Jets’ OC won’t be caught napping
Jets offensive coordinator John Morton walked into his press conference Thursday looking like a man who had not slept in days. He had heavy eyes, was unshaven and looked like he could use a nap.
No, the Jets offense is not giving him nightmares.
But the newest man to run the Jets offense has been busy all week preparing for the season opener with the Bills.
“I don’t get enough sleep,” Morton said, rubbing the stubble on his face. “That’s OK. That’s what I love about this job. I’ll shave in a couple of days.”
Martin is two weeks shy of his 48th birthday. Sunday will be his first game as an NFL offensive coordinator. He will be at the controls of an offense that is widely viewed as the worst in the NFL. Not that Morton cares. He was honest this spring when asked why he took this job — it was an opportunity to be an offensive coordinator. Morton, who has been in the NFL or college coaching ranks since 2002, said he believes he is ready for this challenge.
“I feel really confident,” Morton said. “Otherwise, I shouldn’t be sitting here. Listen, I think I’ve said this before, I’ve been prepared. I’ve been around some great coaches that have prepared me and a lot of great players that have prepared me. I’ve been in a couple big-time games, Super Bowl games. I’m fortunate enough that I can say that and a lot of playoff games I’ve been in. I feel really comfortable going into this game, calling plays for the first time.”
Jets offensive coordinators have the staying power of drummers in Spinal Tap — no one has lasted longer than two years in the job since Brian Schottenheimer (2006-11). Morton is the fourth offensive coordinator the Jets have had since.
When Chan Gailey retired after last season, Jets coach Todd Bowles went through a number of candidates before landing on Morton. He was impressed by Morton’s knowledge and his energy.
“He brings confidence. I know that much.,” Bowles said. “He’s a brash guy. I like that about him. It’s one of the reasons I hired him. He’s a smart guy. He gets it. He’ll understand situations. He’ll make the right calls, and he has everybody on the same page. I have every bit of confidence in him.”
Looking at the Jets on paper, it’s hard to imagine Vince Lombardi having success with this offense. Josh McCown, who is 2-20 as a starter over the last three years, is at quarterback. The wide-receiving group was so bad the team added two new receivers in the last week who could have big roles on Sunday in Jermaine Kearse and Jeremy Kerley. The offensive line has three new starters. The tight ends are a mystery until Austin SeferianJenkins returns in two weeks.
Let’s just say beyond running backs Matt Forte and Bilal Powell — Morton has some issues. Morton said he is not out to prove anybody wrong. He is not listening to the doomsayers.
“I don’t get into that stuff,” Morton said. “All I’m worried about right now is Buffalo. I don’t worry about what anybody else says. You worry about that stuff, you lost.”
Morton won’t be intimidated by the low expectations. Bowles said Morton’s competitiveness separates him.
“You play a game of jacks and he’s going to compete and beat you,” Bowles said. “I don’t care if you’re 4 years old. He’s going to try to win that game. He’s a smart guy. He understands the game. He’s been around a lot of football. He’s a good coach. He’s a grinder. He puts in the work.”
Now, he needs to get some sleep.