Xavier Newman talks connection with team and familiarity with coaching
New York Jets offensive guard Xavier Newman has showcased terrific versatility throughout his tenure so far. Newman has played both center and guard positions on the fly, offering a banged-up offensive line a solution when they needed it most. Newman arrived in East Rutherford with a sense of familiarity, which allowed the former Baylor standout to hit the ground running despite new surroundings.
Newman recently spoke to Justin Melissa exclusively for Jets Wire. Newman discussed his relationship with a coaching staff that includes his former position coaches Keith Carter and Todd Downing, how veterans like Duane Brown helped him acclimate, and more. Newman also discussed how Aaron Rodgers’ presence continues to have a positive impact on the locker room.
Editor’s note: This interview took place before Newman’s release Saturday.
You joined the New York Jets in early October. Talk to me about the challenge of acclimating to a new team and new surroundings in the middle of a season.
It was a terrific development for me. Being on a team is better than not being on a team (laughs). I was thankful to the New York Jets for giving me an opportunity. I came to a familiar place. I knew a lot of people here. I have an amazing relationship with the coaching staff. I’m working with some coaches who are familiar with me and my game through our time shared together with the Tennessee Titans. They’re giving me a great opportunity.
You’re referring to Keith Carter, who is the offensive line coach and run game coordinator, and Todd Downing, who is the passing game coordinator. You're familiar with both of them from your time with the Titans, as you said. How did their presence help get you ready to play for the Jets?
They welcomed me with open arms. I’m thrilled to be back with coach Carter and coach Downing. Having a similar playbook to the one in Tennessee has helped me acclimate. The transition has been fairly smooth. It wasn’t that difficult. I just had to catch up with the system while getting to know my teammates.
You ran lots of outside zone in Tennessee. Coach Carter is a student of the system. Downing is a fan of it, too. Do you find that outside zone is also a staple of their playbook with the Jets?
Yeah, the concepts are definitely similar. I feel like we’re running some similar tendencies to what we did in Tennessee. It definitely helped me hit the ground running here. I was ready to play right away due to the similarities.
Do you think that relationship with Carter and Downing was crucial to your in-season adjustment?
Having that existing relationship with coach Carter and coach Downing was definitely a good thing for me. It allowed me to come here and ask some questions about what was different from our time in Tennessee. It definitely led to a quicker transition for me. They were looking for somebody who could execute the system right away. That was great for me.
I must say, a bunch of the veterans welcomed me as well. They helped me out when I needed it. It felt great to be able to rely on those guys to help get me up to speed.
You signed onto the practice squad initially. Just weeks later, injury forces you into a game against the New York Giants. You come off the bench cold and play center. What’s going through your mind?
I’m always prepared to come into a game. The only thing I felt was happiness. I was excited for the opportunity, another opportunity to play the game that I love. I wanted to make the best of it. I was ready to showcase that for one, they brought me here for a reason. If they didn’t think I could play at a high level, they wouldn’t have brought me here. I’m in a position to do just that. And two, I’m always trying to prove it to myself as well. I’m always gaining confidence. I’m always realizing that I have the ability to make it happen.
You’ve now started back-to-back games at right guard, showcasing that versatility that allows you to play multiple positions. You’re playing center and right guard.
Having the ability to play both center and guard makes you an asset in this league. Both teams [Jets and Titans] I’ve been with have appreciated that versatility. I’ve shown the coaches that I obviously have the knowledge necessary to play both positions on the fly. I can get into the lineup and execute what’s asked of me, even if I’m coming off the bench unexpectedly.
You’re probably still getting to know your teammates. It’s an intriguing group, containing veterans like Duane Brown and Alijah Vera-Tucker. There are also young players like Carter Warren and Joe Tippmann that can probably relate to your experience of being a young guy on a new team. How have those guys been a resource for you?
I think we have a great group here. Like you said, we have a variety of older guys and young players. I definitely think it helps balance out the offensive line position room. We have a great group of veterans that are willing to help us.
We’re in this thing together. That’s been the message in the locker room from the moment I arrived. When something doesn’t go our way, the veterans are the first ones there to pick us up and move forward. They also critique us when we need it. It’s been an amazing learning experience so far.
What’s it been like to be around Aaron Rodgers? Would you love to see him play football this season?
He’s been dealing with his injury. I haven’t been around him as much personally, but I’ll say this. Hearing how the guys in our locker room talk about him, it’s amazing. His presence is clearly felt in our room. That’s a great development for our team. He’s an amazing leader for our franchise.
