FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Sam Darnold believes theres something a lot different about the New York Jets these days.
Sure, the start of training camp breeds overwhelming optimism and positive chatter all around the NFL. But the second-year quarterback insists theres more to it than just cliché-filled declarations.
This is real. Darnold can feel it.
“The whole building, you can kind of sense a … almost a rebirth,” Darnold said Wednesday as Jets players reported for training camp.
“I mean, I feel like the whole building is very energized, theres a lot of energy within the building, a lot of good vibes,” he added. “For us, its just feeding off that and that happens naturally. We can already feel it in the building. … And I feel like as long as you have that good energy, we can win with that.”
Well, positive energy is sustained only by winning — something the Jets havent done very much of lately. Theyre coming off a 4-12 campaign and havent made the playoffs since the 2010 season.
But, as far as the Jets are concerned, they arent far from putting that postseason slump — currently the NFLs third-longest — behind them.
“Were going to play meaningful games in the end of November and December,” coach Adam Gase said. “Thats what were going to do.”
It wasnt the kind of bold declaration Rex Ryan used to routinely make headlines during his tenure as coach. But, Gase has allowed some of his personality to trickle out — unlike the mostly tight-lipped Todd Bowles, who was fired after failing to make the playoffs in his four seasons.
Gase was also briefly unemployed after the season, with the Dolphins moving on after one postseason appearance in three years. The 41-year-old coach has plenty to prove, and is charged with leading a franchise that has remained stuck on one Super Bowl appearance for the last 50 years.
Gase knows the dubious history since the glory days of Joe Namath and understands nothing but bringing home another Lombardi Trophy will be considered a success. He believes this group of Jets players, at the very least, is starting out with the right attitude.
“Theres some good juice in our building right now,” Gase said. “Were ready. Were 0-0. Its going to be all about how we come together. We all know were starting at 0-0 and its time to go to work and see where the chips fall.”
Gase and new general manager Joe Douglas, who replaced the fired Mike Maccagnan in May, are working to put together a squad that can consistently be in the mix for a postseason spot.
It all starts with Darnold, of course, and how he develops this season after an up-and-down first year in the NFL. He said hes in the “latter stages” of learning Gases playbook, and feels “much more comfortable out there” as he prepares for his second training camp.
Newcomers such as running back LeVeon Bell, linebacker C.J. Mosley, wide receiver Jamison Crowder and offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele highlight a roster that has raised expectations within the Jets facility.
“A lot of wins,” Darnold said when asked what he thought the team could achieve this season.
That might seem laughable to some, especially considering New York has just 14 victories over the last three years. But that was then, and Darnold and the Jets are focused on the now.
“I think theres enough talenRead More – Source
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Sam Darnold believes theres something a lot different about the New York Jets these days.
Sure, the start of training camp breeds overwhelming optimism and positive chatter all around the NFL. But the second-year quarterback insists theres more to it than just cliché-filled declarations.
This is real. Darnold can feel it.
“The whole building, you can kind of sense a … almost a rebirth,” Darnold said Wednesday as Jets players reported for training camp.
“I mean, I feel like the whole building is very energized, theres a lot of energy within the building, a lot of good vibes,” he added. “For us, its just feeding off that and that happens naturally. We can already feel it in the building. … And I feel like as long as you have that good energy, we can win with that.”
Well, positive energy is sustained only by winning — something the Jets havent done very much of lately. Theyre coming off a 4-12 campaign and havent made the playoffs since the 2010 season.
But, as far as the Jets are concerned, they arent far from putting that postseason slump — currently the NFLs third-longest — behind them.
“Were going to play meaningful games in the end of November and December,” coach Adam Gase said. “Thats what were going to do.”
It wasnt the kind of bold declaration Rex Ryan used to routinely make headlines during his tenure as coach. But, Gase has allowed some of his personality to trickle out — unlike the mostly tight-lipped Todd Bowles, who was fired after failing to make the playoffs in his four seasons.
Gase was also briefly unemployed after the season, with the Dolphins moving on after one postseason appearance in three years. The 41-year-old coach has plenty to prove, and is charged with leading a franchise that has remained stuck on one Super Bowl appearance for the last 50 years.
Gase knows the dubious history since the glory days of Joe Namath and understands nothing but bringing home another Lombardi Trophy will be considered a success. He believes this group of Jets players, at the very least, is starting out with the right attitude.
“Theres some good juice in our building right now,” Gase said. “Were ready. Were 0-0. Its going to be all about how we come together. We all know were starting at 0-0 and its time to go to work and see where the chips fall.”
Gase and new general manager Joe Douglas, who replaced the fired Mike Maccagnan in May, are working to put together a squad that can consistently be in the mix for a postseason spot.
It all starts with Darnold, of course, and how he develops this season after an up-and-down first year in the NFL. He said hes in the “latter stages” of learning Gases playbook, and feels “much more comfortable out there” as he prepares for his second training camp.
Newcomers such as running back LeVeon Bell, linebacker C.J. Mosley, wide receiver Jamison Crowder and offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele highlight a roster that has raised expectations within the Jets facility.
“A lot of wins,” Darnold said when asked what he thought the team could achieve this season.
That might seem laughable to some, especially considering New York has just 14 victories over the last three years. But that was then, and Darnold and the Jets are focused on the now.
“I think theres enough talenRead More – Source
