Jets coach Todd Bowles grew testy Wednesday when pressed about the play of defensive linemen Muhammad Wilkerson and Leonard Williams.
The duo has combined for zero sacks this season, but Bowles gave them a pass.
“They’re playing hard, and they’re playing well,” Bowles said. “They’re doing everything we’re asking them to do. I’m not disappointed in those two at all.”
What are they being asked to do specifically?
“Just play football specifically,” Bowles said.
Bowles was pressed on how he can be OK with getting such little production from players who are supposed to be among the best on the team.
“Nobody is playing great when you’re 3-3. You’re playing average football,” Bowles said. “It has nothing to do with Mo or Leonard, it has to do with our entire team. I’m not going to sit here and make excuses about two guys when we’ve got 11 guys on each side of the ball. If you want to nitpick, go for it.”
He then cut off the questioning.
“I’ve made my comment guys,” he said. “Take it or leave it.”
Wilkerson said he is not worried about sacks.
“It’s Week 6, Week 7, there’s no need to panic about sacks,” Wilkerson said. “Last I heard about this league, it’s about winning and winning games. That’s what we’re trying to do here.”
One of the Jets’ issues in their loss to the Patriots on Sunday was third-and-short and fourth-and-short conversions. On third and fourth downs with less than 3 yards to go, the Jets went 3-for-9 on Sunday.
“We just have to execute,” Bowles said. “There’s a guy here or there, that was the difference in the game. We had a lot of third-and-shorts, or some of the differences in the game that we didn’t capitalize on. We have to make sure that happens.”
Wilkerson (shoulder, toe), RB Bilal Powell (calf) and WR Robby Anderson (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. Anderson injured his left ankle in the game. Bowles would not say how serious it is. RB Matt Forte (knee, toe) and DE Kony Ealy (shoulder) were limited. The Dolphins did not have center Mike Pouncey on Wednesday. He is in the concussion protocol. WR DeVante Parker (ankle) also missed practice. … The Jets released RB Jahad Thomas from the practice squad and signed safety Harold Jones-Quartey.