a lot of rookies as a player and coach and he’s unique in the way that he has absolutely like, picked up the finite details of this defense already,” Jeff Ulbrich said of Sherwood in June. “His ability to command the defense, run the huddle, make the adjustments, make the checks, the calls, the whole thing, [it’s] very exciting.”

Sherwood shined throughout his first spring with the Jets and is competing for the starting weak-side linebacker spot with Blake Cashman and fellow rookie Hamsah Nasirildeen. Sherwood can also play in coverage against running backs and tight ends when needed, making him a versatile chess piece Ulbrich and Robert Saleh can deploy in a multitude of ways.

New York does not need Sherwood taking complete command of its defense as a rookie with veteran C.J. Mosley at middle linebacker, but his ability to do so in his first couple of practices with the team bodes well for his future. With a little more seasoning and some in-game experience and production, Sherwood could be a leader of Saleh and Ulbrich’s defense sooner than expected.

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Best Jets fail to make ESPN’s top-10 defensive lists

Notable Jets Marcus Maye, Quinnen Williams and C.J. Mosley were not among the best players ranked by NFL execs, coaches, scouts and players.

The Jets defense doesn’t boast the biggest names in the league, but some of New York’s top players have performed well recently and continue to develop at their respective positions.

But they aren’t considered among the best in the league, yet.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler asked more than 50 league executives, coaches, scouts and players to rank their top-10 best players at every position. Zero Jets made the defensive lists.

However, the trio of safety Marcus Maye, linebacker C.J. Mosley and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams all received votes.

Maye and Williams are coming off career years, while Mosley was among the best middle linebackers in the NFL before missing most of the past two years.

Two former Jets did make the top-10 lists, though. Jamal Adams, whom the Jets traded to the Seahawks last summer, finished fourth among safeties. Leonard Williams, whom the Jets traded to the Giants midway through the 2019 season, finished seventh on the defensive lineman list.

Here’s what the survey responses said about each Jet:

On Maye:

“Really stood out last year… Not a special athlete but so well-rounded, can play down or from depth. Solid tackler.” – NFC scout. “Bad team and scheme probably held him back [last year].” – NFC defensive coach

On Williams:

“He’s going to have a huge year. They had him in that two-gap scheme, but [new Jets coach] Robert [Saleh] will just have him attacking. He’s good enough to jump a gap and get back in a gap. Teams have to scheme for him more than most.” – NFC executive

On Mosley:

“Still a high-level linebacker when he’s on the field. It’s just been a while.” – AFC exec

While none of those Jets cracked the top 10 lists, those are still pretty rave reviews. We’ll see if any of Gang Green’s offensive stars make ESPN’s cut next week.

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