The Expendables: Buyer’s Remorse?
In the first of what will probably be a one-part series (unless you guys really like it), I take a look around the league at some of the guys the Jets got rid of since the end of last season, to see whether there are any early indications that these releases could prove to be shrewd moves or disastrous mistakes on behalf of both the Jets and the new teams for the crop of ex-Jets.
I’ve watched a ton of preseason football and been searching for articles and blog posts about our former players and I’ll share my findings after the jump.
Disclaimer: Yes, I know, it’s only week one of preseason and the results and performances often prove to have little correlation with regular season production. Still, I can look for positive and negative signs, so that’s all I’m trying to do here.
Let’s get things started with a trio of players that moved out West to join a team that was playing in the Superbowl a year and a half ago…
Jay Feely
0-1 FG’s, 1-1 PAT, one tackle
Feely missed his only field goal attempt, slicing it wide right. His made PAT was his trademark almost-hitting-the-upright-on-a-short-kick trick. On the bright side, his four kickoffs all landed inside the five and on one of them he pushed the runner out of bounds on the 35, for once not overpursuing as he sometimes has a habit of doing.
What they’re saying:
To give Jay Feely some credit, he only got one shot to kick a field goal and it was 50 yards at that. Still, the kick looked as about as crooked as Rob Blagojevich.
Kerry Rhodes
Started, no stats recorded
Rhodes was only in the game for one series and was mainly employed in deep center field. The one time he came into the box, he blitzed off the edge and was easily shoved inside with the run going right past him for a 21 yard gain. On a positive note, he did diagnose and close well on an end around that went for a 4 yard loss. Adrian Wilson got there ahead of him though and got credit for the tackle. In terms of physicality, he did deliver a glancing blow to a receiver after the whistle on a play blown dead and he even threw a block on a fumble return, although he kind of bailed out of nailing the guy and (you’ll like this) actually apologized to him while the play was going on. Additional Note: On the second play of the first series after Rhodes went out, Andre Johnson was lined up one-on-one with Justin Miller. I don’t have to tell you what happened, but it wasn’t pretty. Sorry, Angel!
What they’re saying:
(Tumbleweed)
Alan Faneca
Started, Arizona held to 3.2 ypc and 5 rushing first downs (for the whole game)
The Cardinals offensive line really struggled as a unit here. Faneca got beaten three times, but on each occasion someone else got beaten even worse and their man made the play instead (including two sacks). He had real problems with Amobi Okoye’s bullrush on a few occasions, including one where Okoye batted a pass at the line. They only tried his trademark pulling block once and he got there on time (which he had problems with at the start of last year), but couldn’t create a whole and the runner had to dive up the middle for three. Faneca is a notorious slow-starter though, so you can’t read too much into this.
What they’re saying:
There was plenty of blame to spread around. Left tackle Levi Brown and left guard Alan Faneca got beat on separate rushes, and there was little push from what was supposed to be an improved running attack.
Thomas Jones
Started, 4 plays, 2 carries, 2 yards.
Here’s how Thomas Jones’ night went. On the Chiefs first drive, they went to him on first down, but he was stuffed for a gain of one. They went to him on second down as well, but he had nowhere to go, as he ran into a wall at the line of scrimmage and managed to drive the pile for another yard. On third down, he ran a route, but the Chiefs were force to punt. On the first play of the next series, he stayed in to pass block, slipped and left the game with an “unspecified injury” never to return. Jones is another notorious slow starter though…
What they’re saying:
Chiefs’ Thomas Jones, Dexter McCluster Bright Spots in Sputtering Offense
(Note: That’s the actual headline from fanhouse, who apparently didn’t read their own article).
Marques Douglas
Came off the bench, 2 tackles, 1 pressure
Douglas got plenty of playing time, first entering the game late in the first quarter and seeming a little rusty initially, but overall he played pretty well (although he was going up against number two’s). He drew a lot of double teams and held his ground well for one of his two tackles. The other saw him read a screen pass and make the stop for a short gain. He did get knocked off his feet once while trying to get to the quarterback and was fooling nobody when he celebrated wildly after his teammate made a stop behind the line.
What they’re saying:
Marques Douglas and Tony McDaniel are the second-team ends, but look for Charles Grant to push ahead of McDaniel or Douglas by the time the regular season starts.
Marques Murrell
Started, two tackles, one special teams tackle, one pressure, one sack
Murrell was hailed as a bright spot from New England’s win over the Superbowl Champions. He started here because New England has several injuries in their front seven and Jemaine Cunningham did not turn up for “undisclosed reasons”. His sack was the result of good play by his fellow linemen and the coverage downfield giving him time to get to Brees on an inside move. Murrell also gave up an important play in coverage, when he was a step late covering the running back who converted a key third down inside the ten.
What they’re saying:
It was Week 4 last season when Brees and the Saints scored a 24-10 win over the Jets as Murrell came close to getting Brees several times in his grasp but just couldn’t bring him to the Superdome turf.
Note: Huh?
Wallace Wright
Started, 0 catches, 0 special teams tackles
Wright got the start, mainly due to the fact that Steve Smith is still out with a broken arm, but they didn’t throw a ball his way all game. He split time with several other receivers, almost all of whom got involved in the offense. He didn’t get many chances to block either and the other team dealt with him well on punt returns, on one occasion getting a big return after his progress downfield was stymied.
What they’re saying:
The Panthers entered the game searching for a No. 2 receiver to pair with Steve Smith, but starters Brandon LaFell and Wallace Wright combined for just one reception for no yards.
Donald Strickland
Came off the bench and played nickelback or slot corner, two tackles, one sack, one QB hit
The Chargers were sending DBs after the Quarterback quite a lot in the first half and Strickland was able to get a sack when Matt Forte missed the block and, on another occasion, hit the QB to cause a near-interception. In coverage, he always fell back into zone coverage and on one occasion was involved in a mix-up that left a receiver wide open over the middle, although the pass was thrown too high. The Chargers also used him as a primary punt gunner and he did a good job of getting downfield first, only to miss the tackle, then chase the returner down from behind after a decent runback.
What they’re saying:
…three blitzes came from Donald Strickland , the Chargers’ new nickel back. Cutler and Knox hooked up for a 14-yard pass on the first one, but Strickland sacked Cutler on the next attempt and forced backup Caleb Hanie into an incompletion on the third blitz.
Lito Sheppard
Started, no stats recorded
Sheppard was in the game for literally one series and then lifted, along with several other veterans. They didn’t throw or run the ball in his direction, for some reason.
What they’re saying:
Despite being listed #2 on the initial depth chart, Lito Sheppard got the start at corner, but was lifted after one series along with the rest of the defensive first-teamers.
Howard Green
Came off the bench, no stats recorded
I skipped through this game looking for Howard Green and I literally couldn’t find him. This is probably because they have his number listed wrongly on their official roster. Even though I knew this, I still couldn’t find him, but apparently he did play.
What they’re saying:
Howard Green is really, really slow. He’s probably best over the nose, but they tried him at end and he just can’t run.
Others
Although their Long Snapper’s training camp struggles did not translate to the first preseason game, the Redskins signed James Dearth after their opener. One last ex-Jet, Leon Washington, did not play in Seattle’s opener and is still “not 100%” but has been participating in camp, so is expected to be ready for full action soon.
53 Responses to The Expendables: Buyer’s Remorse?
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Bent says:
Brandon – I know, hence the disclaimer.
Pretty much all the players the Jets got rid of since hiring Rex = The Cleveland Browns. Need I say more?
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Yea I’m thinking do it like once a month I kinda like the column even on the little info you have
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Yes, I know it is the preseason however, Murrell is definitely one guy I’d keep my eye on.
Great idea Bent! I like the concept and I would welcome future insight regarding our former Jets.
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REALLY like the column but agree with the disclaimer. Its too early to really tell. Unless one of these guys does something earth shattering, like Faneca falling in the tub and busting his hip, I wouldn’t bother with this type of thing until week 4 of the regular season.
Maybe use this as a base then do it something like week 4, 10, end of season, end of playoffs (if any of em make it) or some other periodic thing. Just a though.-
Bent says:
What generally happens is that once the season is underway, everyone is too preoccupied with our team to care!
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i dunno, a nice mid-week update every 4 weeks starting in week 4 seems like it would draw some attention
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I am extremely interested in how well:
Alan Fanaca
Thomas Jones
Leon Washington
Kerry Rhodes doIs Fanaca as big a liability as a pass blocker as his release indicates? Or did the Jets want to bite th bullet and give their younger players a chance to develop?
How will TJ do? Maybe not so well without the Jets Oline. I like him and hope he does ok.
Leon – will he return to form? Will it take until the end of the season? Were the Jets right in trading him for John Connor (the 5th round pick).\
Kerry Rhodes – will he perform well again, and did the Jets get rid of him because they didn’t like his attitude, only to have him return to his former glory? Or were they smart, and unloaded his contract, not losing out much on the replacements performance.
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I agree with this assessment. Instead of looking at all of the folks that left, looking at the ones who have caused the most controversy (the ones you listed) would be interesting.
Do I really care how Lito Shepard does?
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Shipley sure looks Welker-esque. I really wanted him, but we obviously had no need for a WR after trading for Holmes.
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Bent says:
I’ll tell you who does look really good:
Terrence Cody.
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Yeah I watched the Ravens game the other night. He really reminds me of big Jenks. He is just a monster run stuffer. He beat a bunch of double teams.
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interesting column bent. i doubt any of them will be missed, but that’s mostly wishful thinking on my part.
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Prediction: Rhodes will continue to underperform in Arizona and be let go after the season. He’ll go to camp with his third team (Cleveland?) next year but his career will be over by the end of the 2011 season. The man plays like he’s trying to protect his modeling/acting career.
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Another prediction– TJ hits the wall this year and avgs slightly over 3 yds/carry and his carries decrese dramatically after game 6.
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Greg Hardy the pass rusher from Ole Miss had a big game for Carolina. I know the Jets were very interested in him. He was interviewed twice by the Jets during the combine I believe. Cam Thomas from North Carolina who the Chargers picked up had a solid game as well. I was hoping that the Jets would be able to grab him to become Jenks replacement.
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Bent says:
Yes, I did notice both, especially Hardy. They did damage against second teamers for the mostpart though.
Ryan Purvis and Dwayne Jarrett are two guys that could make a surprise impact this year, based on what I saw.
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Good column bent. Would like to see again at season end. The only two we regret are dearth and murrel i think
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Wallace Wright is one guy that went under the radar but I really think wwe are going to miss his prescense on special teams. I really saw no reason why we didn’t bring him back, it’s not like we had to pay him very much.
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I agree with most here its to early,but I would love to see it again mid season or so. Even though we will be enjoying the season I think it would still be very interesting.
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Interesting idea for analysis. I think this will work better in week 2 and 3 of the preseason since that is when the teams really play their guys and you start to get a better feel for the rotations. The most you really get out of week 1 is just how the team currently has the depth charts and how well most of the backups can play.
Id like to see this again in weeks 2 and 3 and if it looks like a hit I think you should do it maybe every 4 weeks as the season goes on.
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I’m surprised that I have not heard anyone comment on Matt Jones, yet… I know awhile we had a few lovers and a few haters.. Can i stir that pot a bit? I think I caught him on the Bengals, and he caught a pass for like 10 yards..
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Great idea for a column, sounds like a lot of work, plus you’ll have to add Leon Washington’s stats in there, and REALLY watch the ‘skins if you want to track Dearth.
Would be an awesome concept if you can do this once every two weeks or so, with cumulative stats and impressions.
Feel like once a month will be too big of a gap, although I guess if we really want to know, we can simply look it up ourselves, haha.
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I really like the idea of this column. And I am very interested in Rhodes,Faneca,TJ and LW how they do thru the course of the season.
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PS…Rhodes will be more exposed that he was a flash in the pan! Man and I thought we had something at one time with that guy
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I like the idea of this but two things, it’s too early. Week 6 is a good time to judge.
Number two. We haven’t seen Slauson, Ducasse, Folk, Pool, Tomlinson, McKnight, Comartie, or Wilson play in any type of game situation
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I like this column but if all the ex-jets start making a bee line for Canton then can we agree to drop it?
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Bent says:
From what you guys are saying, I will probably:
- continue to do this throughout the preseason;
- merely present the facts rather than rush to judgment;
- revisit the subject periodically or in less detail during and after the seasonI might also do a summary post of how the guys they got rid of last year faired during the 2009 season.
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I watched the Cards game with some Fordham buddies (recent Fordham graduate John Skelton is the 3rd string QB on AZ, and seriously might be their best QB), and as the only Jets fan, they were all ready to go nuts if Faneca and/or Rhodes did anything. Faneca looked awful, Rhodes looked like he did last year (shows he has the ability to make good plays, but not the fortitude). I don’t think the Jets will miss either one of them (especially with reports about how Mangold was already the leader of the O-line last year).
And Bent, I like the idea behind this column. Gives fans something to actual base their “we should have kept _____!” arguments off of.
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Great piece by Bent as usual. Honestly all I care about is how well Leon and Rhodes play. They were 2 lightning rods of debate last year.
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Bent, i love it.. great job, as always..
It’s stuff like this that keeps me coming back.. You guys truely put in some hard work..
my hat is off to you guys. -
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Hah, just anti-Me fans. They love to bust balls and the fact that I am the lone Jets fan means they root for anything that will give me an ulcer. We were rooting for the Cards when Skelton went in, since Fordham has very few opportunities to cheer on their own. But to answer your question, they’re not pro-Cards, or anti-Jets, just pro-”whatever will piss Brendan off the most tonight”.
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>.- merely present the facts rather than rush to judgment
Bent, your opinion and analysis is welcome too!
Is Brodny Pool disappoining so far?
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From what I’ve been reading (and hearing in interviews) is that Pool is a lot of guys’ pick to be the surprise Jets player this year. Barely anyone talks about him, but people seem to think he’s got Rhodes’ ability to cover but with a more hard-nosed and selfless mindset.
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Bent says:
I’ve heard mainly positive things about Pool, but we shall see how he performs tonight. Based on last year, even if he plays quite well, many Jets fans will be disappointed with that.
Don’t worry, we will be cover the Jets in far more detail than this!
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These are the types of blogs that keep folks coming back here, the stuff about the current team you can get in the papers or the sportswriters blogs. Terrific idea, once every two weeks would be a nice compromise, no need to limit the detail, and feel free to rush to judgement, the rest of us certainly do.
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C Low says:
REMEMBER: I WANTED DEXTER McCLUSTER IN THE SECOND ROUND TO PLAY SLOT, SCAT, and PR/KR. HE’S A PERCY HARVIN LIKE PLAYER
WE ALSO COULD HAVE MORE MONEY FOR REVIS.
SEC. SEC SEC
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So…you’re saying the guy who went 36th to the Chiefs would have left the team with more money than the guy they drafted with the 61st pick?
Do tell the logic that led you to that statement.
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Hey, I went to Fordham….diehard JETS fan
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Bent, Love this. With my memory, just remembering who these guys weren’t is a big help.
I’d especially like a quarter or midseason report if one were possible.
h
I like the idea of this column, but its a bit early to judge these players performance.
I’d like to see how these guys perform this year during the regular season. Maybe have this column talk about them next year?
What about looking back at the guys cut/traded when Rex first took over, say early – mid 2009. How have they panned out?