Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox, left, is unable to make a catch as New York Jets safety Tony Adams (22) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
FLORHAM PARK — The safety position for the New York Jets has gone through a bit of an upheaval over the last few months.
Originally, the trade for Chuck Clark meant that young players like Tony Adams would have smaller roles within the defensive scheme. Clark’s ACL injury has changed those plans though and now Adams is the starter on the last line of defense for a Jets defense looking to reach new heights.
So far, he’s done everything the coaches have asked of him and has positioned himself well for a starting role on a top-five unit in the league.
“I think I’m getting better each and every day. I’m listening to my coaches and I’m trusting myself a little bit more,” Adams said after Tuesday’s practice.
A new challenge awaits Adams and his defense though as they prepare for joint practices with the Carolina Panthers. Joint practices are a chance to measure teams against one another without having the pressures of in-game situations.
For the Jets’ safety, it’s a chance to get some unique looks against a young team.
“It can get kind of repetitive. We’re going down to Carolina and we’re looking to compete our buts off…I feel you find out about yourself every day…the tape doesn’t lie. You show who you are every day. It doesn’t matter who goes up against,” Adams explained.
Looking back at where Adams has come from is incredibly inspiring. The undrafted free agent out of Illinois played in 11 games last season after a strong training camp. Now entrusted with a starting role, it’s commonplace for young players like this to go through sophomore struggles.
That hasn’t been the case though for the safety. His strong play throughout training camp was enough for…
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