NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS

May 17, 2016

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Table of Contents

WABC-TV ............................................................................................................................................................... 1

'TASTE OF THE JETS' CHARITY EVENT BEING HELD TO FIGHT HUNGER ..................................................................... 1

NJ ADVANCE MEDIA .............................................................................................................................................. 2

Jets wide receiver presents Jersey City school with fitness, nutrition grant (Caitlin Mota) ...................................... 2

What Jets OC Chan Gailey likes about Christian Hackenberg (Darryl Slater) ............................................................ 2

Jets' Bryce Petty notices 'night-and-day' progress while playing Madden (Dom Cosentino) ................................... 3

Jets' Matt Forte wants to lead league in rushing, per report (Dom Cosentino) ........................................................ 4

NEWSDAY .............................................................................................................................................................. 5

David Harris: Jets have undergone change in ‘defensive philosophy’ (Kimberley Martin) ....................................... 5

Jets’ third-string QB Bryce Petty out to prove he belongs in the NFL (Kimberley Martin) ........................................ 6

Christian Hackenberg earns praise from Jets’ Chan Gailey (Kimberley Martin) ........................................................ 7

ESPN NEW YORK .................................................................................................................................................... 8

Chan Gailey on Ryan Fitzpatrick talks: I coach whoever walks in door (Rich Cimini) ................................................ 8

The education of a young Jets quarterback ... via Madden video game (Rich Cimini) .............................................. 9

David Harris on Jets' young LB corps: I have to show them the way (Rich Cimini) ................................................. 10

NEW YORK POST .................................................................................................................................................. 11

Hackenberg more ready than you think: Jets coordinator (Brian Costello) ............................................................ 11

Jets all too aware of one missing talent when they meet up (Brian Costello) ........................................................ 12

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................... 13

Jets hoping Christian Hackenberg can build off freshman year at Penn State (Seth Walder) ................................ 13

Jets QB Bryce Petty notices his improvement — while playing Madden (Seth Walder)......................................... 14

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jets receivers missing out on valuable time to grow together (Manish Mehta) ......................... 15

USA TODAY SPORTS MEDIA GROUP ..................................................................................................................... 16

Jets QB Bryce Petty can now read defenses... in Madden (Connor Hughes) .......................................................... 16

MONDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS .................................................................................................................... 17

WABC-TV

'TASTE OF THE JETS' CHARITY EVENT BEING HELD TO FIGHT HUNGER WABC-TV May 16, 2016

http://mms.tveyes.com/MediaCenterPlayer.aspx?u=aHR0cDovL21lZGlhY2VudGVyLnR2ZXllcy5jb20vZG93bmxvYWRnYXRld2F5LmFzcHg%2FVXNlcklEPTQwNDQyMiZNRElEPTYxNjcwMTUmTURTZWVkPTk3MzkmVHlwZT1NZWRpYQ%3D%3D

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NJ ADVANCE MEDIA

Jets wide receiver presents Jersey City school with fitness, nutrition grant (Caitlin Mota) NJ Advance Media May 16, 2016

http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2016/05/jets_wide_receiver_visits_present_jersey_city_scho.html#incart_river_index

JERSEY CITY -- Eating healthy and staying active has proven to pay off for students at School 6.

The Heights school was honored as one of the "Division Champions" for the state's Jets Play 60 "Eat Right, Move Right" program. To celebrate, New York Jets wide receiver Jeremy Ross visited the school last week and presented a $5,000 grant to improve food services and the physical education program at the school.

The program -- organized by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and the American Dairy Association -- pushes students to choose healthier food options and exercise more frequently.

"It was great interacting with students who are enthusiastic about being healthy," Ross said in a statement. "The commitment by Public School 6 to provide healthy and active choices for their students is commendable."

Entering his fifth season in the NFL, Ross has spent time with the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Baltimore Ravens and Oakland Raiders since his collegiate career at California.

Each school day, students at School 6 are provided fruit and vegetable options to go along with their meal. Multiple physical activities are provided and about 100 students were involved in the Jets Play 60 program this year.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning came out to the fundraiser event to give a helping hand to the Jersey City Catholic school. The two time Super Bowl MVP winner signed autographs, took pictures, and gave a Q and A session to the donors in attendance.

Tina Barone, a counselor at the school, said they will use the grant they received for new serving tables and fitness equipment.

"When students learn about their individual nutritional and physical activity needs, they can make better choices about nutrition and exercise for themselves and are more likely to achieve personal, academic and athletic goals," Barone said in a statement.

Carlstadt Public School was named the "Grand Champion" of the program this school year and will receive a $15,000 grant. Worth School in Berkley Township and Belleville High School were also named division champions.

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What Jets OC Chan Gailey likes about Christian Hackenberg (Darryl Slater) NJ Advanced Media May 16, 2016

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/05/what_jets_oc_chan_gailey_likes_about_christian_hac.html#incart_river_index

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NORTH CALDWELL — In Chan Gailey, the Jets have an offensive coordinator with a reputation for getting the most of out of NFL quarterbacks. In Christian Hackenberg, the Jets have a second-round draft pick with a mixed scouting report whom they hope to develop into a franchise quarterback.

But how can Gailey—who has worked his magic with Kordell Stewart and Ryan Fitzpatrick—truly evaluate what Hackenberg can become?

"You try not to predispose a guy to a certain—put him in a box, so to speak," Gailey said Monday at Green Brook Country Club, where he was taking part in inside linebacker David Harris' charity golf invitational, which benefits the Give the Kids Hope Foundation.

"You try to make sure that you keep an open mind and give him an opportunity to show what he can do. Every quarterback has their ups and downs. He's not by himself in that respect. And so you're looking at the potential."

About that potential: General manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles saw it, according to Gailey And Gailey saw it, too.

The Jets had done extensive homework on Hackenberg, from a pre-draft visit to a private workout at Penn State, which Gailey attended along with Maccagnan, Bowles, quarterbacks coach Kevin Patullo, and a pair of scouts.

Hackenberg's three years at Penn State would seem to make for a tricky evaluation. A blue-chip prospect coming out of high school, he thrived in head coach Bill O'Brien's pro-style system as a freshman before struggling the following two seasons, after O'Brien left for the NFL's Texans.

A look at when every other second-round QB in the last 10 years made his first start, and how each fared.

Gailey had high praise for Hackenberg's "intelligence" and "decision-making," particularly in that year he had with O'Brien.

But it was in meetings that involved Xs and Os board work and film study that Hackenberg really seemed to impress Gailey and the Jets' brass.

"He retained a great deal from the pro-style of offense that Bill has," Gailey said. So he's ahead in that respect, but he's behind in seeing what's going to happen to him defensively in the NFL."

Hackenberg is one of three quarterbacks on the Jets' roster, joining Geno Smith and Bryce Petty. And if Ryan Fitzpatrick re-signs—which is still likely, even though it's now mid-May—Hackenberg would be one of four.

Gailey mostly avoided questions about Fitzpatrick's status.

"My job is to get whoever is in the building ready to play," Gailey said said

Maccagnan hasn't ruled out the possibility of Hackenberg playing this season, saying it would depend on how quickly Hackenberg develops. Gailey couldn't put a timetable on that.

If I had an answer for that," Gailey said, "I'd be in high demand."

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Jets' Bryce Petty notices 'night-and-day' progress while playing Madden (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media May 16, 2016

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/05/jets_bryce_petty_says_he_is_night-and-day_more_adv.html#incart_river_index

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NORTH CALDWELL — Bryce Petty, the Jets' second-year quarterback, knows he has some critical practices coming up this spring and summer, as he tries to show the organization he is worth retaining.

And as he approaches those practices, Petty believes he is much more advanced than he was last year, when the Jets drafted him in the fourth round. One way Petty notices his significant progress — by playing the Madden video game.

Last year, he was a developmental quarterback facing a steep learning curve. Now, he understands the nuances of playing in the NFL much better (like recognizing defensive tendencies), after he watched and learned last season, while not playing at all.

"For me, where I was when they drafted me last year to where I am now, it's night-and-day difference," Petty told NJ Advance Media on Monday at Jets linebacker David Harris' charity golf event, which benefits the Give the Kids Hope Foundation. "For me, it's a process. Just watching film, I'm seeing things.

"I played Madden the other day, and it's not just picking run plays anymore. It's like, 'Oh, they've got an under front [on defense].' You start picking up things differently. That's exciting for me."

Yet the Jets just drafted Christian Hackenberg in Round 2. They could keep four quarterbacks on their active roster for 2016. General manager Mike Maccagnan hasn't ruled that out. But presuming the Jets re-sign Ryan Fitzpatrick, where would that leave Petty? Might he be the odd man out, since Geno Smith would give the Jets a game-tested backup behind Fitzpatrick?

"For me, I've got to go out and prove that they made the right choice the year before [by drafting me]," Petty said.

How much closer is he to being ready to play, as a potential understudy to Fitzpatrick, if the Jets decide to retain Petty over Smith?

How we see things.

"If there's anybody I can emulate playing, mentally wise, it's Fitz," Petty said. "It was so awesome to be with him last year, just to see, cognitively, how he thinks about every play and how he goes in to prepare. The capacity for his mental side of the game to be that extreme, that's what I try to emulate."

(Smith declined to speak with reporters Monday at Harris' charity event.)

Petty is trying to not worry about what Hackenberg's selection means for him.

"For me, it's about worrying about what I've got to do, to make sure that I'm in the best chance to hopefully get on the field this year," he said. "That's what I want to do. That's what sucked last year [with not playing]. I know it's part of it, your redshirt year. Especially right now, it's my job to go prove. That rests solely on my shoulders. I'm ready to see the development from Year 1 to Year 2, not only in the film room, but actually hit the field and be able to see things."

Like other Jets players, Petty would like to have Fitzpatrick around the Jets' facility during offseason workouts. But Petty isn't begrudging Fitzpatrick for wanting more money than the Jets have been willing to give him. Petty, like his teammates, has spent some time recently video chatting with Fitzpatrick.

"We want to see him in the locker room, but we also understand it's a business," Petty said. "He's got to do the things to put food on the table for his family."

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Jets' Matt Forte wants to lead league in rushing, per report (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media May 16, 2016

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http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/05/jets_matt_forte_wants_to_lead_league_in_rushing_pe.html#incart_river_index

Matt Forte, 30, cares not for any concerns about his age as he enters his first season as a Jets running back.

In fact, Forte told the New York Post he thinks he can lead the league in rushing this season.

Forte said it in response to a Q&A question about Jets Hall of Fame running back Curtis Martin, whom Forte said he admired.

"I liked his running style," Forte told the Post. "He was a very patient runner. He let the blocking work for him, and then didn't get too anxious about hitting the hole. I think at 30 or 31, he actually won the rushing title [at 31 in 2004], so that's definitely one of my goals to follow in his footsteps like that, and be a running back for the Jets just as he was."

In a follow-up question, the Post asked if winning a rushing title was a "realistic goal." Said Forte: "Why not? Is that a realistic question?"

A look at what some of this offseason's additions will be wearing.

With the Jets, Forte will play in an offense that includes two other versatile backs in Bilal Powell and Khiry Robinson, plus Zac Stacy.

Forte has never won a rushing title. The closest he came was in 2013, when he finished second in the league with 1,339 rushing yards. The only other time his yardage total placed in the top 10 was his rookie season of 2008, when his 1,238 yards was seventh-best.

Last year, Forte rushed for a career-low 898 yards. And the Bears did not offer a contract to retain him.

It ought not to surprise anyone that an NFL player has set a goal of being the best at what he does. Forte also has a believer in ex-Bears teammate Brandon Marshall, who's now a Jets receiver. Marshall last week referred to Forte as "the best all-around back our league has had" in the last eight years.

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NEWSDAY

David Harris: Jets have undergone change in ‘defensive philosophy’ (Kimberley Martin) Newsday May 16, 2016

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/david-harris-jets-have-undergone-change-in-defensive-philosophy-1.11806143

NORTH CALDWELL, N.J. — The Jets may not have their starting quarterback yet, but their defense already has undergone a transformation under second-year coach Todd Bowles.

There’s been a slight shift in “defensive philosophy,” according to inside linebacker David Harris. And Bowles is already looking to spice things up in 2016.

“He’s throwing more stuff at us,” Harris said Monday at his annual charity golf outing benefiting the “Give The Kids Hope Foundation.”

“Last year, at this point, we were kind of vanilla. In May, we were kind of doing the basics. But I think he’s throwing a lot at us and we’re going over it in walkthroughs and they’re testing us to see what we retain from the meetings and what we see out there. So, I think it’s good.”

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The Jets finished fourth in total defense (318.6 yards per game) last season, Bowles’ first as an NFL head coach. The unit also ranked 13th in passing defense (235.2) and second in rushing defense (83.4). So far this offseason, the Jets have addressed one major need: team speed. Also while Bowles looks to tweak things, his linebacking corps will be going through its own metamorphosis.

Gone are 14-year veteran Calvin Pace (currently a free agent) and Demario Davis, a 2013 draft pick who signed with the Browns in March. In their place are newcomers such as Darron Lee, the Jets’ first-round pick last month and third-rounder Jordan Jenkins. Plus, 2015 draft-pick Lorenzo Mauldin will figure to play a much bigger role as a sophomore.

Harris, their 32-year-old MIKE linebacker, is vital to the transition.

“I know I have to step up even more because . . . we’re young,” said the veteran, who is responsible for communicating the play calls and making sure everyone is in the right position. “So I’ve got to make sure everybody’s on the same page, got to make sure that they’re on top of their playbook.

“It’s only the third or fourth week of meetings and stuff, but I think they’re trying to get it because they’re looked at to be huge parts of this defense. You’ve got to approach it like the training wheels are coming off and for Darron, they might come off a little bit faster because he is a first-round pick.”

Harris said he’s been impressed by the inquisitive Lee, who constantly asks questions. And not only is the former Ohio State linebacker “a fast learner,” but Lee’s athleticism will be “a huge asset to the team,” he said.

“He’s specializes in covering guys and the way the league is, it’s a passing league, of course. And we play so many great tight ends week in and week out, it’ll just be a huge plus for us,” Harris added, before hitting the course.

He hosted his first charity golf event in 2011, and like in years past, there was a sizable turnout by Jets coaches and players.

Proceeds from Monday’s golf fundraiser will be used primarily for repairs and renovations at Camp Hope in West Milford, N.J., where over 2,700 underprivileged children attend summer camp for free.

“Just seeing their faces,” Harris said. “When I was 11 years old I went to a summer camp for a week and I had a blast. I think every kid should be able to experience that; get away from their neighborhoods and the rest of their families, just hang out with their friends in the woods and do things that kids do. So I think it’s a great opportunity.”

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Jets’ third-string QB Bryce Petty out to prove he belongs in the NFL (Kimberley Martin) Newsday May 16, 2016

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/jets-third-string-qb-bryce-petty-out-to-prove-he-belongs-in-the-nfl-1.11804974

NORTH CALDWELL, N.J. — Bryce Petty isn’t interested in hypotheticals.

The arrival of rookie quarterback Christian Hackenberg is a reality he can’t ignore, but Petty said he isn’t wasting time worrying about what it all means.

Instead, the 2015 draft pick is focused on himself.

“It is what it is,” Petty said Monday at teammate David Harris’ annual charity golf outing, when asked about the Jets’ decision to take Hackenberg in the second round. “For me, I don’t deal with hypotheticals

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so it’s all about control what you can control. Hypotheticals are, ‘What’s going to happen with it?’ You don’t know. You don’t know.

“They drafted him, that’s what I do know,” added Petty, whom the Jets drafted in the fourth round last year. “What I also know is that it doesn’t affect me as a teammate in the locker room, it doesn’t affect my preparation in the spring. It doesn’t affect any of that. For me, I have to go out and prove that they made the right choice the year before and whatever happens, happens.”

Not only will Hackenberg join Petty and Geno Smith in the Jets’ quarterback room, but the team still hopes to re-sign veteran free agent Ryan Fitzpatrick before training camp.

Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said Monday that the challenge of keeping four quarterbacks is “you can’t give them enough reps to develop. That’s the problem you have.” But so far, he’s impressed with what he’s seen from the three QBs he currently has.

Asked about Petty’s development after one year, Gailey said: “Getting better. He made big strides in one year.”

Petty acknowledged this offseason will be paramount for him.

“I think that’s the key, especially right now,” he said. “It’s my job to go prove, and that rests solely on my shoulder. So I’m excited about OTAs starting and ready to see the development from Year 1 to Year 2, not only in the film room but actually hit the field and be able to see things and go from there.”

Smith, now in his fourth NFL season, quickly walked by reporters when approached for an interview. “I got no time,” he said.

Gailey, however, noted that Smith has learned a lot in the past year.

“I think he’s made giant steps too,” Gailey said. “I think he’s right on track for where I’d like for him to be.

“Just understanding offense, defense, fronts, coverages, how they go together, thought processes about where to go with the ball,” added Gailey, now in his second year with the Jets. “And probably part of it is getting used to our offense. How we call things. He was in different offenses the first two years, so all of a sudden, it’s his second year in the same offense. So he’s got a little bit more of a comfort level from that. So you have to make sure you don’t just say he’s gained a bunch of knowledge. The comfort level is a big part of that too.”

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Christian Hackenberg earns praise from Jets’ Chan Gailey (Kimberley Martin) Newsday May 16, 2016

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/christian-hackenberg-earns-praise-from-jets-chan-gailey-1.11804797

NORTH CALDWELL, N.J. — In some ways, Christian Hackenberg is already ahead of the curve.

“He retained a great deal from the pro-style type of offense that Bill [O’Brien] had,” Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said Monday of his newest quarterback. “So he’s ahead in that respect, but he’s behind in seeing what’s going to happen to him defensively in the NFL.”

Hackenberg, the team’s second-round pick, was one of the most polarizing prospects of this year’s class given his declining production after O’Brien left Penn State to coach the Houston Texans after the 2013 season. But Gailey, a grizzled veteran coach with extensive history working with NFL quarterbacks, sees “a lot of positives” in Hackenberg’s game.

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Not only did he rave about the young signal-caller’s arm, but also Hackenberg’s smarts. He also highlighted the quarterback’s decision-making.

“He’s a very sharp young man, very sharp,” Gailey said before hitting the holes at linebacker David Harris’ charity golf event.

The coordinator said he wasn’t “in the room” when the Jets’ front office agreed to take Hackenberg with the 51st overall pick. But Gailey noted general manager Mike Maccagnan and coach Todd Bowles included coaches in the pre-draft workouts and meetings.

“Mike and Todd thought the potential was there,” he said, referring to Hackenberg. “And I think he’s got a great deal of potential.”

So how much time does the rookie need before he can be on the field?

“I don’t have an answer to that. If I had an answer to that, I’d be in high demand,” Gailey said, smiling.

The Jets were in a somewhat similar position last year when they selected Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty in the fourth round. But unlike Hackenberg, the Jets knew Petty would be a project who wouldn’t see the field in Year 1 and possibly in Year 2.

Hackenberg’s draft status as a second-rounder, along with his brief experience in a pro-style offense, gives the Jets reason for optimism. But for the time being, they have two young quarterbacks who need developing, as well as Geno Smith, the presumptive starter if veteran free agent Ryan Fitzpatrick doesn’t re-sign.

Maccagnan has floated out the possibility of keeping four quarterbacks on the roster — a scenario Gailey has never been a part of. Though the coordinator acknowledged it’s certainly a possibility, it also poses some challenges for the coaching staff because of the limited reps.

“Can you keep guys around that you think are developmental possibilities? We do that every year,” he said. “You can’t give them enough reps to develop. That’s the problem you have. There’s a certain number of snaps you have in preseason practice, you have a certain number of snaps in preseason games. So there’s not a lot of wiggle room for getting guys the reps they need. And so, you have to understand it’s going to be a slower process.”

Petty, the Jets’ third-stringer last year, made “big strides in one year,” Gailey said.

And Smith? “I think he’s made giant steps too,” he added.

Fitzpatrick had a career resurgence last season playing under Gailey, his former head coach in Buffalo. But despite their longstanding history, Gailey said he isn’t wasting time worrying about the contract standoff between Fitzpatrick and the Jets.

“We all know there’s a business side to this,” he said. “So I don’t get too bent out of shape about that. I just coach whoever’s in the building.”

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ESPN NEW YORK

Chan Gailey on Ryan Fitzpatrick talks: I coach whoever walks in door (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York May 16, 2016

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/15564595/chan-gailey-new-york-jets-not-fretting-ryan-fitzpatrick-talks

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NORTH CALDWELL, N.J. -- Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, whose reunion with Ryan Fitzpatrick helped the New York Jets to their best offensive season in more than a decade, claimed Monday he's not fretting about the outcome of the quarterback's highly-publicized contract stalemate with the organization.

"I can't worry about that stuff," said Gailey at Jets linebacker David Harris' charity golf event, where he spoke to reporters for the first time since the end of the season. "I coach whoever walks in the door. That's what you have to do. We all know what he did for us last year. We all know what we think he can do this year.

"[The impasse] is the business side," he continued. "I'm worried about the football side."

Fitzpatrick's contract situation has become the theme of the offseason. Players such as Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker have lobbied for Fitzpatrick's return, but the two sides remain far apart on a new contract.

The Jets are counting Fitzpatrick's strong relationship with Gailey as a selling point. Prior to last season, Fitzpatrick's best as a pro, they were together from 2010 to 2012 with the Buffalo Bills.

With three quarterbacks on the roster, the Jets already have the makings of a controversy. The newcomer is rookie Christian Hackenberg, whom they drafted in the second round.

Gailey, who was involved in the pre-draft evaluation of Hackenberg, said the former Penn State starter has "a great deal of potential." Gailey praised his arm strength and intelligence, saying he's not concerned about Hackenberg's mediocre 2014 and 2015 seasons.

"You try not to put a guy in a box," he said. "You try to make sure you keep an open mind and give him an opportunity to show what he can do. Every quarterback has their ups and downs. He's not by himself in that respect, so you're looking at the potential.

"Mike [Maccagnan] and Todd [Bowles] thought the potential was there," Gailey added, referring to the Jets' general manager and coach.

The Jets have been coy about whether they expect Hackenberg to compete for playing time as a rookie. Gailey declined to speculate, saying, "I don't have that answer. If I had an answer, I'd be in high demand."

Their crowded quarterback room also includes Geno Smith, currently atop the depth chart, and Bryce Petty. Team officials have said they could carry four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, which would be unconventional.

Petty, who didn't play last season as a fourth-round pick, has made "big strides in one year," Gailey said. Smith has "made great steps, too."

Smith blew off reporters at the golf outing, but Petty addressed Hackenberg's arrival.

"I have to go out and prove that they made the right choice the year before, and whatever happens, happens," Petty said.

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The education of a young Jets quarterback ... via Madden video game (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York May 16, 2016

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/60405/the-education-of-a-young-jets-quarterback-via-madden-video-game

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NORTH CALDWELL, N.J. -- A young NFL quarterback can improve his understanding of X's and O's by studying his playbook on a computer tablet and by watching his coaches diagram plays on a whiteboard -- the old-fashioned way.

There's another way: Video games.

Bryce Petty, a second-year quarterback for the New York Jets, believes his football aptitude has improved based on the way he plays Madden.

Yes, really.

"I played Madden the other day, and it's not just picking run plays anymore," Petty told NJ.com Monday at teammate David Harris' charity golf outing. "It's like, 'Oh, they've got an under front [on defense].' You start picking up things differently. That's exciting for me."

After playing his college ball in Baylor's no-huddle, spread offense, Petty -- a fourth-round pick in 2015 -- spent his rookie season learning to play quarterback in a pro-style offense. He didn't take a single regular-season snap, so it was essentially a redshirt year.

"He made big strides in one year," offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said.

At 64, Gailey knows John Madden as a former Super Bowl-winning coach, not a name on a video game, but he's OK with anything that will help his players learn the intricacies of the game. This is a critical year for Petty, who has new competition -- rookie Christian Hackenberg, drafted in the second round.

"For me, where I was when they drafted me last year to where I am now, it's night-and-day difference," Petty said. "For me, it's a process. Just watching film, I'm seeing things."

If he can take his Madden knowledge to the field, the Jets might have something.

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David Harris on Jets' young LB corps: I have to show them the way (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York May 16, 2016

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/60398/david-harris-on-jets-young-lb-corps-i-have-to-show-them-the-way

NORTH CALDWELL, N.J. -- David Harris' value to the New York Jets' defense goes beyond the stat sheet. He's the man in the middle, the quarterback of the front seven -- the glue, as coach Todd Bowles likes to call him.

This season, the defense will require industrial-strength glue from Harris, the leader of a linebacking corps filled with youth.

"Oh, yeah, I know I have to step up even more with so much inexperience," Harris said Monday at the Green Brook Country Club, where he hosted his annual golf outing to benefit the Give the Kids Hope Foundation. "We're young. We have to make sure everybody is on the same page. We have to make sure they're on top of their playbook. ... The training wheels are coming off. For Darron [Lee], they might come off a little faster because he's a first-round pick."

Lee and third-round pick Jordan Jenkins, an outside linebacker, are two rookies who will compete for playing time. Lee is expected to play immediately as a nickel linebacker, with Jenkins likely to start out as a situational pass-rusher. He also could challenge for the wide-open starting job on the strong side. Lorenzo Mauldin, entering his second season, is the leading candidate to start at the weak-outside spot. Erin Henderson, a backup last season, is slated to start alongside Harris in the middle of the 3-4.

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Gone are veterans Demario Davis (Cleveland Browns) and Calvin Pace (free agent), whom Harris called "probably one of the most underappreciated players ever in Jets history."

The 32-year-old Harris isn't a vocal leader, so don't look for him in his 10th season to be That Guy. He will do it his way, trying to galvanize a unit in the midst of a major, but not unexpected reconstruction.

"We've been such a veteran team that a lot of guys already knew how to approach things," Harris said. "Now we have a lot of new guys and I have to show them the way.

"It's not about yelling or trying to point fingers or anything like that," he continued. "We're all in this together."

Harris commands a lot of respect in the locker room, which was evident at his golf outing. About 30 players and several coaches, including Bowles, showed up for the event. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used, in large part, for repairs and renovations of the Spray Park Pavilion at Camp Hope in West Milford, New Jersey, where 2,700 underprivileged kids attend camp at no cost every summer.

"When I was 11 years old, I went to summer camp for a week and I had a blast," said Harris, who grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. "I think every kid should be able to experience that."

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NEW YORK POST

Hackenberg more ready than you think: Jets coordinator (Brian Costello) New York Post May 16 2016

http://nypost.com/2016/05/16/hackenberg-more-ready-than-you-think-jets-coordinator/

Jets coach Todd Bowles did not need a journalism degree to figure out what reporters were interested in Monday morning at the charity golf tournament hosted by linebacker David Harris.

As Bowles walked past a group of reporters interviewing Harris, he poked his head in and asked a question: “Excuse me, sir, tell us about your quarterback situation,” Bowles said with a big laugh.

Yep, the topic has not changed around the Jets in months. It is all about what is happening at quarterback. On Monday, offensive coordinator Chan Gailey spoke to reporters for the first time this offseason. He did not have much to say about the contract standoff between the team and free agent Ryan Fitzpatrick.

“I can’t worry about that stuff,” Gailey said before Harris’ golf tournament, which benefits the Give the Kids Hope Foundation. “I coach whoever walks in the door.”

While Gailey did not have much to say about Fitzpatrick, he heaped some praise on Christian Hackenberg, the newest quarterback on the Jets. Gailey said Hackenberg, the team’s second-round pick, will benefit from playing his freshman season at Penn State under Bill O’Brien, now the head coach of the Texans.

“He retained a great deal from the pro style of offense that Bill had,” Gailey said. “He’s ahead in that respect, but he’s behind in seeing what’s going to happen to him defensively in the NFL.”

Gailey was a big part of the Jets’ pre-draft evaluation of Hackenberg, and he said the quarterback has the smarts to play the position.

“I think his intelligence, his decision-making,” Gailey said about what stood out about Hackenberg. “When he played in a pro-style offense as a freshman, he handled that extremely well. There were a lot of positives.”

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Hackenberg arrived to the Jets with a lot of skeptics. Gailey is trying to block out all the noise and just evaluate the player now.

“You try not to predispose a guy to a certain … put him in a box, so to speak,” he said. “You try to make sure you keep an open mind and give him an opportunity to show what he can do. Every quarterback has their ups and downs. He’s not by himself in that respect. So, you’re looking at the potential. Mike [Maccagnan] and Todd thought that the potential was there. I think he’s got a great deal of potential.”

So when can Hackenberg be ready to play?

“If I had an answer to that, I’d be in high demand,” Gailey joked.

With Fitzpatrick still in limbo, Gailey is coaching Hackenberg, Geno Smith and Bryce Petty at the position. Petty, the team’s fourth-round pick in 2015, was diplomatic in his answers about the drafting of Hackenberg, though it does not bode well for what the team thinks of him.

“It doesn’t affect me in the locker room as a teammate,” Petty said. “It doesn’t affect my preparation in this spring. It doesn’t affect any of that. For me, I’ve got to go out and prove that they made the right choice the year before and then whatever happens, happens.”

Gailey said Petty has made great strides in the last year. He also praised Smith, who sits atop the depth chart right now. Smith refused to speak to reporters Monday other than those employed by the Jets.

“He’s learned so much in one year,” Gailey said of Smith. “The one game he played in last year, I thought he did very well. There’s always room for improvement, but I thought he did very well. I think he’s made giant steps, too. I think he’s right on track for where I’d like for him to be.”

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Jets all too aware of one missing talent when they meet up (Brian Costello) New York Post May 16, 2016

http://nypost.com/2016/05/16/jets-all-too-aware-of-one-missing-talent-when-they-meet-up/

Many of David Harris’ Jets teammates showed up at his charity golf tournament in New Jersey on Monday, but Muhammad Wilkerson was not one of them.

It was not a surprise. Wilkerson has stayed away from all Jets activities this spring. Wilkerson is seeking a long-term contract, which the team appears unlikely to give him. The Jets applied the franchise tag, giving them a deadline of July 15 to agree to a long-term deal or Wilkerson will play this season for $15.7 million and be a free agent next year.

Harris is hoping the Jets and Wilkerson can settle on terms soon, so Wilkerson can return to work.

“He’s the leader of the D-line,” Harris said. “Actually, he’s one of the leaders of the defense. He’s a tremendous talent. He is one of the best D-ends in this league, hands down. I hope he’s here.”

Jets defenders are excited about Year 2 under coach Todd Bowles, but Wilkerson’s absence leaves a big hole up front.

“He’s one of our better players on defense, maybe our best player on defense, so we need him back,” cornerback Buster Skrine said.

Harris has welcomed first-round pick Darron Lee to the Jets, even though Lee is from Ohio State and Harris is a Michigan man.

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“That don’t mean anything on this level,” Harris said.

Despite his Buckeye roots, Lee has some traits that have impressed Harris.

“He’s a fast learner,” Harris said. “He’s very athletic, which is obvious. I think he’ll be a huge asset to the team.”

Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey has already begun envisioning ways to use new running back Matt Forte, who is a great pass catcher as well as a runner.

“It will be a challenge,” Gailey said. “It’s different, but it will be a fun challenge. We’ve already started talking about some things and developing some things, but you can’t get too bent out of shape because what if he gets hurt, god forbid. You’ve still got to be able to handle the rest of the offense.”

Cornerback Darrelle Revis did not speak with reporters. He did not play in the golf tournament, but came to support Harris. Revis was wearing a soft bandage on his surgically repaired right wrist.

Harris has hosted the golf tournament every year since 2011. It benefits Give the Kids Hope Foundation, which helps underprivileged children in New Jersey.

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NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Jets hoping Christian Hackenberg can build off freshman year at Penn State (Seth Walder) New York Daily News May 16, 2016

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-hoping-hackenberg-build-freshman-year-penn-state-article-1.2638705

NORTH CALDWELL, N.J. — The Jets are banking on getting the freshman version of Christian Hackenberg.

The former Penn State quarterback played his best football as a freshman in then-coach Bill O'Brien's pro-style offense. After that, Hackenberg's college career went somewhat off the rails, but Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey believes his new quarterback — whom Gang Green selected in the second round of this year’s draft — is still holding onto whatever worked for him back in 2013.

"He retained a great deal from the pro-style of offense that Bill had," offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said Monday at David Harris' charity golf event in New Jersey. "You can tell. Meetings, on the board, just stuff like that. Watching film."

After that year, O'Brien left Penn State to take the Texans’ head coaching job. James Franklin replaced O’Brien in State College, and Hackenberg didn’t play as well in the new system.

Like other Jets staff members, Gailey was most complimentary of Hackenberg's mental game.

"I think that his intelligence, his decision-making when he played in a pro-style offense as a freshman, he handled that extremely well. There were a lot of positives in that," Gailey said.

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There's been plenty of criticism of Hackenberg — mainly relating to his accuracy — and most consider him somewhat of a project. Gailey would not speculate how long it would take before Hackenberg would be ready to play.

"Every quarterback has their ups and downs, he's not by himself in that respect. You're looking at the potential," Gailey said. "And Mike (Maccagnan) and Todd (Bowles) thought that the potential was there. I think he's got a great deal of potential."

The offensive coordinator said he was part of the pre-draft evaluation process, though of course Maccagnan and the front office made the call on draft night.

"Mike had a real good feeling about him," Gailey said. "He and Todd talked about it. I think they came to the consensus."

Hackenberg may be the quarterback of the future, but there are plenty of questions about the Jets' quarterback of the present, too. Ryan Fitzpatrick remains a free agent after months of deadlocked contract negotiations with the Jets.

"I can't worry about that," Gailey said. "I coach whoever walks through the door. That's what you have to do. We all know what he did for us last year and we'll all know what he thinks he can do this year. That's the business side; I'm worried about the football side."

The situation has gone on long enough that even Bowles made light of it on Monday. As Harris spoke to reporters, Bowles crept up behind him and jokingly posed a question for his linebacker. "How about the quarterback situation?" Bowles asked.

Geno Smith, who currently is in line to start if Fitzpatrick doesn't re-sign with the Jets, attended the event but declined to speak. As did Darrelle Revis, who is recovering from offseason wrist surgery.

Harris' annual golf event, at the Green Brook Country Club, benefits the Give the Kids Hope Foundation, which helps underprivileged children in New Jersey attend summer camp. Plenty of Jets players showed up to support Harris, a well-respected veteran in the Jets locker room.

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Jets QB Bryce Petty notices his improvement — while playing Madden (Seth Walder) New York Daily News May 16, 2016

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-qb-bryce-petty-notices-progress-playing-madden-article-1.2638814

Bryce Petty is a long way from the playing field, so he’s testing his development on the virtual field.

The second-year QB was a developmental fourth-round pick a year ago who needed to transition from a spread system in college to a pro-style offense with the Jets. Petty said he thinks there’s a “night-and-day” difference between where he was then and where he is now, and one place he sees it, in fact, is playing Madden.

"For me, it's a process. Just watching film, I'm seeing things. I played Madden the other day, and it's not just picking run plays anymore. It's like, 'Oh, they've got an under front (on defense),’” Petty told NJ.com on Monday at David Harris’ golf event. “You start picking up things differently. That's exciting for me.”

Hey, he’s got to get his reps in somehow.

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Petty’s path to playing time became extra murky when the Jets drafted Christian Hackenberg in the second-round of this year’s draft. That means the former Baylor quarterback now has a rookie, Geno Smith, and potentially Ryan Fitzpatrick all possibly blocking his path on the depth chart.

"For me, I've got to go out and prove that they made the right choice the year before," Petty said.

No doubt, he’ll want to do that somewhere other than the EA Sports servers.

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Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jets receivers missing out on valuable time to grow together (Manish Mehta) New York Daily News May 16, 2016

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/mehta-fitz-jets-wrs-missing-time-grow-article-1.2638462

The Jets’ stubborn stance on Ryan Fitzpatrick ignores this fundamental truth for a team that should be expected to make the playoffs this season: The powers that be are unwittingly stunting the growth of the most prolific offense in franchise history.

FitzMagic was a catchy slogan, but the quarterback’s career renaissance had more to do with endless preparation with his two most important teammates than any mystical force.

Fitzpatrick’s chemistry with Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker was the centerpiece of a surprisingly efficient offense that prompted just about everyone to wonder: Imagine what these three guys could do if they actually worked together for a full offseason.

It’s convenient for some to forget that Fitzpatrick threw for 3,905 yards and a franchise-record 31 touchdowns despite not practicing with Marshall, Decker and the rest of the starters until two days before the first preseason game. Geno Smith’s broken jaw on Aug. 11 opened the door for Fitzpatrick, whose warp-speed assimilation into the offense set a 10-win season in motion.

He thrived without valuable offseason work with Marshall and Decker, who combined for a franchise-record 189 receptions and 26 touchdowns.

They might have made it look easy, but it wasn’t.

For all the standout numbers that the trio set, here’s a truth that has been inexplicably overlooked: They can get better if given time to actually work together right now.

These months are supposed to be when Decker and Marshall continue evolving with their quarterback. The three of them are supposed to use this time to grow together.

It’s invaluable time for teams serious about winning.

Tom Brady invited his pass catchers to California for years to ensure that he was evolving with them in the offseason. The future Hall of Famer has since moved back to the Boston area permanently and now makes sure to go to the Patriots facility with the rest of the skill-position players to get ahead.

The Jets’ hard-line stance on their team leader has already put them behind.

The first phase of the voluntary off-season program over the past month isn’t a pressure point, but the Jets’ supposed training camp deadline to settle Fitzpatrick’s contract situation is pretty ridiculous.

"We've got some time here,” Woody Johnson said last week. “I don't think there's any real urgency at this point."

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Well, there should be urgency. Somebody needs to knock some sense into some folks on One Jets Drive… and fast. The next phase of the offseason program begins next week when players and coaches can participate in on-field activities.

Fitzpatrick has already missed a month that should have been used to review, analyze and critique the 2015 season with Decker, Marshall and the rest of his teammates in the film room. (Don’t you think that Quincy Enunwa and Devin Smith would have benefitted from sitting with Fitzpatrick during the past few weeks?)

The next component of the off-season program — 10 Organized Team Activities — is even more important. The Jets need Fitzpatrick back on the field on May 24.

Sure, Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg would benefit from increased reps in OTAs, but it’s myopic to believe that everything will be fine as long as Fitzpatrick returns in late July for the start of training camp.

There is real value in offseason work. Winning organizations take advantage of the time, not marginalize it. The Jets should have Fitzpatrick back for OTAs.

"Just because of the camaraderie I built and the relationship we had last year, and what we can build upon, I think he definitely is the right man for the type of team we have now," Decker recently said. “It's a team that's ready to win now. We need someone with a veteran presence at the quarterback position.”

Decker knows of what he speaks. He worked with arguably the most prepared quarterback in the history of quarterbacks in Peyton Manning.

Fitzpatrick’s obsession and preparation were eerily familiar for Decker, who routinely was flooded with video clips from his quarterback last year in an effort to develop a shared understanding.

Fitzpatrick’s daily text messages to Marshall and Decker helped accelerate their bond, but there is so much more room from growth among the three most pivotal players in Chan Gailey’s offense.

“It’s energizing,” Marshall once told me about those video clips from Fitzpatrick. “It’s something I’ve been waiting for for the past five or six years… to play with a quarterback who approaches the game that way. I always want to communicate and talk. I trust what he sees and what he’s doing.”

The Jets are wasting valuable time.

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USA TODAY SPORTS MEDIA GROUP

Jets QB Bryce Petty can now read defenses... in Madden (Connor Hughes) USA Today Sports Media Group May 16, 2016

http://jetswire.usatoday.com/2016/05/16/jets-qb-bryce-petty-can-now-read-defenses-in-madden/

Well, it’s not like anybody ever suggested Jets quarterback Bryce Petty wasn’t a project player.

Then again, maybe few knew he was this much of a project.

Speaking to reporters at a fundraising golf event held by teammate David Harris, Petty talked about some of the biggest differences he’s seen from Year 1, to Year 2. One of those differences, according to Petty, is that he now understands how to read defenses. . .

In Madden.

Like the video game.

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“For me, it’s a process,” Petty said, as transcribed by Darryl Slater of NJAM. “Just watching film, I’m seeing things. I played Madden the other day, and it’s not just picking run plays anymore. It’s like, ‘Oh, they’ve got an under front [on defense].’ You start picking up things differently. That’s exciting for me.”

Again, Madden is a video game.

For the record, Petty did come from an offense in Baylor where he wasn’t asked to do much in terms of reading a defense. The plays were called, and he threw the ball where it was designed to go. From that standpoint, he’s quite talented.

Few, if any, can deny that Petty has the physical gifts to play in the league. He’s accurate, possess a strong arm and is relatively mobile. It’s always been the mental aspect that Petty had to catch up on which, the quarterback says, is “night-and-day” compared to 2015.

“For me, it’s about worrying about what I’ve got to do, to make sure that I’m in the best chance to hopefully get on the field this year,” Petty said. That’s what I want to do. That’s what sucked last year [with not playing]. I know it’s part of it, your redshirt year.

“Especially right now, it’s my job to go prove. That rests solely on my shoulders. I’m ready to see the development from Year 1 to Year 2, not only in the film room, but actually hit the field and be able to see things.”

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MONDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS

BASEBALL

American League

BOSTON RED SOX — Designated RHP Sean O'Sullivan for assignment. Recalled INF Marco Hernandez from Pawtucket (IL).

DETROIT TIGERS — Optioned OF Anthony Gose to Toledo (IL). Reinstated OF Cameron Maybin from the 15-day DL.

HOUSTON ASTROS — Optioned OF Preston Tucker to Fresno (PCL). Designated C Erik Kratz for assignment. Selected the contract of INF/OF Tony Kemp from Fresno.

TEXAS RANGERS — Recalled RHP Luke Jackson from Round Rock (PCL). Optioned RHP Tom Wilhelmsen to Round Rock.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS — Claimed INF Jimmy Paredes off waivers from Baltimore.

National League

CHICAGO CUBS — Assigned OF Ryan Kalish outright to Iowa (PCL).

CINCINNATI REDS — Optioned RHP Drew Hayes to Louisville (IL). Reinstated OF Billy Hamilton from the bereavement list.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES — Placed OF Starling Marte on paternity leave. Recalled INF/OF Alen Hanson from Indianapolis (IL).

American Association

GARY SOUTHSHORE RAILCATS — Signed RHP Karl Triana.

ADVERTISING

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SIOUX CITY EXPLORERS — Released LHP Kris Regas. Traded RHP John Straka to St. Paul for the reversionary rights to 1B Brett Harper.

SIOUX FALLS CANARIES — Released RHP Pete Perez.

Atlantic League

LONG ISLAND DUCKS — Sign INF Ruben Gotay.

Can-Am League

NEW JERSEY JACKALS — Signed LHPs Isaac Pavlik and Andres Caceres. Traded LHP Donnie Joseph to Rockland for a player to be named.

QUEBEC CAPITALES — Released RHP Steven Inch.

SUSSEX COUNTY MINERS — Released RHP Dylan Thompson and OF Charley Thurber.

BASKETBALL National Basketball Association

INDIANA PACERS — Promoted assistant coach Nate McMillan to coach.

FOOTBALL National Football League

CAROLINA PANTHERS — Released CBs Brandon Boykin and Ras-I Dowling and WR Jenson Stoshack. Signed LB Jared Barber, TE Braxton Deaver, CB Shaq Richardson, OT Jordan Rigsbee, WR Miles Shuler and RB Jalen Simmons.

CHICAGO BEARS — Signed DL Kenton Adeyemi, WR Kieren Duncan, P Ben LeCompte and OL Donovan Williams. Waived C Dan Buchholz, DT Bruce Gaston, TE Marcus Lucas and WR Nathan Palmer.

DENVER BRONCOS — Signed LB Dekoda Watson.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS — Signed DT Sheldon Day to a four-year contract.

MIAMI DOLPHINS — Signed DE Jason Jones.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — Signed WR Jake Lampman, LB Tony Steward and OT Tyrus Thompson. Waived DB Mike Caputo, QB Griffin Neal and WR Shane Wynn.

OAKLAND RAIDERS — Signed DB Chris Edwards, WR Joe Hansley, DL Branden Jackson, RB Jalen Richard and OL Torian White.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — Signed LB Khairi Fortt. Waived LB Christian French.

TENNESSEE TITANS — Waived QB Zach Mettenberger, DE Iosia Iosia, TE Kevin Greene and WR Rashon Ceaser. Signed FB Sam Bergen, WR Ben Roberts, DE Mike Smith and CB Bennett Okotcha.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS — Signed OT Al Bond, G Nila Kasitati, LB Mike Wakefield and RB Kelsey Young. Waived G Dominick Jackson and LB Reggie Northrup.

HOCKEY National Hockey League

FLORIDA PANTHERS — Named Dale Tallon president of hockey operations, Tom Rowe general manager and Eric Joyce and Steve Werier assistant general managers.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS — Signed LW Justin Kirkland to a three-year, entry-level contract.

SOCCER Major League Soccer

FC DALLAS — Signed D Agustin Jara.

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PORTLAND TIMBERS — Signed D-M Amobi Okugo.

COLLEGE

COKER — Named Christian Stryker senior associate athletic director, Kate Keagins women's interim lacrosse coach and Adam Goins men's and women's golf coach.

DAYTON — Promoted Sarah Haveman to director of women's track and field and cross country.

FLORIDA — Announced men's junior basketball G Jalen Hudson has transferred from Virginia Tech.

IPFW — Named Marcie Alberts women's assistant basketball coach.

NORTH CAROLINA — Announced sophomore F/G Justin Jackson has withdrawn from the NBA Draft and will return to school.

PURDUE — Announced men's basketball graduate G Spike Albrecht has transferred from Michigan.

RICE — Named Brent Scott men's assistant basketball coach.

UC DAVIS — Named Kevin Blue director of athletics.

UCONN — Agreed to terms with football coach Bob Diaco on a two-year contract extension through the 2020 season.

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