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Something happened at rookie mini-camp that was intriguing. Let’s take a look at what actually happened here. There is a simple answer.
Remember, on the Saturday of the rookie camp, Quinton Coples was held out of part of the practice. Why did this happen? Well here is the Q-and-A with Rex Ryan about that topic –
Q)That was it, strictly that, nothing disciplinary?
COACH RYAN: No. He held himself out (laughter). No, I’m kidding.
No, that was why. Really, he’s fine. There’s no injury, there’s no nothing. It was really just my decision.
Q)Did you explain that to him at any point today?
COACH RYAN: Yeah, right when I said, Hey, why don’t you go over there and stand by Mike T and Mr. Johnson. I think that’s when we explained it to him.
Q)Have you ever done that before?
COACH RYAN: Yeah, sometimes. You know, sometimes, especially with the linemen. You know, you’re not going to necessarily do it with a skill guy that’s out there, but sometimes with linemen, you know, I’ve done that before.
Q)Why more so with the linemen?
COACH RYAN: You know, a lot of times that’s their really only time to evaluate these guys. Like we’ve already evaluated Quinton. But some of these other guys, individuals, it’s a little different. You don’t have the pads on. You’re not really banging on top of guys, all that.
Q)So you said you held Coples out.
COACH RYAN: Just out of the team.
Q)So what did you see from the other guys specifically?
COACH RYAN: Well, I wanted an opportunity for them to compete, see how they move. Quinton was taking all the snaps yesterday, inside, outside, he was really doing all that. Just bringing in some of these other free agents.
Q)Did you see something from some of the other guys?
COACH RYAN: Yeah, they did a couple things. Did a little trick to the trade. Guy went in there. It was pretty funny. Hey, coach, it worked. I have about 35 years’ experience, maybe there’s one or two things I can help you with.
It’s fun to see them. You see that enthusiasm. Sometimes you bring guys in, they don’t get as many reps as other ones. This really is an evaluation camp so you can evaluate your rookies, guys that are really here on a trial basis. Sometimes it’s harder on the linemen to really get an evaluation of them. That’s what we’re trying to look for.
THIS WAS ALL SPIN. WHAT REALLY HAPPENED?
It’s very simple. This wasn’t about Rex wanting to see other players. It was about the Jets protecting the health of their prized first round pick.
Rex and the Jets brass didn’t want some hungry, feisty tryout player, attempting to make a name for himself, getting overzealous in an encounter with Coples, and the 6-6 defensive end getting hurt. He has really long legs for offensive linemen to go at.
So this was all about keeping Coples healthy. That is it.
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