Last season, Jeremy Kerley was one of the leading wide receivers alongside Eric Decker. The New York Jets clearly felt that was simply not enough for the team as they went on to trade for Brandon Marshall while drafting Devin Smith. As the preseason carries on, Kerley is in unfamiliar territory as he plays backup in the wide receiver rotation. He is not completely thrilled with taking a backseat this year.
Marshall and Decker are the starting receiving tandem for the Jets. With Geno Smith out with injury and Ryan Fitzpatrick entering as the new starting quarterback, they will be critical to the offense in New York. That leaves Kerley fighting for playing time after being a starter last season. According to the receiver via the New York Post, he is uncertain why his role on the Jets has changed so much in 2015.
"I guess I see what it is now. It's just part of the business," Kerley said, via the Post. "Positions get took. Guys move around. This is a new coaching staff. I signed my contract under a whole different organization. Everything is different now. The coaches have got to get a chance to know me, hopefully get a chance to see what I bring to the table."
Kerley does not seem to be in a good place with new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey and head coach Todd Bowles. With Smith out with broken ribs, Kerley is battling with Quincy Enunwa who played the slot position during the preseason opener. He took all of the first-team reps while Kerley was used as a reserve. His playing time could get even shorter with Smith expected to return for the season opener.
"They're competing for it," Bowles said, via the Post. "Right now, [Kerley] is [the top slot receiver], but everybody is competing for it. We'll see when a couple of games happen what happens."
The running back position is also seeing its share of competition. Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell were the main tandem in the preseason opener and that is expected to remain into the regular season. That leaves Stevan Ridley and Zac Stacy finding their spot on the team. Ridley remains out with injury and no return date has been set. According to ESPN.com, there are no guarantees that Ridley makes the final roster, although his contract says differently. That could mean Stacy is the odd man out come final roster cuts if he cannot catch up to Ivory and Powell.