Monthly Archives: May 2009
How many TJB readers would be interested in participating in a Madden 2010 league?
These things can be tedious to put together, but would be worth it if there’s enough interest.
If you’re down, leave a comment and your gaming console of choice. I’m a PS3 and 360 owner, so I should be able to get this done on either.
If there’s enough interest on both platforms, then we’ll use both. If not, we’ll roll with the most common denominator.
Ever since Sanchez and Stafford were drafted, everyone has tried to project their potential to repeat Flacco and Ryan’s success as rookies. It’s expected. The NFL is a game of comparisons. Steve Schwarz of sportsnetwork.com tried to support his opinion on the differences between the quarterbacks by manipulating stats, and hurt my feelings in the process.
…The same won’t be the case in 2009 for Matthew Stafford and Mark Sanchez.
Why you ask?
Because the team’s that will surround them are vastly inferior to what Ryan and Flacco had.
Let’s look at the 2008 Ravens and Falcons and compare them to the 2008 Detroit Lions and New York Jets.
And that’s where it’s okay to stop reading.
I’ve never done one of these for TJB before, but since it’s a slow news week, I thought I would throw my hat into the ring. Actually, this is more of a mailbag hijack. (more…)
Joe Willie Namath is celebrating his 66th birthday today, so that should call for some kind of TJB celebration, shouldn’t it? Since it’s his day, what’s more appropriate than recalling some of our favorite memories of Namath throughout the years?
Drop some comments on your most memorable moments of all things Namath. I’m talking great games, funny commercials, and I guess the Monday Night Football thing, too.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM59nSkjEWU
- Not talking any X’s and O’s, Gary Myers reports on the Jets’ hopes to smack their logo on New Jersey lottery tickets.
- Bob Glauber discusses Jones’ contract and touches on the precedent the Jets set when they guaranteed Coles final two years.
- The Fish are looking for that No. 1 receiver on their roster, too.
- A very obscure bit of information here, but are the Jets looking at an Arkansas wide receiver from Arena Football’s minor league? Name is Rod Harper, he’s 6’1″, 205 pounds, played at Murray State and was a UDFA for the Packers in 2008. I couldn’t find less about him.
Florio from PFT writes a solid piece on the unreported effects of the uncapped year. There’s a lot to take in here, so I’ll try and give some context as we go. I’d advise you all to read the whole thing though. It isn’t that long. (more…)
Last week, the Jets picked up former Falcons TE Martrez Milner on waivers from the Giants. Here’s some more detail about who he is…
Career Arc: In the 2007 NFL draft, the former Georgia Bulldog Milner was drafted in the fourth round by the Atlanta Falcons. He played in eight games and caught nine passes for 50 yards, including one 15 yard gain and even made two starts for the Falcons, as well as contributing on special teams. In 2008, he was slow to recover from leg and ankle injuries and did not really fit into Atlanta’s scheme because they had asked him to become more of a blocker. He was therefore cut and ended up spending the year on the Giants’ practice squad. The Jets picked him up last week after the Giants – who had seven tight ends on their roster, including Kevin Boss, a key contributor in the 2007 Superbowl run and Travis Beckum, the 100th pick in the 2009 draft and a guy with possible first round talent, but coming off a horrific leg injury.
(more…)
Sorry for the late start. Corey has been called away to deal with a family issue, so he called in a sitter…me! I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing him the best. I’d better get you guys some links!
Really, Sporting News? Really? Jenkins isn’t a top 20 DT and Revis isn’t a top 5 CB. Next you’ll be telling me Leon isn’t a top 10 return man.
Eric Barton is apparently a “Mangini guy“. Meanwhile, Eric Mangini is not a very popular guy. Still, based on 2006, maybe there’s a method to his madness. Or just a madness to his method?
Congratulations, Kellen Clemens, it’s a boy…and a big one at that. 22 inches! (Although some sources had him measured at 20-and-five-eighths.)
And finally, Mark Sanchez met Prince Harry. “So, kid, what’s it like being one of the most worshipped and majestic individuals around and knowing you could one day become King?” “It’s pretty good fun, Harry.”
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Q3cGgSuorU
To celebrate Jones’ return, here’s some video of Thomas selling tickets to the gun show.
Although I’d rather put up a season highlights for Jones (that don’t involve blatant racial epithets and such) here’s one of my favorite Thomas Jones plays as a Jet from the 2007 season.
Comin up in June is Hall of Fame Week here on TJB, so this is your last chance to weigh in on who should be inducted this year.
Join the TJB Friday Chat from 1pm ET to have your say.
I’m out and about the rest of the day, so will try and write some updates from the road. But look for the chat at 1PM and I’ll put some goofy stuff on Twitter throughout the day.
Calling all lightning rods! My boy Bobby G. from Newsday takes what I would term around TJB as an unpopular stance in giving Thomas Jones some mo’ money. All the same, Glauber writes a good defense of his reasoning to give Thomas Jones a few extra shekels.
But in Jones’ case, I believe there is a middle ground that would only change the structure – and not the total value – of the deal. And by making one change in the contract, it would go a long way toward making the situation far more equitable for Jones, while still keeping the overall parameters of the contract in place.
Jones is due to make a $3 million roster bonus next March, and would receive $3 million in base salary in 2010. But Jones is concerned that the Jets would simply release him before next March, since he’d be 32 heading into next season, an age when many running backs are in decline. That may or may not be the case, but Jones is not anxious to find out.
…
I know. I know. He signed the contract. He got plenty of dough in the first two years of the front-loaded contract.
So how about this: What if the Jets simply move the $3 million roster bonus from next March into this year – or simply guarantee that the money be paid, thereby giving Jones a $3.9 million deal this season. That’s still less than half the yearly average of Jaguars newly-signed running back Maurice Jones-Drew’s four-year, $32.8 million deal, yet it’s a far better reflection of Jones’ value to the Jets.
I think the fact that Thomas Jones himself asked for a frontloaded contract is his own undoing, but in reality maybe something as Glauber lays out might be a good compromise. The problem is that it should be one of the last deals done, with Leon’s and inking the rookies as the top priority in my mind.
Marques Murrell was 10 years old when he watched his older brother Adrian emerge as the New York Jets’ leading rusher in his third season. The elder Murrell played five seasons with New York, rushing for 3,130 yards as a starter from 1995 through 1997.
While the Murrell name is familiar to Jets fans, the 6’2″, 250-pound linebacker has carved out his own path to the NFL.
Marques Murrell shined as a defensive end with Appalachian State, winning two national championships with the Mountaineers in 2005 and 2006.
A former two-time All-American, Murrell was touted as one of the top defensive players in Division I-AA.
Recording 36 sacks and forcing 18 fumbles—the latter holding as a school record—Murrell entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles before the Jets signed him away from their practice squad in November 2007.
Entering his third season with the Jets, No. 94 recently took the time to discuss his transition from defensive end, the NFL’s new “wedge” rule, his motivation as a professional football player, and much more.
Angel Navedo: You grew up watching your brother play for the Jets. What was it like for you when the Jets signed you and kept the family ties alive?
Marques Murrell: Yeah, I can say there was a tie between the Jets and the Murrell family (laughs). When I signed with the Jets, I felt blessed—especially for the fact that I have a chance at true playing time now.
AN: Did Adrian have any advice for you?
Murrell: Adrian and I have talked about football (since) the time I was in high school. I’ve been soaking up all the advice I can get from him and his fellow NFLers.
AN: You say you felt blessed to be with the Jets. I understand that you’re a very spiritual man. How has your faith in God impacted your life?
Murrell: My faith is continually growing. It has taught me to believe. Every day I leave all of my worries in God’s hands and know that He will always see me through it. I can say that for on and off the field. He’ll never leave my side!
AN: You were a dominant force at Appalachian State, yet you entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent. What have you done to stand out since being in the league?
Murrell: I use my speed to stand out. That’s how I got all my sacks in college. Reps in practice are different from preseason reps, though.
AN: Are there any undrafted free agents who have inspired you?
Murrell: Definitely. I (look to) players like Bart Scott and Marques Douglas. They make me feel like I can do well in the NFL and be blessed enough to play for a while.
AN: Your teammates have always taken notice of your motor and work ethic. Do you feel like that’s contagious?
Murrell: I wouldn’t say my work ethic is contagious (laughs). But I have heard that I do have a “motor.” Throughout time I have had a couple of friends drop by the wayside when it comes to training hard, though.
AN: The transition from defensive end to linebacker is considered to be a tough one. How’s it been going for you so far?
Murrell: The transition has been fun. Honestly, it’s been everything I’ve dreamed of. At times it can be difficult, but I’m having a good time while learning.
AN: Have you seen anything you like for yourself with the new system Rex Ryan brought in from Baltimore?
Murrell: I have seen some great opportunities that I can make the best of in Coach Ryan’s defense.
AN: What about with special teams? What do you think of the new “wedge rule”?
Murrell: I can tell you, with the new wedge rule in place I will have to change my approach on kickoffs—by getting more tackles! Now there are less guys I have to take on (laughs).
AN: What interests you most when you’re not playing football?
Murrell: I like cars. I studied finance at Appalachian State, but that’s because they didn’t have an automotive program. During my spare time I learn all I can about cars.
AN: How tough is it to balance the NFL with your hopes for the future?
Murrell: It can get difficult at times, but you have to be proactive now because you never know. Family will come first, next I study my plays, and then the cars (come after that).
AN: Awesome! I can’t thank you enough for taking the time out to do this. Everything will be ready to go by Friday.
Murrell: Sounds good with me.
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