Adam Gase touched on several topics during his media session with reporters in Arizona on Tuesday at the NFL Owners Meetings.
The new Jets coach discussed realistic playoff expectations, the litany of roster additions and, of course, the Patriots.
Here are some of the main takeaways from what Gase said Tuesday.
Gase expects Jets to be in playoff hunt
The Jets haven't made the playoffs since the 2010 season, during the Rex Ryan era. But with a franchise quarterback entering Year 2, several splash free-agent signings and a few key defensive pieces, the Jets finally have a roster capable of keeping things interesting down the stretch.
Gase echoed owner Christopher Johnson's sentiments regarding the playoffs from Sunday. Both owner and coach wouldn't make any brazen guarantees, but the fact is they expect the Jets to be playing meaningful games late in the year.
Gase's prediction is contingent on one important aspect -- the team's health. So long as the team can remain somewhat healthy by December, he said, it's "realistic" for the Jets to being the playoff conversation.
Culture change underway through signings
Two of the biggest moves the Jets made in free agency, signing linebacker C.J. Mosley and running back Le'Veon Bell, obviously make the Jets a better team on paper.
But Gase believes the signings are even more important to building the type of culture he wants in the Jets' locker room. He called Bell a game-changer on the offensive side of the ball, and said that bringing Mosley in was a "culture-changing type move."
Weapons shaping up nicely on offense
Speaking of Bell, who adds a significant presence to both the rushing and passing components of the offense, Gase is high on another piece the Jets brought in this offseason: slot receiver Jamison Crowder.
"He has an explosiveness after the catch that you don't see," Gase said. "We've never had a guy who can juice it up like he can."
The coach expects Crowder and Bell to complement each other nicely in the intermediate passing attack for quarterback Sam Darnold. Throw in receiver Quincy Enunwa, and the Jets could have a formidable offense.
"We just have to get him the ball," said Gase, who added that Enunwa's penchant for gaining yards after the catch is another bonus for the team.
Door not closed on potential McCown return
Although the Jets signed former Broncos QB Trevor Siemian to serve as Darnold's backup, Gase did not rule out a potential reunion between the Jets and former backup Josh McCown.
McCown was Darnold's backup for most of last season. The veteran took the then-rookie under his wing and helped his development.
"With a guy like Josh, the door is never closed," Gase said.
Return of Gronk?
As far as not having to face recently retired Rob Gronkowski twice a year anymore, Gase was skeptical it was the last he's seen of the former Patriots tight end.
"I'll believe it when I see it," he quipped.
He also had some comedic musings regarding 41-year-old Tom Brady.
"When I wake up, I feel like sh-t," Gase said. "And he's older than me!"