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Coples enjoys big NFL debut

CINCINNATI -- Hold those Vernon Gholston comparisons.

After two non-descript weeks in training camp, No. 1 pick Quinton Coples busted out Friday night with an impressive performance in the Jets' 17-6 loss to the Bengals.

Coples didn't start, and he ended up playing only five of 18 snaps with the first unit, but he finished with an impressive stat line: Five tackles, one sack, one tackle-for-loss, one forced fumble and one batted pass. Oh, yes, he drew a holding penalty with a strong inside rush. He played the entire second half.

Most of his productive came against the Bengals' backups, but the Jets still had to be somewhat relieved, considering his quiet start in camp. Rex Ryan called it a "tremendous" game.

"I'm not surprised, but I'm happy to see it," he said.

Coples got some time with the starters when the Jets began to use a 4-3 front in the second quarter. By the end of the night, he had lined up in several spots along the line.

"I did very well," he said. "I don't have a grade for it, but I was very productive. I also have a lot to improve on as well."