‘Heat the Young Kid Up’
If Brady Cook does get the ball in Jacksonville, he will become the Jets’ third starting QB this season. The feisty Jags defense has made teams one-dimensional, leading the NFL in rush defense (82.9 yds per) and they’ve yet to allow an opponent to run for more than 100 yards in a game. And the Cats have pillaged, ranking tied for second both in takeaways (23) and interceptions (15). LB Devin Lloyd has 5 INTs, edge mainstay Josh Hines-Allen leads the pass rush with 7 sacks and veteran LB Foye Oluokon continues to pile up tackles.
“They’re doing a hell of a job,” said HC Aaron Glenn. “And it’s not just the interceptions, it’s the fumbles also, and they’re a very, very aggressive defense. They have an attacking style that really puts a lot of pressure on the quarterback, which obviously allows for those picks to happen. And man, listen, this has been, and I don’t want to say historic, but this has been one of those seasons for Lloyd. Man, he’s in the right place at the right time. I’ve always thought he was a good player, alright, but this year, I think he’s taken it to another level with the interceptions he’s got and also being able to punch the ball out.”
For most of the season, Cook was the show team quarterback at practice. And after going 14-of-30 passing for 163 yards with 2 INTs vs. the Dolphins, he figures to benefit from a full week of being QB1.
“He made some unbelievable throws against us in some of the carded scout team periods this season,” said DT Harrison Phillips. “He’s definitely a natural passer. It’s been fun, he’s made it difficult on our secondary this season, they can attest to it, just giving fantastic looks all season long. So, I definitely know that he can throw the football and make the right reads, and he has good energy about him, and I know the guys really care about him, which is important.”
With gametime temperatures expected to be in the low 70s, the Jets have prepared for the heat DC Anthony Campanile will likely employ against the rookie QB.
OC Tanner Engstrand said: “Historically, some defensive coordinators say, ‘Hey, we’re going to heat the young kid up and see what he’s made of.’ And so, look, we’re prepared for that and we’re prepared for the other stuff that they’ve shown on tape, so we’ll have whoever is ready to play, ready to play.”
