Haason Reddick will make its debut in the 2024 season with the Jets on Sunday against the New England Patriots, interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich he said on Friday.
“He had a good week of work with us,” Ulbrich said of the defensive end. “He’s a guy with so much experience who’s been in so many systems that acquiring ours wasn’t too difficult for him. I did a good job with it, I really spent more time learning it.
“Physically he looked good out there, excited about what he will contribute to our attacking group.”
Ulbrich said there is no fast-count limit for Reddick, who missed the first seven games of the season as part of a contract and retention dispute, but that they will “play it by ear.”
“He feels like he’s in good shape, even though he hasn’t been doing a lot of football stuff, he’s been doing a lot of position-specific stuff with pass rush specialists and he’s been doing conditioning and lifting, obviously.” .
“We’ll just play it by ear, I think a big part of that is just watching him on game day and seeing what he’s capable of doing.”
When asked about previous criticism of Reddick during his time in Philadelphia for selling out to get a sack and being susceptible to not maintaining his racing responsibilities, Ulbrich said he is giving the edge rusher a “clean slate.” as he begins his time with the Jets.
“This week he’s done a tremendous job of playing the run, setting the edges, reaching back and getting to the ball,” Ulbrich said. “He didn’t show that at all this week in preparation, so that’s what I judge him by based on his time here. And he’s done an excellent job so far, he definitely did that in practice.”
Impact of Davante Adams Speech
After the wide receiver played his first game with the Jets just days after arriving in a trade with Las Vegas, the veteran gave a speech that caught the attention of his teammates and the head coach.
Ulbrich said Adams’ speech referenced energy and the need to focus on identifying what the problems are before they can be solved.
“And I really felt like there was an element on this team of trying too hard,” the head coach said. “And as we know, that can be just as dangerous as not trying hard enough. So it’s that balance between really experiencing the joy and happiness of the game and preparing for the game, but at the same time being super detailed. That’s why we’re trying to create a better balance this week.
“It definitely showed in practice. Guys, not only in their details, not only working hard and giving everything they had, but at the same time they enjoy the process a little more.”
Ulbrich said the Jets can’t let the events of a game affect their energy, which happened in the loss at Pittsburgh, and they have preached this week that adversity is “an opportunity for us to react the way we want to react.”
Overall, Ulbrich called it “one of the best weeks I’ve had here from a preparation standpoint.”
“I thought the energy was great, the concentration was great,” he said. “The guys are in a great place from that standpoint and we’re ready to play this Sunday.”
In the speech, Adams said it was obvious there was “a lack of energy and urgency and it was evident.” Ulbrich said that while Adams is still a newcomer to the group, his speech shedding light on the energy was an important factor.
“I think we’ve identified why (the power) wasn’t adequate and we’ve fixed it,” he said. “I felt like this week was the team we need to move forward.
“I’m very excited to reinvent ourselves in some way.”
Injury report: good news, bad news
Ulbrich ruled the guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle), safety Ashtyn Davis (concussion protocol) and defensive tackle Leki Fotu (knee) out.
Security Tony Adams (hamstring) is a game-time decision, and the head coach labels it “doubtful” for the time being, but they will still evaluate it and “we still have some time here.” wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) is “in the same boat” as Adams.
But there was a lot of good news. right tackle Morgan Moses (knee) participated on a limited basis in practice all week and will be questionable, but is “going in the right direction.” left tackle Tyron Smith He had his normal veterinary rest days in practice, before participating fully on Friday and will play.
tight ends Tyler Conklin (hip) “is no worse for wear” and Kenny Yeboa (abdomen) has returned to practice opening his 21-day window to come off IR, but will not be activated for Sunday.
Attack player Aaron Rodgerswho suffers from lower body problems, such as his knee and hamstring, will play, as expected.
On defense, linebacker Quincy Williams (neck) was “completely clear now, ready to rock and roll” and defensive end McDonald’s (shoulder) will play.
The biggest boost for Gang Green will be in the secondary as Michael Carter II (back) is ready to return to action after missing the last two weeks, “excited about that,” Ulbrich added. Along with DJ cane (groin) Being a full participant, the Jets will have their three best corners in the lineup.
