Adjusting to the NFLIt's no secret Bryce Petty has a lot to learn as a starting quarterback in the NFL. With that being said, the second-year QB has shown flashes in his first two career starts. Entering Sunday's game in Santa Clara, curiosity surrounded Petty's ability to read coverage considering it's still a rather new skill for him. The Baylor product completed 66% of his passes against the 49ers, throwing for 275 yards, no touchdowns and one interception.
"I think it's more a lack of experience," offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said. "I don't think they were confusing him with what they were doing because he could talk about it when he came off to the sideline. That's big."
Replacing Gilly
The Jets have been plagued by an injury-ridden season as 12 players have been placed on IR. S Marcus Gilchrist was shut down for the remainder of the year Tuesday after tearing his patellar tendon in his right knee against San Francisco. The sixth-year vet was responsible for aligning the defense and did a "tremendous" job according to defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers. The 6'0", 203-pound Rontez Miles will replace Gilchrist in the starting lineup.
"Gilly was like a coach on the field," said Rodgers. "In practice by the time we got to Wednesday or Thursday, when we get them in formation, he was calling the play. That's his kind of leadership."
Musical Returners
The Jets have started four kick returners throughout the season, something special teams coordinator Brant Boyer described as tough. Newest return man Nick Marshall made his first start for the Green & White in Week 15, averaging 20 yards per kick return.
"Nick Marshall did a nice job," Boyer said. "He had some decisions that we talked about, some balls that I'd like caught. We got some nice bounces out of those, but some of them aren't as fortunate as we got last week. I'll tell you what. For a guy that doesn't have that much experience, he could've gotten a couple guys away from the ball a little better. But I thought he did a hell of a job. He came along really well. He's a natural catcher, a gifted athlete and I think he's going to do a nice job if he's in there this week."
