Jets offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates turns the page
Jets offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates looks on during the first half of a preseason game against the Falcons on Aug. 10. Credit: AP/Bill Kostroun
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Jets offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates is trying to remain positive and not lose sleep amid a very deflating stretch, but he needs to do something to wake up his unit.
Bates continues to seek ways to get the Jets in the end zone, but it’s been mostly futile lately. When the Jets didn’t score an offensive touchdown in last week’s loss at Tennessee, it was the second time in four games their offense didn’t get in the end zone.
“This profession is about grinding,” Bates said Thursday. “You got to move to the next week. You can’t look at last week and lose sleep on it. You got to turn the page.
“Obviously, we’re disappointed. We’re not happy with our outcomes. We got to keep working.”
The Jets got in the red zone three times last week and came up empty each time. Penalties and execution issues proved costly.
In the third quarter, Isaiah Crowell had back-to-back runs of 16 and 27 yards that brought the Jets to the Tennessee 17, but they didn’t run it again. Josh McCown was sacked twice and threw an incomplete pass, forcing the Jets to settle for a field goal by Jason Myers. Bates said he called run-pass option plays and that the Titans’ defense forced the Jets to pass.
The Jets hope the return of quarterback Sam Darnold will help add a spark to the offense Sunday in Buffalo. He practiced in full for the second straight day and all signs point to his return after a three-game absence.
Bates doesn’t seem concerned about rust for Darnold. “When Sam does play, it’s not his first time playing football,” he said. “He’s going to jump in there and it’s going to be just like old times.”
Cro’s toe
A toe issue has kept Crowell from practicing the past two days, and the Jets could be without him against Buffalo. Todd Bowles said he probably will be a game-time decision. “It’s a concern,” Bowles said.
If Crowell can’t play, second-year running back Elijah McGuire and rookie Trenton Cannon will get more opportunities out of the backfield.
Beachum honored
Left tackle Kelvin Beachum is the Jets’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for his community service. Beachum works with several organizations to help end hunger, provide clean water access and give STEM opportunities to youth. The winner will be announced the night before the Super Bowl.
“It’s a blessing for my name to be associated with the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award,” Beachum said. “It’s great to just be in his company.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
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