Slightly less than half of the NFL teams who played their preseason openers recently chose to field their starters. The Jets, in particular, have been careful about putting their veteran players at risk for injuries during these games. Only two players, Center Joe Tippmann and Defensive Lineman Micheal Clemons, who started in last year’s preseason opener against Washington, are set to play in this year’s regular-season opener at San Francisco. This year, just two players from the starting lineup appeared in both preseason and regular-season openers.
Jets coach Aaron Glenn has been clear about his approach: “I want our guys to play. That’s the reason.” His decision to give players more game time reflects both a desire to prepare them for real challenges and possibly a nod to his own experience as a former NFL cornerback. Glenn spent eight seasons with the Jets, starting in 120 of his 128 regular-season games. During that time, he also started in 29 of 32 preseason games.
Historically, the Jets have struggled to get 22 players to start in both preseason and regular season openers; they have never achieved this in the last 50 years. The closest they came was in 1994, Pete Carroll’s only season as head coach, when they had 21 double starters. Among them was rookie cornerback Aaron Glenn, who has since returned as a coach.
This cautious approach to preseason games has sparked conversations among fans and analysts alike. Many fans express concern on social media about whether this strategy might hinder the team’s chemistry and readiness for the season. In the evolving landscape of football, balancing player safety and competitive edge is a hot topic. As injuries seem to rise each season, teams are looking for ways to protect their star athletes while still getting them the necessary in-game experience.
Ultimately, the debate over how much preseason involvement is beneficial will continue as long as the NFL environment changes. With a focus on both preparation and safety, decisions made by coaches can significantly impact the team’s performance as the season unfolds.
For more insights on NFL strategies and player safety, you can visit the NFL’s official site.
Source link
Latest Headlines,News,Randy Lange
