(The media knows how to play the fanbase like a fiddle. I reckon they'll keep this Bowles vs Ryan theme going all season long.) http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...-makes-jets-run-sprints-after-practice-fights A locker room fight cost Geno Smith a broken jaw, along with a month of playing time and forced IK Enemkpali to change zip codes. Two practice scuffles on Sunday earned the entire New York Jets' team wind sprints. While no punches were reportedly thrown, coach Todd Bowles is trying to rein in the trash talk and unnecessary, after-play physicality. "We understand that we can talk mess and we can jaw at each other," Bowles said, per the Associated Press. "As long as the hits are clean, we're fine. But we've got to take care of each other at the same time. There's no cutting and there's no hitting in the back and those types of things. There's no cheap shots. If it's good clean play, I don't have a problem. They can talk all day." There is a distinct difference between on-field skirmishes and locker-room fights and Bowles concedes the punishment isn't likely to completely curtail the practice fighting. His goal is to make sure they don't spill over into when the games count -- and those actions cost the team 15 yards -- or accidentally get someone hurt. "Testosterone," Bowles said, explaining why fights happen in practice. "You get tired, guys are out there for a long time. It's football ... "We're not trying to hurt each other," he added. "At the end of the day, we all need each other, but it's a fine line. The mess-talking, the bravado and swagger and everything is fine, but you have to understand situational football at the same time. You can't fight and be braggadocious and be loud if you don't understand what's going on in the game. "That makes for a dumb player and we are not trying to have dumb players." The Jets already cut one player for a dumb decision. Bowles would like to eradicate as much dim-witted behavior as he can.
That's an epic quote. As for Bowles, he's handling it the right way. It's not like he's got other options. Not saying anything won't help, and rewarding guys for fighting certainly won't help either. He fought a bunch of times when he played, he knows what these guys are going through. People fight in camp, happens every year to almost every team in some way.
I don't know if this will work. These players and their attitudes are the legacy left by Rex Ryan. I bet the Bills lead the AFC East in stupid penalties. Btw some Bills players are complaining now about Doug Marrone and his strict rules. They like Rex's lack of rules a lot better. Let's see how this translates on the field.
Bowles is slowly putting his stamp on this team and he's not easily wavered it seems. He has my full support.
It might work in the short term but as a long term deal it will eventually fall apart we saw it happen here
Poor Bowles. Richardson, IK vs Geno, a bad Pre season loss, no tackling, meh offense. Guy must be ready for therapists coach. Team needs a win this weekend or at least a really good showing Identify the dumbmies and get rid of them Coach
Its going to take some time till the players get it. This is a major culture change. 6 years of Rex isn't going to go away overnight.
Football fans need this idea in their head that players are out and of control and need discipline. The more I hear it, the more i hear it the dumber it sounds. You don't have this rhetoric in baseball or basketball as you do in football. What is it about football that people need this idea that control and discipline are necessary? Sounds like a lot of wishful thinking.
I watched my wifes hometown team the Eagles play a lights out pre season game for Chip Kelly creating some serious whoop ass on the field in all 3 areas against Indy. Even Sanchez looked lioke hes going to the playoffs again. The message these players got was "we are evaluating and looking for people who want to play here" I hope Bowles says the same to these guys or he and Mac have wasted their time. Psychologically the Jets have to show they are serious about winning. we need a win or big improvement in all departments imo. Great teamms move on from all the distractions.
I think he will weed out the dummies and bad eggs. Change doesn't happen overnight. Sometimes it takes a while for the light to go on with players/people. Bowles might have to hold onto a player or two he'd like to get rid of simply because of a lack of depth or talent, but I think he will reshape this roster and change the culture in the locker room. On the field, I think we will see a smart team that doesn't beat itself, that doesn't talk tough, but plays tough with the game on the line, unlike Rex's teams. I think we're going to have a team we can all be proud of and that will get the NY media off our backs.
Actually, it sounds like you've never played or watched football before. Football is the ultimate team sport. Players losing control, letting their tempers get out of hand have caused plenty of teams to lose games they should have won. Players committing stupid penalties have also cost their teams victories. Discipline is essential in every area of life, but it's especially critical in a team situation where you're not just playing for yourself, and your actions don't just affect you.
