Jets' Calvin Pryor benched vs. Steelers, says it was coach's decision
New York Jets safety and first-round draft pick Calvin Pryor was benched prior to the team’s 20-13 upset victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
No official reason was given for his benching, but ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini reports that Pryor has been late to multiple meetings this season. Pryor told the New York Post that it was secondary coach Tim McDonald’s decision not to play him.
Pryor’s replacement on Sunday, former second-round pick Jaiquawn Jarrett, helped hold the Steelers to 362 total yards. Pittsburgh had been averaging 469 yards in its previous three victories. Jarrett had 10 total tackles, two interceptions, a sack and a fumble recovery in the game.
“We were going to rotate, but Jaiquawn Jarrett had a hell of a game, two interceptions, picked-up fumble. Stay with the hot guy, just keep him out there," Pryor said.
Pryor was the 18th overall pick by the Jets out of Louisville in the 2014 NFL Draft.
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Pryor has started seven of New York’s 10 games this season, recording 20 total tackles, two passes defended and half a sack.
“I’m trying to enjoy this victory, I’m trying to enjoy the guys in this locker room,“ Pryor said. "I’m happy for Jaiquawn Jarrett. He played an outstanding game. Only way I can learn from this is see what he did, learn from [my] mistakes and try to get better.”
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