Chaos Turns to Calm
FLORHAM PARK–It was as mellow of a day as we’ve seen in months in the Jets locker room. There were only 13 media members, down from probably 50 on Monday and Tuesday. It’s as if the entire building has exhaled with the return of Darrelle Revis. Now everyone is just anxiously awaiting the game Monday night.
I spoke briefly with Revis who must have been thrilled not to face the throng that has been there all week, and he said he’s ready to go. He’s in decent condition, but there is no substitute for game shape so the extra day of practice this week was certainly a plus for him. He also said that his main area of focus is on his technique. There’s also no substitute for that other than in real practice, which he has not been a part of until Monday. “[I have to] make sure I’m sound,” he said.According to Rex Ryan, there will be no restrictions on Revis. They will take him out if he needs a break, otherwise the plan is for him to play the entire game.
One question has been answered – left guard. Matt Slauson will start, which has been pretty much a foregone conclusion for a while. Vlad Ducasse will continue to work and get more familiar with the system. There is a strong possibility that if Damien Woody calls it a career at the end of this season, Ducasse will move over to right tackle. Slauson had a spotty preseason but at the end of the day, he was the more consistent and reliable of the two. However, this will be a position to keep any eye on. Fortunately, he works between D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold, which provides good support for the second-year player. But, especially given that he is working on Mark Sanchez’s blind side, he needs to become a reliable component ASAP.
Ferguson knows they will have their hands full with the Ravens defense and especially OLB Terrell Suggs and NT Haloti Ngata. “Suggs, he’s going to be someone we have to keep after and Haloti is no small feat either,” he said.
Tony Richardson will, of course, start, but expect to see John Conner in certain packages and most certainly on special teams. Mike Westhoff actually beams when Conner’s name comes up. “That’s my man,” Westhoff said. “John Conner gives us an ingredient that I haven’t had for a while.” You’ve seen how Conner hits. Happy dance for Westhoff.
Look for Kyle Wilson on punt return. This is a job he really, truly likes (not all guys do), for a couple of reasons. “You can make people miss,” he said, “And there’s nothing like scoring a touchdown,” he added with a big grin.
Other than Calvin Pace, the only guy who is not completely healthy is Brodney Pool. Pool was limited today and they’re still not sure if he will play on Monday. If he can’t Eric Smith will start in his place.
It will be Smith’s first time seeing Anquan Boldin since that horrific collision they had in 2008 when Boldin was with the Cardinals. I was standing in the tunnel when both were brought off the field. Not something I’d ever care to see again. Smith said they spoke briefly afterward because he wanted to make sure Boldin knew that he never had any intention of hurting him. According to Smith, Boldin was totally understanding of the situation and there is no animosity. I asked Smith if he plans to seek out Boldin before the game on Monday and he said, “Yeah, if he’s out there I’ll probably say hello.”
If Smith does start, there will need to be some re-arranging of things on special teams where he is a major factor – one of the reasons they’ve said they don’t want him to be a full-time starter at safety. He can’t take full reps on defense and special teams, that’s too much physical strain on any player.
As for Ray Lewis’ comments earlier in the week, his former teammate Bart Scott was asked about them. Scott shrugged and said, “It’s part of the show.”
All I have to say is, I’m out of questions for these guys. I think I’m looking forward to the game as much as they are.
23 Responses to Chaos Turns to Calm
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Everyone will be keeping a close eye on Slauson’s performance on Monday. If he falters, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Jets look to pick up a veteran, such as a Hartwig from Pittsburgh, who can certainly slide over to play guard rather than center.
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Vic Carucci: Bill Parcells was “very disappointed” in the development of Chad Henne before stepping down earlier this week.
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It would break my heart if Henne sucked!
Boo hoo hoo.I would have to drop by the http://www.theFinsBlog.com or whatever it is they have and commiserate with them
:-)PS – It would be cool to pump Pat White for info
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never been so ready for a Jets game. Im curious to see how we match up with the Ravens. If we can pull out a “W” that will set the tone for the rest of the season. cant wait to see how our secondary does as well. Revis, Cro, and Wilson
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I for one can not wait to see Kyle Wilson return some punts in this game, this kid is lightning!
This game can’t come soon enough, it is going to be one hell of a show. Let’s go get this damn ring and make some noise in the process.
Sincerely,
THE ShOcKiNg SLiCe of PIG
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Sorry to gush, but this already excellent blog improved when Lisa joined the cast. Great reporting. Can’t wait for Monday.
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I find it funny that Ray Lewis is harping on the Jets for talking, when that guy has been a talker his entire career. I’d take David Harris over Ray Lewis any day.
It’s go time!-
Lewis is just pissed that Rex didn’t take him to NY when RR became our HC. Rex chose Bart over Lewis—Lewis was just too old to build a D around him—and I’d bet anything it stung Lewis to be left behind. I bet it still stings.
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@Zenlaw couldn’t agree more.
Very well written, informative, and enjoyable article Lisa. We appreciate your contributions!
On another note, I’m pretty pumped at how healthy we are as a team (not that I’m not done riding my Revis return high). Can’t waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaait until Monday night!
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Lisa,
Let me add to the kudos by telling you that I really appreciate your work.
Thanks,
Snakeman -
I would rather not see wilson return punts to be honest…he is too valuable to the secondary….would really rather see woodhead do it…..
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Woodhead can’t return and god forbid Wilson gets hurt doing it but we still have a solid secondary! Last year we had just Revis and Little Jimmy and we were number 1. We have Revis, Jimmy, Pool, Cro this year. We should be good.
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I’ve seen Ducasse and think he was a wasted 2nd rd pick. He looks like a hard to teach player. I know he’s a road grader, doubt he learns to pass protect unless a light comes on from repetition. He will not be ready next season.
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Just like you knew last year that Slauson would be the starter this year? Can you point me to your post from last year that stated anything about Slauson being a starter this year? I’m gonna guess you can’t.
Give the kid a chance with coaching through the season to develop. A lot of posters are quick to throw in the towel on so many players.
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great job as always lisa