Quick Hits: Jaguars @ Jets Week 2
The Jets destroyed the Jaguars yesterday – but it was still a quirky game for the Jets – it was the score that everyone wanted to see but the Jets still had some serious questions about how they played. Over the past few years, the Jets have made a habit of playing these type of games closer than they needed to be, and even though the score was lopsided, there’s still some concerns from a team that are setting their sights on the Super Bowl.
Things I Liked:
Dustin Keller — Keller had a big game for the Jets and his ability to change the field position of the team and his skills at the goal line are going to be an important part of the Jets offense this year as Sanchez transitions his receivers again early in the season. Keller now has two touchdowns along with more than five catches in both contests so far. Keller’s looked great in the receiving game and should be a solid contributor while the Jets continue to air out the ball and acclimate with their new receivers. My other thought is that Mason and Plax won’t get as open as Cotchery and Edwards did … so look for Sanchez to play more to his TE this season.
Antonio Cromartie — Cromartie had a big day as McCown looked off Revis most of they day in favor of the alternate corner. Cromartie took advantage of the Jaguars for two INTs and a return for score. Cro bounced back from a rough start and a very good tandem of Cowboys WRs and helped seal the victory for the Jets in doing so.
DE-FENSE!!! – The Jets had an impressive day on defense, led by Cromartie’s INTs. DeVito did a great job of taking on two defenders on multiple instances to allow his backers to make tackles, Kyle Wilson looked more comfortable at the nickel corner, Pouha had some great tackles in the trenches, Josh Mauga & Eric Smith had an INT (Smith could have had more) … but all around a great effort by the unit.
Things I Didn’t Like:
Offensive Line — It’s not fair, I know … Mangold is hurt, but Wayne Hunter had a bad second half and Collin Baxter is NOT an answer to replace Nick Mangold going forward for any extended period. Instead of worrying about one headache, now it’s two for the Jets with their Center and Right Tackle. The Jets are going to have to address the spot – and do it quickly.
The Running Game — It’s hard to blame the backs too much, but Maurice Jones-Drew still managed to run for 80+ yards on one of the best run defenses in the league with a middling line … so how can long can we make excuses for Shonn Greene, who started well but ended with a 3.1 YPC average? LaDainian isn’t the deus ex machina either as he was stonewalled for eight yards on six carries … I’m really starting to worry …
Third Down Efficiency — The Jets offense had a 25% conversion rate on third downs against a defense that’s not that good. If the Jets weren’t handing out game balls on defense last week, what’s their excuse for the offense this time around?
76 Responses to Quick Hits: Jaguars @ Jets Week 2
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Chris says:
RT- Pat McQuistan
C- Shaun O’HaraBoth veteran min. Both have experience (obviously O’Hara is extensive) and while not superstars, at least for Shaun at this stage, they could potentially flourish under Callahan and I think vast improvements over Hunter and Baxter…..
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O’Hara is not good. I would rather start the Rook.
McQuistan started 8 games at guard for the Phins last year, even though he’s a tackle by trade. That guy is better than hunter? He never started a game before injuries forced him into the lineup last year.
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Matt3222 says:
yeah i might take it back about back up C – the kid didnt look terrible yesterday, i’m willing to at least give him a shot – i think that really depends on how long they think Mangold will be out. 1-2 weeks is one thing, extended time is another, ya know?
As for RT, is John Stinchcomb still out there after being cut by the Saints? i can’t say i know him SO much but know the name – would hope he’s better than Hunter
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Yeah, as you said a lot of this is dependent on what the diagnosis on Mangold’s ankle is.
Stinchcomb is still available, but I’ll admit I don’t know much about him either.
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Jeff says:
From what I gathered Stinchcomb can hold his ground against the pass, though I dunno much about his run blocking
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Bent says: He was third in the NFL in pressures surrendered last year and is getting worse as he gets older.
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Listen. I’m not either one’s agent, or relative- so I’m not going to defend them at length. In my opinion (or suggestion as you invited), they are an improvement to what we currently have.
But we’re also talking about the “hottest” chick at fat camp. I mean, there has been a lack of planning and bit of neglect to the unit- so this was bound to happen. Sure the injuries haven’t helped but you cannot expect to stay healthy forever.
I agree. O’Hara is well past his prime and certainly has not played at a Pro Bowl level that he’s still earned on reputation. And while McQuistan is a journeyman, I like his size and tenacity (which Hunter also has) and think he’d be worthwile to give a shot in this system.
Don’t pretend like the career paths of Hunter and McQuistan are all that different….except one now has a $15m deal…
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Let’s say McQuistan and Hunter are equal in terms of talent. That still gives Hunter a huge advantage having been in this system for years.
I don’t see the point in bringing in someone who may not even be better than Hunter just for the sake of bringing in a body. If it will definitely improve the team, do it, but I don’t think McQuistan is going to do that.
But I agree with the “hottest” chick at fat camp analogy. It’s dumpster-diving for offensive linemen at this point.
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Chase says:
+1 Brendan
The Jets are in a tough spot. Let’s just suppose they grab a RT that no one else wanted (because that is who is left). You can’t just throw him into a game, with no practice, and expect them to perform leaps and bounds ahead of Hunter.
They’ll have to either pick up someone and keep them on the bench as insurance, while they learn the system, and put them into the position later in the season if Hunter doesn’t improve.
Or make a trade… but they’ll still have the same issue with that person not knowing the system.
Not a lot of great options here. Let’s hope the other O lineman can pick up Hunter and help him get his act together.
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Does anyone know when Keller’s contract is up? I know he deserves it but hope he doesn’t cost us too much.
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He’s got 1 Yr worth $1m left…will need a long term deal (could always be franchised I suppose). See Mercedes Lewis deal
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Rudibager says:
A few of the 3rd downs were 3rd and long specifically because Hunter had a dopey penalty.
Of course, Hunter is part of the offense, so yeah… It’s the offense’s fault for ultimately not converting on many 3rd downs. But it’s not like they were botching a ton of 3rd and shorts all day.
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Mazz says:
Call D Wood – Get his ass in shape and be ready for week 4
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Phil T. says:
What could be done to shore up C and RT? I say we play with Hunter to get the line to gel. People keep saying we need to fix it, but how? I don’t know of better options out there.
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ryan says:
cro did not score
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Deus ex machina! Thanks for making this English Major feel special Mr. Bassett.
P.S. If Mangold is hurt, the Raiders might be tough to score against.
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TannyVision says:
As a former English Major, and a writer and editor by profession, I had the exact same reaction.
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Andrew says:
I’ve been saying since training camp that by midseason, Joe McKnight will be starting at running back. See if I’m not right.
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bambam says:
I get the same vibe andrew.
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juunit says:
You are both smoking the dust of angels.
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That’s OK. I can take it
I just wrote down your plate number and I’ll be giving you a friendly reminder when Joe makes his first start.
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starz31 says:
im not sure about start..but I think its safe to say he could get some looks. If he can run away with it, then by all means give him the rock.
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We’ll see about that. McKnight’s future is as a special teamer for the Jets. Kerley has taken away returning kicks from McKnight and McKnight has never been impressive as a RB (the Bills game really doesn’t prove much). So, we’ll see. But for now, you must be high as a kite.
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KenEB says:
McKnight’s potential value as a running back lies in his speed when pitted against defenses in the second halves of games after being battered and fatigued by Shonn Greene in the first halves. Under these circumstances he could break off some long runs. He is also the heir-apparent to LT for third down duties.
Shonn Greene is not the problem with the running game. He has had no room to run. The problem lies in the blocking. He certainly showed good speed running around the right corner yesterday, along with good power in the goal-to-go situation.
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C Low says:
Sanchez is a completely different QB in play action. Even though the Jets rush was very modest the play action was still effective. Yes he thre a pick in PA but that’s where he thrives. The less he thinks the better. Which is why he is good in PA, 4th Quarter’s and clutch games.
Also, where is the no huddle? Jets utilized this last year starting OT in Detriot after successfully tying the game with it and a few other times. Another facet where Sanchez does not have to over-analyze the game and can simply rely on his “IT” factor which separates him from more talented QB’s.
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Play action gives Sanchez a little more time to scan the field and find his open receiver. Yesterday, he locked in on one receiver being covered deep by a safety, the corner saw this, left his man all alone along the sideline, and cut in front of the intended receiver for the interception. This was a rookie mistake that Sanchez has cut down on, but has yet to eliminate from his overall game.
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Raiders home opener, is going to be very tough. We must escape with a W because we got at Ravens and then we enter the mother of all revenge games up in New England. Brady is going to want to put up 90 points on us.
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Agreed. Lose this wkend, could be looking at 2-3 record….
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Raiders have a TOUGH D-Line. I watched the Denver game and they were able to rush four and create a lot of havoc. Obviously that leaves the DB’s and LB’s in coverage.
I suspect that the Bills/Raiders game will be on NFL Replay so we all can get a look at them this week.
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I’m not worried about the running game. Not yet at least. And 3.1 YPC is not a good indicator either way. There was more than one play, and one play in particular, that the defense was in the backfield as the RB got the ball. The one I’m thinking of is when Greene got smothered 3 yards in the backfield and took a couple seconds to get up. There was NOTHING he could have done there. That’s a play that contributes to misleading the stat line.
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I’m not so worried about the Ravens after they got beat by a middling — at best — Titans (the other Titans).
I also think the offense was purposely held back a bit after the first quarter yesterday because it was pretty obvious they weren’t going to need more than 9 points to win the game. They were in ultra conservative mode, and I’m sure, holding plays back for games when they’ll need it.
They won by 4 — FOUR — TDs yesterday. Yes, it was a lesser opponent, but in the past, the Jags were the kind of team they’d let hang around. This Jets team is very good overall — learn to enjoy it, people!
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The Ravens eat, sleep and drink as they think about ways to beat the Steelers. I’m not surprised that they had a let-down and they will be gunning for Rex in week four.
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i am just still very nervous about Sanchez on 3rd downs and in the red zone. he is still very erratic(i.e TD pass to Holmes was sailing on him, and pass to Plax in EZ was way off wheteher he got bumped or not).
There was at least one time he missed wide open receivers and didn’t throw. he’s the best we have but without a running game he is making me very nervous! -
MJD had more holes to run through than either Greene or LT. It is all about the offensive line. Sanchez was lucky the Jags did not blitz much. If I were the Raiders, Ravens, and Pats DCs, I would be salivating.
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Are we no longer ground and pound? I can’t see how we hope to finish off close games if we can’t run the ball.
Mangold is the 1 guy I was afraid of losing (after Sanchez), if he is out for more than 1 game, we are in trouble. Sanchez is getting hammered back there -if he gets hurt, our season is over.
Im no scout, but it seems to me if your an out of work OT, OG or Center, you’re not very good. I think we need to build our line from within. Bring on Schlauderaff! (only half kidding)
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News just hit across the wire, our Man of Gold is out for the year. They’re hoping he can work back to be in shape by the time OTAs start next year. We need to reach out to Shubert and O’Hara STAT. Maybe even get on our hands and knees to Woody??
This isn’t good at all.
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Scratch that, one of my friends was playing a joke. We should still get after O’hara though, he’d most likely be better than stomach Turner
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It’s just that we are not used to having a sub-par O line. If the O line was strong we wouldn’t see 2.7 avg rushes and our QB taking more hits after week 2 than he did all last year.
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I take that back, Brady is going to want to put up 150 pts on us and throw for 15,000 yards in their biggest revenge game in the history of the Pats franchise.
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So I guess he’s going to cry himself to sleep in his pretty pink hairnet after Bart & Co. lay a smackdown on him that will remind him why he hates playing a Rex Ryan defense so much.
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deuce4417 says:
watching every game this week and watching offences score the only though i had was….. well they are not going to do that to us. our d is a whole different animal to every other in the NFL. including rob ryan’s d.
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smith could have had 3 ints. mauga cut smith off on his int. smitty was in perfect position for that one. and the othe he went with the bat down which i am ok with because if there is any doubt BAT IT DOWN! he looked much better playing the underneath zone then bump and run. i’d look for rex to put him in that spot more. last week i said its up to the coaching staff to put players in the bast spot to succede, and rex did not exactly that with his coverage
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Johnny Reefer says:
SHUT UP! im so annoyed.
nobody is ever happy.
THE JAGS STILL HAVE AN NFL DEFENSE!
WE BEAT THEM 32-3WE HAD OUR BACKUPS IN WITH 7 minutes left in the game.
How are we still complaining?
Didn’t the Jags a week before beat and only give up 21 rushing yards to a Titans team that beat the Ravens Sunday?
Does anyone else see how overrated the Pats are because of their lack of D? 400+ yards in 2 games, ouch. Plus we seem to be the only team that knows how to rattle Brady.
Did people see the raiders give up 5 straight scoring drives vs the bills in the second half?
Chill out people.
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Exactly! Watching Jets Postgame Live, you would’ve thought that the Jets had lost 32-3, they did so much whining about the game.
As I’ve said numerous times, the Pats offensive numbers often look huge because they never take Brady out and they never stop throwing, even when they are big late in games. They pour it on like their BCS ranking is at stake.
The Jets beat them 2 out of 3 last year — accept it Jets fans: Despite all the nitpicking and naysayers and haters, your team is VERY GOOD. Embrace it and enjoy it!
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It is very true. The Pats pour it on like its going out of fashion. BB has no problem running it up.
Though I was pissed at how stupid of a coach Norv Turner is. They could have won that game if they just kicked the field goals, and Tolbert didn’t cause a dumb fumble
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BubbyBrister/ShovelPass says:
I can’t wait for the day to see Brady, with less than two mins.left, trying a long pass for another “eff-you” touchdown and getting his head bashed in! Then all the Pats fans will be killing BB for leaving Tommy-boy in harm’s way…
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boston university JET says:
A “high ankle sprain” is a tricky injury and should not be thought of in the same way as most “ankle sprains” – they are very different injuries to very different structures. As we all all know an “ankle sprain” can bother guys for anywhere from a day or two to 2-3 weeks but “high ankle sprains” usually linger in the range of 4-6 weeks – in some cases, athletes are better off with a simple ankle fracture over a “high ankle sprain”
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Dr. Brendan will NOT be happy with your educated commentary.
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After westerman got his high ankle sprain he didn’t really get back onto the field for weeks. It gets me a little worried about mangold.
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Westerman wasn’t exactly lighting it up before, and wasn’t needed.
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My OS told me the same thing. A break can be easier to heal from, depending on the severity of ligament damage.
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I’m really down on Hunter! He is hurting us in the passing game and the running game- almost got Greene killed on that one play- Hunter never even got out of his stance to block the DE on that one play where he rushed right into the backfield and momentarily hurt Greene.
Ducasse was inserted into the game for Hunter when Brunell entered and Ducasse didnt make any mistakes. It might be time to give him a better look soon- we did invest a 2nd rd pick in him. -
Vinny Testaverde says:
I really think they need to start grooming Joe McKnight into the running game.
Bilal Powell is a home run threat, but he needs to be in the game to prove so. Greene looks to be lacking the agility to get into the second level if there is not a immediate hole for him to run through.
FYI im coming out of retirement
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heh.. for Mangold? not likely. I’d say we’ll be lucky to have him back in time for the Pats’ game and even that is gonna be pushing it.
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Aaron Hernandez out 4-6 weeks with sprained MCL…but thats whats being reported. I’d say its more like 2-4 weeks.
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Hernandez will probably be held out on the longer side of his given range since the Pats’ have Gronk and can afford to be more conservative in returning Hernandez to the tight end position.
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AdamNYR says:
Everywhere else is reporting 1-2 weeks for Hernandez
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Manish is reporting no ligament damage, but Mangold will be out at least 2-3 weeks.
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baxter really was not that bad! hell he was better than hunter
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DSmizzle says:
Well I certainly hope that this is what a “down” game for the offense looks like. I further hope that this is a “down” game for Sanchez. Here’s what I mean:
He threw 2 INT’s yesterday, which is far from ideal considering over the course of a season, 2 INT’s a game means 32 INT’s. But in the past, he’s not only thrown more than 2 INT’s in a “down” game, he’s also been otherwise putrid, and that includes games where they piled up good-to-great rushing yards totals, so his utter fecklessness couldn’t be mitigated by any readily-available excuses (i.e., he just played terribly). Now, yesterday he was far from “prolific” (182 yards isn’t “prolific”, but 2 TD’s isn’t bad), and when some fans got all “Chicken Little, the sky is falling” after a blow-out win yesterday with their nit-picking, I think other TJB’ers accurately defended Sanchez by explaining that he actually played decently.
Let’s imagine how this game might have unfolded if he played against the Jags the way he played against Miami last year in that hideous loss (the type of “down” game from Sanchez we are certainly familiar with over the past 2 regular seasons). If he plays that pitifully, the Jags are either in the game, or they even win it because the field position battle would be fundamentally different.
So, if a “down” game for Sanchez means he throws 2 picks, but otherwise throws for 2 TD’s, has 180 or so yards while completing 70% of his passes, whereas the past two years his “down” games were more like the 2nd game against Miami (0 TD’s, at least 1 INT, but often 3, 4 or even 5 of ‘em, and a horrendous completion percentage).
They’re only 2 games into the season, but here is something worth noting: while the stat “QB Rating” is justifiably criticized because it can be (somewhat) misleading, Sanchez’s QB Rating this year thus far is 87.7, despite only having a 4-3 TD/INT Ratio, whereas on his career, its 71.4 (including these 2 games). That’s because he has completed a higher percentage of his passes this year than on his career (63.2 to 55.1% completion percentage), and even moreso, due to a substantial improvement in Yards per Attempt (7.60 to 6.66 on his career).
I sincerely hope that this is a “bad” game for Sanchez. Over his career, he’s had 12 games over 2 seasons (evenly spread out over his 1st and 2nd years) where he has had a QB Rating in the “60′s” or below, with a large portion of them being total bombs well below the “60′s” (this does not include the Bills game last year). Simply stated, many of his performances in his bad games have been abominable.
Anyway, here’s to hoping that this is a “down” game for the Sanchize in year 3 of his development. I know there will be more bumps in the road, but hopefully that means something closer to yesterday than 0 TD’s and 5 INT’s like against the Bills in 2009, or like what he did against Miami and NE late last year.
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georgeJETSon says:
As far as the running game, I feel like part of the problem is play calling. We run the majority of the time between the tackles, up the middle. We dont seem to run off tackle, or sweeps. Where is the pulling guard plays or traps? Is it just me or did these plays leave with Faneca and Woody?
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The offensive woes ALL boil down to the O line. No Rush….O line, Sanchez looking like a pinyata…..O line. Gel that line quickly and all other systemic issues will be resolved. Football is not played in a vacuum.
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Lafflin says:
Every year we watch the same film…some of the actors change, but it’s the same storyline with the same director…..who instead of making action/thrillers, he makes dramas.
I am ofcourse talking about Schotty.
Every year he is guilty of the same thing….not throwing the ball down the field. Which in turn shortens the field for the opposing defense….which in turn stifles the running game and allows D-Backs to anticipate the short pass, and jump routes. The D-backs have to be kept honest by the threat of being beat long!
It’s that simple….period. He somehow seems to not understand this. -
SackDance99 says:
I don’t know what to make of Hunter. He was above-average, with some promise as a starter last season and I was modestly surprised because I never thought much of him. This season, he’s been less than I expected and yesterday had 2 very bad penalties. I doubt that there are many UFA/practice squad RTs out there that could fill in and be better immediately. However, I think I’d make the call to Big Wood and see how he feels. I’m sure that he’d want some extra cash and/or a guarantee to unretire, but it may be something to explore, especially to light a fire under Hunter.
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F 16 says:
I agree on Woody, get him of the couch sooner than later. The longer we wait on Hunter the worse it will be for woody to get into sinc. What happens if hunter gets hurt?
Wayne Hunter scares the crap out of me. He’s not getting any better. Both back up Center and RT need to be addressed immediately