Todd Bowles keeps playoffs in his sights
Head coach Todd Bowles of the New York Jets looks on before an NFL game at O.co Coliseum on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015, in Oakland, Calif. Credit: Getty Images / Thearon W. Henderson
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- For Todd Bowles, it's playoffs or bust. Asked if he views not making the playoffs as a failure, the Jets coach said without hesitation: "For me? Yes. You want to get to the playoffs every year. You don't accept not going."
His response was in stark contrast to GM Mike Maccagnan, who did his best to keep his coach off the hot seat. "I don't really view it as trying to set a benchmark, like we have to be here, we have to be at some point in time," Maccagnan said Wednesday, adding that the front office's goal is to put "the best team" on the field. "But I wouldn't necessarily say that the playoffs are not our benchmark."
'Jury still out' on Geno
Does Geno Smith have a future with the Jets? "Obviously, Geno's under contract for next year," Maccagnan said, adding that it's hard to evaluate the third-year quarterback because he lost his starting job when his jaw was broken. "As of right now, Geno has dealt with some adversity with the incident this summer. I thought he's handled it very well . . . The jury is still out, but not necessarily in a bad way."
Richardson ruling
According to an NFL.com report, the league likely won't discipline Sheldon Richardson this season. Because his court date isn't until January, the case stemming from his July 14 arrest in Missouri won't be resolved before then.
Jet streams
Nick Mangold (neck/hand), Dee Milliner (illness), Dion Bailey (ankle) and Ryan Fitzpatrick (thumb) didn't practice. Nor did Richardson, who Bowles said could be a game-time decision because of a sore hamstring . . . Darrelle Revis (sore hip) was limited. Bowles said it's not serious.
