‘D’ gets to feed on rookie QB
Th e Je t s face a rookie quarterback on Sunday with DeShone Kizer starting for the Browns.
It has been a rough season statistically for Kizer. He has thrown the most interceptions (eight), has the lowest completion percentage (51.4) and the worst passer rat i ng ( 5 0.9 ) . Still, Jets coach Todd Bowles said he’s been impressed with Kizer.
“He’s smart,” Bowles said. “He’s tough. He’s very accurate. He has a strong arm and he can run with the football. He’s kind of a triple threat.”
The Jets’ defense has been strong against the pass this season, allowing 194.8 yards per game, tied for seventh in the NFL. Kizer could be in for a long day.
The Browns took him with the 52nd pick in the draft this year. Unlike the Jets, who have not started Christian Hackenberg, the 51st pick in the 2016 draft, yet, the Browns named Kizer the Week 1 starter. He admits it is not easy to be a rookie quarterback.
“There’s a lot that comes with it,” Kizer said on a conference call. “This is a whole new level of football. From defensive schemes to complexity of your own offense to understanding the ins and outs of the locker room and the business that comes along with it, there’s a lot that is added to a quarterback’s plate. But here, I was able to be under the guidance of Coach [Hue] Jackson who brought me along pretty quickly and I’m becoming very comfortable.” The Jets hope he isn’t too comfortable Sunday.
Jets rookie OLB Dylan Donahue needs elbow surgery and is out for the season. Donahue injured the elbow on a punt return in overtime Sunday when he delivered a huge block on the Jag uars’ Pau l Posluszny.
DE Kony Ealy (shoulder), RB Matt Forte (knee, toe), LB Josh Martin (ankle) and CB Darryl Roberts (hamstring) did not practice. TE Jordan Leggett (knee), RT Brandon Shell( shoulder ), DE Muhammad Wilkerson( shoulder) an dR G Brian Winters (abdomen) were limited. QB Josh McCown was listed on the injury report with a right shoulder injury, but practiced fully. … The Jets signed DL Ed Stinson and OLB Obum Gwacham, who was on the Cardinals’ practice squad. ... The Jets signed OLB Freddie Bishop to the practice squad.
L aw rence Thomas switched his number from 97 to 44. Bowles said Thomas will be playing more fullback, a role he has played in each of the last two weeks.
Browns rookie OLB Myles Garrett, the No. 1-overall pick in this year’s draft, looks like he will make his debut this week against the Jets. He missed the f irst four games with a highankle sprain. … Bowles said the Jets will take the next few days to evaluate whether to activate WR Jalin Marshall, who was suspended for the f irst four games. Marshall is practicing with the team under a roster exemption, which expires Monday.