The Giants selected Linval Joseph, the Defensive Tackle from East Carolina in the second round after taking Jason Pierre-Paul ,the Defensive End from South Florida in yesterday's first round action. Many feel the move further improves the Giants pass rush, although some feel Osi Umenyoria will be traded, The Giants say otherwise. They also selected Chad Jones the talented defensive back from LSU in round three.
The Jets took Vladimir Ducasse the Offensive Tackle from UMASS tonight in round 2, after taking Kyle Wilson the Defensive Back from Boise State yesterday. They have no third round selection.
More Updates Later and tomorrow Live from the NFL Draft
Showing posts with label NY Jets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NY Jets. Show all posts
Friday, April 23, 2010
0
Saturday, August 29, 2009
0
The Battle of NY
Jets vs. Giants: The classic battle for the Crown of NY-Even if it's only pre season Football( or how i learned to become a Football Writer/Scout)-By Dr. Bill Chachkes-Football Reporters Online
For years growing up lots of fans of the "older" generation(read: my late Father and his cronies) would blast the notion of "wasting time" on attending a pre season NFL game. My dad would always say "this is your only chance this season to take your friends" or "I'll give you some money for each of the pre season seats you sell, and you can afford to go and have a good time"(i was a teenager and it was the 1970's).
He has his subliminal reasons. My dad used to publish something he called "The Sheet" or the "Game Sheet." Since he was one of our street's "involved" parents, he was the "Football Coach/Scout" of our block, and for the most part, our development (we grew up in NYC Housing back when it wasn't a "stigma" or considered urban blight). "The Sheet" consisted of his observations on the up coming game and some briefs about the match ups between the teams. He typically passed them out at his workplace( a Federal Law Enforcement agency where he would eventually become a supervisor).
This was in no way intended for gaming purposes. It was strictly for your enhanced enjoyment of the game. My father never dreamed of being a writer of any type. "Half these clowns writing about the teams for the papers don't know squat anyway" he would always say. " I know more about the team from one day a year at practice" would always be his next line. It was also my "duty" as his first born son to "help" him by "taking those seats off his hands," since he went to "every other game they were going to loose that season." I would also have to take notes for him at those games, and since my handwriting stunk as a teenager, I would have to come home and type them (remember typewriters?) so he could read them.
My dad was fortunate enough that in his job he would have enough vacation time each year to take off a month, which was usually from the first or second week of August right through labor day. This was so we could attend the training camps of the Giants (first at Fordham University, then at Pace University's main campus in Westchester, and later on we'd add a day trip out to Long Island for the Jets Camp).
This was so my father could "Scout" the teams, but little did i know he was also teaching me about the game. "Watch and Learn" he would say "and try not to run your mouth too much while i take notes." Such was his manner, being an ex-soldier as well as a Fed. What he was really teaching me was how to evaluate a player's skill, and improve my communication skills at the same time. He was also teaching me that even though it wasn't worth the extra time on his Saturday night in August to actually go to the Jets-Giants game when he "could stay home and watch it on his color TV and not spend extra money on concessions," It was still important.
Tonight's game has never been more important for both teams then it is this year, although Coach Coughlin will tell you as he told a group of reporters in training camp " It's the Third Preseason game, That's what it is," as his way of downplaying the importance.
Both teams have a slew of unanswered questions coming into the regular season. The Jets have a new Head Coach, a new defensive scheme, and as of right now, a new starting QB. Questions abound with regards to weather this is the right choice. Some may think that the "we need to win now" theory applies here, but I'm not so sure. I also wonder if the Jets would have still made the trade for Sanchez if Brett Farve were still in N.Y. and Healthy enough to get through this season. The Jets still have two other QB's on their roster(three if you count WR Brad Smith, who only threw for well over 5,000 yards at in four seasons at Missouri). The Jets are also 0 for the preseason again thus far, and last week the Wonderkid didn't exactly look that good against the Raven's first team.
The Giants have plenty of receivers to "pick up" the mantle so to speak, from Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, but no veteran depth at the position unless you count in David Tyree, who is on the brink of being released from the squad. They also have lots of gaps on the defense right now because of injuries, even though they had a very busy off season. Also missing from tonight's line up for the G-Men are Antonio Pierce(foot), Chris Canty (hamstring), Michael Boley (Hip/ placed on Pup), Jay Alford (knee), DB's Aaron Ross (Hamstring), and Stoney Woodson (ankle) and on the offense, Tyree (hamstring), RB Andre Brown (Achilles Tendon), and OL Orrin Thompson (Strained Quad).
While the Giants are Playing it down, we can be sure the Jets are playing up the rivalry, and looking for a confidence booster of a win tonight.
For years growing up lots of fans of the "older" generation(read: my late Father and his cronies) would blast the notion of "wasting time" on attending a pre season NFL game. My dad would always say "this is your only chance this season to take your friends" or "I'll give you some money for each of the pre season seats you sell, and you can afford to go and have a good time"(i was a teenager and it was the 1970's).
He has his subliminal reasons. My dad used to publish something he called "The Sheet" or the "Game Sheet." Since he was one of our street's "involved" parents, he was the "Football Coach/Scout" of our block, and for the most part, our development (we grew up in NYC Housing back when it wasn't a "stigma" or considered urban blight). "The Sheet" consisted of his observations on the up coming game and some briefs about the match ups between the teams. He typically passed them out at his workplace( a Federal Law Enforcement agency where he would eventually become a supervisor).
This was in no way intended for gaming purposes. It was strictly for your enhanced enjoyment of the game. My father never dreamed of being a writer of any type. "Half these clowns writing about the teams for the papers don't know squat anyway" he would always say. " I know more about the team from one day a year at practice" would always be his next line. It was also my "duty" as his first born son to "help" him by "taking those seats off his hands," since he went to "every other game they were going to loose that season." I would also have to take notes for him at those games, and since my handwriting stunk as a teenager, I would have to come home and type them (remember typewriters?) so he could read them.
My dad was fortunate enough that in his job he would have enough vacation time each year to take off a month, which was usually from the first or second week of August right through labor day. This was so we could attend the training camps of the Giants (first at Fordham University, then at Pace University's main campus in Westchester, and later on we'd add a day trip out to Long Island for the Jets Camp).
This was so my father could "Scout" the teams, but little did i know he was also teaching me about the game. "Watch and Learn" he would say "and try not to run your mouth too much while i take notes." Such was his manner, being an ex-soldier as well as a Fed. What he was really teaching me was how to evaluate a player's skill, and improve my communication skills at the same time. He was also teaching me that even though it wasn't worth the extra time on his Saturday night in August to actually go to the Jets-Giants game when he "could stay home and watch it on his color TV and not spend extra money on concessions," It was still important.
Tonight's game has never been more important for both teams then it is this year, although Coach Coughlin will tell you as he told a group of reporters in training camp " It's the Third Preseason game, That's what it is," as his way of downplaying the importance.
Both teams have a slew of unanswered questions coming into the regular season. The Jets have a new Head Coach, a new defensive scheme, and as of right now, a new starting QB. Questions abound with regards to weather this is the right choice. Some may think that the "we need to win now" theory applies here, but I'm not so sure. I also wonder if the Jets would have still made the trade for Sanchez if Brett Farve were still in N.Y. and Healthy enough to get through this season. The Jets still have two other QB's on their roster(three if you count WR Brad Smith, who only threw for well over 5,000 yards at in four seasons at Missouri). The Jets are also 0 for the preseason again thus far, and last week the Wonderkid didn't exactly look that good against the Raven's first team.
The Giants have plenty of receivers to "pick up" the mantle so to speak, from Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, but no veteran depth at the position unless you count in David Tyree, who is on the brink of being released from the squad. They also have lots of gaps on the defense right now because of injuries, even though they had a very busy off season. Also missing from tonight's line up for the G-Men are Antonio Pierce(foot), Chris Canty (hamstring), Michael Boley (Hip/ placed on Pup), Jay Alford (knee), DB's Aaron Ross (Hamstring), and Stoney Woodson (ankle) and on the offense, Tyree (hamstring), RB Andre Brown (Achilles Tendon), and OL Orrin Thompson (Strained Quad).
While the Giants are Playing it down, we can be sure the Jets are playing up the rivalry, and looking for a confidence booster of a win tonight.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
0
The State of the 2009 NY Jets
The State of the 2009 NY Jets-By T.J. Rosenthal for Football Reporters Online
The 2009 Jets season started on the second play of Monday night's 2nd preseason game. Against one of the NFL's best defenses in history, rookie bonus baby Mark Sanchez, whom Jet faithful hope is the next coming of Joe Namath, dumped off a rushed screen pass under pressure from future hall of famer Ray Lewis. Suddenly daydreams changed from Sanchez as the next Broadway Joe to nightmare flashes of onetime 1st rounder and disappointment Browning Nagle. The ball floated seemingly in slow motion into the hands of lineman Hloti Ngata who ran it in for a 25 yard TD. This on a night where the future was supposed to start. Jets rookie head coach Rex Ryan seemed poised to crown Sanchez the new king, despite a shaky start that almost led to a 2nd interception on the next possession. A slant route that Lewis jumped at midfield was dropped, and had TD written all over it , Sanchez then showed some resiliency. The former USC star threw a TD on his 5th possesion to Leon Washingtonm the teams biggest threat (yds) to cut the Ravens lead to 14-7. A TD that by the way, happened while Lewis ad all pro Ed Reed watched from the sidelines. Nonetheless, 4th year backup Kellen Clemens, did little to sway things in his favor, throwing a dumb pick for a TD on the Jets own 15 with :30 left in the half.
So the Jets ,who lost the game 24-23 after a failed two point conversion by then signall caller and 3rd string QB Eric Ainge , are three weeks from the opener and are shaping up like this: A team whose new coach knows from his Raven experience and will try to implement, running the ball and tough defense as the winning formula. The 1-2 punch of Thomas Jones and Leon Washington at RB with the touted 3rd rounder Shonn Greene will find holes thanks to a seasoned offensive line that may one of the leagues best. Former 1st round pick the 6' 7" D Brickshaw Ferguson, former Steeler all pro 11 year vet Alan Faneca, and all pro C Nick Mangold are versatile and athletic. Emerging pass catching TE Dustin Keller has star potential but a rookie QB and no true number one WR may tighten coverage around him .
The potential for a mean tough defense is apparent especially with the addition of former Raven, the collision style LB Bart Scott, but this unit will have to get through the first 4 games while star LB Calvin Pace gets through a league suspension. Baltimore's 2nd year phenom Joe Flacco moved the ball well on the Jets , playing without killer run stopper NG, 360 lb Cris Jenkins, and Darrele Revis , a shutdown corner who returns next weekand against the Giants. Revis is the star of a secondary that hopes to a play an aggressive ball hawk style resembling Ryan's former unit, that very Raven defense that smothered Sanchez and the Jets offense early on Monday night. Pressure will come from all places. It will need to come from 2008 bust Vernon Gholston who will step into Pace's shoes while Pace sits. Gholston was invisible last night and better imrpove from the meek 5 tackles he made all of last season. Ryan says he's thinking not reacting out there. That's not a good sign for a guy taken with the 8th pick in 2008.
Rex Ryan the new coach with the loudmouth brash attitude, embodies the brutally honest manner of his dad, the former legendary creator of the Bears 1985 46 defense, and Eagles head coach from 1986-1990 Buddy Ryan. The guy who once punched his own coach mate Keven Gilbride in the face for ruining his defense's shutout in the final regular season game in 1992 against guess who? The Jets. The new air around Florham Park is a far cry from the secretive martial law like approach of the ousted Eric Mangini, now in Cleveland.
The son of one of the Jets Super Bowl III assistants has been quoted as saying "I'm not here to kiss Bill Belichecks rings." This an attempt to erase the complacent culture that has permeated the Jets organization for too long. The last Jet teams to play with wreckless abandon ( I don't mean winning a few playoff games for those Herm Edwards supporters out there. i mean flying around the field like a bunch of "crazed dogs"to quote the great Giant LB Lawrence Taylor) may have been the 1998 Bill Parcells led squad that fell a game short of the Super bowl thanks to another John Elway second half comeback. Before that, perhaps the early 1980's Sack Exchange Jets of Joe Klecko and sack dancing Mark Gastineau. Unfortuantely for those Walt Michaels/Joe Walton era teams, abandon became lack of discipline, which resulted in sad playoff exits. Remember Gastineau's moronic ill advised late hit on Browns QB Bernie Kosar that kept a hopeless Cleveland drive alive leading to an OT loss in the 86 playoffs?. Ugh.
For THESE Jets, it will be about buying into Ryan's aggression. The former Ravens coordinator brings with him the swagger. Letting the" fur fly" as Ryan likes to say will be the Sunday approach as Jet fans can expect the blitzes and the pressure will come from all places. The more that success happens on the field during the regular season, the greater the swagger will become. As for now and the dog days of summer, Ryan is providing energy, and fun. He's big . He's loud. He's what a football coach ought to be. He's at times Parcellian, rolling his eyes after mistakes, shouting profanity from his lips so easily deciphered on the sidelines even for the novice lip reader. Soon however, it will be about results. Wins and losses.
September is a stone's throw away but for the Jets, the first quarter of the 2009 season will have to be a war of attrition. Sanchez will need more development on the fly behind center. A wide out has to either emerge opposite the dependable Jerricho Cotchery, or else the organization has to bring someone in and get them up to speed quickly. Plaxico Burress could've been that guy, but a two year prison sentence for shooting himself in the leg last winter
has ended that dream for Jet fans. Maybe disgruntled Bronco star WR Brandon Marshall can fall out of Denver and into our laps somehow. Dreams are what Jet preseasons are all about right? On the other side of the ball, Ryan's favorite side of the ball, the defense will have to start to develop a killer attitude while at the same time chomping at the bit for Pace's week 5 return.
Let's also not forget that the already fierce AFC East has gotten even better. Tom Brady is back in New England. TO in Buffalo makes the Bills a different threat. The Dolphins were division champs in 2008 and will be playing with a new confidence out of the gates. Jet fans should hope that the team can get through October and the first eight games at 4-4 so that big games in December are possible. Too often, the faces change with Gang Green, but the story remains the same. The Rex Ryan era is upon us. Let's see what happens. At worst it will be entertaining.
Sanchez brings a flare, a dynamic of excitability that has been the missing intangible for this franchise since Joe Namath left. Big shoes to fill. Even bigger expectations. New York city swallows up the meek and the thin skinned. The learning curve doesn't go over well around here. That said, Ryan has ot believe that above everything, Sanchez gives the Jets the best chance to win. The Jets open the season at Reliant Stadium Sept 13 at Houston.
The 2009 Jets season started on the second play of Monday night's 2nd preseason game. Against one of the NFL's best defenses in history, rookie bonus baby Mark Sanchez, whom Jet faithful hope is the next coming of Joe Namath, dumped off a rushed screen pass under pressure from future hall of famer Ray Lewis. Suddenly daydreams changed from Sanchez as the next Broadway Joe to nightmare flashes of onetime 1st rounder and disappointment Browning Nagle. The ball floated seemingly in slow motion into the hands of lineman Hloti Ngata who ran it in for a 25 yard TD. This on a night where the future was supposed to start. Jets rookie head coach Rex Ryan seemed poised to crown Sanchez the new king, despite a shaky start that almost led to a 2nd interception on the next possession. A slant route that Lewis jumped at midfield was dropped, and had TD written all over it , Sanchez then showed some resiliency. The former USC star threw a TD on his 5th possesion to Leon Washingtonm the teams biggest threat (yds) to cut the Ravens lead to 14-7. A TD that by the way, happened while Lewis ad all pro Ed Reed watched from the sidelines. Nonetheless, 4th year backup Kellen Clemens, did little to sway things in his favor, throwing a dumb pick for a TD on the Jets own 15 with :30 left in the half.
So the Jets ,who lost the game 24-23 after a failed two point conversion by then signall caller and 3rd string QB Eric Ainge , are three weeks from the opener and are shaping up like this: A team whose new coach knows from his Raven experience and will try to implement, running the ball and tough defense as the winning formula. The 1-2 punch of Thomas Jones and Leon Washington at RB with the touted 3rd rounder Shonn Greene will find holes thanks to a seasoned offensive line that may one of the leagues best. Former 1st round pick the 6' 7" D Brickshaw Ferguson, former Steeler all pro 11 year vet Alan Faneca, and all pro C Nick Mangold are versatile and athletic. Emerging pass catching TE Dustin Keller has star potential but a rookie QB and no true number one WR may tighten coverage around him .
The potential for a mean tough defense is apparent especially with the addition of former Raven, the collision style LB Bart Scott, but this unit will have to get through the first 4 games while star LB Calvin Pace gets through a league suspension. Baltimore's 2nd year phenom Joe Flacco moved the ball well on the Jets , playing without killer run stopper NG, 360 lb Cris Jenkins, and Darrele Revis , a shutdown corner who returns next weekand against the Giants. Revis is the star of a secondary that hopes to a play an aggressive ball hawk style resembling Ryan's former unit, that very Raven defense that smothered Sanchez and the Jets offense early on Monday night. Pressure will come from all places. It will need to come from 2008 bust Vernon Gholston who will step into Pace's shoes while Pace sits. Gholston was invisible last night and better imrpove from the meek 5 tackles he made all of last season. Ryan says he's thinking not reacting out there. That's not a good sign for a guy taken with the 8th pick in 2008.
Rex Ryan the new coach with the loudmouth brash attitude, embodies the brutally honest manner of his dad, the former legendary creator of the Bears 1985 46 defense, and Eagles head coach from 1986-1990 Buddy Ryan. The guy who once punched his own coach mate Keven Gilbride in the face for ruining his defense's shutout in the final regular season game in 1992 against guess who? The Jets. The new air around Florham Park is a far cry from the secretive martial law like approach of the ousted Eric Mangini, now in Cleveland.
The son of one of the Jets Super Bowl III assistants has been quoted as saying "I'm not here to kiss Bill Belichecks rings." This an attempt to erase the complacent culture that has permeated the Jets organization for too long. The last Jet teams to play with wreckless abandon ( I don't mean winning a few playoff games for those Herm Edwards supporters out there. i mean flying around the field like a bunch of "crazed dogs"to quote the great Giant LB Lawrence Taylor) may have been the 1998 Bill Parcells led squad that fell a game short of the Super bowl thanks to another John Elway second half comeback. Before that, perhaps the early 1980's Sack Exchange Jets of Joe Klecko and sack dancing Mark Gastineau. Unfortuantely for those Walt Michaels/Joe Walton era teams, abandon became lack of discipline, which resulted in sad playoff exits. Remember Gastineau's moronic ill advised late hit on Browns QB Bernie Kosar that kept a hopeless Cleveland drive alive leading to an OT loss in the 86 playoffs?. Ugh.
For THESE Jets, it will be about buying into Ryan's aggression. The former Ravens coordinator brings with him the swagger. Letting the" fur fly" as Ryan likes to say will be the Sunday approach as Jet fans can expect the blitzes and the pressure will come from all places. The more that success happens on the field during the regular season, the greater the swagger will become. As for now and the dog days of summer, Ryan is providing energy, and fun. He's big . He's loud. He's what a football coach ought to be. He's at times Parcellian, rolling his eyes after mistakes, shouting profanity from his lips so easily deciphered on the sidelines even for the novice lip reader. Soon however, it will be about results. Wins and losses.
September is a stone's throw away but for the Jets, the first quarter of the 2009 season will have to be a war of attrition. Sanchez will need more development on the fly behind center. A wide out has to either emerge opposite the dependable Jerricho Cotchery, or else the organization has to bring someone in and get them up to speed quickly. Plaxico Burress could've been that guy, but a two year prison sentence for shooting himself in the leg last winter
has ended that dream for Jet fans. Maybe disgruntled Bronco star WR Brandon Marshall can fall out of Denver and into our laps somehow. Dreams are what Jet preseasons are all about right? On the other side of the ball, Ryan's favorite side of the ball, the defense will have to start to develop a killer attitude while at the same time chomping at the bit for Pace's week 5 return.
Let's also not forget that the already fierce AFC East has gotten even better. Tom Brady is back in New England. TO in Buffalo makes the Bills a different threat. The Dolphins were division champs in 2008 and will be playing with a new confidence out of the gates. Jet fans should hope that the team can get through October and the first eight games at 4-4 so that big games in December are possible. Too often, the faces change with Gang Green, but the story remains the same. The Rex Ryan era is upon us. Let's see what happens. At worst it will be entertaining.
Sanchez brings a flare, a dynamic of excitability that has been the missing intangible for this franchise since Joe Namath left. Big shoes to fill. Even bigger expectations. New York city swallows up the meek and the thin skinned. The learning curve doesn't go over well around here. That said, Ryan has ot believe that above everything, Sanchez gives the Jets the best chance to win. The Jets open the season at Reliant Stadium Sept 13 at Houston.
Monday, April 27, 2009
0
The Monday After: a Draft Wrap Up part one
Photos: New Jets QB Mark Sanchez, SBS Media's Fearless Leader Zennie Abraham, The "Docta" and one of his "grad students" of Football, Yardbarker.com's Dewey Hammond
The Monday After: a Draft Wrap up part 1 By D. Bill Chachkes for Football Reporters Online/Gridiron Draft Guide/SBS Media
The NFL Draft is where the wild things are. This year the Jets fans were more then just wild, They were wildly happy that owner Woody Johnson gave GM Mike Tannenbaum and Head Coach Rex Ryan the Green light to trade up for USC QB Mark Sanchez. But Is Sanchez what the NY Jets really need? While the Jets organization, most of the beat media, and even most fans feel that the USC Product was one of the only two QB's in this draft that could start sooner rather then later, I'm not totally convinced. Personally, i don't dislike him, infact he is very likeable, with a great sense of humor and a great personality, which he showed in the draft press conference Sunday when two of my writing partners, SBS media's Zennie Abraham and Yardbarker.com's Dewey Hammond were razzing him about his hair and the CAL-USC rivalry. It's not his ability, he has plenty. I just think the Jets gave up too much to get him in this economy, and the Jets already have three QB's, including one they won't let play the position (Brad Smith) who passed for over 5,000 yards in college. Maybe they will try the wildcat offense with slow guys. Meanwhile they did not address the issue of getting a fast receiver. Had they done so, any QB would have been good enough for one more year. Give the Jets a B to a B+ depending on how long it takes Sanchez to get it together and adjust to the NFL game, which his agent David Dunn says will happen smoothly.
Thoughts on the other AFC teams:
Bills: 8 Picks. LB Aaron Maybin (rd1) and CB Jairus Byrd are good solid choices, But OC Eric Wood wasn't even among the top 2 Centers, and the other Offensive Lineman Andy Levitre was only an after thought on many Draft expert's charts, including mine. Grade: C to C-
Dolphins: 10 Picks. I'd like to give big poppa Parcells the benefit of the doubt here(and so would at least one of my associates who knows him personally and spend a year following him as research on his book) regarding Vontae Davis, But ego runs in the family (see big brother Vernon). I love Pat White as a QB, but they need to add more speed at receiver for the wildcat to work well. Sean Smith is the biggest CB i have ever seen. no addition of a Stout DL would worry the Phins faithful. Grade: C+ unless White gets the help he needs.
Patriots: 12 Picks. S Pat Chung could play anywhere in the defensive backfield, and Butler is a shutdown CB. Got Depth and scored 2 picks next year by smart trades, but no true "impact" players here. Grade: B
Ravens: 6 Picks: Just on Mike Oher alone Ozzie Newsome and his personnel crew get the "A", but i have to take away a half a grade because CB Lardarius Webb could pass for a 15 year old H.S. player in his pads at 177lbs. soaking wet. Rb Cedric Peerman could develop into a good reserve/role player. Grade: A-
Bengals: 11Picks. If Andre Smith doesn't flake out from the stress, he could someday be in that Building in Canton. Rey Maualuga is the Troy Polumalu of inside linebackers, and TE Chase Coffman has the NFL pedigree through his dad. Add OC Jon Luigs and P Kevin Huber(if he continues to improve his hang time numbers). The issue as always in Cincy is will these guys act their age or their shoe size. Grade: B-
Browns: 8 Picks. Alex Mack is the best Center in this class. Add the two receivers, Robiskie & Massaquoi and LB Kaluka Maiava (who we all know is the nephew of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) and you have added enough depth at key positions. Kudos to the Mangeinus for doing the deal with his old team, but there aren't any Real great players here. Grade: C
Steelers: 9 Picks. While i like DT Ziggy Hood, OL Kraig Urbik and OC A.Q. Shipley are back-ups at best for now. CB Joe Burnett is a decent CB for where he was picked. The rest are just back-ups if they make it at all. Grade: C+
Texans: 8 Picks. Houston got one of the steals of round one with Brian Cushing, and Connor Barwin will combine with Mario Williams to greatly improve the Texans D. The only problem here is that no receiver or running back was chosen to help with depth. Grade B+
Colts: 8 Picks. Are you surprised that Donald Brown came of the board before Ohio State's Chris Wells? You shouldn't be, because Brown is more adaptable to more offensive sets. DT Fili Moala, WR Austin Collie, and QB Curtis Painter will help with depth, but they still need another DL from somewhere. P Pat McAfee could get teh job on his toughness alone. Grade: B
Jaguars: 9 Picks. Great use of draft slots to get the best players to fill needs. OT's Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton will help Maurice Jones Drew have a "career" year in 2009, plus adding three receivers (Mike Thomas, Jarett Dillard, and Tiquan Underwood will add bench depth, but they are still missing an instant starter at the position to help veteran FA signing Torry Holt. Liberty;s Rashad Jennings is an undiscovered talent at RB. Grade: B+
Titans: 11 Picks. I'd grade them higher if i could but they didn't get someone who could even develop into Al Hanesworth's replacement. Sen'Derrick Marks is good but not good enough yet to do it alone. WR Kenny Britt and TE Jared Cook will add some zest to the passing game, and smallish RB Javon Ringer was a Michigan State stand out and quality person all around, who could be the next Dave Meggett talent wise. Grade: B
Broncos: 10 Picks. Although Ex-Georgia Bulldog Knowshon Moreno was the best RB in the Draft in my mind, Denver did little else to help other need areas, like the defensive line. Also didn't address the offensive line until late in the draft. Grade: D-
Chiefs: 8 Picks. Nice job of starting to rebuild the defense. RB Javarris Williams from Tenn. State in the Ohio Valley Conference was one of our "small school prospect unknown" and another steal at his position in round 7.Still need more help for QB Matt Cassel. Grade: B+
Raiders: 7 Picks. If Al Davis would only retire or at least let someone else handle the personnel side of things, maybe the raiders can move forward. While Darrius Heyward-Bey is a quality receiver he wasn't the 7th pick overall, and who the heck is Michael Mitchell? Grade: D+ if Heyward-Bey develops faster then expected, otherwise they get the big "F" again.
Chargers: 8 Picks. While I really like LB Larry English as a defensive player, there is no way he should have been a 1st round pick no matter how much you are worried about Shawne Merriman not being able to come all the way back. Explain to me why you also pick 2 OG's in a weak class for Guards? LSU's Demetrius Byrd is a better receiver then his slot would indicate. Seems to me like they had a Brain Cluster after Denver picked Moreno ahead of them. Grade: B-
Next: The Giants and the NFC
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
0
Why the Jets should not draft a QB in the first round-By Hector Cintron for Football Reporters Online
Why the Jets should not draft a QB in the first round
The NFL draft is only a few days away and the topic of conversation around New York office water coolers seems to be centered on the New York Jets Quarterback situation. Despite the fact that their new Head Coach Rex Ryan is pro defense, the quarterback position is in dire need of an upgrade.
Right now the battle is between Kellen Clemens and Brett Ratliff. Clemens seems to be the early favorite due to his starting experience. However, he does not have a lock on the position. Ratliff is a bit raw but does have talent. Also in the mix is 2008 draft pick Erik Ainge, who will not get as many reps as the other two but will be given a chance. The starting position was left vacant by the retirement of Brett Farve in February. Most teams would have gone after a veteran back-up such as Jeff Garcia (signed with Oak), or Byron Leftwich (TB) but that is no longer an option. Now the only decent veteran options are Brad Johnson (Dal) and Gus Frerotte (Min).
Should they decide to draft a quarterback in the first round, this year’s draft has a few studs in Matthew Stafford (Georgia), Mark Sanchez (USC), and Josh Freeman (Kansas State). Stafford should be gone before the Jets pick (17) but a trade is a possibility for Sanchez. Freeman who at 6’6” is considered by many the best all around athlete of the three, may slip and will be very tempting. However the Jets are a team built for now, especially with the Defensive acquisitions made this off-season. Bringing in a rookie quarterback does not make any sense as it would just diminish the confidence of Clemens.
Overshadowed by the quarterback talk is a need for a number one receiver. With the departure of Laveranues Coles to the Cincinnati Bengals, the Jets are left without a clear cut number one guy. Jerricho Cotchery and Chansi Stuckey are good receivers, but do you really believe they put fear into any defense? Wide receiver prospects are at a premium this season with Jeremy Maclin (Missouri), Darrius Heyward-Bey (Maryland), Brian Robiskie (USC), Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina), and Florida’s Percy Harvin available. Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) who may fall due to injury concerns is also a possibility. Maclin is a speed burner, who had 55 first down catches last year. Robiskie is 6’3” with good hands, and is not afraid of getting physical. Heyward-Bey is 6’2” with outstanding leaping ability, which complements his versatility on the field. Harvin is fast but has had knee problems. His lack of size 5’11” is overlooked due to his aggressive nature and willingness to play hurt.
There are also trade possibilities as Braylon Edwards (CLE), and Anquan Boldin (ARZ) may be available before draft day. However they may cost a small fortune. Although Edwards has a tendency to drop passes, and Boldin is not necessarily a team player they both are viable options. Not to be forgotten are Brad Smith and David Clowney who are decent talents with potential, but need more work.
The Jets also have other concerns that need to be addressed. Depths at positions like Running back and Offensive Line have to be addressed. Leon Washington is coming off his best season. However with Thomas Jones turning 30, this has to be a concern. The starting offensive line is set, but they need to add an established veteran back-up to stabilize the back end.
Although the team’s needs seem to favor the Offense, the prognosis is that the Jets may continue to add depth to the defense first. If (Ohio State-LB) James Laurinaitis is available, look for him to be taken early. If not (Tennessee-DE) Robert Ayers, or (LSU–DE) Tyson Jackson are also possibilities. Whatever the Jets decide to do, it makes no sense for them to take a quarterback in the first round.
The NFL draft is only a few days away and the topic of conversation around New York office water coolers seems to be centered on the New York Jets Quarterback situation. Despite the fact that their new Head Coach Rex Ryan is pro defense, the quarterback position is in dire need of an upgrade.
Right now the battle is between Kellen Clemens and Brett Ratliff. Clemens seems to be the early favorite due to his starting experience. However, he does not have a lock on the position. Ratliff is a bit raw but does have talent. Also in the mix is 2008 draft pick Erik Ainge, who will not get as many reps as the other two but will be given a chance. The starting position was left vacant by the retirement of Brett Farve in February. Most teams would have gone after a veteran back-up such as Jeff Garcia (signed with Oak), or Byron Leftwich (TB) but that is no longer an option. Now the only decent veteran options are Brad Johnson (Dal) and Gus Frerotte (Min).
Should they decide to draft a quarterback in the first round, this year’s draft has a few studs in Matthew Stafford (Georgia), Mark Sanchez (USC), and Josh Freeman (Kansas State). Stafford should be gone before the Jets pick (17) but a trade is a possibility for Sanchez. Freeman who at 6’6” is considered by many the best all around athlete of the three, may slip and will be very tempting. However the Jets are a team built for now, especially with the Defensive acquisitions made this off-season. Bringing in a rookie quarterback does not make any sense as it would just diminish the confidence of Clemens.
Overshadowed by the quarterback talk is a need for a number one receiver. With the departure of Laveranues Coles to the Cincinnati Bengals, the Jets are left without a clear cut number one guy. Jerricho Cotchery and Chansi Stuckey are good receivers, but do you really believe they put fear into any defense? Wide receiver prospects are at a premium this season with Jeremy Maclin (Missouri), Darrius Heyward-Bey (Maryland), Brian Robiskie (USC), Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina), and Florida’s Percy Harvin available. Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) who may fall due to injury concerns is also a possibility. Maclin is a speed burner, who had 55 first down catches last year. Robiskie is 6’3” with good hands, and is not afraid of getting physical. Heyward-Bey is 6’2” with outstanding leaping ability, which complements his versatility on the field. Harvin is fast but has had knee problems. His lack of size 5’11” is overlooked due to his aggressive nature and willingness to play hurt.
There are also trade possibilities as Braylon Edwards (CLE), and Anquan Boldin (ARZ) may be available before draft day. However they may cost a small fortune. Although Edwards has a tendency to drop passes, and Boldin is not necessarily a team player they both are viable options. Not to be forgotten are Brad Smith and David Clowney who are decent talents with potential, but need more work.
The Jets also have other concerns that need to be addressed. Depths at positions like Running back and Offensive Line have to be addressed. Leon Washington is coming off his best season. However with Thomas Jones turning 30, this has to be a concern. The starting offensive line is set, but they need to add an established veteran back-up to stabilize the back end.
Although the team’s needs seem to favor the Offense, the prognosis is that the Jets may continue to add depth to the defense first. If (Ohio State-LB) James Laurinaitis is available, look for him to be taken early. If not (Tennessee-DE) Robert Ayers, or (LSU–DE) Tyson Jackson are also possibilities. Whatever the Jets decide to do, it makes no sense for them to take a quarterback in the first round.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
0
Hot Stove Football #2
Hot stove Football #2: Oh Plaxico oh Plaxico... and why did the NY Jets think they needed Jay Cutler?
By Dr. Bill Chachkes-Managing Partner Football Reporters Online
The Ny Jets never seem to be happy with what they already have. If they feel that Kellen Clemens will never run the Jets Offense on a regular basis, try trading him for the extra draft pick.Then people will take you seriously when you say you need a QB. Until then, people only see the Jets as further behind the Giants in PSL sales.
I'm not so sure they were ever seriously considered a factor in the "Jay Cutler" Saga. The three way deal between the Broncos, Titans, and the Jets was talked about for all of 5 minutes and then dismissed at least on NY sports talk radio.
The Giants are doing their "voluntary" off season workout program, and 59 of the current roster players are in attendance. Osi Umenoria is confident that his knee is close to 100%. He was also sure that his teammate Plaxico Burress would return to the Giants after getting probation. Guess that one went out the door with the last gasp of winter. Burress was released after he won his case against the Giants to recover his withheld roster bonus of one million dollars(think Mike Meyers' Dr. Evil when you hear that).
General Manager Jerry Reese has not yet made a major attempt at signing a receiver in free agency, but will certainly address that in the draft. The Giants had college prospect Percy Harvin in for a workout last week. but there have to be other names on the radar. One such name should be Cal-Poly's Ramses Barden.before the superbowl no one even knew who he was except for a handful of scouts. Barden is the only receiver in this draft at 6'5" or above (6'5-1/2"-229lbs) and while he is still a bit raw, he has the potential to go a long way in the pros. We wouldn't be surprised if Mr. Barden heard his name called mid to late on day two of this years draft. The other is Rutgers' WR Kenny Britt. I'm not so totally sold on Mr. Britt . Although he is 6'4", he only weighs about 212 pounds, hardly someone who can out muscle larger defensive backs over the middle. He can jump, but would need to learn the mechanics of the "Jump Ball" game in the endzone.
Up In Buffalo, Terrell Owens has already missed a "voluntary" off season work out with his new team of choice. So i ask you, is this the way to start off on the right foot with your new team and coaching staff? I woulkd think you'd want to do everything you can to show the people of upstate NY that you are happy to be there. Sure the workouts are "voluntary", but it is also "strongly suggested" that players attend.
Down I-95, the Eagles' QB Donovan McNabb isn't too happy that so many veteran players are leaving. One media vet tells us that it's been building up to this for years due to poor management on the part of the Eagles front office. You have to feel bad
for Donovan because he puts his heart and soul into trying to make the Eagles a winner. It's shameful that the front office won't give them the tools to do so.
Some of the area college programs have already released their schedules for 2009. The Liberty Cup match-up between Fordham University (Patriot) and Columbia University (Ivy) is sure to be hotly contested as always. Columbia's Head Coach Norries Wilson is one of the hardest working coaches to grace New York City's college football scene in some time. He also gives a great post game press conference no matter what the outcome of the game, and always has a high quality of Insight into all phases of the game. As a college player, coach Wilson played in two bowl games at the University of Minnesota as an offensive lineman. Fordham's head man Tom Massella has been around winning football for years, and while the Rams had a tough 2008, they were the 2007 patriot league champs. Both teams also work hard on the recruitment front each year. Circle your calendars for September 19th at 6pm at Fordham's Jack Coffey field.
The NFLPA elected a new executive director 2 weeks ago named DeMaurice Smith. Mr. Smith is a talented litigator, but has no other football related experience other then being a rabid Redskins fan. So maybe there is some truth to the story that the election may have been "jerrymanded" by player association lawyers Kessler and Berthlesen. At least one retired player who is part of the suit against the NFLPA to recognize the lack of health care benefits to retired players believes it is true, and has gone on record to anyone who will listen. There is even another story that the 28.1 million dollar settlement will be reduced by 50% to the players.
As comedy man Yakov Smirnoff says "what a country this America is"
By Dr. Bill Chachkes-Managing Partner Football Reporters Online
The Ny Jets never seem to be happy with what they already have. If they feel that Kellen Clemens will never run the Jets Offense on a regular basis, try trading him for the extra draft pick.Then people will take you seriously when you say you need a QB. Until then, people only see the Jets as further behind the Giants in PSL sales.
I'm not so sure they were ever seriously considered a factor in the "Jay Cutler" Saga. The three way deal between the Broncos, Titans, and the Jets was talked about for all of 5 minutes and then dismissed at least on NY sports talk radio.
The Giants are doing their "voluntary" off season workout program, and 59 of the current roster players are in attendance. Osi Umenoria is confident that his knee is close to 100%. He was also sure that his teammate Plaxico Burress would return to the Giants after getting probation. Guess that one went out the door with the last gasp of winter. Burress was released after he won his case against the Giants to recover his withheld roster bonus of one million dollars(think Mike Meyers' Dr. Evil when you hear that).
General Manager Jerry Reese has not yet made a major attempt at signing a receiver in free agency, but will certainly address that in the draft. The Giants had college prospect Percy Harvin in for a workout last week. but there have to be other names on the radar. One such name should be Cal-Poly's Ramses Barden.before the superbowl no one even knew who he was except for a handful of scouts. Barden is the only receiver in this draft at 6'5" or above (6'5-1/2"-229lbs) and while he is still a bit raw, he has the potential to go a long way in the pros. We wouldn't be surprised if Mr. Barden heard his name called mid to late on day two of this years draft. The other is Rutgers' WR Kenny Britt. I'm not so totally sold on Mr. Britt . Although he is 6'4", he only weighs about 212 pounds, hardly someone who can out muscle larger defensive backs over the middle. He can jump, but would need to learn the mechanics of the "Jump Ball" game in the endzone.
Up In Buffalo, Terrell Owens has already missed a "voluntary" off season work out with his new team of choice. So i ask you, is this the way to start off on the right foot with your new team and coaching staff? I woulkd think you'd want to do everything you can to show the people of upstate NY that you are happy to be there. Sure the workouts are "voluntary", but it is also "strongly suggested" that players attend.
Down I-95, the Eagles' QB Donovan McNabb isn't too happy that so many veteran players are leaving. One media vet tells us that it's been building up to this for years due to poor management on the part of the Eagles front office. You have to feel bad
for Donovan because he puts his heart and soul into trying to make the Eagles a winner. It's shameful that the front office won't give them the tools to do so.
Some of the area college programs have already released their schedules for 2009. The Liberty Cup match-up between Fordham University (Patriot) and Columbia University (Ivy) is sure to be hotly contested as always. Columbia's Head Coach Norries Wilson is one of the hardest working coaches to grace New York City's college football scene in some time. He also gives a great post game press conference no matter what the outcome of the game, and always has a high quality of Insight into all phases of the game. As a college player, coach Wilson played in two bowl games at the University of Minnesota as an offensive lineman. Fordham's head man Tom Massella has been around winning football for years, and while the Rams had a tough 2008, they were the 2007 patriot league champs. Both teams also work hard on the recruitment front each year. Circle your calendars for September 19th at 6pm at Fordham's Jack Coffey field.
The NFLPA elected a new executive director 2 weeks ago named DeMaurice Smith. Mr. Smith is a talented litigator, but has no other football related experience other then being a rabid Redskins fan. So maybe there is some truth to the story that the election may have been "jerrymanded" by player association lawyers Kessler and Berthlesen. At least one retired player who is part of the suit against the NFLPA to recognize the lack of health care benefits to retired players believes it is true, and has gone on record to anyone who will listen. There is even another story that the 28.1 million dollar settlement will be reduced by 50% to the players.
As comedy man Yakov Smirnoff says "what a country this America is"
Saturday, November 1, 2008
0
GANG GREEN FACES BIG TEST IN BUFFALO
GANG GREEN FACES BIG TEST IN BUFFALO By TJ Rosenthal for Football Reporters Online-10-31-08
The Jets have not played consistently in any phase of the game so far in 2008. At 4-3 however, they have given themselves a chance to gel by winning enough games to now sit only one game behind both the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills, both at 5-2. Alot has been made about Brett Favre's mediocre play, and the confused playcalling on offense. While much of it may be true, the Jets, an organization that often times has their backs against the wall before Thanksgiving, rolls around to Orchard Park this time with a chance to really get in this AFC East race.
The Bills are led on offense by RB Marshawn Lynch and deep threat WR Lee Evans. QB Trent Edwards has had some good games this year but is not a threat to throw for 300 yards every Sunday. The Buffalo Defense is tied for 5th in TDs given up but ranked somewhere in the middle in most every other defensive category.
For the Jets, the keys will be the same. Favre has to make good decisions, better decisions than it appears ha has in recent weeks, although Eric Mangini on numerous occasions has cited the Jet wideouts for being at fault for some of the picks. The Jet ground game, now including home run threat Leon Washington , has to be part of a balanced offensive game plan and not disappear for a half, as it has a few times.
The Jet defense has struggled yardage wise the past two weeks against struggling offenses in Oakland and Kansas City. Nonetheless, Chris Jenkins , who spearheads the defensive line and has been a big factor in the much improved run stopping will be challenged all day by Lynch and backup Fred Jackson. With Jet corners Dwight Lowry and Darrele Revis facing the difficult task of keeping up with speedster WR's Evans and Roscoe Parrish, the Jets will have to break down Edwards pocket quickly and force long pass routes to be altered.
A win and the Jets will go to 5-3, a record that other Jet teams in the past who've had more talent and have played better for much of 4 quarters, have not been able to grab. It's an opportunity that they have given themselves not by playing great football all year, but by winning.
The Jets have not played consistently in any phase of the game so far in 2008. At 4-3 however, they have given themselves a chance to gel by winning enough games to now sit only one game behind both the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills, both at 5-2. Alot has been made about Brett Favre's mediocre play, and the confused playcalling on offense. While much of it may be true, the Jets, an organization that often times has their backs against the wall before Thanksgiving, rolls around to Orchard Park this time with a chance to really get in this AFC East race.
The Bills are led on offense by RB Marshawn Lynch and deep threat WR Lee Evans. QB Trent Edwards has had some good games this year but is not a threat to throw for 300 yards every Sunday. The Buffalo Defense is tied for 5th in TDs given up but ranked somewhere in the middle in most every other defensive category.
For the Jets, the keys will be the same. Favre has to make good decisions, better decisions than it appears ha has in recent weeks, although Eric Mangini on numerous occasions has cited the Jet wideouts for being at fault for some of the picks. The Jet ground game, now including home run threat Leon Washington , has to be part of a balanced offensive game plan and not disappear for a half, as it has a few times.
The Jet defense has struggled yardage wise the past two weeks against struggling offenses in Oakland and Kansas City. Nonetheless, Chris Jenkins , who spearheads the defensive line and has been a big factor in the much improved run stopping will be challenged all day by Lynch and backup Fred Jackson. With Jet corners Dwight Lowry and Darrele Revis facing the difficult task of keeping up with speedster WR's Evans and Roscoe Parrish, the Jets will have to break down Edwards pocket quickly and force long pass routes to be altered.
A win and the Jets will go to 5-3, a record that other Jet teams in the past who've had more talent and have played better for much of 4 quarters, have not been able to grab. It's an opportunity that they have given themselves not by playing great football all year, but by winning.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
0
JETS CHIEFS BETTER BE A NO BRAINER
JETS CHIEFS BETTER BE A NO BRAINER-By TJ Rosenthal for Football Reporters Online
With the painful overtime loss in Oakland now in the Jets rear view
mirror, Gang Green set their sights on a severely hampered old friend.
Former head coach Herm Edwards comes to town with his awful 1-5
Kansas City Chiefs, without star RB Larry Johnson (suspended for team
conduct) and featuring third string QB Bobby Thigpen. This is beyond a
must win. This is a game the Jets need to win as well as start to grow
in. The passing game needs to get on track. Dustin Keller needs to
become a weapon, especially with the apparent injury to Brett Favre's
security blanket Bubba Franks. The defense needs to shut down the
Chiefs second and even third string offense, and take control of a
of game the Jets can't lose if they want to see the playoffs
first hand in January.
After starting 0-2 KC somehow found a way to win at home against
Denver before losing both starting QBs, Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard.
They then tried but failed to deal legendary TE Tony Gonzalez at the
trade deadline and now have to live with the emotionally unstable LJ.
To sum it up, they are a complete mess. The only weapon besides
Gonzalez, WR Dwayne Bowe, has not had 100 yard receiving game yet
this season. The club was shut out two weeks ago in Carolina. 30th
total offense in the league this year. Now that 's WITH LJ and their
top two QB’s!
Let's be honest here. Losing to them would be devastating. A pure sign
that the Brett Favre experiment has failed on the field, regardless of
how many number 4 jerseys have been sold off the field. It cant even be
a possibility.
For the Jets, this Sunday cannot be about struggling to beat a team
like the Chiefs. This HAS to be about playing well, and winning well. It
has to be about the passing game finding a rythym. About Dustin Keller
starting to emerge as the first round pass catching threat he's
supposed to be so he can really contribute as the bigger games start
to creep up on the schedule. It has to be about a defense NOT pulling
a traditional Jet move by letting a back up like RB Kolby Smith have a
huge game on the ground. It has to be about making QB Tyler Thigpen
look not like Len Dawson, but like Thigpen. The Jets need to take hold
of this game and not let go.
Otherwise they are no different than a team run by Chad Pennington or
Kellen Clemens, the choices Jet fans had to wish for up until August.
The only difference between the 3-3 the Jets are now with Favre and
the same record they might also have with Pennington or Clemens now,
is that the potential for alot more offensive firepower rests with
Brett's arm and his ability to stretch the field. It's time the Jets start
To show why Favre was brought here. This game against the Chiefs is
the perfect opportunity to start kicking that vison into gear as we head
towards a crucial stretch.
With the painful overtime loss in Oakland now in the Jets rear view
mirror, Gang Green set their sights on a severely hampered old friend.
Former head coach Herm Edwards comes to town with his awful 1-5
Kansas City Chiefs, without star RB Larry Johnson (suspended for team
conduct) and featuring third string QB Bobby Thigpen. This is beyond a
must win. This is a game the Jets need to win as well as start to grow
in. The passing game needs to get on track. Dustin Keller needs to
become a weapon, especially with the apparent injury to Brett Favre's
security blanket Bubba Franks. The defense needs to shut down the
Chiefs second and even third string offense, and take control of a
of game the Jets can't lose if they want to see the playoffs
first hand in January.
After starting 0-2 KC somehow found a way to win at home against
Denver before losing both starting QBs, Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard.
They then tried but failed to deal legendary TE Tony Gonzalez at the
trade deadline and now have to live with the emotionally unstable LJ.
To sum it up, they are a complete mess. The only weapon besides
Gonzalez, WR Dwayne Bowe, has not had 100 yard receiving game yet
this season. The club was shut out two weeks ago in Carolina. 30th
total offense in the league this year. Now that 's WITH LJ and their
top two QB’s!
Let's be honest here. Losing to them would be devastating. A pure sign
that the Brett Favre experiment has failed on the field, regardless of
how many number 4 jerseys have been sold off the field. It cant even be
a possibility.
For the Jets, this Sunday cannot be about struggling to beat a team
like the Chiefs. This HAS to be about playing well, and winning well. It
has to be about the passing game finding a rythym. About Dustin Keller
starting to emerge as the first round pass catching threat he's
supposed to be so he can really contribute as the bigger games start
to creep up on the schedule. It has to be about a defense NOT pulling
a traditional Jet move by letting a back up like RB Kolby Smith have a
huge game on the ground. It has to be about making QB Tyler Thigpen
look not like Len Dawson, but like Thigpen. The Jets need to take hold
of this game and not let go.
Otherwise they are no different than a team run by Chad Pennington or
Kellen Clemens, the choices Jet fans had to wish for up until August.
The only difference between the 3-3 the Jets are now with Favre and
the same record they might also have with Pennington or Clemens now,
is that the potential for alot more offensive firepower rests with
Brett's arm and his ability to stretch the field. It's time the Jets start
To show why Favre was brought here. This game against the Chiefs is
the perfect opportunity to start kicking that vison into gear as we head
towards a crucial stretch.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
0
NY Jets Hold Mini Camp-Try Out Local Hopefuls
Photo: Hofstra's Kareem Huggins Hits the Endzone early during a 2007 Game.
(By A. Fumai )
Unless you really know your NY area local college football, these next two names mean nothing to you. But if you do, then you won't be surprised that Hofstra University's Kareem Huggins and Charles Sullivan are getting tryouts at the Jets Complex this weekend. Aside from the fact that the Jets have been Headquartered on a small plot of university grounds for 40 years, it's a safe bet that the Jets former GM and current director of scouting Terry Bradway was paying attention to Hofstra's two standout offensive players during the 2007 college football season. Huggins does it all, Play Runningback, return kickoffs and punts, and can catch the ball out of the backfield. Sullivan Led the team in Scoring, Touchdowns, receiving yards, and receptions. He also set records for most Receiving yardage in a game (157) and career receiving yardage, breaking records held prior by Wayne Morris, Marques Colston, and Wayne Cherbet.Don't be surprised if one or bothof these players end up on an NFL roster somewhere if not in New York.....
Bill
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
0
Jets sign five including former VCU hoops star
Jets sign five including former VCU hoops star
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The New York Jets signed five free agents Tuesday, including former Virginia Commonwealth basketball star Jesse Pellot-Rosa.
The Jets also signed defensive back James Ihedigbo, cornerback Rayshaun Kizer, linebacker Jared Newberry and wide receiver Renard Stevens. All five players received tryouts at rookie minicamp last weekend.
Pellot-Rosa, who tried out at wide receiver, helped lead the Rams to a Colonial Athletic Association title and a first-round upset of Duke in the NCAA tournament in March. He averaged 13.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and shot over 42 percent from 3-point range last season.
Pellot-Rosa last played organized football in high school. He was recruited by Tennessee, Alabama and Virginia to play football, but chose to play basketball at VCU, which doesn't have a football team.
"I love to play football just like I love to play basketball," Pellot-Rosa said during minicamp. "They are equal to me. I love to play both, and it's been like that since I was a kid -- you go out on the playground and love to play. It didn't really matter whether it was basketball or football. I would play either one."
The Jets also released defensive back Caleb Hendrix, defensive end Matt King, wide receiver Dustin Osborn and LB Mark Zalewski. All four had been signed to free agent contracts before minicamp.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The New York Jets signed five free agents Tuesday, including former Virginia Commonwealth basketball star Jesse Pellot-Rosa.
The Jets also signed defensive back James Ihedigbo, cornerback Rayshaun Kizer, linebacker Jared Newberry and wide receiver Renard Stevens. All five players received tryouts at rookie minicamp last weekend.
Pellot-Rosa, who tried out at wide receiver, helped lead the Rams to a Colonial Athletic Association title and a first-round upset of Duke in the NCAA tournament in March. He averaged 13.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and shot over 42 percent from 3-point range last season.
Pellot-Rosa last played organized football in high school. He was recruited by Tennessee, Alabama and Virginia to play football, but chose to play basketball at VCU, which doesn't have a football team.
"I love to play football just like I love to play basketball," Pellot-Rosa said during minicamp. "They are equal to me. I love to play both, and it's been like that since I was a kid -- you go out on the playground and love to play. It didn't really matter whether it was basketball or football. I would play either one."
The Jets also released defensive back Caleb Hendrix, defensive end Matt King, wide receiver Dustin Osborn and LB Mark Zalewski. All four had been signed to free agent contracts before minicamp.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
0
Jets looking for smarts to complement skills
Jets looking for smarts to complement skills
BY TOM ROCK
So what are the Jets looking for in the draft? The answer goes beyond their roster. Although they have areas that need improvement, the choices made Saturday and Sunday will likely have as much or more to do with personality than position. The Jets will try to marry intelligence and discipline with ability and potential, which is why player interviews are so important to their preparation.
"The interview process is another club in the bag," Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said. He added that there is no single aspect of the player evaluation that is "outcome-determinative," but the interview is "a summation of a voluminous amount of information that collectively, as an organization, we try to assess and make the best decision."
Because the Jets look for thinking players, the interview often sways from the NFL standard. Terry Bradway, the Jets former GM who is now director of player personnel, said he watches video with prospects and is more interested in how a player can analyze what has happened than in how he performs.
"We asked them about their teammates, the guy they played across from," Bradway said. "A lot comes out. Personality comes out."
Just as character flaws sometimes hurt a player of great ability in the draft, character surplus sometimes overshadows physical limitations. That may have been the case last year when the Jets took Anthony Schlegel in the third round. Many saw that as a reach, and Schlegel hardly saw the field in 2006.
"[Bears GM] Jerry Angelo always said that the tape sets the floor and the character sets the ceiling," Tannenbaum said. "I think that's a short way of saying you can't have one without the other."
This weekend, the Jets will be looking for good students as much as they are looking for cornerbacks and linemen. Their 209 interviews in recent months were intended to shed light on player IQs.
"We wanted to be able to come out of the meeting, the interviews, with a good feel for the player's personality but also how smart they were, especially from a football standpoint," Bradway said. "That's the one thing: If guys want to have a chance to play, in particular play early, they've got to be able to pick it up."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I knew when Terry Bradway stepped away as GM a few years back, he wasn't stepping out altogther. He's doing what he was cut out to do, Scouting and personel evaluation. 209 player interviews, i'd love to get a peek at their draft board!!-
Bill(draftnik)
BY TOM ROCK
So what are the Jets looking for in the draft? The answer goes beyond their roster. Although they have areas that need improvement, the choices made Saturday and Sunday will likely have as much or more to do with personality than position. The Jets will try to marry intelligence and discipline with ability and potential, which is why player interviews are so important to their preparation.
"The interview process is another club in the bag," Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said. He added that there is no single aspect of the player evaluation that is "outcome-determinative," but the interview is "a summation of a voluminous amount of information that collectively, as an organization, we try to assess and make the best decision."
Because the Jets look for thinking players, the interview often sways from the NFL standard. Terry Bradway, the Jets former GM who is now director of player personnel, said he watches video with prospects and is more interested in how a player can analyze what has happened than in how he performs.
"We asked them about their teammates, the guy they played across from," Bradway said. "A lot comes out. Personality comes out."
Just as character flaws sometimes hurt a player of great ability in the draft, character surplus sometimes overshadows physical limitations. That may have been the case last year when the Jets took Anthony Schlegel in the third round. Many saw that as a reach, and Schlegel hardly saw the field in 2006.
"[Bears GM] Jerry Angelo always said that the tape sets the floor and the character sets the ceiling," Tannenbaum said. "I think that's a short way of saying you can't have one without the other."
This weekend, the Jets will be looking for good students as much as they are looking for cornerbacks and linemen. Their 209 interviews in recent months were intended to shed light on player IQs.
"We wanted to be able to come out of the meeting, the interviews, with a good feel for the player's personality but also how smart they were, especially from a football standpoint," Bradway said. "That's the one thing: If guys want to have a chance to play, in particular play early, they've got to be able to pick it up."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I knew when Terry Bradway stepped away as GM a few years back, he wasn't stepping out altogther. He's doing what he was cut out to do, Scouting and personel evaluation. 209 player interviews, i'd love to get a peek at their draft board!!-
Bill(draftnik)
