The Jets trade for defensive end Shaq Lawson on Sunday creates an interesting dynamic in the locker room.
Lawson and center Connor McGovern had a post-game clash two years ago when Lawson was in the Bills and McGovern was a Bronco. After a game in Buffalo where he had two sacks, Lawson went to look for McGovern, cursing him and saying he had “two sacks in his ass. … Now you will remember me.” The video is easy to find and McGovern laughed when asked Monday and said there is no persistent animosity.
“If you just write my name on Twitter, it’s always the first thing that comes up,” McGovern said. “To begin with, last year we played twice. It was all cordial. It was Miami. I have interpreted it ever since. He was just playing any other opponent. It’s time to play. Everyone is in the moment and what do you have.
“We talked after the last two times we played. This video is from two years ago. The last two times we played. It was fine. I think we really laughed at it when we played in Miami last year.
McGovern wanted to make sure everyone knew something.
“I’ll say that, to set the record, the two sacks weren’t on me,” McGovern said.
Striker CJ Mosely said he saw the video on Instagram Monday shortly after learning that the Jets acquired Lawson from the Texans.
“I saw a flashback with McGovern and him talking after the game,” Mosley joked. “He was saying to me,‘ Well, I guess we have it now. The chemistry of the team will be very high.
McGovern was asked Monday about the difference between Robert Saleh and former coach Adam Gase. While he was careful not to throw directly at Gase, he is clearly happy that there is a change.
“I want to say that this is the most pleasant way possible. Former Jets coaches have been gurus, ”said McGovern. “They have entered Xs and Os and we will beat you with the best scheme. Saleh is, “We’ll beat you because we work harder and play harder.” It’s what I would call a men’s leader. He doesn’t think Xs and Os win football games. He knows players win football games. He’s the kind of guy who will motivate everyone. “
RB Michael Carter (lower body) and WR Vyncint Smith (heel) did not practice Monday. Saleh said Carter should return on Wednesday when the Jets practice again. OT George Fant was excused for personal reasons. … The Jets activated S Ashtyn Davis (foot) from the PUP list.
NFL teams will have to reduce their roster to 53 players on Tuesday at 4 p.m. The Jets began that process Monday, officially cutting S JT Hassell, DL Aaron Adeoye, CB Lamar Jackson, OL Corey Levin, WR Lawrence Cager, DE Jeremiah Valoaga and Bennett Jackson, according to various sources.
The Jets drafted DE Dion Jordan, the former No. 3 pick in the draft, according to the league’s transaction cable.