Jarvis Brownlee Jr. has put himself in an unwelcome spotlight after missing multiple mandatory meetings led to a benching and team fine in Week 7, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini.
Brownlee, who started at nickel corner for the New York Jets, was inactive for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins even though he had practiced all week. Head coach Aaron Glenn didn’t spell out the reason after the 28-25 loss, but Cimini reported that the third-year defensive back told ESPN he was disciplined for the missed meetings.
“Jarvis Brownlee Jr. was benched last Sunday and fined by the team because he missed multiple mandatory meetings, he told ESPN on Thursday. Brownlee said he couldn't recall the amount of the fine, except to say he was notified in a letter from the team. He said he missed 'more than one' meeting, adding that he understood the discipline.”
The timing made the decision stand out even more. Brownlee had just come out of a Week 6 game against the New England Patriots in which he blew multiple coverage assignments, and instead of responding with a cleaner week of preparation, he ended up on the sideline for disciplinary reasons.
With Brownlee out, rookie defensive back D’Angelo Ponds picked up more snaps in the slot. That gave the Jets a closer look at a young player they want to become a fixture in the secondary, but the results so far show he still has work to do. Ponds has played only 63 defensive snaps across five games and has allowed a 104.2 passer rating when targeted, though that number comes on just three completions.
His slow start isn’t entirely on him. A calf injury cost Ponds almost the entire offseason, including training camp and the preseason, which left him without the reps most rookies need before stepping into NFL action.
Still, New York clearly needs Brownlee back. He may not be perfect, but he’s the best nickel option the Jets have right now, and his absence was felt.
Brownlee is expected to return to the lineup for Week 8 against the Las Vegas Raiders. With Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer looming, the Jets will want their regular nickelback on the field.
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