Jesse Chatman Practicing Again
After facing a four game suspension without pay for violating the NFL’s policy on “steroids and related substances” Jesse Chatman returned to practice/meetings with the team on Monday. Chatman can practice this week and will be eligible to play against Cincinnati October 12.
Chatman did admit that he was used a masking agent but didn’t say much beyond that, only saying that it wasn’t for steroids or performance enhancers. Chatman was enthused to be back with the team saying that “it feels good. The team accepted me with open arms. The organization accepted me. So I’m just ready to roll, put everything behind me and just move forward. The public is going to think what they’re going to think, but hopefully they’ll know that I’m not a cheater. I never have been.”
During his suspension, Chatman told reporters that he volunteered as a coach at Morristown High School in NJ and that he worked out with a personal trainer to stay in shape.
In terms of making space, the Jets are given a roster exemption for Chatman to begin practicing this week but must make a move next week to make room for him on the team’s 53-man roster.
Depending on his activation status, hopefully Chatman can add a shot in the arm to a running game that hasn’t established itself.
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Chatman is a decent player, but is really a backup.
Let us JETS fans endeavor to stop the timeless practice of JETS fans overrating their own players!
For instance, Kerry Rhodes and Darrelle Revis are great players, whereas Jesse Chatman and Eric Ainge are not!
So its nice that he’s coming back, but I don’t expect it to be a huge difference-maker. He doesn’t really offer terribly much that TJ doesn’t, and Leon is the guy for a change-of-pace.
In my mind, the best thing about him coming back is that he’d pick up the slack if TJ were hurt; thats about it. As for his potential as a “1(A)” RB, I’d much prefer a guy like the Lamont Jordan of old!
I’d like to think that running from inside the three will be a viable option now. Not saying they should do it every time or anything, but I’m sure Chatman will be better in short yardage situations than Jones.
Having said that, the Jets didn’t even activate a third RB all last year, so JC2 will need to contribute to special teams, otherwise he may not even be an option unless another runner gets hurt.
How come the JETS can cut ben graham after 2 games but couldn’t waive hodges?? Can anyone explain this to me?
They took Hodges from another teams practice squad. You have to keep a player from another team’s practice squad on your roster for 3 weeks.
I’d say just give Leon the ball. A lot. Sometimes he gets swallowed up… sometimes he looks better than Brian Westbrook. I think it would be better than TJ running two yards and falling over.
Leon needs the ball more, particularly at a time when TJ isn’t blowing anyone away (believe it or not, he had more yards per game last year with last year’s horrible line; whether it takes time to “gel” or not, this line is already better than last year’s pathetic group).
Through 4 games, Leon is on pace for 64 carries, whereas last year he had 71 (down from 151 before they acquired TJ).
Bottom line for me: Whatever they use Chatman for, it should be used to spell TJ, not to get additional carries. TJ’s workload should be reduced not only by getting spells from Chatman, but by Leon getting more carries.
I’m afraid TJ is only good with a running start into an obvious hole. He’s solid and tough to bring down once he gains a little momentum but when there’s no daylight in front of him he gets flatfooted and quickly bogs down. I think he’s actually a better option with the lead, once the D gets a little tired and the holes come easier. I liked opening with Leon, forcing the D to respect him on screens as well as cutbacks, maybe wearing them out a bit. Of course, TJ is a much better option in protection. Chatman is sort of a combo of the two, definitely better in short yardage but less of a liability in pass blocking than Leon. (See Adalius Thomas double sack of he and Favre.)
I would love to see all three get significant plays and put the #1, #2, ego stuff aside.
A running trio is not a bad thing (e.g Giants Jacobs,
Upshaw , Ward).
Plus Chatman catches the ball coming out of the
backfield with the ability for YAC.
MARK MY WORDS: Chatman will be a great addition to this team, assuming Mangini is smart enough to use him right.
1. GOAL LINE WEAPON: Lets face it, Thomas Jones has trouble at the goal line. Let’s give someone else a chance. (Obviously Leon isn’t a goal line back.)
2. CHATMAN’S TENACITY: Anyone who watched this guy closely in he preseason knows that he runs with anger, and he frequently breaks the first tackle. He’s can be very valuable late in the game (ie: protecting a vulnerable Jet lead) when the opposing defense gets sluggish.
….But I hate to break your bubble, my dear Jets Nation, Mangini isn’t as smart as we think he is.
steve in philly
i’ve been saying that forever…we can use leon like westbrook or LT and we’ll see a hugh difference in our running game…but we have that ( little running backs can’t get the job done syndrome ) whereas i think leon can if only given the opportunity…but obviously our coaching doesn’t see it that way…just my thoughts…