Larry Izzo on the Switch
Chris Gasper of the Boston Globe has an article on Larry Izzo’s changing teams from the Patriots to the Jets.
“Obviously, when you first make the move, the first time you’re in the building it’s a little surreal, crossing over to another team in the division,” said Izzo, who came to the Patriots in 2001 after five seasons in Miami. “But having done it once already I was able to make a smooth transition.”
Going to the Jets reunites Izzo with Jets special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff, who was Miami’s special teams coach when Izzo went from undrafted rookie out of Rice in 1996 to special teams sensation.
Izzo joined the Patriots with a reputation of being one of the league’s best special teams performers and cemented that during his time in New England by going to two of his three Pro Bowls. Last season, Izzo led the Patriots in special teams tackles with 14, the sixth time he led or tied for the team lead, but coach Bill Belichick didn’t show a lot of interest in his special teams captain.
I like Izzo, and I know he’s the kind of guy who can stand in for the role that David Bowens played on Special Teams last year and make some ser. What I don’t like is holding onto Izzo at the expense of another younger linebacker who might have more upside at this point of his career, like Westermann, or Murrell. I really think that cuts are going to be tough this year.



