Cue Funky Music & Synchronized Leg Kicks …
Hutch reports that Rex Ryan is excited to have Jim Leonhard as a Jet. Not only will he be playing safety, but Rex expects him to work into the punt return game … hey that’s Leon’s job! So what about Leon then?
Ryan recently told me that Leonhard can catch the ball “in a hurricane.”
Ryan is excited about having Leonhard as a punt return option because he plans on giving Washington more carries this upcoming season and he doesn’t want to wear the diminutive Washington down. Washington had just 76 attempts for 448 yards (5.8-yard average) and three touchdowns last season.
I love that Rex wants to see Leon get more carries. Why this didn’t happen during the 2008 season is beyond most of us, (especially our friend Michael Salfino at SNY.tv) especially when you consider that he proved his rookie year he can handle more carries. I’m still not convinced that Leon can be a true feature back, but he’s worth 10 more touches a game.
Leonhard was insane as a punt returner in 2008 according to F.O. He provides an instant upgrade for the Jets. I have to wonder though how Mike Westhoff feels about Leonhard. I’m sure he’s watched the tape and given his approval. Still, is Rex Ryan’s chocolate getting into Westy’s peanut butter yet?
(OK Celebrate and Kool and the Gang made me nostalgic and I just wanted to link to that commercial and needed to figure out how to work that in … )
Thanks to the many of you who sent this on …
18 Responses to Cue Funky Music & Synchronized Leg Kicks …
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JetOrange says:
Leonhard is a big upgrade. Leon got the punt return job by default, to his credit he worked hard to become an adequate PR. If Leonhart can catch a punt on a hurricane, he is perfect for the Meadowlands
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Its like when we had A Glen and CB but still used him for returns. YOu simply dont want to risk a lock down CB getting hurt in returns. Washington, the same thing
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Electric Ham says:
Great choice of music bassett,
IMO Lil Lightning in a bottle Leon Washington is a superb KO Return man and should definatly not lose that position, however in the punt return game he was good but not great. I have no problem with leonard taking those duties especially if that means more lightning in the offensive side of the ball.
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As much as I love returning kcks I questioned him a punt returner….While he did give us some highlights he also watched punts bounce at the 18 and rolled to the 2 yrd line way too many times.
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Aten says:
-2.8 DVOA is insane as a punt returner? I think you misread the table.
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Krista says:
I really can’t believe that everyone is questioning Leon’s 2008 punt returning….HE WAS A PRO BOWL PUNT RETURNER Christ’s sake! He was almost flawless and was simply an OUTSTANDING punt returner, and player in general. Leonhard might be better, I can’t say that, but for the longest time, everyone worshiped the ground that Leon walked on. Not to mention, every punt was basically meant to avoid Leon, which is why he HAD to let some of them bounce, because he simply couldn’t get to them.
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zenlaw says:
I guess this is as good a place as any to post this comment….
I find it interesting that Rex has already lured 2 starters from his former team to join the Jets. Meanwhile, it doesn’t appear that Mangini will be bringing anyone from the Jets to the Browns.
I’m sure there are many variables including team needs, answering to the front office and player availability. Still, I think it’s notable that no one from the Jets seems to be joining Mangini in his new home.
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BrooklynJets says:
Indeed, Jet fans do worship the ground Leon walks on. Rightfully so but it is not insulting to point out the fact that his skills as a punt returner are not the same as a kickoff returner. If this process allows him more carries in the game and there is no drop-off at the punt returning position it is a win-win.
The crop of Jet free agents that might be appealing to Mangini in Cleveland is fairly thin. Also, at a very high level it doesn’t appear that our free agents were direct needs for Cleveland.
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JustAGreenGuy says:
Krista- It’s cool. He’s an amazing kick returner and will get more carries. Let the little safety lighten his burden, so Leon can continue to be the gamebreaker we know he is. My friend the Dolphins fan is terrified of Leon and he should be.
Zenlaw- Who of the Jets free agents are worth taking? Maybe hed take Coles, but Coles doesn’t like him. Same deal with Baker when he was around. The Ravens had a lot of free agents this year and were ripe for the taking. I agree with Bassett that he will end up with Poteat. I bet he would have snagged Ellis if we cut him.
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JAGG – You’re right. Either way, as long as we get to see Leon do more with the ball, I will be happy. It always annoyed me that besides punts/kickoff returns, we very rarely saw him, and he’s so talented and sneaky :)
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JerryB says:
I would like to see Clowney get a shot as a punt returner. He looked pretty good in pre-season before getting injured. With his speed there is always the chance he can break a big one.
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charleyjet says:
You say “I love that Rex wants to see Leon get more carries. Why this didn’t happen during the 2008 season is beyond most of us…”
Not really. See former #4. They changed the offense to accommodate this “super-star,” or have you already forgotten? I would like to.
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JP says:
anyone interested in vonnie holliday?
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While I think a major need for this team is an upgrade at the Defensive end position I am not sure if Vonnie Holiday is the answer. There is a lot of tread on those tires. Besides, my hope is that the defensive end positon is addressed in the draft right away.
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I’m pleased with what Ryan has done so far. And giving more carries to Washington is the greatest idea (considering we were all practically screaming at Mangini last season). Things are looking up for Gang Green and it isn’t even August yet.
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Part of being a great punt return man is making sure u catch most of the punts, leon had some trouble getting to the ball on occasion, believe me u wont find a bigger supporter of lil leon then me, but leonard is very good at catching punts and is a good return man, leon will have plenty of oppurtunities to return kickoffs which he is by far the best return man we have and one of the best in the nfl. If less punt returns means more touches on the offensive side of the ball i am all for it.
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and he was a pro bowl kickoff returner not punt returner there is a difference
Leonhard is far more reliable under punts. Leon always gives me palpitations. He was a bit boom or bust, with great returning in the Chiefs game, but a key muff against the Raiders.
I’m all for it, especially if it means Leon is more involved offensively.
Plus we get good value for money out of Jimmy, even if he doesn’t end up the full time starter.