Quinton Coples Released by the New York Jets as Bowles Makes Statement

Todd Bowles was upset following the New York Jets’ game against the Texans. He released Quinton Coples, making a statement that he means business.

The New York Jets underachieved once again on Sunday, falling to the Houston Texans by the score of 24-17 and dropping their record to 5-5. Currently, the team is on the outside looking in on the wild card race, and head coach Todd Bowles was not happy afterwards. He spent a lot of talking about how players need to step up, and that they would evaluate every position.

They’ve done that, and Quinton Coples paid the price.

Quinton Coples was once a first round pick, drafted to be the edge pass rusher we have all been waiting for. Now, he is no longer a member of the Jets.

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It really is no surprise, but the Jets needed to make a statement. Here are Quinton Coples’ stats for his career to date:

Defense & Fumbles

Sep 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) is sacked by New York Jets player Quinton Coples (98). Coples was called for a penalty on the play. New York Jets defeat the Indianapolis Colts 20-7. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Though he is coming off of a career year in 2014, the new Jets’ regime was never enamored with the talent of Quinton Coples. He hasn’t been able to see the field, as evidenced by the snaps Coples has participated in. After being on the field for 67.8% of the defensive snaps in 2014, he has been out there for just 31.6% in 2015. He played in just five snaps Sunday against the Texans.

Quinton Coples just never had a position he could hold onto.  He wasn’t fast enough to play outside linebacker, never creating the edge pass rush he was expected to.  At 6’6″, 285 pounds, he isn’t big enough to play 3-4 defensive end either.  Coples wasn’t able to establish himself at a position.

The main question around the move has been the timing.  Why make a move like this in the middle of the season?  Because Todd Bowles needed to create a sense of urgency.  His team was beginning to rest on its laurels, and a move needed to be made.

Many were expecting a move at the quarterback position, which as of the writing of this post, didn’t occur.  But anyone who saw Todd Bowles after the game could tell he was upset.  A move was coming, it was pretty clear.  The fact that it was a former first round pick in Quinton Coples was the shocker.

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Could the new Jets’ coaching staff have spent more time trying to bring out the best in Coples?  Yes.  But remember, coming out of college, he did have a reputation for not having the highest motor on his team.  It is possible that they saw something that none of us did.

Don’t get Todd Bowles upset, that’s for sure.  The Jets made a statement today, hopefully the roster is listening.