NY Post: 5 questions for... Ray Lucas
SNY analyst and former Jets QB Ray Lucas breaks down the team’s much-hyped training camp with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: Most of the talk around this camp revolves around the quarterbacks, but what else are you looking at?
A: The defense, and it’s one that I think is going to be much improved. I think it’s going to be back to the Rex Ryan type of defense that we saw his first two years. They added some help at safety and drafted Quinton Coples. I definitely expect this team to improve on the 8-8 last year, even though they are in a tough division with the Patriots and a Bills team that’s definitely improved.
Q: Do you think Ryan’s claim that he’ll be more involved with the team will make a big difference this season?
A: I think it’s very important. You have to remember Rex is learning like everyone else. And I think the defense will be better because of it.
Q: How do you think the Jets have handled the quarterback situation so far?
A: Mark Sanchez has handled it better than I would have, that’s for sure. I would have been running my big mouth off. The key for Sanchez is not looking over his shoulder, constantly worrying about (Tim) Tebow. I am not telling you that will make him a Super Bowl quarterback, but that’s what he wants to be, and that’s what the whole team wants.
Q: How should the Jets handle the implementation of Tebow throughout the games?
A: At the beginning of the game it will be important for Sanchez to get into a rhythm with the 12-15 scripted plays at the start of each game. And the Jets have to be aware not to disrupt that. And it does have the potential to cause problems for opposing teams. Defensive coordinators will now have something else to prepare for, a new wrinkle. And that’s going to make it more difficult for them.
Q: The controversy at the end of the season involving Santonio Holmes has been well-documented. And he recently said he was made “a scapegoat” for the Jets problems. Do you think he will be better in the locker room this season?
A: The one thing (offensive coordinator) Tony Sparano will do is keep everyone accountable, and that’s not a shot at any other offensive coordinator that’s worked with the Jets. But as long as Santonio is catching passes he’ll be happy. But if he tries to (mess) around, Sparano won’t let that happen. Santonio has to be a leader. He’s one of the few veterans on the offense. [NY Post]