Am I Alone in Missing Justin Miller?
You ever have that feeling that you’re all alone in the world? Where no matter what you say, no matter how passionate you are about your feelings, that no one listening is going to care enough to understand you?
That’s how I feel when it comes to Justin Miller.
It’s why I took it so personally when he was released in favor of Ty Law, and it’s why my last glimmer of hope was stepped on mercilessly when the Raiders re-signed him.
I understand that my thoughts are completely irrational to some. He was drafted in the second-round of the 2005 draft, and never quite materialized as the starting cornerback everyone hoped he would become.
He has yet to record an interception, he was inconsistent in coverage, and was too much of a hot-head on the field at the most inopportune times.
But I still wanted the Jets to bring him back home.
I silently hoped that Mike Tannenbaum would be on the phone with Miller’s agent, negotiating a reasonable deal that would bring the All-Pro kick returner back where he belongs.
It’s not because I’m an exceptional talent scout and can spot a legend in the making. I don’t think Justin Miller is the return of Deion Sanders. But I do believe he was never utilized properly.
Drafted at a mere 21, Miller was a young, aggressive player who was never molded accordingly. His skills were never developed, and he was never afforded an opportunity to fully grasp the intricacies of the professional game.
Making the transition from college to the NFL as a cornerback is widely regarded as one of the most difficult. Not everyone is Darrelle Revis.
I was eager to see Miller tried at another position. If his coverage skills made him that much of a liability, then his physical skills could’ve made him exceptional elsewhere: safety.
Allowing Miller to use his speed and aggressive nature to attack from deep in the secondary would’ve masked his inability to cover.
Humor me, Jets’ fans. Can’t you imagine Justin Miller zipping across the field and demolishing a receiver crossing the middle? Can’t you see him crushing a running back trying to squeak through the front seven?
Even if you can’t, Miller still found a niche, and he carved it for himself quickly.
An incredibly fast-runner with a fearless approach to kick returning, Miller was a straight-ahead runner that would challenge you to catch him if you wanted to tackle him.
And that is exactly what would’ve made him so valuable to the team.
With the Thomas Jones contract dispute expected to get worse, it’s looking like the Leon Washington Era could soon be on the fast track. Even if it’s not as the full-time back, Washington’s role is expected to grow beyond that of an underutilized threat out of the backfield.
Do the Jets want to risk an injury to Washington on a return when he’ll eventually be more vital to the offense?
Better yet, wouldn’t it have been best to have two Pro Bowl return men that kickers are terrified of? It’s bad enough kickers avoid Leon already. Imagine if they sent the ball into Justin Miller’s arms instead?
Forget it. Don’t imagine. It’s not going to happen.
I don’t think you feel me on this anyway.
60 Responses to Am I Alone in Missing Justin Miller?
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Chris says:
Actually, I totally feel you Bassett. The thing that sucked was when Miller got hurt. But I would love to see the day when Miller is in the backfield along with Washington returning kicks for us. That would be a dynamite duo. But you never know, Miller might just end up coming back (obviously not this year) but maybe at one point.
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Dan C says:
What a sad, sad commentary.
I think Miller’s injuries and perhaps behavior problems got the best of him.
I wish him well, but if he was injury free and couldn’t beat out Lowery in the beginning of the season, was he a smart enough CB? I’m not saying I know – but the jets wouldn’t have parted with good talent in their defensive backfield over a minor grudge.
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derek says:
Basset did not write this.
Not sure I understand the reason for this story, would prefer to read about players that can actually play for the Jets :)
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Joe B. says:
Chris -
That’s not Bassett, it’s Angel.
And yes Angel, you’re alone.
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J-E-T-S526 says:
You know I agree, I was really dissapointed when I learned that miller was cut. Was a huge fan of his go for broke kick returns…….wish he was still on the team but ehh **** happens right?
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DSmizzle says:
Justin Miller was definitely a useful player because he was an excellent kick returner.
Also, since the JETS lacked any deep threats in Madden, it was always a great move to put Miller as #3 WR in the slot in Shotgun and as #2 TE in certain formations and do play action.
He had 99 speed in Madden.
Just, I miss you too, not only for your kick returning abilities in real life, but for your Madden value.
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Rick says:
the raiders got him for barely over veterans minimum. I wish the Jets would have re-signed him at that price. Gave him a shot at safety and at the very least have a dangerous return man. Look at Deven Hester. Sucks at every other position but KR. And he make more than some WRs.
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He will be on the sideline again with injuries no big lost the kid is fragile and a awful defensiveback
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JetObsessed2 says:
you make an interesting case for him….but, i can’t join you on this. Miller sux.
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Miller doesn’t suck he’s an ELITE returner and a serviceable backup CB who can step in when absolutely necessary. He’s probably not any worse than most teams’ 4th CB! Pro Bowl KR and backup CB for vet minimum!!!
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Yeah, I missed his constant screw ups and the constant feeling of pending doom whenever he was on the field.
Angel, easy there killer.
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Cabras says:
yes
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david i says:
This article sounds like the beer commercial where the guy says, “I love you man”.
Angel: Get over it and move on for God’s sake. There are a HELL of a lot better, make that way better players the Jets have jettisoned that I find it difficult to accept. They are: Aaron Glenn, Randy Thomas, Marcus Coleman, Jason Ferguson and James Farrior, just to name a few.
Miller was fast guy, but he’s just not a good football player!
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Angel Navedo says:
That’s what I think everyone’s beef with Miller is: the CB factor. Rick makes an excellent point with the comparison to Hester, too. And that’s a role I could’ve imagined Miller fitting into with the Jets more regularly.
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I’m absolutely with you David. I could make a whole team with favorites of mine the Jets let slip away, whether it was through coaching changes, or stubborn negotiations.
But I was really rooting for Miller the whole time.
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SackDance99 says:
Great KR, good tackler, terrible cover corner. While I agree that CB’s have a learning curve, Miller was a classic example of a guy that couldn’t make the transition from college, where raw athletic ability can make you a star (see Gholston) to the pros where you need fundamental football skills and the ability to be coached and improve. Miller lacked those skills and could not be coached up. The only player I miss is Mawae. I know Mangold is a stud, but Mawae was, IMO, the best Jets OL of all-time (yes, I think he was better than Hill, Powell or Fields). I wanted him to retire as a Jet and get a royal send off. I just hope when he’s inducted into the HOF, he wears Jet green.
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I wouldn’t put too much stock in his injuries. I know he got dinged up in preseason last year, but I know he was ready to return well before midseason. He was more in Mangini’s doghouse than he was injured. How significant could his injury be if he was returning kicks for TDs within a couple weeks for the Raiders?
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Ah yes, didn’t Aaron Glenn get taken in the expansion draft along with a decent OT? What lineman got taken by the Texans? I thought in both cases the JETS exposed them to the draft and justified it with salary cap reasoning.
I also miss Kareem McKensie. I’d say Vilma but he wouldn’t fit this defense and I’d say Abraham if he wasn’t a massive injury risk – he’s still nasty!
I miss my dog and I miss my uncle JoJo … see you at the crossroads, crossroads crossroads so you won’t be lonely, so you won’t be lonely …
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JustAGreenGuy says:
He ran back a kick for a TD. Singular. What is with pluralizing it? Higgins ran more back for them.
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Angel: ignore the haters this is an interesting topic … there’s not an infinite number of things to discuss, ladies!
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brian311 says:
the only thing about releasing miller i didnt like was players like eric smith and ihedibo were still on the roster. that just didnt make sense to me
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I miss Miller slightly. Too bad he never panned out as a CB. As it turned out we spent a 2nd rounder on a KR. Worth the shot, but what can you do.
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DSmizzle,
I believe that the OL was Ryan Young. He looked good, but I lost track of him after he left. No one misses Farrior?
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Hester > miller………………..hester got paid because at the time he was the only player on that team that could put points on the board sad but true
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Typical of us Jet fans— falling for a useless player with great ‘potential’ instead expecting excellence.
Miller was a perfect example of the players acquired during Herm’s tenure– randomly selecting athletes with no plan in place.
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Gregory Rasputin says:
Man are you in a romantic mood.
Be happy for Justin,Al Davis will give him the luvin’ he needs.
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BubbyBrister/shovelpass says:
Justin Miller is the best thing… that never happened.
’nuff said.
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JL says:
Lowery is the reason we were able to cut Miller. It’s too bad he didn’t work out on Defense. This coaching staff had an opportunity to bring him back and correctly didn’t.
Leon Washington replaced him in the return game, but will Leon be as effective on special teams if he starts getting 20 touches from scrimmage? I hope so. If not, we’ll have reason to miss Miller.
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LONGTIMEJETFAN says:
I miss Johnny Mitchell……
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JetOrange says:
Justin should consider Cover 2 teams
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AL says:
Does he have a pass defensed in his carrear? Also while miller did great in his role on kick return I think the special teams is about Westoff.
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RK says:
What’s the next article about?
How you would have loved to see Schlegel wrestle a boar?
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i want an Article on A.B. Brown
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Angel, if you can hit and have speed, someone will give you a shot. The guy that replaced Miller, is Ahmad Carroll, can’t cover but used his speed to lead the team in special team tackles. Carroll a first round pick for Green Bay , couldn’t cover a lick, he went to the arena league and is trying to claw his way back. If Pettin can produce a miracle , Carroll wil be able to extend his career, and the Jets could have a quality corner.
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Liam says:
wait, you wouldn’t love to see schlegel wrestle a boar?
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Actually, I plan on investigating Mike Tannenbaum’s plan to cure the economic crisis with draft picks.
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Brett Justin says:
I wanted to try out miller at cornerback but injuries hurt him and when it comes down to it washington is just as good if not better at the return game so doesn’t really effect us in any way
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Angel-
Interesting opinion you have, but you make some statements – as if they were fact – that are completely unfounded :
“Miller was a young, aggressive player who was never molded accordingly. His skills were never developed, and he was never afforded an opportunity to fully grasp the intricacies of the professional game.”
Huh? How’s that? Are you privileged to some info no one else has that Miller got snubbed by the coaching staff and wasn’t shown how to play his position? More likely he couldn’t cut it or he would have played more.
“With the Thomas Jones contract dispute expected to get worse…”
Umm, really? I think most people think he will fall in line when he has to.Just seems like you are making things up to fit your point. I know – Cimini does it, Cannizarrio lives by it, if they can do it, why not you? Because it’s nice that the posts at TJB (the main ones at least) focus mostly on fact and not on creative writing.
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Pdubbs says:
prediction: Justin Miller will stab someone in Oakland and be out of the league by next year…….
Are you saying we can’t find another terrible CB that runs fast ? who gets mad easliy and makes dumb plays at bad times ? cmon
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Because we’re just airing stuff out, I found out today why the Jets’ colors are green and white. When Sonny Werblin bought the Titans, he decided to change the team’s name for when they were going to start playing in Flushing to the “Jets” because, at the time, it was cool, modern and rhymed with “Mets,” who would be sharing the new “state of the art” stadium. But, I’ve never seen a green and white Jet. So, why the colors? Sonny Werblin, who was Jewish, happened to be born on St. Patrick’s Day and loved the holiday!!! So, that’s why the Jets’ colors are kelly green and white! Belated Erin Go Bragh to you all!
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Led says:
BubbyBrister/shovelpass: Are you quoting Paul Westerberg?
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Gamblin Stan says:
I totally miss him !!!!
I miss him getting injured in the first week of every training camp….
I miss him getting arrested for punching a woman at DA club in nyc…
I miss him posing and flexing the 2 times he assisted on a tackle…
I miss the fact that J-Mill yo has as many INT’s as I do.
I miss the flying of the yellow flags in 90% of the plays he actually made it to the field.
I miss wondering when he would get a second DWI to add to the one he got in college…
yes, I totally miss this locker room leader who has
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Angel:
I asked Bassett to put together an all ex-Jets team. Maybe someone will do it someday.
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Ducky says:
Angel:
Yes. You are the only one who misses him.
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Guys:
What is the main gripe with Angel saying he misses having a Pro Bowl kick returner on the team?
The way unproven players who’ve shown a glimpse of talent like Clowney and Ratliff get elevated to God status amongst hardcore JETS fans on this site, wouldn’t a guy who actually once made the Pro Bowl be treated like a future HOF’er?
ha
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Dsmizz –
because clowney and ratliff haven’t blown coverages and been flagged for penalties an inordinate amount of time when they played. If that happens, they’ll be vilified, too. -
James in TN says:
yes
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ED says:
You are alone. Though I still don’t understand why we didn’t get anything for him. Not even a 7th.
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Brandon "You're With Me"riweather says:
your man-crush on justin miller is strange. he was a downright terrible CB. absolutely awful- and not getting any better. he’s a kick returner and nothing more.
you are absolutely alone
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CWPOST says:
Wow …. Did I miss something ? I guess this is what happens when there’s no news to post. You make it up as you go.
Miller Who ??? Old freaking news ! and no we don’t miss him.
Lets focus on our real needs for 2009.
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Reprocity says:
I wouldn’t mind having miller back…
The real player I’d like to have back right now would be Pociak… He looked like he was turning out to be an “ok” TE for what we needed… as in 10-15 catches a year type. He was a decent blocker. Any takers?
DSmizzle, The Texans took Glenn, Coleman, and Young. Young had some baack injuries ala Jhony Johnson and was cut after a year only to be signed by Parcells when he went to Dallas. Youngs stats: http://www.nfl.com/players/ryanyoung/profile?id=YOU571911
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Jason Pociask, 6’3″ 259lbs
http://www.nfl.com/players/jasonpociask/profile?id=POC296635
Check out his highlit play….
Cheap, young, and able
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jetfanATL says:
If memory serves me right on that expansion draft the texans agreed to take glenn and marcus coleman and give us salary cap relief and in return we had to leave young exposed for them to take
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Kyle says:
I would have loved to of seen Justin Miller get a shot at Safety for us. I knew he had talent, I knew he was a good tackler. Unfortunately, for some reason Mangini didn’t like him. I feel like from day one, Eric Mangini had a grudge against Justin Miller. The only time the kid ever saw under Mangini were a few regular games at the second corner spot, and kick return duties.
However, Eric Mangini was terrible at putting his players in position to make plays. Sutton, was even worse. It is any coincidence that one of the best coaches on the team (Westhoff) got the best out of Miller? All Justin Miller needed was a good motivating coach. Mangini had neither of those qualities.
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X says:
I think Id rather have Justin miller on Talent alone than Drew F’in Coleman. That guy is completely Horrible and has to have some kind of Dirt on someone in the Management.
Everytime I saw a big pass play 90% of the time it was against Drew Coleman. Then I see we just dropped J Miller, Then end of season we drop Barrett I have been waiting to see colemans name on the dropped list for over a year now.
I think David Barrett was a much better Corner than Drew and think that Mangini Convinced management and everyone else that J miller and Barrett were not worth playing time even after Coleman fell in coverage time after time and allowed big pass after big pass!
Miller = classic underachiever
Inconsistent in coverage would mean he actually had some skill playing CB…..which he never has had!
Listen all J Miller fans……..HE IS A HORRIBLE CB!! I know everything pointed to him being a good one but he isnt and never will be.
Dwight Lowery made more play on the ball in 1 game than Miller has in his career. What Lowery was given more oppurtunies to make plays than Miller has?
He was a free agent and would have been gone anyway so whats the difference that he was cut with a few games to play?? Enough with J Miller!!!!!