It seems like an odd pairing, the reserved head coach and the boisterous Pro Bowl safety. But Jets coach Todd Bowles said among his favorite players, Jamal Adams is at or close to the top of the list.
“I would say he would be, just the personality some guys you click with more than others,” Bowles said. “You see things kind of the same way. Humor is the same, outlook on some things in life is the same.
“Although I’m way older, I can relate to some of the things he sees.”
Adams, selected to his first Pro Bowl in his second NFL season, has been one of the more outspoken Jets on the future of Bowles, saying he wants him to remain as coach and the team’s 4-10 record isn’t an indictment on him.
Spencer Long was signed to play center, but the Jets have to at least be encouraged by how he has adjusted to guard. After a finger injury led to weeks of poor snaps, Long shifted to left guard when James Carpenter was lost for the season with a shoulder injury suffered Nov. 25 against the Patriots, and has performed well.
“The more he plays, the more comfortable he gets,” Bowles said of Long, who last played guard in 2015. “He’s played it before in the past. He’s gotten healthy, so he’s moving around a little better. I think he’s done a decent job since he’s been there.”
Jonotthan Harrison replaced Long at center, and has held his own. Bowles believes the 27-year-old Harrison can be a long-term solution there if he continues to improve.
“He’s a fighter,” Bowles said. “He’s quick, he’s strong. … He needs to keep on making progress.”
With wide receiver Quincy Enunwa (ankle) missing his second straight game, Bowles said rookie Deontay Burnett will be active Sunday. Inside linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis (shoulder) is doubtful while cornerback Darryl Roberts (toe) and outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins (ankle) are questionable.