Kindergarten cop McCown has his place
THE JETS are keeping no secrets about their intentions. Amid a flurry of offseason veteran cuts, both general manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles have said they are looking to play more young players in 2017. But it seems that notion doesn’t apply to one position — quarterback. Mandatory minicamp started Tuesday in Florham Park, and 37-year-old Josh McCown remains firmly in contention to win the starting quarterback competition over Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg.
If the Jets are so intent on moving to the “next generation,” as Bowles said, then why are they still considering McCown as a potential starter when they have two young gunslingers on the roster?
“Even when you go to kindergarten,” Bowles said Tuesday, “somebody's got to be the teacher.”
Since signing with the Jets on a one-year deal this offseason, McCown has taken on a mentorship role with Hackenberg and Petty. On Tuesday, Bowles referred to McCown as a “teaching tool” while elaborating on his uncharacteristically philosophical quote. McCown is one of four players on the Jets' 90-man roster over 30.
MAULDIN ‘SHOCKED’ OVER SUIT
Lorenzo Mauldin spoke publically Tuesday for the first time since Queens native Jean Lopez filed a lawsuit accusing the Jets linebacker of punching him in the face.
“Of course, I was shocked,” Mauldin said of his initial reaction to the allegations. “But everything that’s going on right now, it’s pending. We don’t know what the outcome is going to be. You guys can just refer to my attorney if you have any questions.”
Mauldin's lawyer is Mitchell Schuster, who said his client only witnessed the attack on Lopez and wasn’t involved in the altercation.
GOV BALL INCIDENT
Both Leonard Williams and Darron Lee refused to discuss an incident that occurred at the Governors Ball music festival earlier this month.
Video of the ordeal shows Williams carrying a visibly upset Lee away from an altercation. Lee appeared to be yelling at another individual. Bowles said last week Lee got into “an argument with his girlfriend” and revealed the team would not be disciplining the second-year linebacker.
The NFL is investigation the matter under the personal conduct policy.
“Definitely knew that you guys would probably have some questions about that,” Lee said Tuesday. “But the NFL still has an investigation going on, so I can’t really answer anything right now.”
INJURY UPDATE
Wide receivers ArDarius Stewart (groin) and Quincy Enunwa (shoulder, neck) didn’t practice. Bowles said both players are unlikely to participate in either of the two minicamp sessions remaining this week.
Offensive lineman Ben Ijalana underwent a knee scope last week, but Bowles expects him to be ready for training camp, which begins July 31. Linebacker Corey Lemonier is dealing with a sore quad.