My Observations From Jets TC

[Rovers]

Now that the deadline for waiver wire bids in my Huddle leagues have passed for this week.... my observations from attending two Jets practices.

 

First, the offense. Pennington is Pennington. Bad deep ball, great leader, smart, accurate short, reads the D and his WR's routes very well. nothing new, except for the fact that Pennington probably play fakes better than any other QB in the league, and the addition of Thomas Jones can only help with that. Clemmens is developing, but a little more slowly than expected. When he's relaxed, he's good. When he becomes afraid of making mistakes, he makes mistakes. Brad Smith is getting a LOT of reps at QB... and I think he will be the #3 QB when the preseason ends. Storng arm, knows the offense now, is dangerous when he tucks and runs and could, dare I say.... could be Pennington's eventual replacement if he continues to progress the way he has. In the meantime, he is becoming a very goor WR in his own right.

 

WR's: The BIG surprise in camp is Chansi Stuckey. In short, he looks like S Moss but stays in bounds. Fast, great routes, very good hands, has serious wiggle after the catch and can make the acrobatic catch. Finds seams in the D, and seems to know the playbook inside and out already.... he doesn't make many mistakes. This shocked me.... he took a handoff, rolled left and threw a 25 yard bullet right on target. I later learned he was a HS QB. He is the guy I bid on in my dynasty leagues. Nuff said. Both Wallace Wright and Frisman Jackson have had good camps, and likely spell the end of the PUP'd Dwight's Jets career.

 

Jones reminds me a little of Martin. he does everything well, but nothing great. The sum of the parts is greater than the whole. Or is it the other way around? He and Washington make a nice duo, although who gets the GL and short yardage carries is somewhat in the air, with some FB's in the mix, Jones has done well at the GL so far.

 

The biggest concern, once again, is the Jets' O line. Kendall who has done all he can to be released/traded short of going into the FO with a cache of guns and bullets, was only an average LG last year, and appears to be in decline, but he is still with the team, sharing snaps with the first team. Adrian Clarke (from Philly as an FA) is his platoon mate, and he's a load, good run blocker, but not so good at pass protection. Ferguson at LT has had an up and down camp, and needs to get stonger and improve his footwork .

 

Bender, a 6th round pick is being hounded hard by the CS, in the hopes he can replace Clement at RT. Moore appears to be the incumbent at RG, and of course, Mangold is at C.

 

The real news is for the IDP folks. On Wenesday alone, I saw more 4-3 than I saw in all of TC, preseason and regular season combined last year. Not only that, in the nickle and dime, Bryan Thomas was at DE in a stance (3 man front) with Bowens (from Miami) and Vilma at LB. Coleman appears to be the eventual starter in the standard 3-4 at DE over Kimo vonOldhoffen. Both Dwayne Robertson and Sione Pouha have gotten bigger up top and in the arms, and are faster off the snap. They may both be viable NT's in the 3-4, but in the 4-3, Robertson has been explosive. In fact, this D looks better when they run the 4-3 than the 3-4. Since about 65% of the formations on Wed were in the 4-3, could this signal a return to FF studom for Vilma?

 

Micheal Haynes.... he of first round draft staus 5 years ago, and cut from N.O. last year in camp, is easilly the best pure pass rusher on the team. He isn't good against the run, but when pass rushing, he's Freeney-like. He ran down Brad Smith on the left sideline from the RDE spot. He's no 3-4 DE, but he sure looks like he will force Mangini to use him stuationally as a pass rush specialist.

 

The rookie LB Harris is yet to take a snap with the first unit. On monday he looked slow to react, especially towards the sideline, but looked good dropping into coverage and on plays run at him. By Wed, his on field speed looked better. I chalk oit up to a rookie trying tolearn this complicated hybrid D. I don't think he will be a starter, barring an injury this year unless his development skyrockets.

 

Justin Miller has used the Revis holdout and the minor injury to Dyson top make large leaps in his performance at CB. He stilll needs work, but the Revis holdout could be a blessing in disguise, at least for Miller. I could go on.... but most are likeley not interested in players who aren't roster worthy.... the dynasty folks who want to ask questions, I will do my best to answer.

 

This Defense looks faster, and has added a little bulk with Coleman at DE (3-4) and DROB and Pouha putting on muscle. As for the offense.... I don't think anyone will know much until the first preseason game, to see how well this O line can run block against real opponenets. In the balance wieghs TJ's value....

[Chief Dick]

Great report Rovers. Thanks for the time and effort.

[clickclack]

ive read TJ at the goal line all year long

[yo mama]

Thanks for the insight, Rovers. Any opinions on Cotchery or Coles?

[Goopster24]

Micheal Haynes.... he of first round draft staus 5 years ago, and cut from N.O. last year in camp, is easilly the best pure pass rusher on the team. He isn't good against the run, but when pass rushing, he's Freeney-like. He ran down Brad Smith on the left sideline from the RDE spot. He's no 3-4 DE, but he sure looks like he will force Mangini to use him stuationally as a pass rush specialist.

 

[Rovers]

And the Haynes info is funny because...? Great contribution there. You make this board so much better.

[Rovers]

Thanks for the insight, Rovers. Any opinions on Cotchery or Coles?

 

Same as last year. I'd look for similar production from both, give or take.

[Goopster24]

And the Haynes info is funny because...? Great contribution there. You make this board so much better.

 

Um, wow, chill. The info was funny because as a Bears fan, the guy didn't contribute much. Granted, he was stacked behind some others competition wise but he had the chance to show who he was as a first round draft choice. I thought he wanted to become a veterinarian but I guess he is still trying to play football. Hope he does well, he was a great guy, but didn't show much in Chicago.

[Rovers]

Um, wow, chill. The info was funny because as a Bears fan, the guy didn't contribute much. Granted, he was stacked behind some others competition wise but he had the chance to show who he was as a first round draft choice. I thought he wanted to become a veterinarian but I guess he is still trying to play football. Hope he does well, he was a great guy, but didn't show much in Chicago.

 

OK.... good info. Might have put that in your first post. I know Haynes was a bust of sorts, especially as a first round pick. I just report what I see at camp. I thought he was nothing more than camp fodder, until I saw him play. I understand he was stuck behind some talent at DE in Chi, and then Lovie tried to convert him to a DT, which he is ill suited for. I mean, he isn't suited to be a DE in a 3-4, never mind a DT in a 4-3. I heard he had a back problem in N.O., and that led to his being cut. The speed that once made him a first rounder is still there, but I see him strictly as a pass rush specialist, his run D is not good. But he is faster off the ball than Jon Abraham was.... I've seen them both up close.

[Hat Trick]

Um, wow, chill. The info was funny because as a Bears fan, the guy didn't contribute much. Granted, he was stacked behind some others competition wise but he had the chance to show who he was as a first round draft choice. I thought he wanted to become a veterinarian but I guess he is still trying to play football. Hope he does well, he was a great guy, but didn't show much in Chicago.

 

 

In case ya didn't know Rovers gives his camp reports every year

 

Thanks for the info Rovers. That O-line better do some good this season cause I'm drinking the T. jones kool-aid. Brad Smith is just a pure athlete on the field. He hails from my MU Tigers and I think his role will be used in the same compacity as last season although more, they know they have a good situational weapon, that's what he is right now.

[byron2112]

What's up With Eric Barton?

 

I've head that Harris was going to be starting making Barton expendable, maybe in trade, but I guess he's still in NY?

[Pope Flick]

And the Haynes info is funny because...? Great contribution there. You make this board so much better.

 

 

You know what - comparing a known washout from 2 teaams to Dwight Freeney based on TC performances is funny. My first thought when reading your -always very informative posts- was to respond just how goop did. You have to own a little hyperbole here.

[Goopster24]

In case ya didn't know Rovers gives his camp reports every year

 

And that matters how? I respect his opinion and his contribution and I never bashed him personally. I enjoy reading training camp reports from other teams and fans. But like Pope said, when you compare a guy who busted from one team who was a first round draft pick to Dwight Freeney, a guy who just received the biggest contract for a defensive player in the history of the league, then I have all the right to

 

And another thing: if someone brings up Clayton's comparison between Hester and Steve Smith, please don't. Hester has proven he can be a force in the league in some aspect. Haynes hasn't. And I am on record saying that I am ok with comparisons for the most part, even when it comes to rookies. But don't mock me or tell me I don't contribute to the board when I am laughing at a comment regarding a player that was drafted by the team I am a fan of and I watched underachieve immensely.

[Rovers]

What's up With Eric Barton?

 

I've head that Harris was going to be starting making Barton expendable, maybe in trade, but I guess he's still in NY?

 

Harris is not getting any first team snaps at this point. Mangini's defensive schemes are complicated, and my guess is that Barton is safe for this year, barring an injury.

[Rovers]

And that matters how? I respect his opinion and his contribution and I never bashed him personally. I enjoy reading training camp reports from other teams and fans. But like Pope said, when you compare a guy who busted from one team who was a first round draft pick to Dwight Freeney, a guy who just received the biggest contract for a defensive player in the history of the league, then I have all the right to

 

And another thing: if someone brings up Clayton's comparison between Hester and Steve Smith, please don't. Hester has proven he can be a force in the league in some aspect. Haynes hasn't. And I am on record saying that I am ok with comparisons for the most part, even when it comes to rookies. But don't mock me or tell me I don't contribute to the board when I am laughing at a comment regarding a player that was drafted by the team I am a fan of and I watched underachieve immensely.

 

Saying that Haynes has displayed "Freeney-like speed" in persuit on a pass rush to the sidelines is hardly saying he's Freeney. There is a lot more to Freeney than just his speed, his agility, ability to spin and change direction and nose for sniffing out the play make him what he is. I simply compared persuit speed. That falls far short of a Freeney to Haynes comparison as a football player. Your reading comprehension could be improved upon. Then again, maybe you are just a laughing sorta guy. I think I have another opinion however.

[Goopster24]

Saying that Haynes has displayed "Freeney-like speed" in persuit on a pass rush to the sidelines is hardly saying he's Freeney. There is a lot more to Freeney than just his speed, his agility, ability to spin and change direction and nose for sniffing out the play make him what he is. I simply compared persuit speed. That falls far short of a Freeney to Haynes comparison as a football player. Your reading comprehension could be improved upon. Then again, maybe you are just a laughing sorta guy. I think I have another opinion however.

 

You can have whatever opinion you want of me as you are probably in the minority. And you are inferring my reading comprehension skills? Gee, thanks. Maybe you should work on your spelling skills in regards to persuit.

 

You are the one who compared the two, in some matter, and I am not the only one who is laughing about that comparison. Don't back track as it doesn't look good. But you already know that.

Edited August 6, 2007 by Goopster24

[Brentastic]

Goop, Rovers - I like you both.

 

Rovers, I think you are taking Goop's coments waaaayyy out of context. Goop is one helluva guy and a great addition to the huddle - believe me when I say that - He is a class act all the way. He is probably one of the most informative Bear homers - he's certainly adds more than I in that respect. I think you are taking what he said way too personally. He makes a good point - it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with the player mentioned. Please move on from this as Goop is not one to make waves - he's a lover, not a fighter - trust me, I know from experience dude

[mroban]

And that matters how? I respect his opinion and his contribution and I never bashed him personally. I enjoy reading training camp reports from other teams and fans. But like Pope said, when you compare a guy who busted from one team who was a first round draft pick to Dwight Freeney, a guy who just received the biggest contract for a defensive player in the history of the league, then I have all the right to

 

And another thing: if someone brings up Clayton's comparison between Hester and Steve Smith, please don't. Hester has proven he can be a force in the league in some aspect. Haynes hasn't. And I am on record saying that I am ok with comparisons for the most part, even when it comes to rookies. But don't mock me or tell me I don't contribute to the board when I am laughing at a comment regarding a player that was drafted by the team I am a fan of and I watched underachieve immensely.

 

Rover, thanks for the report. Who is the leading candidate to start at FB? Stacey Tutt?

[Rovers]

Rover, thanks for the report. Who is the leading candidate to start at FB? Stacey Tutt?

 

Barnes is getting a lot of snaps as a lead blocker for Thomas Jones, but Tutt looks like he's the recieving FB. I don't think either has any FF value even in deep leagues, unless it's one of those 32 team homer leagues. Barnes may snag some GL carries, but even that is hard to predict right now. Ware and Banks are battling it out for the #3 RB spot. Kowalewski and Pociask are getting time when they run plays with an H Back. Next open practice is Tuesday.... they had an off site full contact scrimmage today at Fordham University that was run like a game, even with TV timeouts. Haynes and Pouha reportedly played well on D, while McCariens had 2 TD's and over 100 yards on balls thrown by Clemens agsanst what was the second team defense.

 

I can read fine, but my typing is not so good.

[Goopster24]

Barnes is getting a lot of snaps as a lead blocker for Thomas Jones, but Tutt looks like he's the recieving FB. I don't think either has any FF value even in deep leagues, unless it's one of those 32 team homer leagues. Barnes may snag some GL carries, but even that is hard to predict right now. Ware and Banks are battling it out for the #3 RB spot. Kowalewski and Pociask are getting time when they run plays with an H Back. Next open practice is Tuesday.... they had an off site full contact scrimmage today at Fordham University that was run like a game, even with TV timeouts. Haynes and Pouha reportedly played well on D, while McCariens had 2 TD's and over 100 yards on balls thrown by Clemens agsanst what was the second team defense.

 

I can read fine, but my typing is not so good.

 

:cheers:

Edited August 6, 2007 by Goopster24

[Fatman]

Interesting notes on the use of the 4-3...that would do wonder for Vilma. Thanks for the info Rovers.

[Vet]

Good report, Rovers. I'll go on record now with my 5-11, last place in the division prediction and get it out of the way.

 

There....now I can put logic behind me and start rooting for a miracle.

 

What'd they charge you to watch a practice this year? I gave up my tickets this year, mostly because I live too far from the stadium but also because I found they nickle and dime you to death. The new $150 fee for the "parking pass" (which only gives you the right to drive up and pay $20/game to park in the lot!) was the final straw. I realize they're losing some spots due to construction of the new stadium, but I didn't want to cough up that money. I'm sure they'll institute a seat licence fee next year or the following year on top of everything. I'm going to take the $3,000 or so I'd spend on tickets, parking, gas, etc. and put it into a new hi-def TV and the NFL package this year. Maybe I'll buy tickets to a couple of individual games on StubHub or something.

Edited August 6, 2007 by Vet

[Rovers]

Good report, Rovers. I'll go on record now with my 5-11, last place in the division prediction and get it out of the way.

 

There....now I can put logic behind me and start rooting for a miracle.

 

What'd they charge you to watch a practice this year? I gave up my tickets this year, mostly because I live too far from the stadium but also because I found they nickle and dime you to death. The new $150 fee for the "parking pass" (which only gives you the right to drive up and pay $20/game to park in the lot!) was the final straw. I realize they're losing some spots due to construction of the new stadium, but I didn't want to cough up that money. I'm sure they'll institute a seat licence fee next year or the following year on top of everything. I'm going to take the $3,000 or so I'd spend on tickets, parking, gas, etc. and put it into a new hi-def TV and the NFL package this year. Maybe I'll buy tickets to a couple of individual games on StubHub or something.

 

TC is free... I think it's an NFL rule. If they charge you, they have to allow scouts from other teams in.... something like that. I was supposed to go this morning, but had a change in plans. I may go to the 5:45 session this evening. I gave up my tix many years ago... too many 4 hour trips back to LI. I go to the occassional game now. Too rich for my blood, and when they start charging for seat licensing when the new stadium opens... I've heard from 5K to 10K per seat... and it's a joke to have to pay full price for preseason games, if you have 4 seats, that's $800 right down the tubes for nothing.

 

Eric Smith has a knee injury, and Justin Miller a hamstring, but of course they won't say how bad each injury is. From what I read, I think Miller will likely miss a couple of weeks, but Smith may be more serious. He was seen with a wrap on his leg at Sunday's practice game.

 

I am predicting an 8 win season this year. This O line still can't run block worth a ****. Here are the rushing numbers from the practice game:

 

Jones: 9 yards on 5 carries

Washington: 41 yards on 15 carries

Banks: 8 yards on 7 carries

Smith: 12 yards on 2 carries

Hollings: 8 yards on 4 carries

 

Keep in mind this was against the 24th ranked run D last year. In contrast, the recieving numbers:

 

McCareins: 119 yards on 3 rec., 2 TD

Baker: 77 yards on 6 rec.

Smith: 56 yards on 4 rec.

Jones: 54 yards on 7 rec.

Cotchery: 29 yards on 3 rec., 1 TD

Coles: 8 yards on 2 rec.

 

I hope this isn't an indicator of the rest of they year, but I suspect it is. They were a little pass happy in that practice game though, because they had the refs blowing the whistle as soon as a defender got anywhere near the QB, so there were a lot of sacks credited, creating a lot of 2nd and 3rd and longs.

[Goopster24]

What were the Jets banking on, the young guys just getting better? Honestly, I am just asking as I remember people saying that this line should be improved. I mean, they got Thomas Jones. Rovers, do you think he will be unsuccessful behind this line? The guy has skills obviously but he needs some help as most people would agree with it.

[Square]

I'm debating on T. Jones / C. Benson / Edge for a #2RB and the more I read and hear about the Jets...the more I think Benson or Edge may be safer choices. I'm a bit of a Bears fan so maybe I have the rose colored glasses on, but I can't see how Benson can do that bad with the CHI O line, a defense that will put them in good position, and an easier schedule. I like Jones, but he seems a bit more risky. I can't wait for more preseason games to see how some of these guys look on the field.