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New York Jets: Quinton Coples impressive so far

ByLuis Tirado Jr.|

Linebacker Quinton Coples hasn’t truly lived up to the expectations he set as a first-round draft pick of the New York Jets back at the 2012 NFL Draft. He’s coming off a decent year with 6.5 sacks and 25 tackles but if he’s to push the envelope for the Jets this upcoming season, he must step up and deliver in a much more contributing way. Since the Jets had a marvelous off season so far, the pressure is on Coples to make sure he’s a part of their long-term plans at outside linebacker.

With a new leadership regime in place, Coples has so far been impressive this off season at mini-camps with his attitude and execution on defense. The Jets picked up his fifth-year option in his original rookie contract which means they do see the potential that he can finally breakout in 2015 to determine what his worth will be in the future.

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Not much will change on the Jets’ defense under new head coach Todd Bowles and defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers. This bodes well for Coples who is expected to be put in a position to utilize his speed as a blitzing pass rusher coming off the edge and hopefully see a big increase in his stats big time.

So far though, new linebackers coach Mark Collins has given praise to Coples for how well he’s been doing with his assignments. In an article written by Darryl Slater of NJ.com, here is what Collins had to say about Coples so far:

"“He plays with very good violence,” Collins said. “He can set the edge in the run. He can finish plays in the run game. He can push the pocket. He can affect the quarterback. It doesn’t mean he’s always going to sack the quarterback, but he can affect the quarterback. I definitely think his arrow is pointing up.”"

Jul 24, 2014; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets outside linebacker Quinton Coples (98) walks out to the field prior to the start of training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Considering that Lorenzo Mauldin is most likely going to see some starting time at outside linebacker this upcoming season, Coples knows that he must execute and prove his worth to his new coaching staff.

It won’t be easy but if he keeps performing well like he’s been doing so far, especially during training camp, he could very well be on his way to the best season yet of his young career.

If Coples can continue to do what he does best in rushing opposing quarterbacks, he should definitely prove to his new coaching staff that he’s worth investing in since he’s yet to reach his potential.

Perhaps with Mauldin posing a threat for his starting playing time and the fact that this new leadership regime has no loyalty to him, it’ll be exactly what he needs to play his best football to date. Sometimes these can be the catalysts needed to make sure one never takes the foot off the gas pedal no matter what.

Next: New York Jets 2015 Training Camp: Grading Offensive Line

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