New York Jets: Todd Bowles preaches competition

This off season, the New York Jets brought in competition for ever major position on the team in hopes of fielding a contender this upcoming season. So far during training camp, the Jets have been putting in hard work, preparation and are building a culture around executing.

We here at The Jet Press would like to thank the Media Relations Department of the Jets for sending us a complete transcript of direct quotes from Bowles preaching competition, how specific players are doing and much more. Here it is in its entirety:

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On injury update for Muhammad Wilkerson…

No, he’s still day to day, same as yesterday.

On the full contact at the end of practice…

Short-yardage and goal line. If you don’t go full speed at it, it’s going to look bad so we got a couple plays in.

On the recovery of Wilkerson…

No setbacks. He’s still day to day.

On whether he is being extra cautious with injuries this time of year…

We’re starting out the beginning of training camp. Guys are going to be a little tight and a little sore. So you just want to err on the side of caution [rather] than you would (the) other side, throwing him out there since it’s early in camp.

On how full contact gives a better perspectives of the running backs…

Yes, it gives you a good look at the running backs. To see them slamming it up in there, see guys blocking, see guys cut at full speed live and hit different holes, whereas in non-contact there’s arm tackles and things going on so you’re not really sure.

On Chris Ivory’s performance…

Well I mean he’s tough. He’s as advertised. We knew he was tough and he could pound it up in there. But he cuts well, he’s got good vision, so he did a good job today.

On whether there is enough speed at running back…

Yeah, I think all those guys are versatile enough to be pass catchers on third down as well as blockers. We’re not looking for a speedy back per-se but we’ve got a bunch of all around backs back there.

Dec 8, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) runs for a 4th quarter touchdown during their game against the Oakland Raiders at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Raiders 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

On the goal line drill from an offensive standpoint…

I thought the offensive line came off the ball some. I though defensively, technique, we need some technique work and a couple of people did the wrong assignment so it let the ball go in too easy. (It’s the) first day out. We’ll look at the film and we’ll correct it and move on.

On Devin Smith’s absence opening up reps for other receivers…

It opens up a lot, (Chris) Owusu gets a bunch of reps. You know we’re looking at Quincy Enunwa, we’re looking at Saalim (Hakim), we’re looking at (T.J.) Graham, (Jeremy) Kerley all those guys get a lot more reps. Some of those guys got to learn different positions because of that injury.

On Ivory’s dominant performance on goal line…

He’s a hard worker. He doesn’t say much. He comes in. He keeps his head down. He grinds every day. He’s where he’s supposed to be. He’s a good blocker. He’s going to have to become a better receiver. He has decent hands. He just needs to concentrate a little more. But running the ball is not a problem at all for him.

On Lorenzo Mauldin…

He’s got a motor. You know he’s got a motor. But he’s got a lot to learn mentally about the game as far as blocks and setting himself up and those types of things. Recognizing screens. But, you know he’s got a live motor and that’s impressive.

On Mauldin’s position on the field and what sides he can play on…

Well with Julian (Howsare) getting some reps on the other side of the ball, we’re a little shorthanded, so he’s going to have to learn both spots anyway and they’re interchangeable. We thought it was a good time to teach him rather than later.

On whether Mauldin could challenge Calvin Pace for the starting position…

That’s way too early. I mean heck Calvin’s played it. Calvin knows it inside and out, Calvin’s our starting SAM linebacker. Mauldin’s got to learn both positions. That’s pretty much where that one’s at.

Sep 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets linebacker Calvin Pace (97) tries to get past Oakland Raiders tackle Khalif Barnes (69) at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Raiders 19-14. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

On Ikemefuna Enemkpali…

He’s strong. He’s got a good pass rush. He’s still learning (the) new scheme as far as when to drop and when not to drop and doing certain things, but we know he can rush the passer.

On whether he thinks Ivory could be an every-down back…

It depends on the running game. If we are running the ball well, and he’s getting some nice runs in there, he’s getting some carries, he can easily (be that). He’s build to do that, but we have other guys that we don’t want to wear down that we want to play also, so it will be a feel of how the game is going.

On Marcus Gilchrist…

He’s healthy. He’s running around. This is his first time getting acclimated. He hasn’t practiced in the spring. He’s a smart player, he’s a heady player, he takes care of his body and he communicates well.

On competition at right guard…

They all know their assignments, that’s for sure. Going forward, we’ve had a few problems here and there with blitz pick-up with every one of them, but all of them are doing a good job right now. It’s going to be a tough spot to decide.

On whether Willie Colon gets a leg up because he’s the incumbent…

I mean he’s the incumbent, he gets the start, but there’s a lot of competition there, so it’s all even.

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