Five “Insider” Stories For Camp
Although it’s over a month away, here’s five stories to look for going into the summer regarding the Jets that might not get as much publicity, but will be interesting to the development of the team.
1) Leon’s New Role — Leon Washington was one of the few bright spots (151 Att. 650 Yds. 4TD) of last year’s running game. Contributing to the team with some nimble running, speed out of the backfield, and big gains on check-down (25 Rec. 270 Yds.) plays, Washington had a hand in getting the Jets to the playoffs, most memorably against the Dolphins on Christmas. With Thomas Jones now in the fold, the situation gets muddied. Jones isn’t the north-south pounder that some feel the team might best complement Washington’s style, but it’s clear that Jones will take the bulk of the carries in the backfield now. All the same, Jones is at his best when he carries around 20 times a game, so there will still be work for Washington, but when and where?
2) The Junior Safeties — Erik Coleman has a pretty strong hold on the starting spot, but there’s still that question about that bit of a hiccup last season when he was sat down for a game early on. After that, Coleman never looked back and ended with more than 100 tackles for the third straight season. The Jets have a solid secondary with Coleman and Rhodes, but can Boy Scout Eric Smith, Europa product Jamie Thompson or UDFA and fireknife dancer Leonard Peters muscle their way into some playing time?
3) Anthony Schlegel’s Future — Undoing, thy name is David Harris. From the moment they drafted him in the third round, Schlegel was a reach, but I think the Jets think they can still try to develop Schlegel, but they need to see some marked progress. With additions like second rounder David Harris, David Bowens and Andre Wadsworth, there’s less room and patience on the roster for a developmental player like Schlegel. Harris’ impact compared to Schlegel will be quickly noticeable, but Schlegel better come strong at training camp to keep his job.
4) Chansi vs. Wallace — Unless McCareins or Dwight don’t last, one or possible even both of these two won’t be a Jet on the active roster at the outset of the 2007 season. Wallace Wright was a willing contributor on special teams at the end of last season, but did little else. Stuckey presents an interesting threat to stretch the field, but can’t add much more bulk for special teams tackling work.
5) Stacey Tutt’s Impact — Don’t underestimate this Undrafted Rookie from last year’s class. He flew under the radar for most of last year, but he had some time on the field late in the season, and has seen a lot of practice reps with the first team this spring. At 6′2″ 235, he’s might be a little light for H-Back, so pay attention to his weight as he starts camp. Tutt could provide the offense another versatile player like Brad Smith, but more suited for blocking.
Filed under: Main Page, Opinion/Bassett
Hate to say it but the writing is on the wall for Schlegel! He plays to stiff and you can’t teach loose hips.
Agree, don’t see Chansi on any special teams.
Hey anyone see Leon at the Met game last night? Pretty good arm too!
I’ll be surprised to see Wright back, because B Smith was doing as well as a gunner towards the end of last year and WW doesn’t bring much else to the table.
Stuckey might be in the mix to return punts. I think some of us may be underestimating him. Comparing him to someone like Wright at the collegiate level, it isn’t even close. He just needs the right attitude and to stay healthy so he can prove he can do it at the next level.
I’ve got a feeling Dwight won’t make the team, personally.
If Dwight can’t make the team, it answers the question as to whether or not they would release McCareins … I am anxious to see how much Brad Smith has progressed.
While Thomas Jones should get the bulk of the carries, I’d like to see the Jets copy what San Diego does and Pittsburgh used to do with their change of pace backs. It’s pretty simple, just a commitment to have 1 or 2 series a game where the 2nd back comes in and stays in for the whole series. Herm never seemed to grasp that with Curtis and LaMont, that’s why Curtis had 371 carries at age 31…what terrible abuse.
1) Instead of calling it a “change of pace” RB tandem, why not call it a “two for one” tandem. Are not Leon and Thomas Jones the same RB, style wise? I know that Leon adds more flash and speed, but given their size I would think that they both give you a receiving threat as well as a steady option to hand the ball too. I think I would use Leon and Thomas evenly, thereby saving the mileage on both their knees.
2) I predict Eric Smith to have the breakout year that Tangini envisioned when they drafted him last year. I would look for Erik Coleman to start the season, then find E.Smith finishing it. I think we all secretly hope the Hawaiian born product to fire dance his way on the roster, but I can see practice squad more in his future.
3) As Mehl states above, the writing IS on the wall for Schlegel, the first bad pick of the Tangini Era.
4) I like Wallace Wright’s drive as meritocracy proved you will be rewarded for hard work. The only question remains is, will Chansi be the next Wallace Wright or will be like his fellow Clemson mate and be the product of so much talent but little football intellect?
5) Tutt was a star at Richmond and a personal fave of Bassett’s. Time will tell if Tutt is truly a King on the final roster or back on the practice squad come Sept. I think it will depend on the unknown potential of Pociask whom Tangini drafted in the 6th round last year and was banished on the IR.
give shlegel a chance…as an ohio state fan i saw him make some nice plays…he’s strong and has a good attitude and he’s smart..be patient
Jones is 20 pounds heavier than Washington, so has a bit more power. Like BB says, he is at his most effective when getting 20 touches. Washington is ideal as a foil to him, probably getting 10-15 touches himself, depending on the gameplan.
Yep, Schlegel does deserve a chance. Can you name a 3-4 ILB drafted later than him last year who fared any better? No you can’t because there wasn’t one. Hence the reach…I guess they felt he was the only guy who had a shot at a real position of need.
Pociask and Tutt are two different players really. JP has 32 pounds on him and is more likely to take Sean Ryan’s roster spot than Tutt’s IMO.
I still think they will try to move Dwight and McCarreins. Chanci appears to be very similar to Dwight, and Smith or even Frisman Jackson will compete for Justin’s spot.
In the secondary do not forget Rashad Washington, he is very talented, has a head for the ball and plays specials.
Another big story is Mangini himself, when does he get a raise and extension??????
Woody please do not leave him an opening to leave, please!!!