Three years ago, C.J. Mosley took matters into his own hands and declared an audible against the Titans without authorization, despite being told that Robert Saleh’s system didn’t allow him to do so.
The only reason it didn’t get to be a problem was because the call worked, helping the team get a stop in the fourth quarter and ultimately win the game. Saleh described the middle linebacker as a “cheat code.”
Now, cheat codes are built into the system, allowing Mosley to make audibles at will based on what he sees on the line.
“When I think back to that time, that was the first year we were all together,” Mosley said after practice Friday. “I think it was just because we all grew up together that we were able to be together. I can handle that stuff. I trust these guys, they trust their coaches, the coaches trust their players to give me instructions. If I notice something or someone notices something, it can change the whole defense. We’ve proven we can do it.”
While Mosley said a year ago that he would do audibles “when necessary,” he now has more flexibility.
Dating all the way back to his time at Alabama, Mosley prided himself on his ability to think on his feet and command a defense, recalling an audible call he made that resulted in a sack of Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel.
“Plays like this build confidence, especially as a linebacker,” Mosley said, “so I always remind myself when I go into a new defense. … You have to believe in yourself, believe in your work and most importantly, believe that your defense can handle it.”
Saleh declined to go into details about Tariq Cohen’s sudden retirement but acknowledged he was surprised that Cohen retired in the midst of a “great camp.”
With Cohen having secured a spot in the roster going into the return game, Saleh said his retirement wouldn’t drastically change the Jets’ plans.
“We have a lot of guys that can play behind the defense,” Saleh said. “I feel like we have more guys than ever that can catch punts and kickoffs. I’m really happy with the depth and the opportunities that we’re giving our guys.”
The Jets signed receivers Isaiah Winstead and Brandon Smith and cornerback Tre Swilling.
They waived receiver Marcus Riley and tight end Kevin Forsch.
The Jets will play a mock game with two halves on Saturday in lieu of a normal practice.
Referees will also be joining the camp for the first time.
