Here are some quick thoughts from Herm's press conference today, to kick off the first day of Mini-Camp.

On the Rookies:
Many will help out this year. The vets have set tempo (some are not
practicing but acting as coaches like Chad, Curtis & Dewayne. The
have been good, finding out what is expected of them and are paying
good attention.

On Fiedler:
Herm thinks he is a really good QB… he has been sharp in the last few
sessions. Realized that Fiedler is a good DOWNFIELD thrower.

On Laveranues: He is glad to have him back, and see how he is going to help out the team this year.

On Chad:
Pennington, as before is on schedule to throw ball in June. Even though
he hasn't been able to throw & practice, he is keeping the Dinger
busy. Asking lots of questions and stopping by his office everyday.

On Offense:
“With a future Hall-of-Famer, we are still gonna run the ball.” Expect
to see more double TEs, and as Herm stated “The secret's out!” He is
looking forward to using the shotgun more this year, though he thought
he was going to suprise everyone the first time they went shotgun in a
game. Offensive personnel are happy to see some changes.

On Nugent:
Herm told Nugent that all eyes were going to be on him in practice
today. Westhoff didn't start him out easy, he spotted him up for a 42
yarder as the first one of the day… it went “a little right.”

On Pouha's Potential:
Herm stated that “the big guy” is a good player & has discipline.
Something to the effect of being mentally tough to do his Mormon
Mission (no TV, only 2 calls to parents a year) for three years and of
all places, in Pittsburgh (I think he expected a chuckle… no luck).
Herm went on to state that he “hasn't had a guy like him since Chester
[McGlockton].” Based on the Jets' thin chart at DT, he will be called
on to play, play after play. He has many attributes, but Herm stated he
is strong & quick, but Pouha needs to get in better
shape/conditioning before the season starts… (Lightbulb! Thus the
reason for Legree's presence)

On Letting go of Brien Now:
It was not in the Jets' best interests due to salary, but after a
conversation with Doug earlier this week (Monday), Herm knew it was in
Brien's best interests, and the jets wanted to make sure he was able to
get a job with another team quickly.

On Justin Miller's Contributions:
Will play on return team, no doubt, and he will compete to be a
starter… though he has to earn the job. If he doesn't, he will most
likely play nickel. Herm admires his “great ball skills” knowing that
if he makes a pick, there is a chance he score. Herm told him early
that “With three Defensive Back Coaches (Secondary, Donnie &
Herm)… you are gonna get coached!!”

On Donnie Abraham:
Herm hasn't spoken to Donnie, he is giving him time. Herm plans to give
a call next week, he knows that they have a “tough conversation” ahead
of them, which might be why they haven't talked yet. (My first thought,
Herm is not going to “ask him back”)

On the Draft:
Based on the Jets' assessment, there was more value for them in the 2nd
and 3rd rounds. With the trade for Jolley, they saw the opportunity to
get 4 good players on the first day, and they took it. The Jets had
talked with Oakland last year about Jolley but nothing ever happened.
Herm knows that Jolley can catch, stretch the field, run, and is smart.

Filed under: Main Page, News