Dwight Lowery: Jets will need to step up
New York Jets cornerback Dwight Lowery speaks the the media during a news conference the team's football practice facility Tuesday, July 26, 2011 in Florham Park, N.J., the day after the NFL lockout ended. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) Credit: AP Photo/Bill Kostroun
With 16 unrestricted free agents, the shortened signing period and a lowered salary cap, DB Dwight Lowery said teammates will need to step up to fill whatever gaps are left by departing players.
"It's going to change the dynamics," Lowery said of the $120 million cap. "You're not going to be able to keep everyone that you want to keep. That means other guys need to step up. It means other guys assume more responsibility. That means you've got to be a man and be ready to play."
One guy he thinks will be an essential signing was DB Antonio Cromartie, who Lowery said was "such a compliment to [Darrelle] Revis."
"Cromartie has to make his own decision, what's best for him, what's best for his family, what's best for his situation...but I'd love to see him back," he said. "He's earned the right to get what he feels he deserves."
While that may be so, Lowery seemed to underline the concept that no one player is completely irreplaceable.
When it comes to continuity, "winning adds to it, chemistry adds to it, and yeah, there's a certain aspect where you've been with a guy a long time and you know his tendencies," he said. "But at the same time, Santonio Holmes was only with us last year. Braylon has only been with us two years...whatever situation we've had, we've always adjusted. We always do. We'll be ready to play football and everything will take care of itself."
