As mentioned in the post below, some doubt exists over the accuracy of Hutch’s report of the players cut yesterday. However, assuming for now that it is accurate, here are my thoughts and analysis on each of the cuts after the break. Add your thoughts in the comments.
Jehuu Know Who I Am? (or Mangini Refuses to Drink the Caul-Aid):
Jehuu Caulcrick was unfortunately victim of a numbers game. A decent ball-carrier in college, his transition to fullback was impressive and although he had a rough game against the Giants, he was establishing himself as a fan favorite and possible FB of the future. Maybe he will sneak onto the practice squad and still fulfil that destiny, but I expect there will be other interested suitors. We didn’t even get to see his alleged prowess as a short yardage back.

No Chat Room at the Inn:
In another shock move, the Jets either cut or traded Jesse Chatham, who had a monster game against the Eagles, although his yards per carry was only just over three. I guess the thinking is that Jones and Washington can shoulder the rushing burden between them and Brad Smith could also register carries at a pinch. This enables the Jets to carry an inordinate number of WRs and TEs (although many of them do have dual roles), so this bodes well for guys like Pociask, Henry and Wright.

The Schable of Things to Cut (Or Canin’ Schable):
A J Schable had already overcome a far more important hurdle this preseason, when he narrowly avoided a potentially career threatening spinal injury and was able to return to the team. The time he missed was costly to his chances of making the team though, as the likes of Caulcrick and Pociask were more impressive in his absence.

TJ Gets the Hook:
Thomas Johnson did a decent job in preseason, but was always a longshot to beat out former NFL draft picks C J Mosley and Sione Pouha as backups to Kris Jenkins. He does look like an ideal practice squad candidate though and, who knows, could be the eventual heir apparent to Kris Jenkins.

Matt Finished:
Veteran Matt Chatham had his moments with the Jets. The one that sticks in my mind was when he attempted to cover Jason Witten and came out of it looking as lost as one of the Oceanic Six. Still, it speaks to the confidence of the Jets staff in their young backups if they made the team ahead of a proven vet. Practice squad ineligible, Chatham will have to try to catch on with another team (after the inevitable cup of coffee with the Pats to return the favor from when he presumably shared his knowledge of the Pats playbook with Mangini on his arrival at Hempstead).

Hanks for the Memories:
Hank Poteat has had a strange career. A bit of a journeyman, he was ridiculed early on in his career, but then developed into a solid, but unspectacular cornerback. Maybe his biggest play as a Jet was the fumble recovery that kick-started the Jets blowout win (following a nervous start) in their wildcard clincher against Oakland two years ago. He has never been the type of guy that you would think has the potential to become an all-pro, but found himself on a lot of teams just by being more reliable than a slew of more athletic guys that were less polished technique-wise. The fact that the Jets have let him go may indicate they are comfortable with someone from the Drew Coleman, Justin Miller and Dwight Lowery group going forward, which would be a good sign for the future.

16 more cuts to come (maybe more, if they add anyone), including several wide receivers and offensive linemen. We’ll report them as soon as we get word and give our thoughts later.

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