Bowles won’t budge on questions about his fate
The time to decide Todd Bowles’ fate at One Jets Drive is swiftly approaching. With just two games remaining in the 2017 season, acting owner Christopher Johnson must determine sooner rather than later if he believes Bowles is the right man to lead Gang Green next season and beyond.
Bowles, though, is not interested in campaigning for himself. The coach, in the third year of a four-year contract, refused to answer multiple questions about his future with the organization Thursday in Florham Park.
When asked what he feels he proved to ownership this season by winning five games with a roster many thought was the worst in the NFL, Bowles said, “I’m not going to talk about my job.”
Later, Bowles was asked how badly he wants to return to the Jets, considering the strong bonds and connections he’s made with the players. He gave the same answer. “I’m not going to talk about my job,” he said.
The responses are understandable from Bowles, a humble man who rarely discusses his successes with reporters. But the Jets are mathematically out of the playoffs, and now would seem like a good time to talk publicly about the impressive job he’s done this season.
Bowles said “it’s not” hard to avoid thinking about his job security.
“Next game,” Bowles added. “It’s my livelihood to try and win the next game and that is what I go to work and practice for.”
In September, Johnson said Bowles would not be judged on wins and losses. Rather, ownership would make a decision based on how much the young players improve during the year. If that’s truly the measuring stick, Bowles deserves to be back in Florham Park in 2018.
O.C. CAN’T CATCH ON
Jets offensive coordinator John Morton, a former wide receiver and longtime receivers coach, is just as confused by the NFL catch rule as many fans.
“I don’t even know” Morton said Thursday, when asked for his thoughts on the controversial rule. “Don’t even ask me that question. I can’t even explain it.”
The Steelers lost to the Patriots on Sunday in Pittsburgh after tight end Jesse James had a touchdown catch overturned and ruled incomplete. James appeared to catch the ball before reaching across the goal line. But as he hit the turf, the ball was knocked loose from his hands.
Pats coach Bill Belichick said
this week that he coaches his players not to extend the ball to the goal line to avoid situations like James’, as well as fumbles through the end zone. Morton has given a similar directive to his players.
“I say score with the ball so that doesn’t happen,” Morton said. “That means run in with it.”
HE’S STILL MO TO ME
Bowles said Muhammad Wilkerson’s second benching this month for tardiness “has not had an affect on our relationship.” Wilkerson practiced fully for the second straight day Thursday. He will be a gametime decision Sunday against the Chargers.
INJURY REPORT
Running back Matt Forte (knee), right guard Brian Winters (abdomen) and running back Elijah McGuire (illness) did not practice Thursday.
Wide receiver Robby Anderson (hamstring, hip) and defensive lineman Leonard Williams (concussion) were limited. Williams is still in league protocol.