Is Miller an Upgrade at Returner?

Posted on October 30th, 2009 by Bassett

I’ve updated the headline … lol

In the Daily News, Rich Cimini writes that the new wedge rules .. which had stymied Leon’s production so far this season .. might play well to Justin Miller’s style of running.

Because of the rule change outlawing three-man wedges on kickoff returns, newly re-signed KR Justin Miller could be more effective than Leon Washington, according to special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff. A two-man wedge means more open space, which could play to Miller’s strength – straight-line speed. “I have a great comfort level with him,” Westhoff said. “We’re looking to hit a home run.”

Miller does run well when he can get to full speed, to be sure. If the blockers and Westhoff can scheme to his style, which is more straight line than shifty, the Jets might be able to gain an edge over the Dolphins on returns.

Filed under: Links, Main Page, News

18 Responses to “Is Miller an Upgrade at Returner?”

  1. SpellCheck ;), on October 30th, 2009 at 1:34 pm Said:

    Updage?

  2. JetObsessed28, on October 30th, 2009 at 1:44 pm Said:

    i think we’ll know after Sunday if he’s an “updage” or not.

  3. Dylan, on October 30th, 2009 at 1:48 pm Said:

    Miller has better career return stats than Leon. He is very fast and physical and at the very least, should match Leon’s production.

  4. oscarfactor, on October 30th, 2009 at 1:57 pm Said:

    This is a case of making lemonande with lemons. If Justin Miller’s return style was better for the Jets based on the new wedge rules, don’t you think he would have been on the roster sooner? This is a Plan B if ever there was one. Leon will be missed in the return game, and Miller isn’t going to make us forget that.

  5. TheMoLewisCurse, on October 30th, 2009 at 2:22 pm Said:

    I just hope he doesn’t muff any balls–he has to be rusty.

  6. JetFanINLA, on October 30th, 2009 at 2:23 pm Said:

    miller returned 2 kicks last year. I think we made out in this to be honest. He was a pro bowler for us and Westhoff is familiar with him. Good Pick up.

  7. Big Papi, on October 30th, 2009 at 2:38 pm Said:

    Oscar did you know that J.miller made da probowl with us a few years ago? Obviously you didn’t or you would haven’t made a Idiotic statement like that!!!

    Great pick up & I actually think he’s going to have a few TD’s this year sooner rather than later.

  8. miketaliaferro, on October 30th, 2009 at 2:41 pm Said:

    Justin!!!! You so UPDAGE!!!!!!

  9. R in CT, on October 30th, 2009 at 2:58 pm Said:

    Yo dawg, Justin’s totally full of the updage!!!

    OK, this doesn’t work coming from a white guy from CT. . .. still though, it sounds like it should be a word. Maybe more surfer dude –

    “Yo … like he was totally shreddin’ it … mundo updage.”

  10. miketaliaferro, on October 30th, 2009 at 3:03 pm Said:

    Glad Bassett picked up on this.

    To follow up on what Westhoff seems to be getting at here, is that using Miller’s first-step speed would force the issue before the kicking team has a chance to fully implement their defensive scheme, so that they’re off-balance as Miller flies by them or through them, breaks to the outside and is gone.

    With the three-man, as you’re forming your scheme, you’re also allowing the other team to form theirs, so it’s a mano-a-mano fight of wedge vs. wedge-busters. Leon sees how it’s all breaking, then picks his gap or goes the other way, often for a big gain.

    Here, it’s all men-in-flight. Miller grabs the ball and is 12 yards up-field before the other team knows who has it or where he is or which way he’s going — the more traditional way to return, actually.

    Seems the league is weeding out of the game more and more of the Mad Scientist improvements (by the likes of Westhoff and others) that have been instituted over the years.

  11. miketaliaferro, on October 30th, 2009 at 3:06 pm Said:

    “Mondo updagination, dude!”

    I think is what it would be, R.

  12. JOSE_THE_JET, on October 30th, 2009 at 4:05 pm Said:

    J MILLER IS AN UPGRADE FROM WASHINGTON. LEON IS THE PEOPLES CHOICE FOR KICK RETURNER. IT SHOUDL BE INTERESTING IF HE BREAKS ONE THIS WEEKEND.

  13. The Ed(itor), on October 30th, 2009 at 4:30 pm Said:

    Ithink Miller will be an excellent kick returner for the JETS. Leon seemed to lose a step or was confused by the new blocking rules.

  14. john l, on October 30th, 2009 at 8:09 pm Said:

    JUST-IN TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  15. jet phan, on October 30th, 2009 at 8:54 pm Said:

    nice move by the jets – upgrade? we’ll see

  16. KYJetsFan, on October 30th, 2009 at 9:03 pm Said:

    He would be on the roster already but he can’t play corner. His coverage skills are lacking and we needed the roster spot for more versatile players and depth. This is the best move in this situation. You’re bringing a guy back that already has familiarity with Westhoff and the organization, and is the most explosive returner available right now. And, he’s from my home state, KY. Maybe Rex and the D can whip his corner skills into shape so we can have permanently.

  17. FernandoQ, on October 31st, 2009 at 2:24 am Said:

    Proctor: Updage…..

    Contestant: Can I hear it in a sentence?

    Proctor: Justin Miller is an Updage over Leon.

    Contestant: can I get the place of origin???

    Proctor: Mars.

    Contestant: Updage..U-P-D-A-J….Duhhhhhhhooooo!!!!!

  18. How Long Will Justin Miller Last? | JetsVine, on November 13th, 2009 at 9:19 pm Said:

    [...] do remember that Westy was gushing about getting Justin Miller back just a few weeks ago. Basically if they feel that Miller [...]

« »