Jets’ Falk faces ‘big challenge’ in 1st start

FOXBORO — Adam Gase built his NFL resume developing and nurturing young quarterbacks.

The New York Jets coach will need to tap every resource to prepare third stringer Luke Falk for his first career start against the Patriots on Sunday.

“Obviously heading into this game this is going to be a big challenge for us, like always,” Gase, in his first season with the Jets, said yesterday.

“The first start of his career going against these guys, but as any professional this is the way they should want it.”

Quarterback was not an area of concern for Gase when the Jets wrapped up the preseason. Sam Darnold, the third overall pick out of USC in the 2018 draft, was prepared to build on his 13 starts as a rookie.

After starting the opener against the Bills, Darnold was diagnosed with mononucleosis last week and is expected to miss four games. Darnold’s backup, Trevor Siemian suffered a seasonending ankle injury while being sacked by Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett in the second quarter of Monday night’s 23-3 home loss to the Browns.

Falk, who was signed to the Jets’ practice squad on Sept. 1, entered the game and completed 20-of-25 passes for 198 yards and finished with a quarterback rating of 99.7.

“The positive thing to come out of the last game was him getting the amount of snaps he did,” Gase said.

Gase and Falk have a history that predates the Jets. Gase was the coach last season when the Dolphins claimed Falk off waivers in September. Falk was placed on injured reserve Oct. 5 with a wrist injury, but time spent learning Gase’s system in Miami aided his assimilation in New York.

“It’s helpful for him and he’s a confident kid,” Gase said. “He is very confident in his abilities and very confident in his intelligence. He would be able to take things from the classroom with no reps and go out and execute.

“Obviously being in the system for two years now he has a really good grasp of it. I think that time in Miami being able to learn as much as he did was extremely helpful to him.”

The Patriots defense is at or near the top of the NFL in every significant category after consecutive lopsided wins over the Steelers (33-3) and Dolphins (43-0).

The Patriots have not allowed a touchdown in three straight games, a run that began with a 13-3 victory over the Rams in Super Bowl LIII. The Patriots lead the NFL in scoring defense (three points), total defense (492 yards) and first downs allowed (26). They are second in rushing defense (74) and tied for eighth with the Chargers in passing defense (418).

The Patriots have been exceptionally effective getting off the field on third down. The Steelers converted 3-of-12 and the Dolphins were 2-of-15. The Patriots lead the league with five interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns against the Dolphins.

“It’s always a challenge and put the rankings aside,” Gase said. “Anytime you go against a coach (Bill) Belichick coached defense it is extremely tough.

“There are a lot of variety. When you get to the game there is always going to be something new and there is something that you are going to have to adjust to.

“It’s always a challenge as a coach and it’s really more about making sure you guys understand there are going to be things you haven’t seen yet.”