Mike LaFleur likely to ramp up Jets' improved offense
Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur talks to the media during training camp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, N.J. on Aug. 1. Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Mike LaFleur is much more comfortable heading into Year 2 as the Jets offensive coordinator and eager to see how explosive his improved group can be.
The Jets added weapons on offense, which should allow LaFleur to open up his playbook even more. He didn’t hold back last year and got more creative as the season progressed.
The additions of veteran tight ends Tyler Conklin and C.J. Uzomah, rookie receiver Garrett Wilson and rookie running back Breece Hall gives LaFleur more options in a unit that returns receivers Corey Davis, Elijah Moore and Braxton Berrios and running backs Michael Carter and Ty Johnson.
“What’s going to define this group is our style of play,” LaFleur said. “It’s no secret when you look at it on paper it’s a more explosive, more dynamic group of guys. There’s no doubt about it. And they have a year under their belt for the most part outside of the rookies.
“That doesn’t matter. What matters is how we go out and play and our style of football.”
The style LaFleur wants is a team that “plays for each other and with extreme tenacity and physicality.” It’s important every week, but this one in particularly with the always hard-hitting Ravens visiting MetLife Stadium.
LaFleur said not much changes with Joe Flacco as quarterback instead of Zach Wilson, who is out at least the first three games with a knee injury. The Jets may run less bootlegs because Flacco isn’t as mobile as Wilson, but they’re running their system.
“The foundation is the same and the style at which we play at has to be the same,” LaFleur said. “Yeah, there’s an adjustment, but it’s not the adjustment that you would all think. It’s just putting together a plan that is going to best suit the players, not just the quarterback, but across the board, all 11.”
High on Carter
LaFleur praised Carter for being “the ultimate leader” and “ultimate professional” and said he’s “the heartbeat of our offense with how he brings juice every single day.”
Carter is expected to start the season as the Jets’ lead back but rookie Breece Hall will get his opportunities in this offense. LaFleur likes to ride the hot hand in the backfield
Injury report
Cornerback D.J. Reed (knee) and offensive tackle Conor McDermott (ankle) were limited in practice again. … Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Staley (ankle) did not practice Thursday while running back JK Dobbins (knee) and cornerback Marcus Peters (knee) were limited for the second straight day..
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
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