The Jets from A to Z: B
In our ongoing review/preview of all things Jets, we take on the letter B. For those of you left hanging in eager anticipation from last week, we start with the butcher, Chris Baker and the search for a backfield playmaker. . .
The Butcher – “Bork! Bork! Bork!” Okay, he’s not exactly slaughtering cattle (or Swedish), but longtime former Jet defensive lineman Rick Lyle took on the role of assistant strength coach and nutrition coordinator with the task of monitoring the food the players consume, both at home and on the road. Again, following Eric Mangini’s belief that no detail is too small, Lyle made sure that healthy food was properly prepared throughout the season, sparing the team from both bad shrimp and botulism. As a result, no playing time was lost to bellyaches.
Chris Baker – After an injury-shortened 2005 and a brief foray into free agency, Baker stayed on board and whipped up 31 catches for 300 yards and 4 TDs — his best season ever and not too bad for a “blocking” tight end. As the season went on, Pennington went to Baker on a more regular basis, especially down around the goal line and in key spots. Oh, and don’t forget about the blown TD call against the Browns in Cleveland which should have been a game-tying score — that reception was a thing of beauty.
Backfield by committee – Blaylock and Barlow started out the season as the big boys, but by midseason, it was Houston and Washington getting the majority of the reps. By playoff time, it was Washington almost going it alone — Houston got one carry against New England. Going into the off-season, there’s been much ballyhoo about bringing in Michael “The Burner” Turner, but speculation is that the Chargers are hoping for a bidding war, and will tender him for a first- and third-round pick. That might be too rich for the Jets’ blood.
Based on the backfield-tandem success of recent Super Bowl-winning teams like New England, Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay — as well as this year’s participants, Indianapolis and da Bears — don’t be surprised if the Jets don’t break the bank to bring in a true No. 1, instead looking to team Washington with a back through the draft or a second-tier free agent like former Titan Chris Brown. And you can expect to say “bye-bye” to Barlow and Blaylock.
Buckeyes – Nothing breeds success like success, so drafting players from high-profile, championship-caliber programs like Ohio State can sometimes be a bright strategy. Kicker Mike Nugent and center Nick Mangold have already proven their worth, although the book still has to be written about Anthony “The Beast” Schlegal, not to mention recently signed guard Adrien Clarke. Although, even with their deficiences at running back, don’t hold your breath waiting for them to sign former Buckeye Maurice Clarett.
The Killer B‘s - No, not Jumpin’ Jim Brunzell and B. Brian Blair (or even John Belushi, for that matter), but Belichick and Brady, the bane of the Jets playoff existence. Like the Colts, the Jets can’t hope to get to the Big One if they don’t get over the bump in the road that is their bitter rival, the Patriots. Winning last season in Foxborough was a step in the right direction — as Shaun Ellis said, “We finally beat the bullies” — but the next step is to beat them on a consistent basis . .. and beyond (like in the playoffs).
I have to say though, I’d pay big bucks to NOT see Belichick and Brady in those black-and-yellow banana hammocks . . .
Bassett and Bent – I would be remiss if I didn’t boast a bit about the two best bloggers, brothers-in-arms who are the backbone of this site and bend over backward to keep all the banter going. Brian, the busy boy from the Boston area, and the Brit, a brilliant bloke whose brain we pick on a regular basis. I bow in appreciation to all their constant hardwork and dedication. Thanks a bunch!
Next week: C is for Cotchery, and that’s good enough for me!
4 Responses to The Jets from A to Z: B
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Ferragamo says:
Great work R, I love the bye, bye to Barlow and Blaylock line! Looking forward to the letter C.
Like Bassett said that Rick Lyle info was pretty interesting, I never heard anything that. I wonder with all theses coaches leaving maybe Mr. Lyle gets a promotion.
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Thanks for the link R. What a good story, see it pays to read the NY Times.
R in CT, another masterpiece if I may say so.
I didn’t know the information about Rick Lyle, that was very interesting. As far as the Pats, you are right, the Jets took a step in the right direction, but they need to continue down that road, the Jets are now 1-8 in their last nine meetings, with a lot of free agents this year for the Pats, let’s hope this is a year that the Jets can put a real dent in that record.