Quinton Coples Ready to Make an Impact on Sunday

September 16, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass against pressure from New York Jets defensive end Quinton Coples (98) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

The Jets defense has, at the very least, underwhelming since the start of the 2012 season. Both defending the run, and the pass, they have been far from the elite status that Rex Ryan likes to talk about. One area that they have been especially been lacking is in the pass rush. They were supposed to be “one step fster”, but they have been anything but.

One guy we have not seen on the field to the amount we have expected has been first round draft pick, Quinton Coples. After a terrific preseason, he has made little to no impact so far in the regular season. Coach Ryan talked today about Coples seeing the field more often starting this Sunday.

Here is what Quinton had to say about it:

I think its great that he’s built his confidence up in me, giving me more playing time. It’s been a learning process for me, learning the different scheme in the defense, but I’m ready now and I’m ready to take further responsibility.

Coples feels ready to make an impact on Sunday:

Yes, I definitely think I can make an impact. It’s definitely going to be great to give some guys a blow. I just need to get out there, and take on some of those tackles for the linebackers as well and make plays as well for myself.

He said that the hardest part for him so far has been understanding how to react to the offenses, and what they are doing in front of him. The game is a lot faster in the NFL, so the recognition has to be lightning fast, and it sounds like Coples is starting to get it.

Sione Po’uha was also taking about Quinton Coples today, and his ability in practice:

He always had the determination and I think you can almost see it, it just becomes relevant when somebody kind of gets it – the “gets it” factor. I think Q (Coples) kind of understands, “Okay, this is how things work, this is how I fit into the scheme of things.” He’s always had great effort, (he’s) always had great technique, but I think it’s almost becoming more of a second nature to him and that’s where you can see the blossom take place.

Quinton Coples is expected to make a big impact on this team now, and for years to come. He needs to be ready to get on the field, which sounds like it’s finally happening. Can’t wait to see it.