Monthly Archives: March 2010
While it was addressed as extremely suspect when it was posted here, you might have noticed a post about Leon and a rumor about interest by the Dolphins is missing, it was here earlier. I’ve taken it down for two reasons. I think that the post on the site in question was 1) not well written and a 2) poorly formulated and executed (AKA Bleacher Report Award winning) rumor.
I saw the post about this early this morning, and I didn’t want to post it. I should have addressed it with the writers to prevent it appearing on the site, so that is squarely my failing as an editor alone.
I might be proven wrong, that the Dolphins have interest in our little mighty man, but until I see this gain steam … we’re going to hold off.
On ESPN.com Bill Barnwell of Football Outsiders fame writes about the best and worst pass-blocking linemen and guess who makes the list from the Jets?
Left Guard
Worst: Alan Faneca, New York Jets (7 sacks/3 hurries/10 total blown blocks)
Best: Kris Dielman, San Diego Chargers (0 sacks/0 hurries/0 blown blocks)Seemingly the only Chargers lineman that could stay healthy all year, Dielman did a fantastic job of keeping Philip Rivers upright in a very difficult offense to block for. Meanwhile, while Faneca remains a very good run-blocker, Jets observers tend to agree that his pass blocking is below average. His Pro Bowl nod was based mostly on reputation this year.
This assessment matches up with our new friends at Pro Football Focus. Faneca ranked 76th (consider there’s at most 64 starters in any week) among Guards during the 2009 season at pass-blocking on their site. Interestingly enough, Faneca’s presence has allowed D’Brickashaw to emerge as a top Left Tackle, while his play has flagged. The Jets brought in Faneca, knowing that his presense would increase the team’s ability to run the ball, and anything was an upgrade on Adrien Jones’s play at the position, that much was clear.
With that said, Faneca’s numbers might move back towards the mean a bit in 2010, simply because Mark Sanchez is more comfortable in the offense, and he’s bound to take less sacks because of it. Still, the team should consider their options at LG in the next season or two.
Our thanks to Steiny for the link!
- Mike Sims-Walker proclaimed that Revis had a lot of safety help therefore he plays for the best defensive unit.
- The Jets seem to have taken an interest in RB Conte Cuttino. David Wyatt was able to interview the RB and I’m impressed, I really hope the Jets can land Conte.
- Can we expand this into a three way deal that sends Aso to New York? No? Well I tried.
- Are the Jets the team to beat?
- Will the Ravens turn their attention to Jay Feely? I’m sure Cundiff is skipping with joy after hearing this.
- David Harris talks about his partner in crime Bart Scott.
- Shipley>Welker.
- Dustin Keller’s hungery? Somebody get this man a grinder!
- Mike T had a few reservations about Hard Knocks.
- Enter for a chance to win autographed merchandise from Jerricho Cotchery.
- Appearently, the Patriots have some pass rushing problems.
New York Daily News beat reporter performs his annual black magic to know who the Jets will try and take in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
[NYDN - Breaking out the crytal ball for draft day]
Calvin Pace talks to the Sporting News about playing football and for the fans of New York.
SN: How has it been playing for the Jets and their fans?
CP: When I signed with the Jets two years ago, I thought about that, and if that would help me do well. The people here are passionate, and you get really excited playing for the tem. That J-E-T-S chant gets you pumped up. It’s 24-hour football for these fans.
- Are the Patriots throwing red herrings, or are they seriously interested in USC players?
- More football coverage for the UK.
- The former blocker for LT hangs up his cleats.
- The Denver Post notes teams that might be interested in their mercurial recevier.
- Big Ben stays away from his team.
- Could Merrimanreturn to the ring with Goldberg?
- Speaking of wrestling, Broken in Half has got recaps!
As the Jets journey towards the draft in April, we here at TJB will be taking a look into prospects that could be on the Jets draft board. Today we will be taking a look at: Southern Methodist product, Emmanuel Sanders [via Alex M.]
Projected Round: Fourth
Measurables: Stands at 5’10. Weighs in at 186 lbs.
Positives: Sanders is very speedy and very quick and explosive off the line. He can get good seperation and has excellent return skills. He is a good route runner and a excellent playmaker. After the catch, he can make defenders miss and can stop quickly. He is a very deep threat and will not shy away from contact. He has good leadership skills and is very dedicated to football (he improved each year at SMU).
Negatives: Sanders will definitely need to bulk up in order to deal with the more physical defenders in the NFL. He did play against low level competition and there is concern his productive numbers were a result of this. Sanders needs to improve his blocking skills.
The Bottom Line: I have to say that I am impressed with Sanders. He brings a lot to the table and would be an excellent addition to the receiving corp. If the Jets draft him, he has my vote of confidence.
Sanders Highlights:
REMINDER: I just want to remind everyone who would like to see a particular player analyzed that you have until April 4, 2010 to submit your requests. If you have sent along a PW and have yet to see it, I’m in the process of getting it up on the site so no worries. Remember to send any requests or feedback to: tjb.weeks@yahoo.com.
Tagged Draft Prospect, Prospect Watch |Randy Lange recently spoke to David Harris about his fellow inside linebacker Bart Scott.
“It was a real good start,” he said. “Bart’s like my brother. I think we have real good chemistry together. We push each other on and off the field and try to make each other better. We’re just two good players in a great scheme.”
And Harris still doesn’t mind if Scott does most of the talking for the dynamic duo.
“I’m still the same guy. I think nobody can reach Bart’s level of … outgoingness,” he said. “He’s cool. He keeps the locker room and the guys loose. He keeps everything fresh around here.”
Peter King wrote on Greg Bishop’s feature on Woody Johnson.
5. I think it was a good idea for Jets owner Woody Johnson to show his human side in a very good profile by Greg Bishop in Sunday’s New York Times. Interesting how Johnson rides a little scooter to work in Manhattan many days, and he’s interested in making his players more star-like in a starry city. “I’m hoping to let the players come out of the tunnel without their helmets on,” Johnson told Bishop. “I’d like the fans to get to know the players. It’s hard to see a football player. When the fans get to know the players, they’ll be very impressed, as I am.”
Johnson said he supports the media getting good inside information about his team, because it makes the fans more intrigued by the team. “We don’t want to make this the secret to Coke or whatever.”
Uh, Woody: Can you talk to your fellow owners about that?
Great to see Greg’s article on Woody get King’s (and thus the football nation’s) attention.
We’ll be back with more later today, we’re on the road this morning, so will be unavailable until noon, more later.
As the Jets journey towards the draft in April, we here at TJB will be taking a look into prospects that could be on the Jets draft board. Today we will be taking a look at: Fresno State product, A.J. Jefferson [via Alex M.]
Projected Round: Fifth
Measurables: Stands at 6’0. Weighs in at 193 lbs.
Positives: Jefferson has a good combination of size and speed. He has great return skills and can contribute elsewhere on special teams (somewhere Westy has a big grin on his face). Jefferson can close on the ball well and can use his speed to recover. He has improved his man to man and zone coverage skills and is a willing, sure tackler. Jefferson had a great combine which will certainly catch a scouter’s eye.
Negatives: Jefferson isn’t much of a playmaker (0 INT’s, 1 FF with Fresno). There are durability concerns (hasn’t played a complete season). He needs to play the ball better in the air and improve his technique in coverage. Jefferson needs to become more physical at the line and learn to read the quarterback better. He will need a few years to develop in the NFL if he does at all — the successful combine doesn’t guarentee his success in the NFL.
The Bottom Line: Jefferson is truly intriguing. While he does possess some great qualities, he also needs a lot of work. In this case I would think the Jets would shy away from Jefferson. Why? The Jets need a corner who is capable of making contributions right away to compliment Revis and Cromartie and I just can’t see Jefferson in future plans.
Jefferson Highlights:
Unfortunately there is a lack of footage on Jeff so we are in the dark, folks.
REMINDER: I just want to remind everyone who would like to see a particular player analyzed that you have until April 4, 2010 to submit your requests. If you have sent along a PW and have yet to see it, I’m in the process of getting it up on the site so no worries. Remember to send any requests or feedback to: tjb.weeks@yahoo.com.
Tagged Draft Prospect, Prospect Watch |Does Woody Johnson desire to be in the spotlight, or cast it elsewhere? Greg Bishop at the New York Times writes an excellent article from Saturday’s paper about the owner of the Jets, and gives a real window into who he is, and how the more vocal owner he’s become of late is the owner that he truly is.
Rex Ryan provided an unexpected influence. On the surface, they make an odd couple: the bald, bookish owner and his heavyset, brash coach. But in Ryan’s bold pronouncements, unwavering confidence and authenticity, Johnson saw some of himself and the owner he wanted to become.
Johnson refused to criticize Mangini, but in praising Ryan, he highlighted the difference between them, at least in the organization’s eyes.
“How you manage players, make them a team, is so important,” Johnson said. “That was the missing ingredient. That’s not the missing ingredient anymore.”
Reminded that Ryan had described the Jets as New York’s team, Johnson said: “I normally don’t disagree with Rex, and people do at their own peril. Because Rex is usually right. I’ll say it.”
Herm Edwards was a hire by Woody, Eric Mangini was more Tannenbaum’s guy. This time around, Rex was who Woody Johnson wanted, so maybe we’re seeing who he’s been all along. You can also read a more raw Q&A that Bishop used here on Fifth Down.
- Damien Woody is getting his foot in the door on broadcasting.
- Graz isn’t so sure about a 2014 Super Bowl in NYC.
- LaDainian is liking Ryan’s style.
- Rex Ryan’s shedding weight quickly, Shutdown is there.
- Boise St CB Kyle Wilson did his darnedest to make himself a first round pick at his pro day.
- FLight Crew tryouts start soon!
