Back from the Underground
After a two week intermittent hiatus, a big thanks to the crew of folks who chipped in to help keep the site running. The information on the site the past two weeks was great, I will be ramping up for the kickoff this weekend over the next few weeks, I’m recharged for the season and glad to be back!
Just some quick thoughts on the 53 man roster units.
Quarterback (3) — Chad Pennington, Kellen Clemens, Marques Tuiasosopo
Reaction: Although I hoped that Smith might be a serviceable backup he hasn’t shown the stuff they need to see, they saved roster spots elsewhere.
Running Back (2) — Thomas Jones, Leon Washington
Reaction: Looking for a vote of confidence in Thomas Jones’ ability to play next Sunday? Look no further. Expect to see former Bulldog Danny Ware back on the Taxi Squad in a few days.
Fullback (2) — Darian Barnes, Stacy Tutt
Reaction: No surprises here. Barnes is the thumper and Tutt’s versatility (throw, run, catch?) is a plus and Tutt can even act as a Heath Evans style fullback, someone who can carry the ball rather than just block.
Wide Receiver (6) — Laveranues Coles, Jerricho Cotchery, Justin McCareins, Brad Smith, Chansi Stuckey, Wallace Wright
Reaction: It’s amazing how last year I thought this was one of the weakest units going into the season, and now it is an area of strength. Beyond what you saw last year, expect Stuckey to see time in the slot, and watch for Wright on Special Teams, where he was an excellent contributor last year. I might expect to see Evan Prall back on the Practice Squad, but I never expected Frisman Jackson and Justin McCareins to both make this team, their styles are too similar.
Tight End (4) — Chris Baker, Sean Ryan, Joe Kowalewski, Jason Pociask
Reaction: With Left Guard an issue, TEs might not get to run as many routes this season. I have to say I am shocked that they kept all these guys AND James Dearth. Should the Jets add a player in the next few days, I would expect to see JoeKo or Pociask be the ones making the room.
Offensive Line (8) — D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Jacob Bender, Nick Mangold, Brandon Moore, Anthony Clement, Wade Smith, Adrien Clarke, Adrian Jones
Reaction: It will be interesting to see who turns out to be the fifth starter here, not sure how I feel about this group.
Defensive Line (7) — Shaun Ellis, Dewayne Robertson, Kenyon Coleman, Eric Hicks, C.J. Mosley, Sione Pouha, Mike DeVito
Reaction: Adios Kimo! Not sure what the cap hit is for KVO, but it’s worth it to see that he’s a goner. If Coleman’s contract wasn’t enough of a hint, dropping Kimo is a clear indication that Coleman will play most downs on the right side. I was surprised to see Bobby Hamilton was let go, less so about Haynes and Wadsworth. Glad to see that Mike DeVito the rookie free agent from Maine made the team.
Linebacker (8) — Bryan Thomas, Jonathan Vilma, Eric Barton, Victor Hobson, David Bowens, David Harris, Brad Kassell, Cody Spencer
Reaction: The handwriting was on the wall for Schlegel, and has been for months. You can officially crown him the first blunder of the Tangini regime.
Corner (6) — David Barrett, Andre Dyson, Darrelle Revis, Justin Miller, Hank Poteat, Drew Coleman
Reaction: No real surprises here or at safety. Depending on Revis’ progress, there are a number of interchangeable guys behind Dyson and the rookie.
Safety (4) — Kerry Rhodes, Erik Coleman, Eric Smith, Rashad Washington.
Reaction: Rhodes is a lock and watch for the other safety spot to see more rotation.
Specialists (3) — PK Mike Nugent, P Ben Graham, LS James Dearth
Reaction: A solid unit, not likely to be the cause of many gaffes in 2007.
8 Responses to Back from the Underground
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Broadway Joe says:
With only 2 RB’s I hope Jones, and Pennington can stay healthy. If the organization is confident in Bender being the starter at LG, give him the chance. Remember, bringing in a veteran that you can’t start b/c he doesn’t know the system loses time. Time that they can go through the growing pains with Bender. Give the coaching staff credit for disguising whatever weaknesses they’ll have on either line. Everybody’s whining about run defenses too. The bottom line is points. What I like is nobody is expecting much from the Jets this year. As long as they remain healthy they will surprise people again.
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TOON2388 says:
if Kendall was even close to the caliber of a Faneca, I would be livid. Am willing to live with Bender paying his dues. Actually think he we are not downgrading in terms of run blocking; but as of right now, there is no doubt the pass blocking on the left side is suspect.
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wayne says:
When pondering the cut downs remember that contracts are guaranteed if the player is on the opening day roster. A trend the last few years has been to “cut” veterans, then sign them back after one week.
Expect to see Hamilton return for DeVito, and Vinny to return in NE.
Could be others.
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yeselson says:
kimo was a mistake of the Tangini era, too–and didn’t he predate the wild boar hunter?
Oh–as was Kendall. The biggest one of all, the one that could keep the team out of the playoffs this year.
They always say guards aren’t that important, pretty much a dime a dozen–well, we’re going to find out this year just how important they are, aren’t we?
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will says:
The recent game v the Giants showed how important the Guard spot is – the Giants moved Tuck, a DE, over Bender and the rest is preseason history :) Its too easy to exploit a weakness in the NFL. Still, I have perfect faith in Mangini and will live with Bender in the hopes that he will develop into a solid LG. Honestly, at this point I am equally concerned with Ferguson.
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Bent says: The one thing that gives me hope is Nick Kaczur, weirdly enough. When he made his regular season debut for the Pats (I think prematurely due to injury), he was way out of his depth and looked terrible, but the Pats were able to cope as he learnt of the fly and he is now a solid pro.
I know it’s a different position and that he perhaps had more veteran presences around him on the line, but at least it’s a good example of someone who looked bad at first learning the ropes in a short space of time and one which Mangini will have seen up close.
While it is easy to exploit weaknesses in the NFL, it is also possible to mask them by playing to your strengths. Quite how the Jets do that I am not sure, but we will know if it works in 6 days time.
The idea behind 4 TE’s is that they could line up JoKo or Pociask as fullback/Tailback. Gives some kinda flexibility as well as throws some smokescreen. But I agree, if there is a serviceable player on waivers, one of these is a goner.