Quinton Coples Has Strong Bounce Back Game for New York Jets
By Greg Sulik
@GregSulik
Getty Images
Quinton Coples has had an up and down career since being drafted 16th overall by the New York Jets in 2012, and that trend has continued this season. One week after essentially being benched against the New England Patriots, the third year outside linebacker was one of the Jets’ few bright spots in a 43-23 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Coples recorded 7 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 TFL against the Bills, easily his best game of the season. Coples has just 12 tackles and 2.5 sacks on the season, unacceptable numbers for any starter, let alone a former first round pick. Coples finished last season strong, and the Jets were hoping he would be able to carry the momentum into this season. Unfortunately for Coples and the Jets, that hasn’t happened yet.
Maybe Coples can use this performance as a spring board to get himself going as a pass rusher. The Jets have been excellent at creating pressure and are tied for 4th in the NFL with 24 sacks, but Coples has only been a minor part of that. With the 1-7 Jets looking to evaluate talent for the future, Coples needs to string together some solid performances. He has been a decent run defender, but the Jets drafted him to be an impact pass rusher. That has yet to materialize, and Coples needs to prove that he can be that player in order to secure his future with the organization.
It is always encouraging to see a young player turn in a solid bounce back game, and Coples was able to do exactly that this week. If he can build on this performance and start developing into the player the Jets thought he would be, it would be a nice silver lining to this lost season. However, if this was just one good game in a season of struggles, Coples will be among the Jets’ players and coaches with questionable futures in the offseason.
Greg Sulik is a New York Jets writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @GregSulik or add him to your network on Google
Patriots Are AFC Favorites For Super Bowl
The New England Patriots knocked off the Baltimore Ravens to clinch their spot int he AFC Championship and make themselves the Super Bowl favorites. Find out more here. Read More
5 Free Agents The 49ers Should Sign In 2015
The San Francisco 49ers are limited by the salary cap. They must scour the market to find replacements for the 2015 season. Read More
Could Spagnuolo or Morris Be Giants' New DC?
Steve Spagnuolo or Raheem Morris could become the next defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, but which one gives them the best chance next season? Read More
5 Free Agents the Houston Texans Should Sign
The Houston Texans have been close to being a top team in the AFC for a while. With a couple of additions in the offseason, they could make an impact. Here are five players the team should sign. Read More
Top 15 Possible Los Angeles Football Team Names
If Stan Kroenke's team moves out west without the NFL's approval, the league could force the team to leave their Rams' name in St. Louis. Read More
5 Cowboys Who Will Be Released Over the Offseason
The Dallas Cowboy are playing extremely well, but there are some players who should be released over the 2015 offseason. Who are they and why? Read More
5 Franchise Tag Candidates for Philadelphia Eagles
Without too many viable options, here are five possible players the Philadelphia Eagles might look to franchise. Read More
Five Improvements The Indianapolis Colts Must Make
The Indianapolis Colts are still alive in the NFL Playoffs, but it's never too soon to get ready for next year. These five changes will be vital for the Colts' success in 2015. Read More
5 Players Who Could Come Up Big For the Packers
These five little-known players who mostly fly under the radar could come up big for the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. Read More
Austin Pettis is Solid Signing for Chargers
The San Diego Chargers recently signed Austin Pettis to a deal and it is a good move for next season. See exactly why here. Read More
5 Changes Jaguars Need to Make for 2015 Season
The Jacksonville Jaguars are already changing offensive coordinators, but what other changes should the team make for the 2015 NFL season? Read More
Christie Will Join Jones At Lambeau Field
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will be with Jerry Jones as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Green Bay Packers in the NFL divisional round. Read More