FLORHAM PARK — The safety position for the New York Jets has gone through a bit of an upheaval over the last few months.
Originally, the trade for Chuck Clark meant that young players like Tony Adams would have smaller roles within the defensive scheme. Clark’s ACL injury has changed those plans though and now Adams is the starter on the last line of defense for a Jets defense looking to reach new heights.
So far, he’s done everything the coaches have asked of him and has positioned himself well for a starting role on a top-five unit in the league.
“I think I’m getting better each and every day. I’m listening to my coaches and I’m trusting myself a little bit more,” Adams said after Tuesday’s practice.
A new challenge awaits Adams and his defense though as they prepare for joint practices with the Carolina Panthers. Joint practices are a chance to measure teams against one another without having the pressures of in-game situations.
For the Jets’ safety, it’s a chance to get some unique looks against a young team.
“It can get kind of repetitive. We’re going down to Carolina and we’re looking to compete our buts off…I feel you find out about yourself every day…the tape doesn’t lie. You show who you are every day. It doesn’t matter who goes up against,” Adams explained.
Looking back at where Adams has come from is incredibly inspiring. The undrafted free agent out of Illinois played in 11 games last season after a strong training camp. Now entrusted with a starting role, it’s commonplace for young players like this to go through sophomore struggles.
That hasn’t been the case though for the safety. His strong play throughout training camp was enough for the Jets coaching staff to sit him during the Hall-of-Fame game: a contest usually reserved for bubble players and rookies.
It’s a clear message from the Jets coaching staff showing exactly how much faith they have in their young phenom.
“It’s a blessing. It’s all God. I got to the point where I’m playing a lot better so I guess my coaches didn’t think I needed to play. That’s a compliment to how I’m playing.”
Part of what has allowed Adams to perform at a high level throughout training camp is a personal relationship with fellow starting safety Jordan Whitehead. Whitehead came over from Tampa Bay in free agency last year and has taken on more of a leadership role for a young player like Adams.
“That’s my dog. Jordan taught me a lot, we hang out a lot outside the facility. He gave me some confidence. When it’s time to rock, I know he’ll be flying around,” Adams told AMNY.
Whitehead and Adams will try to improve a safety room that was one of the worst statistical position groups across the NFL last season. If they can play at a high level, the Jet’s defense could be even better than last year’s top-five finish. Added expectations can bring forth added pressure though.
Luckily for New York, they have one of the most level-headed players in the back end that’s prepared solely on facing off against current top overall pick Bryce Young in-game action.
“There’s no pressure. Coach tells me that ‘pressure is only for those that aren’t prepared’ and he does a good job of preparing me. There’s no pressure, I don’t feel that kind of stuff. I feel free,” Adams added. “I don’t underestimate anyone. He was the first pick for a reason, I know he’ll bring it. I know we have bullies too.”
The Jets want to be a team and a defense, that is feared in the NFL. They almost were able to accomplish that feat last year, but with the improved quarterback play, the time is right for them to end a run of futility that has lasted over a decade.
New York’s “bullies” may have a target on their back to start the season, but their hunger has them focused on the task at hand, and a couple of competitive practices with Carolina in their immediate future. That swagger may come from veteran stars like CJ Mosley and Quinnen Williams, but it’s their back-end starters that could hold the key to their long-term success.
