Reviewing the AFC’s moves so far, Adam Schein gives the Jets a mixed reaction. Schein makes no apologies for his admiration of Thomas Jones, and it shows in his analysis.
JETS: Mixed bag
General manager Mike Tannenbaum stole Antonio Cromartie by trading a 2011 third-round pick. Call it a creative heist, as the Jets don’t have their full complement of picks for this year’s draft. While Cromartie is coming off a down season, the upside is for the Darrelle Revis/Cro combo at cornerback to be the best in the game. I have no idea why the Jets cut the physical Thomas Jones. Under the circumstances, LaDainian Tomlinson in Brian Schottenheimer’s offense is a great fit. And I think L.T. will be a bit reborn behind the Jets offensive line. But again, why create the void by jettisoning Jones?
Two reasons, Schein, and they apply equally to both sides of the issue.
Money and pride.
80 Responses to Link: Schein Reviews AFC Offseason Moves
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Bassett-
This question is going to be asked over and over and over again, so you better get used to it.
As I said on another thread, I’ve let this comparison controversy go—it’s been done to death, it’s been done into the afterlife—but that doesn’t mean others are going to let it go.
And you’re not going to put an end to it by saying it was about money, especially when there are reports that the Jets refused to pay TJ the same amount of money that KC was paying him.
Even though I was one of the most vociferous TJ supporters here at TJB, I’m rooting for LT now that he’s a Jet.
But (as I said on another thread) unless LT rips off a couple of 100-yard games, or some major gains, or some clutch TDs early in the season, the second guessing is going to happen over and over and over again.
I pity LT if he starts slow, or blows a third and one in an early game, especially if it’s that first week on MNF.
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This is not another Favre/Pennington situation.
We are talking about 2 backup running backs. Its not as big a deal as everyone’s making it out to be. -
ronnie-
I’m not saying it IS a big deal (it isn’t to me anymore).
I’m saying that sportcasters and sports writers are going to SEE it as a big deal. Simply put, they loves them some controversy, and this one is hanging out there over the plate, like a curve ball that didn’t break.
So as I sad above, you better get used to hearing about it over and over and over again (though not from me).
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PSL
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All I have to say its let see who has a better year LT or TJ.This will have to be done by average of carries because TJ may be a feature back in KC as to were LT will get less carries..Overall if TD’s and average yards per run come into consideration LT will have a better year than TJ..Just my oppion and you can crusify me at any time…LT will alway be a bigger threat to score due to his ability to catch,be elusive,vision,and ability to get into the end zone..TJ had a great career with the JETS and I respect his work ethic and leadership but comparing these two backs is like apples to oranges as LT is more versatile to TJ straight out ground and pound style…
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I don’t think pride had anything to do with it. The jets didn’t want TJ, plain and simple. It remains to be seen if that was a good move
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Glad TJ is out. LT will be a great mentor for Washington and Greene. TJ doesnt shake defenders or break gains from nothing. He just ran through holes that our line blew open. Greene was far more effective at running through holes and/or busting open his own. We need a back to catch out of the backfield and make some moves. We do not know what Washington can do as an every down back yet and whether he truly has that potential to move chains off of screens. Plus, as a KR he could be due another injury. LT is a far safer option to transition and mentor our current backs.
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Couldn’t agree more Ben. I hate the TJ dump & don’t fully comprehend it. But I will root for LT hard this year.
It is evident the Jets could have had TJ for about the same price as LT even if BAssett won’t admit it.
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NoLuv4tj, i couldn’t have said it any better myself…………..im 5’7 and 160 pounds and i think i could get 1000 yards behind that o line……..all of them are beasts. no one game planned for tj because he was never a threat, touch him once and he’s down lol
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jones couldn’t break a tackle or shake a defender to save his life
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tj sucked. why is everyone happy with mediocracy. he would run a hundred miles a hour to get a no gain…..never saw a hole..made cuts off the wrong foot. couldnt out run anyone, and couldnt catch…..were is everyones arguement……..as far as stats what was TJ tpc before fanica? under 3.4…….with that said why should we have kept him…..
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his ypc
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Jones :
1)Blocks well
2)Cannot break tackles- legs stop churning upon contact
3)Made most of his yards each game on 1 or 2 huge hole opportunities
4)Cannot catch
5)Was whining about pay AFTER receiving $13 million in his first 2 years
6)Fairly poor record around the goal lineTomlinson:
1)Blocks well
2)Cannot break tackles anymore
3)However, IS very elusive and can avoid tackles better than Jones
4)Can certainly make as many huge gains as Jones whenever O line opens huge holes
5)Is a receiver threat
6)Is a goal line scorerNuff said
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Adam Schein picked the Pats over the Pack in the SB before the beginning of last season. He also picked the Colts to finish at 8 – 8 and the Vikes to finish at 7 – 9 so I think I’ll trust the judgement of the Jets brain trust on this one.
Anyone who saw TJ run the last part of the season and wanted him as our “change of pace” back is analyzing with their heart and not their head. Change of pace to what, a slower back with average pass catching skills who goes down on first contact?
He may not be the LT of old but he is a better fit for the role than TJ, who isn’t what he used to be either, at this point in their careers.
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some of these analysts just sit back and read stats but have no clue……..and someone remind me what makes tj a “physical” runner again??…..the fact that he’s slow?…… i mean really…
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i could really CARE LESS about what adam schein thinks about ANYTHING.
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If Taylor Mays was a Top 10 pick one year everyone had to know he was bad in coverage…or How did USC mask his bad coverage skills?
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WW85-
Yeah, and it’s evident from the comments on this thread that a lot of fans aren’t going to let this LT/TJ comparison controversy die. Even though it’s been discussed to death, again and again and again and again.
It’s way past time to let this go, and (as you & I have already said) just root for LT and the Jets.
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Schein is a personality wannabe and controversy hound, not a reporter.
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TJ LEFT TOO MANY YARDS ON THE FIELD PLAIN AND SIMPLE
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junior
completely agree. i was at the game vs the bills and if TJ had any kind of break away speed then we win that game regardless of all sanchez’s picks.
the masses will get over TJ once they see shonn and leon tearing it up week in and week out with LT contributing here and there
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I think the 1st time we see LT make a sweet 35 yard run by making a couple guys miss we’ll all forget about this crap and just cheer for the guys on the field. That being said I do hope TJ does well in KC.
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1st and 10…handoff to TJ…1 yard gain falling forward…2nd and 9…handoff to TJ…1 yard gain falling forward…3rd and 8…incomplete pass…4th down PUNT….i’m thinking with LT it may not go the same way!
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It’s NOT EASY to move TJ after a 1400 yd season … but it’s SMART … it’s like selling AIG stock at $100 in 2007 … people have a tendency to look backward and projects more of the same going forward … but if you have inside info and perspective about why things may change it’s smart to pull the trigger
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The bottom line is that as long as Shonn is healthy, TJ would never see the field. So why pay him? He served his purpose, and was a very good back for us, but it’s time to move on.
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With regard to T. Jones’s 1400 yds. last season:
TJ left a lot of yards on the field; running into lineman’s backs, falling down upon first contact, etc. Maybe a younger, faster, stronger RB would have rushed for 1800-1900 yds behind that OL?
I think Shonn Green is going to do some damage this year, and the adition of LT will only make this Offense even more dangerous.
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I think people should temper their readings of these national columnists. They tend to watch only the big-name teams that win eyeballs – Pats, Cowboys, Colts etc. They often have no clue what they’te talking about simply because they’re not watching the games and following the team nearly as closely as the beat writers, the local blogs, and the fans. Forget what any of these guys think. I’d rather trust the Daily News’ or the Post’s, or hell, even Francesa’s opinion over these clowns any day.
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Amen!
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I still think they went to LT for his versatility. Just remember how many passes our running backs caught last season?? Heck Leon led all running backs and he missed the last 9 games!
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Jeff,
That was a big disadvantage for Sanchez last season, not having a back to throw to out of the backfield. That’s why I think Tanny/Rex really wantede LT, as insurance in case Leon can’t do it early on.
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Bent-
Good point. People forget that TJ had SIX runs over 25 yards each (71 yards, 39, 33, 29, 29, & 26), while LT had ONLY ONE run over 25 yards (the 36 yarder you cited above).
I’ve been saying it’s time root for LT—and the Jets—and move on.
But you’re right: we do need to temper our expectations where LT is concerned. He is, after all, coming off the worst season of his entire career.
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Those of you complaining about TJ’s 1400yds and 14TD’s this season are living in a fantasy world.
You would all give your left nut for the Vikings’ Adrian Peterson. What did he do this season? He ran the ball 314 times for 1,383 yards. TJ ran it 331 and had 1,402. Peterson had 28 TDs in the past two seasons — TJ 27TD’s. Peterson’s longest run was 67yds – TJ’s was 71yds. Peterson lost six fumbles this past season — TJ lost ONE in three years.
TJ is gone so there is no need to kick him, on his way out the door. You should be thanking him for the great job he did. Shonn Greene said that TJ taught him everything he knows about pro ball. I don’t know who you think we are going to have at running back but, it is going to take alot for him to fill TJ’s shoes.
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One more thing, Bent-
Those commenters on this thread who are looking for LT to gain a lot of yards receiving have to remember that he had only 154 yards receiving last season, and 88 of that came on just two plays. Which means he gained a whopping 66 yards through the air the rest of the season.
Or another way to look at it:
Leon Washington
131 rec yards in SEVEN gamesLaDainian Tomlinson
154 rec yards in SIXTEEN gamesYes, Bent, you’re right: it’s better to temper our expectations where LT is concerned.
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i have a question off topic….what is the deal with CB Vasher from chi. ? is he worth a look as depth?
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Nobody said he was going to be the LT of old they just said when he’s going to play he’s going to do better than TJ.
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L.T will be our starting back by mid-season. The guy is a warrior and will do something special 1st game out ,so there will be no questions
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Ben, you can’t compare their seasons. One had the best O-line and one had the worst. As far as LT’s receiving, Sproles gets most of those opportunities but LT is still very much a viable option out of the backfield. It’s not going to be LT’s final #’s that are what important, it’s the fact that the defense has to account for him getting a reception, something team’s didn’t have to do very much with TJ back there.
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Bent-
I agree: as long as we win, I don’t care what LT’s numbers are. But there are a lot of fans (some of whom have commented on this thread) who seem to have high expectations for LT, both as a rusher & receiver.
But if last year’s numbers are any indication, it makes sense to temper our expectations where LT is concerned.
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Zartan,
I can appreciate the optimism, but no. Greene is definitely better than LT at this point in his career. The only way LT starts is if Greene is hurt so let’s hope LT isn’t starting next year.
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Brendan-
As I think you know, now that LT is a Jet, I’m rooting for him to do a whole lot better than he did last season (the worst season of his entire career).
I just don’t think it’s wise to have unreal expectations where LT is concerned.
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Look, next season doesn’t hinge on LT’s success or failure. It doesnt even really depend on Schonn Greene, frankly. Its all about whether Sanchez matures as a QB or not. Think about it, of all the games we lost this year, after how many of them were we complaining about our running game? Very few. Enough of this LT v. TJ chatter, since it doesnt make one lick of a difference anyway now that the deed is done. Ditto for the stupid coin flip.
I’d rather hear about how Sanchez, Revis, and the rest are all preparing for next year. Is Revis going through some meticulous film study of next years opponents again? Is Cro with him? Who’re we looking to draft? Any more FAs we should be bringing in?
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What the F%# ????? !!!! I just logged in and i see THE FISH’S top 10 games. Is this a JETS website ??? F@#$ THOSE PIECES OF S$%T. Why would you put that crap on A JETS PAGE ???
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Ben,
I agree with you there. People need to remember LT is coming in for short yardage/goaline runs, occasionally a 1st/2nd down receiving option and to spell Greene when he needs a rest. His numbers won’t be great, but we don’t want them to be, either. Unless Mangold’s “2 1,000 yard rushers” theory comes true. That would be awesome.
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we could never run around outside the tackles with tj and it used to seem like he would hop into defenders…i think as a backup lt would do fine as tj would be a little outspoken about his reduced role
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first of all Zartan your wrong shonn greene is a beast and runs angry exactly why hes the starting runningback… enough with comparing tj and lt… PEOPLE DONT REALIZE LT ISNT REPLACING TJ.. hes replacing shonn greene. tj still beleives he can still be a feture back in the league and i hope he does well LT will do fine and one of the reasons he had his worst seasons in the league was 1 the chargers turned their offiense to a pass first and 2 his offenseive line was very makeshift
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Bent-
As long as we are factoring things, let’s not lose sight of the fact that Tomlinson suffered a high ankle sprain in the first game of the season last year. For a running back, particularly one who relies on speed and cuts, that is a devastating injury and it hobbled him for at least half the season. His offensive line was injured and geared to pass blocking and he didn’t have a fullback like Richardson (or Neal for that matter) acting as his battering ram as TJ did.
I’m not bashing TJ but comparing their seasons without taking into account all the facts is misleading.
Before being given the best offensive line in the league and an all-star fullback and an offensive philosophy that leans on the run as much as any team in the league TJ was a career average player, playing for 3 teams in 6 seasons before we picked him up as a cast off by the Bears. His career ypc only increased to 4.0 after he came to the Jets. I don’t think it’s unrealistic to expect LT to match or better TJ’s ypc numbers and easily top his receiving numbers from last year. Obviously, the Jets think so too.
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Brendan-
I agree: LT is here for short yardage downs, and as a back-up to Shonn.
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Bent-
I agree: I hope Shonn has a monster year.
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What was TJs ypc against playoff teams ?
What was TJs ypc against teams after week 6 ?
What was TJs ypc against teams not named the Bills ?
How many yards did TJ gain after contact ?These are the questions I want answers to . I don’t wanna see some 1400 yard Blurr … You won’t trick me this time Ben lol .. Show some real stats that matter .. but seriously TJ is horrible and I can’t wate to see him rush for 2.8 ypc in KC .. I’m gonna LMAO ..I realy don’t like TJ .. He’s horrible..
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Well, he only had 20 carries in the first four games which included two games he didn’t play at all so I’d suspect it did. He had a 4.2 average in game one, got hurt and rushed a total of 7 times the next 3 games for a 2.1 ypc. He didn’t appear well until the latter part of the season when he and the run game were a distant second to the passing game. Heck, Sproles had the worst year of his career running the ball too.
Another thing that people forget about TJ, most of his yardage was accumulated later in the game after he and the line wore them down. He is one of those backs who gets better with a lot of work. He wasn’t going to get those reps with the Jets next year and that would have no doubt cut his productivity.
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Marvel-
Hate on TJ all you want. I really don’t give a f@$&!
I’ve more than paid my dues on this subject.
LMAO!
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Marvel, I think thats unfair to TJ. He gave the team a damn good effort and I don’t think the Jets would have the success they’ve had without him. At the same time, TJ was paid handsomely for his service. The Jets felt that they wanted to go with Greene over TJ and let him go to pursue other contracts. No harm done on either side.
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Enough with TJ analysis … Lets move on already ! It’s all about Greene now.
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adam schein is the biggest no talent on tv. he is useless in my opinion. he and chris carlin should just go away.
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CW Post-
I agree: it’s time to move on. It’s so boring to keep rehashing the same old debate over and over and over again.
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LT is clearly a better #/2/#3 RB than TJ would have been. Greene was going to be #1 no matter what.
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TJ has a methodical running style, would not refer to it as aggressive, actually the complete opposite. TJ is the anti-bruising back, he runs with purpose (not to take big hits) and slowly wears down defenders as the game progresses. TJ’s yards all come in the second half of the game, he reserves energy then surprises tired defenders.
Tomlinson is much more well-rounded, and is the better fit for this team as Greene will be the workhorse now.
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it’s gonna be SG bay-bee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
prediction: shonn green 2,467 yards ( all rushing )
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Greene will be the every down back beating up defenses and picking up yardage but when it comes crunch time on third down or short n goal watch LT find paydirt…I’m telling ya LT to put up some stellar stats this year and i have no doubts about it…Everyone wants to reflect back to LT last year behind a horrible offensive line and a pass happy offense..I cant wait again to see all the shocked expressions on people faces when LT shines and maybe even outshadows Greene next year….
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And to say that LT will have limited carries he will get enough to make a bold statement that he still has gas left in his tank and deserves to be in this league…I look at it like this Greene 65% of the carries LT 25% of the carries and leon 10%.And if LT is healthy and producing you can up that percentage even further due to his pass catching ability and effectiveness around the goal line…
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@GANGGREEN I 2nd that , LT may overshadow Greene
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o.k time too watch play like a jet again before i go to bed…………….very inspiring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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marvel u make yourself seem completely ignorant with your tj bashing, i think they cut jones because he needs a lot of carries to get going and he wasn’t gonna get that here but he is a quality back, he’s not great but calling him horrible negates anything else you say
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what u guys think of this 08′ vid i found
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqmFhead3Iw -
No name calling … Lol
I respect your opinion…. I will admit “horrible” is a bit much .. So let me rephrase”he wasn’t anything special” …. Or “he was below average”…. Or you could answer the questions & prove me wrong ….. Just my thoughts
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no i hear u,just horrible was harsh to hear, our boy did good work but i agree not great, but take in to account he was used a lot with minimal mistakes ie. fumbles, penalties, missed blitz pick up and such but i know what u sayin
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Anybody want to play Madden 10 on PS3? My name is HeAintGonEmailU, send me a request. I’m in such a football mood. Too bad they haven’t added LT and Cro online yet…
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Bigkatt
if i was home i’d play some madden with ya. I love the game…. I hear your wishes loud and clear about havin LT and Cromartie on the roster. Its killin me waitin for the update. Try to find u for a game some time. My online ID is Booskie24. Who gets to be the Jets tho?? Lol
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It’s cool …. My arguement isn’t exactly “fool proof” .. I purposefully neglect the fact that 9 times out of 10 there was a gazillion guys in the Box …. It’s just that time after time I saw him dive at a LBs feet instead of bouncing to the outside I knew he left a good 10 – 15 yards on the field & after a while it added up to leaving hundreds of yards on the field … Bottom line , he did what was asked of him but as a fan I kneed more production .. Mainly because of our killer OL/FB & we also have great blocking WRs ..
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Online ID is white22, hit me up whenever you guys are in the mood for an L, lol
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We can all use stats to death between TJ and LT. Let’s all relax and see what happens in the next season. Then, and only, then compare the stats. Until then….
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I find this comforting actually. I used to live in syracuse when Schein tried to be a radio announcer there. For various reasons I was lucky enough to know the SU bball team personally. Drinking, hanging out with them regularly. I can 100% verify everything he says has been extracted from his unwashed rectum. Nepotism got him his job and will continue to be his calling card.
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I don’t care what the stats say. LT is a better all arnd back than TJ. He still managed to punch in more than 10 tds in the redzone, and he actually catches the ball out of the backfield.
At worst LT would give us the same production TJ gave us which every1 seems to b happy with.
We couldn’t even rely on him to win the game for us when Greene went down
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I’m actually more worried about the kicking game then LT (2nd/3rd) string RB.
Who’s going to punt Weathorford? Who’s going to be our kicker Feely or Folk?
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Bent, you can easily customize the feed to include or exclude any sources you want if you don’t like Bleacher Report.





Jones isn’t physical. Just because the guy is a statue doesn’t mean he’s a bruising, physical runner.