WATCH: What Jets coach Adam Gase said during Day 5 of Bills week
The regular season for the New York Jets is now only a few days away, as the Adam Gase era will commence on Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. (EST) vs. the AFC East rival Buffalo Bills.
Last season, the Jets posted a 4-12 record. The Jets will attempt to snap an eight-year postseason drought. With Sam Darnold, Le'Veon Bell, Jamal Adams and C.J. Mosley as anchors, the possibility is there to snap the slide.
Here's a sampling of what Gase said in his Friday press conference:
On the comfort level of new Jets kicker Kaare Vedvik:
"He's going to be all right. After watching him kick the last couple of days, I'm good. I feel good about it."
Analysis: Vedvik was slated to get some reps in at MetLife Stadium today but that plan unfortunately got nixed because of a soccer friendly between the USA and Mexico. Despite Vedvik's recent struggles which resulted in him being available to the Jets, the ringing endorsement from Gase should come as no surprise. Gase gave the same vote of confidence to now-retired Chandler Catanzaro and since cut Taylor Bertolet. Per ESPN's Rich Cimini, Gase has the best record (20-6) in games decided by eight points or less from 2016-2018. For that trend to continue, Vedvik will have to prove capable in the clutch.
On Le'Veon Bell's comment that he doesn't want to be held back in his first Jets game:
"No, he's ready to go."
Analysis: The moment is finally here. From everything said this week, it appears Gase is prepared to give Bell a good amount of reps in his first game in over 600 days. There's mounting evidence to suggest that Bell could be in store for a strong showing despite his extended absence. If the versatile and dynamic Bell plays to his capabilities in his debut on Sunday, the Jets will have an excellent chance at beginning the season 1-0.
On his thoughts on Bills quarterback Josh Allen and the rivalry with Jets quarterback Sam Darnold:
"I saw him make improvement last year from the beginning of the season to the first time we played them to the second time we played them. He's only going to get better. It's probably a good time to be in this division with Sam and Josh both being young and obviously Tom [Brady] is still doing his thing. There's some good quarterback play, watching these two guys battle it out and become veteran players down the road is going to be a fun thing to watch."
Analysis: While Tom Brady is still going strong at 42 years old, Darnold and Allen are the future of the AFC East at quarterback. Both players have shown the potential to be franchise quarterbacks. Gase had a first-hand look coaching against Darnold and Allen last season with the Dolphins, so his opinion carries weight. If the two close friends can ignite a rivalry, the league will be better off because of it.
