Monthly Archives: September 2004
Even if New York fans are everything you say they are, saying it to
the press is a whole other matter. Jason Taylor has just opened New
York's version of Pandora's Box for the rest of his career,
GUARANTEED.
Looks like this team has missed it's “window” and one of the best speed-rushers in the game is trying to get his team through a slow start. Being that this is a divisional game, there is all the more reason to get keyed up. Taylor has stated that he thinks there will be more Jets fans than normal at Pro Player and that
“… a bunch of them chanting their dumb-ass chant and all that other stuff, being the ignorant fans they are. I said it. I don't care if they get mad at me or not. They don't like me anyway. Quite frankly, I don't care… I'm just being real. I'm telling the truth. You carry yourself with some class, and we'll talk about you as if you've got class. If you want to act crazy and do all the crazy things they do, I'll call a spade a spade.”
OK, first off, we Jets fans might be classless, but we certainly are not ignorant. The article makes the point a little later that Jason Taylor needed a cop to get him through Times Square safely. If Jets fans are so ignorant, how did we know who Taylor was off the gridiron to threaten him in the first place? That ain't ignorant, it's an educated fanbase! Then he proceeds to make fun of the chant… what to Dolphins fans do… make clicking noises??? At least he HAVE a chant!!!
Also, anytime anyone says “I'm just being real” you know that what you are hearing is a Kellen Winslow “soldier” type rant. If a person has to state “I'm just being real,” then what the crap are they saying the rest of the time? No need let us know where you are on the “real meter” or get all Ralph Waldo Emerson on my ass… just make the freaking statement.
In all honesty, it is terrible that fans throw things at him at Giants Stadium, and make him feel unsafe in what is the greatest city in America, but I feel like more and more across the country, fans are acting irresponsibly, I just hope New York isn't forging the way.
More and more folks are taking the Jets seriously, at least this week.
The Power Rankings from FOX Sports, ESPN and CBS all have the Jets in the top ten. It is good to see the team getting some recognition for their actions so far, but we will need to stay tuned to see how the Jets perform against teams like the Patriots, Ravens and Seattle late in the season.
Heading to your hometown, playing a hated divisional rival, starting your first NFL game AND calling the plays for ten other guys? Just another week for Jonathan Vilma.
Vilma writes in his ESPN Rookie Diary that he is looking forward to the game, but not at the expense of a teammate's health.
Everyone has been saying that I should be happy because this is my opportunity, but you never wish for a person to get hurt. Don't get me wrong; I am excited to be making my first NFL start, but Sam Cowart is a good player and he was helping our team win. That's always the bottom line.
Two words: CLASS ACT
The Star Ledger reports that Jets Fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief, it looks like Center Kevin Mawae won't break his streak for consecutive starts and will play against the Dolphins, in some capacity, though Herm ain't saying where. Everything looks to point to Mawae and Kendall flip-flopping, since the injury is to Mawae's snapping hand and Kendall started at Center for Arizona in 10 games.
On the other side of the ball, a young gun will get to make some impressions as the signal caller for the Jets. Jonathan Vilma will get the first start of his NFL career, playing MLB for the injured Sam Cowart. Herm makes a point that I thought true the moment I heard Vilma in an interview… “This kid is smart.” I have no question Vilma has the intellect to do the job, but we will see how he holds up for a full game.
“Any given Sunday” and all those aphorisms, but this is a good week for these shuffles to take place. The Dolphins offense has looked anemic so far (31st Ranked Offense scoring just 7.7 PPG) giving Vilma a good game to “ease-in” to this role.
Also, this should be a great game to really see how well the Jets are running the ball. With Miami boasting the 5th ranked Defense, thought the stats are totally whacked (143 RYPG, 112 PYPG).
Dave Hutchinson (AKA Captain Obvious) writes for the Star-Ledger today that the Jets
A) Paul Hackett didn't have a good year in '03
2) Hackett was ill-equipped when Pennington went down
c) The run has worked so far for the Jets this year
IV) There is a lot of season left to play
Well the runnning thing working might actually be a good point. When you have a guy dropping back who you are afraid his arm is literally going to fall off, why bother to defend the pass? Regardless, the article reads like a cliff notes version of the pain and suffering that was the 2003 New York Jets and opening just the deepest of wounds from last year.
Maybe I can apply for a job to do news at the Ledger!
Who needs some lithium? Apparently, us Jets fans do. Not that I am any great Jets message board world traveler, but it seems that to every board I go to there are two distinct takes on the Jets from the fans thus far: gushing praise or damnable contempt.
Let us relish this moment, sit back with a nice cigar an brandy and let this fact soak in as we watch the Miami-Cincy game. We have a bye week so we can focus on observing our future opponents. For men one thing is certain now: I want Miami. (from nyjetsfan.com)
OR
This staff is inept and DH is not a great DC at all. His adjustments suck and are a dollar short! But I fault DUH HERM the most. That jerk said last year that he was going to insist on a more aggressive OFFENSE! That crappy playcalling today is worthy of another contract extension for DUH HERM and a scapegoat made out of HACKETT! Only, PAULY deserves to be fired- right after DUH HERM! (from Jets Addicts)
I think fans seem to fall into one of two categories. They want the Superbowl (a good goal) this year, or they are content to: be better than the Giants, make the playoffs, etc.
Maybe fantasy football has dulled my edge, but I am happy that the Jets are winning and that it is football season. Just like the Coors “I love you too” guys, can't we just enjoy a beer and make the toast “HERE'S TO FOOTBALL!!!!”
CuMart had another great day, but it is obvious that there are still some serious questions about this team. A blown kick coverage, the bend not break mentality of the secondary, and Hackett's overuse of Martin make the bye a welcome sight even this early in the season.
I think this team has the ability to get to the playoffs, but I don't know if they do, they are going to get there the right way.
Alan Hahn writes today in the Newsday that he thinks that this offensive line has a chance to be one of the premiere groups in the League. With veteran Kevin Mawae leading the group and the addition of Mawae's old teammate and respected vet, Pete Kendall, things are running smoothly (after only one week).
… Edwards has acknowledged that the O-line has potential to be one of the best in the league, especially with the addition of Pete Kendall. Signed in August after he was unexpectedly released by Arizona, Kendall immediately jumped into the left guard position.
The Guard position has come under fire already this year as Defensive Coordinators have already been pretty straightforward about taking advantage of the “throwaway” position on the offensive line. In the modern days of salary caps, tackles are the staple of protection and the importance of guards have diminished. Kendall's signing might have been one more of those quiet factors that help the Jets propel themselves forward this year.
It seems that Herman has a new nickname for his Running Back: “Cadillac.”
Martin is poised to break some records this year, and the best part is that he will be ready to get up and run right back to the huddle after he does.
On Sunday, Martin will make club history, but don't expect him to linger in the moment. He's not a milestone guy. He wasn't aware of the record until a reporter mentioned it. “I didn't celebrate 10,000 yards,” he said, “so I'm not going to celebrate this.”
Quietly, this team is getting better. Some people don't like the fact that the Jets never get the press that the Giants garner. I won't complain or make a big deal about it, because it doesn't seem any of the Jets players do either.
Wayne Chrebet has been a great example to the Jets Lunchpail Mentality. This guy craves to be in the game and help the team in whatever capacity he can, even if he only gets to make 2 catches… one of which was clutch. Although Chrebet will never again (and really shouldn't have been) a #1 guy, you can tell his ethic and contributions that are not statistical can't be calculated, congruous to Paul O'Neill in the Yankees in his last year. Football coaches often talk about “heart” and how important it is to have to play the game. I am guessing, as a coach, these are guys you crave to have around and I hope that he continues to be a great example of dedication, desire and hard work!
Looking forward to this weekend's game, the Jets Defensive line will get a good test versus one of the most prolific young backs in the league facing LaDanian Tomlinson. After containing Rudi Johnson last week, and even causing him to fumble for the first time in his short career, Donnie Henderson will face an early test in San Diego's running game. Read Newsday's Ken Berger for more than this quote.
“There's going to be two great runners running in San Diego,” coach Herman Edwards said. “That'll be something to see. It'll be fun to watch.” But is the Jets' run defense up to the task? There were good and bad signs Sunday against the Bengals.A couple of things had to happen, and did, for the Jets to contain Cincinnati's running game: Nose tackle Jason Ferguson and defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson did a good job penetrating and controlling their gaps. That's why linebackers Sam Cowart and Eric Barton were free to make plays.
I like this kid. He is well-spoken in interviews I have seen with him but this blurb reminds me of the scene in Bull Durham when Kevin Costner is explaining to Tim “Meat” Robbins about all the cliches of the bigs.
I thought I played well in my NFL debut — a 31-24 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. I ran around and tried to make whatever plays came my way. Obviously I made some mistakes, but they're nothing that can't be fixed. We have some great fans in New York. They were just as excited as we were and were pumped the whole game. I hope it stays like that every game because it's a great atmosphere to play in. Good thing they're on my side.
Regardless, it is obvious the kid has talent… playing in Miami, he might as well have already played for a professional team, and I think he will contribute nicely to the defense.
