It’s easy to see how the Jets’ young safeties could feel threatened by the team’s splashy acquisition of Ed Reed, protective and territorial about their playing time. But one told the future Hall of Famer he intended to shadow him and pick his brain, while defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman quipped others were in awe.
“Yeah, I saw some of them wanted to get his autograph,’’ Thurman said jokingly of his younger defensive backs. “He has a presence about him. I’m sure a lot of the young guys have watched him throughout his career. I think he gets instant respect. He has that “it” factor, and those are things you can’t teach.’’
Because of Reed’s familiarity with coach Rex Ryan’s defense from Baltimore, they hope he will do a lot of teaching. Yes, he likely will take snaps away from some younger safeties — especially Antonio Allen, 25, and Jaiquawn Jarrett, 24 — but he also can serve as a mentor, one they would be remiss not to follow.
“That’s how I introduced myself. I said Mr. Reed, how are you doing? I’m your shadow. He said no doubt, he was all for it. He’s a good guy,’’ said Josh Bush, 24. “Once the news was getting out [Thursday] I wanted it to happen, because to be around a guy like him and Dawan [Landry] is just every young safety’s dream.’’
Some questioned how much Reed has left, the fifth-oldest defensive back in the NFL at age 35. What can’t be doubted is the nine-time Pro Bowler has a wealth of knowledge to share with Gang Green’s young safeties, even if he does take away a few of their snaps.
“We’re blessed in that we have some young talent at that position, ascending talent,’’ said Ryan, leaving unspoken the fact the Jets are 24th in pass defense and have just two picks from their safeties. Welcome to Dr. Reed’s Ballhawking 101.
“Having him part of the team is a great thing, a great deal,” Allen said. “He’s a talented guy who makes a lot of plays, a guy who I looked up to my previous years in the NFL, a guy who I wanted to play like. To have him come play beside me, play in front of me, whatever it is, it is what it is.
“We look forward to winning. That’s all we’re trying to do is win. Hopefully I can learn something from him and be a good football player, be a good teammate, do whatever I’ve got to do, play my role. I’m trying to learn something off of him.’’
Landry, who has spoken glowingly of being mentored by Reed as a Ravens rookie in 2006, helped with terminology and could play beside him as a strong safety. But Allen, who has started all but one game at free safety, could end up losing playing time, as could his backup Jarrett. Doesn’t he find that bittersweet?
“Not at all,” Jarret said. “You get a Hall of Famer like that to learn from him, and Dawan and [Antonio Cromartie]. The knowledge of the game they have that we’re going to be able to learn is a great opportunity.
“His knowledge is going to help this secondary tremendously. …He’s going to help us, have a huge impact.’’