Audible: Bender, Clarke or Jones?
Posted on August 31st, 2007 by Bassett
It’s hard to know who will be sandwiched between Brick and Nick come September 9th, so I am curious to know … who you think will be getting abused by Seymour, Wilfork and Warren in a true “baptism by fire?”
I don’t know why, but my money’s on Adrian Jones. Sure he might be valuable as a reserve tackle, but I think that it might be more about Clarke and Bender’s inability to hang with the talent level and it’s a hole that just needs to be filled, right now. Jones has played left and right tackle, so surely guard, the least athletic position on the line, is within his grasp, no?
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If they don’t pick anyone up, which doesn’t look like it’s going to happen, I would say that it’s Bender’s job. Clarke has looked horrible all preseason and his mental mistakes (false starts, offsides) will most likely earn him a spot on the PS or cut. I don’t know about Jones and how the Jets feel about him at this point. Although it was against 3rd and 4th string scrubs, Bender looked good opening holes and in pass protection, maybe he finally got his stuff together. You never know with the Jets, it could all be smoke and mirrors for the New England game.
Bender for running plays, while Clarke for PAssing downs. Of course we’ll have to mix it up else opponents will know in a heartbeat.
Athleticism has never been Jone’s problem. He was a former tight end. His athleticism made him serviceable as a left tackle, but he lacked the bulk and strength to handle right tackle. I think the same shortcomings in strength and size would be apparent as a guard as well.
That said, I do think he’ll probably get the call unless the Jets find someone on waivers after cuts tomorrow.
If Bender’s going to be any good during the regular season, they had better let him play the entire game. I’m hoping that he is really good and just hasn’t yet adjusted to the speed of NFL and that he will adjust after a few games. Otherwise, Chad, TJ and the rest of the offense are in big trouble.
I have confidence that Bender will be able to run block. He’s huge and fast and comes from a triple option running offense. His problems will show up in the passing game. He will need help and the Jets were good at papering over Brick’s shortcomings last season, so I am fairly confident that they can do the same for Bender, who does have Mangold next to him. IMO, the problem is Brick. It’s time to take the Pampers off. He has to be able to handle LT on his own. Having to shore up 2 line positions would severely limit the passing game. The Jets have to protect Chad at all costs.
I’m rooting for the underdog – Mr. Bender.
Bender starting, Kendall gone seems like pure arrogance to me. One 10-6 season doesn’t make you Gil Brandt and Tom Landry.
[...] unknown wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptIt’s hard to know who will be sandwiched between Brick and Nick come September 9th, so I am curious to know … who you think will be getting abused by Seymour, Wilfork and Warren in a true “baptism by fire?” … [...]