"..storm clouds lurking on the horizon " ~ ~ ~

[kelly]

Remember this scene : The New York Jets ended minicamp Thursday with cheers and laughter.

With the entire team watching, Sheldon Richardson and Breno Giacomini -- 300-pound linemen -- answered coach Todd Bowles' challenge by each catching a punt, resulting in an early dismissal. Bowles cancelled the rest of practice, creating a giddy mood as the team scattered for summer break.The feel-good vibe probably will be gone when the Jets reconvene in six weeks on the same practice field. Storm clouds are forming in the distance, and they'll be directly over Florham Park, New Jersey, when the team reports to training camp on July 27.

There's a good chance the Jets will be without their starting quarterback and best defensive player when camp opens, hardly the ideal situation for a team looking to build on last year's six-win improvement. Ryan Fitzpatrick andMuhammad Wilkerson are embroiled in contract stalemates that could spill into camp, and then you're talking about a distraction and potential grumbling in the locker room, especially among the Fitzpatrick supporters.Bowles proved last summer he can handle adversity (see: Broken-JawGate and the Richardson arrest), but this would be a different challenge because it involves the business side of the game. On Thursday, Bowles, apparently suffering from Fitz Fatigue, declared he's done talking about the Fitzpatrick contract saga and related issues. He met the media no fewer than 10 times during the offseason, and he was grilled with Fitzpatrick questions in each session.

What did we learn by pestering him with all those questions ?

Bowles has been transparent, saying Fitzpatrick will be the starter if he returns. The entire organization has adhered to the same position. You could argue whether it's a sound negotiating strategy, but give the Jets points for being honest.This week, Bowles, perhaps unwittingly, turned up the heat a little, suggesting Fitzpatrick could surrender his No. 1 status if the impasse lasts beyond a certain date. He didn't reveal that date, but you have to figure the Week 1 gig will go toGeno Smith if Fitzpatrick still is unsigned after the first preseason game. Oh, yes, he also acknowledged the Jets may look to add a veteran if Fitzpatrick doesn't sign.

One day after making that statement ... crickets.

"With all due respect," Bowles said, "I'm through talking about Fitz."

The good news for Bowles is he won't have to answer a single Fitzpatrick question for the next six weeks, but they will be waiting for him in late July if the stare-down still is ongoing. Frankly, it would be a surprise if it's resolved before then. There's no sense of urgency until camp starts, and it's quite possible that Fitzpatrick will take it into camp, hoping the Jets cave. Eventually, the Jets have to set a deadline. They can't allow themselves to be held hostage for the entire summer.

Maybe we should start a betting pool : Who will show up first, Fitzpatrick or Wilkerson ?

It would be a shock if Wilkerson reports to camp on time. He's bitter about his contract situation, as he made clear in his comments to the New York Post. He can vent all he wants, but it won't change the situation because the rules are stacked against players with the franchise tag. He has until July 15 to sign a long-term contract. Failing that, he plays the season for the amount of the franchise tender ($15.7 million).

Mark it down : Wilkerson won't get a new deal because the two sides are on opposite sides of the Grand Canyon.

He can sit out camp to send a message and try to squeeze the Jets into agreeing to a no-tag clause for 2017. The Jets probably won't buckle unless Wilkerson threatens to sit out regular-season games, but would he be willing to take it that far? He'd lose $900,000 per week, a mighty expensive stand to take.Before dismissing his players at practice Thursday, Bowles delivered the typical mini-lecture, telling them to stay in shape and "don't be the guy getting into any trouble." Every coach longs for a peaceful vacation. But make no mistake, trouble lurks. A different kind of trouble.

>   http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/60993/jets-break-for-summer-with-storm-clouds-lurking-on-the-horizon

[PepPep]

I could probably catch a punt.