Support for coach keeps on coming
If Todd Bowles is concerned about his future with the Jets, he isn’t showing it. With two games left before the Jets decide whether to keep him, the coach refused to address his status.
“I’m not going to talk about my job,” Bowles said.
He reiterated that stance in a variety of ways. Bowles did say he speaks frequently to owner Christopher Johnson, but wouldn’t give hints as to what they discuss.
“It’s my livelihood to try and win the next game, and that is what I go to work and practice for,” he said.
Following Sunday’s 31-19 loss to the Saints, rookie safety Jamal Adams went to bat for Bowles, saying, “he’s doing a phenomenal job.” And Thursday, cornerback Buster Skrine made similar comments.
“I think he should be here,” Skrine said. “A lot of people said we didn’t have the roster to win a game. ... I know as a team we want Todd back. He’s a consistent coach.”
But Bowles, in the third year of a four-year contract, won’t campaign publicly to keep his job.
“That stuff takes care of itself,” said the coach — who is 20-26 in three seasons with the Jets, without a playoff berth. Robby Anderson never hid his goal of reaching the Pro Bowl. He even lobbied for votes during a game by talking into the television camera. So when he wasn’t selected, the second-year wide receiver was naturally disappointed.
“I just got to go harder for next year,” said Anderson, who has enjoyed a breakout season with 57 catches for 888 yards and seven touchdowns. “I got to get it. That’s on my list of accomplishments I got to achieve before I retire.”
The complicated catch rule isn’t just baffling to players and fans. Some coaches can’t figure it out, either. The rule has become a hot-button topic, with touchdowns reversed of late when a player bobbles the ball upon hitting the ground despite clearly having possession.
“I can’t explain it,” Jets offensive coordinator John Morton said. “I don’t even know [how it works].”
Running back Matt Forte (knee), offensive guard Brian Winters (abdomen), and running back Elijah McGuire (illness) missed practice for the second straight day. Cornerback Morris Claiborne (foot), center Wesley Johnson (hip), and defensive end Leonard Williams (concussion) were limited, though Williams remained in the concussion protocol.