Could Eric Smith stay on for now in his role as starter for the Jets? We’ll find out in just a few days with the Jets facing off against the Bills in Toronto, but Cannizzaro seems to think it will be Smith.
Eric Smith started at safety and led the Jets with eight tackles, two of which went for lost yardage, and played a solid overall game. Coach Rex Ryan didn’t say who would start Thursday in Toronto against the Bills, but you can bet he likes Smith’s more-physical play better than that of Rhodes’.
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With Ryan likely not wanting to change things after a win, it’s likely you’ll still see Rhodes in the dime sub package he was used in yesterday.
This could be a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” situation for Ryan. Pay attention to the papers and who’s lining up with the “ones” in practice this week. It’s likely that will be an indication of how things go on Thursday for the Jets.
Eric Smith played a fabulous game on Sunday and he should be in there starting on Thursday. Ryan has to show that he’ll reward good play or someone who over performs.
However, Rhodes should be in more packages.
Taking Smith out of the starters roles shows Ryan’s benching didnt have any teeth to it.
Let Smith conitnue to start. Rhodes was humiliated and he responded. He needs to continue to stay humble and realize this was more than just a message sent. His play has not been very good the last few weeks (even tho he is not the problem)
I get the impression that Rhodes feels he is getting his starting role back this week by his comments.
I would start Smith (even tho I am a big Rhodes fan) until we lose a game
id like to see rhodes come back and play like he used to but if we start seeing consistant physical play from smith, we can all say good bye to kerry if we dont owe him anymore guarenteed money
anyone think maybe rhodes can play CB?
It’s not a toss-up, it’s a no-brainer, it has to be Smith. The guy has made huge strides this year (punctuated by his game yesterday) while Rhodes has gone backwards, if that’s possible. Catching two can o’ corn interceptions shouldn’t change anything.
I agree that Smith should start 100%. BUT everyone needs to temper their excitement just a bit. We were playing a run-first team, which is Smith’s specialty. He had a great game, and I’m not by any means trying to take anything away from that, but people should look at this in terms of ‘big picture’ for a second. Until Smith demonstrates to me that he can fill that role on passing downs, Kerry is not a disposable safety. Once Smith shows he can play the pass 1/2 as well as Kerry (I’ve been on here saying that Smith’s range isn’t 70% of Rhodes’) than we shouldn’t be anointing Smith the starter of the future.
i think playing smith on run downs and rhodes on pass downs is a no-brainer. we all saw smith flying to the ball in run support. that is what you want from a safety. you dont want someone 30 yards from the line on a run.
the focus will obviously be on the pass D and the 4 picks. but what the rush D did was pretty impressive. carolina has the 4th best rush O in the league. and they played the entire game only down 1 or 2 scores. the jets held them to 75 yards on 25 carries. eric smith was a big part of that
Rhodes was in the right place, right time, I could have made those plays thirty years ago.
Smith was hitting and tackling, he deserves to start and I believe he will.
My take on Rhodes comments was he believes he has no future with this team.
Joe B-
Rhodes’ second INT was basically fielding a punt, but his first INT wasn’t a gimme. He had to run and fully extend mid-stride to catch a ball that was thrown 20 yards away from him. He was deep 3rd, cheating to the offense’s left side and the ball was thrown on the right side of the field. Not an easy play.
How crazy would it be if we played both of them? Smith obviously brings the wood, but he can also cover like a corner when he has to i.e. the Home Patriots game and Rhodes has a lot of range for the passing game, although you wouldn’t know it from this year.
leon-itis – We DO owe Kerry more guaranteed money, although most of it is in the form of salary which would move to another team if Kerry were traded. Also there is guaranteed money which has been paid but hasn’t hit the cap yet. If 2010 is uncapped, then the cap situation shouldn’t be a major problem (although there will possibly still be a dead money hit in 2011. It’s definitely easier to trade him than release him though, if that’s the route they chose to go down.
IMO Kerry as a CB wouldn’t work because he has speed and range, but not short area quickness. I like the outside of the box thinking
By the way, I agree with Brendan about Smith being superior in coverage, but despite this, I think Smith’s solid performance should definitely be rewarded with another start. Since Rhodes did well too, he should get more reps this time (assuming he is playing well again).
both rhodes picks were gimmies..he should send del holmme a gift…
smith was better yesterday , than rhodes has been at any point in 2 years….. smith should start..
Brendan -
It was more difficult than the second one, but really, that’s a play a good safety is supposed to make. He shouldn’t get extra credit for finally making a decent play on a ball.
But maybe, just maybe playing him in dime packages can get him back to being a true centerfielder instead of having a million other responsibilities as the captain of the secondary. He used to be a ballhawk, and perhaps with Leonhard and Smith both doing their jobs at the same time he can get back to being that player. Time will tell and he it’s not like he had an outstanding game, but hopefully he’s more likely to be johnny on the spot in the dime. In addition to rewarding Smith, that’s another reason to keep him in his spot for now IMO.
I made the same point when Rhodes got benched that Brendan made earlier
If we are playing run first team like Carolina and even Buffalo Smith actually fits the defense a little better any way.
Brendan
Rhodes is a below average NFL safety and has been for years. I’ve been saying exactly this for two years running, and he is finally where he belongs…riding the bench.
Smith hits harder, and plays smarter…that’s what we need to help us win games.
Is there anyway to watch this game after it ends on thursday? I have a lacrosse game at 9 and im planning on somehow watching it and not looking at the score until the game is on
rhodes and his postgame “statement” followed by walking out of the lockerroom without answering questions shows his lack of a brain….
cant just stand there and answer a few questions?? your team won an impt game, you played well….. cant be a man and say “i was glad to help the team”…etc…
such a prima donna….. in fact, theres your new nickname….DONNA RHODES!!!!
and i did read in the daily news that he already has “earned” his guaranteed $$, so saying peace at the end of the year wont be a big deal cap wise….
Kerry is kinda of girlie to so, no need to change it. Pretty good burn.
Eric Smith is great at smashing people… and Kerry Rhodes isn’t. I love the interceptions but his focus is all over the place. I say stick with Smith and see what we can get for Rhodes in the off season.
Doesn’t it bother anybody that it took a benching for Kerry to get up and grab two ? They could be luckey but, I don’t think he cares much.
agree with SMITH continuing as a starter — not much talk about LITO today — I am far from his biggest fan…but yesterday he played very well —maybe he is more healthy than he has been in a while
k71 – he has earned most of his guaranteed money, but not all of it. From his point of view there is several million still to be earned, approximately 5m of which will be lost if he is cut, so he still has motivation. For the jets, they may have paid most of it but not all of it has hit the cap yet.
I don’t like to talk for Bassett but the reason he set up this blog was to create a community where jets fans could interact and discuss the team. I expect he is genuinely thrilled that guys like Drew can talk about their lives and that other posters take an interest.
Sorry, john m, but we aren’t ever likely to discourage such practice around here. If you aren’t interested in someone’s comment, the next one is just a half inch or so down the screen. If you really can’t stand it, then there are plenty of other great jets blogs listed down the right hand side of the screen.
I like players who BREAK FACES
F the playoffs i want the jets to send a message to the league for next year…
YOU DONT WANT TO PLAY US BECAUSE WE WILL ARE WHACKED OUT OF OUR MIND
Smith needs to continue to start if benching has any meaning. Rhodes needs to play more than one good game this year. 1 good, 10 stinkers does not a starter make.
Also Woody The Weasel will start printing and charging for playoff tickets if the JETS win on Thursday. Watch your wallets JETS fans.
Why we can still make it into the playoffs:
1. Miami and Jacksonville have some brutal schedules.
2. Pittsburgh and Baltimore play each other one more time.
3. We own tie breakers over Tennessee and Houston
4. Indy might clinch home field by the time we play them.
5. Cincy might not be playing for anything by the time we play them (they play the Chargers and winning that game combined with a 1 game lead means they may have the #2 seed locked up)
6. We play Buffalo in Toronto.
7. We play Atlanta at home.
8. Tampa is 1-10
For us to get in:
- run the table (with some help from the last two teams clinching beforehand)
- Pittsburgh/Baltimore lose 2
- Jacksonville/Miami lose 1
I submitted that question yesterday to Ray Lucas on the Jets Post game Show. he had no answer. I think that SMITH is our starter! he is much more physical then Rhodes and played agreat game. He and Leonhard are excellent together. Rhodes had those passes gift wrapped for him as an early Christmas present. You or I could have intercepted those passes. SMITH earned the right to play safety as our starter! besides we all know that D-rex loves physical players and SMITH is his type of safety. See ya; Rhodes.
Missed the game anyone know where I can watch it online?
GO SAINTS BEAT THE PATS!!@!!!!!!
rainy night in flushing did i mention i’m from flushing …… it’s all about community and being nice to every poster … cuz drew ‘s not a know it all smart ass….
John m,
Not sure if you’re having a bad day or what, but you need to chill. As someone who has been posting here for quite some time, I can say that while we aren’t all friends away from the keyboard, we do take an interest in one another. Drew is about as regular as it gets around here, and I think it’s cool that he’s keeping up with his team even from the opposite side of the planet. We’re a community here (yes Hank and Fonzie, even you) and we don’t need you picking petty arguments.
Loving the Saints 24-10
John M
Sorry my interest in the Jets and stating a few times that I would be missing my first Jet games since I was 10 years old bothered you.,….but I do like the ring of AKA….Drew blog though. I think it could work
I am also sorry that I come off as a know it all smart ass. Not the 1st time I have heard that complaint.
I hope the weather and your mood improves this week.
Thanks to Bent and Brendan for the backup. It wasnt needed but very cool.
I think it’s a great idea to try Rhodes at corner. His speed., dexterity. Who knows if it works but this is def worth a shot.
I don’t think we have a real shot at the playoffs, but hoping that Cinci & Indi bring their B game is kind of ridiulous. We have to be able to play those teams anyway. If we play up to our talent, we can play with ANYONE.
I dont think Rhodes would work at CB. The guy is tall and lanking but is not a speed guy and hasnt been that type of coverge…maybe ever in his life.
It usually goes the other way CB moving to safety as they lose some speed and get older.
Plus……. I think that Rhodes’s attitude wont allow himself to think he would change positions.
If he dosent get back to being a play making safety …. his attitude and coaching staff will move him elsewhere.
i hope he gets this corrected. He is a homegrown guy and even though he has been getting killed here … He is a valuable player for us
Agre on KR’s attitude but I do think it’s worth a shot(even if just in practice for a while).
How painful is it watching this game-Colston, Rice shoulda been Jets-local boys would have been a great story.
Announcers just dissed us hard when he said the Pats were grateful to have the Jets after the tough Indi loss. We don’t really deserve the league’s respect. We really need to start wiining
Ah screw them. We played NO better than the Pats with a rookie QB. And we beat the Pats at home. But yeah, we need to win.
Colston! #@%*!
I can’t believe the Pats just got man-handled like that. They took Brady out! The Saints are REAL, they’re real good and real scary. I think we can all agree that the Saints loss this year shouldnt count against Sanchez or Ryan. No one’s beating the Saints.
Schotty needs to be fired badly!!! Other options in house (Callahan) and out of house (such as maybe Dan Henning) would be great options.
Glad to see that everyone wants Smith to continue to start, especially with the short week. I still think we aren’t going to the playoffs (too much has to happen for us to have a reasonable chance) but I just want us to play hard and to the wire. Its also good to see that rex has schotty on a short leash when it comes to the offense.
Did anyone just see Billicheck just congratulate brees during his live interview… Surprising and douche like at the same time!!!
Ask A Boldin who should start. Smith is more physical than Rhodes. That works better in this defense.
http://www.nyjetscap.com/salary.html
bent…..found this site, pretty cool….all the $$ info on the whole team and for future years.
swear i read in the daily news that letting rhodes go after the season wouldnt be brutal $$-wise.
agree, he has plenty of reason$$$$ to be motivated to play well….. i was just a bit surprised he pulled that crap after the game. guy has been cool since he has been here… and to react that way after a benching which isnt really a benching in this league b/c u still play alot and contribute….to do that after a good win was W-E-A-K….
we know all about that site k, Jason (the site owner) is a regular commenter here. They can cut or trade Rhodes as long as next year is uncapped, but even so, there will probably be a small cap hit in 2011. (Bigger if he is cut). If they do agree a cap for next year, it’ll be very hard to move him.
safe travels drew…..
Perhaps I need a tutorial on the jetscap site I will get into it when I have more time, but forgive my question below in the meantime.
On the 2010 roster it indicates a $6,000,000 cap savings if he is cut in 2010?
Cimini has indicated that the $2,000,000 roster bonus is due in March, 2010, so something would need to be done before that point if they are going to move him?
Wise -
No, that’s a negative, so it costs an extra $6m to cut him. If it’s an uncapped year that won’t matter, although there are special rule which means some of the hit will fall in 2011. Not a huge amount though.
And, yes, look for them to do something before the roster bonus is due, if at all.