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Lost 1

AFC East Standings

W L T PF PA
New England 10 6 0 427 285
New York Jets 9 7 0 348 236
Miami 7 9 0 360 390
Buffalo 6 10 0 258 326

(updated 1.4.2010 at 4:48 AM EST)


Scouting The Draft, Eric Decker, WR, Minnesota


I started looking at this guy half way though the Ben Tate scouting report, after he was mentioned by a buddy of mine, a die hard Minnesota fan. So went away, first had a look at what other people were saying about him, his NFL comparisons. I always think that is a good start, some of the players that were mentioned, Larry Fitzgerald and Don Maynard stuck in my mind more than most. I'm not saying he will be as good as those people, predicting the future should be left to fortune tellers, but you can estimate who you think will perform at the next level, and Decker is another receiver I feel confident in.

The first thing that you really have to get out of the way when talking about Decker is the injury he suffered in 2009 against Ohio State. He suffered what is called a Lisfranc sprain which is when there is a fracture and a dislocation between the forefoot and mid-foot joints. After doing some reading up on the injury, it seems like it is extremely painful and takes between 6-8 months to recover from. Decker who suffered the injury in late October so should be ready to go when push comes to shove. I believe it is the same injury that Tedd Ginn suffered during his final season (final title game), and he was able to play all 16 games in 2007 with the Dolphins. Brandon Stokley also had the same injury and offered Decker some words of advice on rehabilitating.

Now onto his actual play, and boy is it impressive. I'm almost as impressed with him as I was for Jordan Shipley, and everyone knows how much I think of Shipley, so that should give you some indication. While I was doing research for this, I came across some stats that really just highlight some of the best attributes Decker has.

He was targeted 354 times while at Minnesota, and he dropped 3. He produced first down's on 70.48% of passes thrown his way, with 22.03% of those on third down. 55.51% of his catches were good for at least 10 yards. 25.99% going for at least 20 yards.

In 2009 playing against California, Decker made an excellent reception for the touchdown, then took a shot from a Cal player leading with his helmet, He needed to get stitches in his chin, he came back (going against advice) and finished the game with 119 yards and 2 scores. This epitomizes the kind of player that he is, he has a reputation as a player who can take physical punishment, take the shot, bounce back up and get on with his job. Has been known to play with injuries if possible to help his team.

He has played running back at points, been used on coverage teams because of his competitiveness and his tackling ability, has also thrown a couple TD passes, outside of asking him to play on either line, there is not much this guy has not done. Is a stand out both academically and as a baseball player. He was drafted in 2008 by the Milwaukee Brewers, but persists he is a football player.

Career Stats

2005- RS

2006- 13 games, 26 receptions, 378 yards, 14.5 avg, 3 TD's

2007- 12 games, 67 receptions, 909 yards, 13.6 avg, 9 TD's

2008- 12 games, 83 receptions, 1,077 yards, 13.0 avg, 7 TD's

2009- 9 games, 50 receptions, 758 yards, 15.2 avg, 5 TD's

Although he was unable to work out at the combine, he did attend and when asked what kind of receiver he was, a possession man or a deep threat, he answered with this:

I'd say a combination. I feel like I can get down the field and stretch the field and also my strength is route running. Being able to find open holes, set defensive backs up and get open underneath, too.

Continue reading this post »

24 comments  |  2 recs |

Jets And Giants To Play Opening Weekend

So with all the fuss today about who will be opening the stadium, it seems the Giants will play Sunday followed by the Jets on the Monday Night game. Jets will also open the stadium in the pre-season.

Breaking: Giants and Jets to play at home on opening weekend. Giants on Sunday, Jets on Monday. Makes sense.

That's fine with me.

23 comments  |  0 recs

Scouting The Draft: Ben Tate, RB, Auburn

A lot of people have been talking up Ben Tate for a while, I didn't really have that much interest through the season, he looked like a decent back, but nothing special. Never really took the time to sit down and watch any Auburn games, so only saw flashing highlights of him, and a few runs while I was channel flicking on ESPN360  Saturday afternoon's. However after the scouting combine, I had to take a look at him. Seemed rather under-appreciated to me, and he certainly thinks so as well, speaking post combine he remarked:

"I think a lot of people were surprised, a lot of the scouts and a lot of you guys in the media," said Tate, the Tigers' leading rusher the past three years. "But I knew what I could do the whole time. I've been telling y'all I was fast, but no one really wanted to listen to me. My coaches knew, and my family knew. "I think I've been underestimated my whole career. It drives me. It keeps me working hard."

I know I was surprised, especially with that 40 time, the image I had in my mind was more of a bruiser a guy with 4.5+ 40 speed, but he really surprised me by clocking a 4.43. Upon watching a little more of his game you can see the speed, but it's still deceptive at the line. We did have a representative at the Auburn pro day last week, but it seems like apart from positional drills, Ben Tate really didn't do a great deal. To be honest can you blame him, a few people questioned his speed, he ran a 4.43 to prove them wrong. One slip, one uncomfortable start, and he could well clock a little slower which would raise the questions again and hurt his stock.

He considers himself the best back in the country and listening to any interview, the guy definitely has "Swagger"

Career Stats

2006- 9 games, 54 attempts, 392 yards, 7.3 avg, 3 TD's. 2 receptions for -3 yards

2007- 13 games, 202 attempts, 903 yards, 4.5 avg, 8 TD's. 16 receptions, 144 yards

2008- 12 games, 159 attempts, 664 yards, 4.2 avg, 3 TD's. 15 receptions, 90 yards

2009- 13 games, 262 attempts, 1,362 yards, 5.2 avg, 10 TD's. 20 receptions, 105 yards

Combine Results

40 Yard Dash: 4.43

Bench Press: 26

Vertical: 40.5

Broad: 10'04

Three cone: 6.91

20 yard shuttle: 4.12

More after the jump

Continue reading this post »

15 comments  |  3 recs |

The Jets Will Not Open the New Stadium

According to Rich Cimini's twitter:

Gary Myers from Daily News: Giants won secret coin toss today. They get first game in new stadium, not Jets.

Secret coin toss, huh?  I guess there's no way to verify that it actually occurred, right?  The Jets released the story last week regarding this coin toss fearing that the league was leaning towards choosing the Giants.  The NFL denied that they agreed to a coin toss and said Commissioner Roger Goodell will decide.  However, the Jets were adamant that they were told there would be a coin toss and wanted it done in public.

Jets owner Woody Johnson, without whose money the stadium wouldn't exist, is none too pleased:

A source says Woody Johnson is "outraged" by coin toss -- not because he lost, but because there was no team rep present.

I think it's kind of fishy that after denying it, there apparently was a coin toss after all.  But then it was done in secret, and the Giants won anyway.

Poll
Do you care which team opens the new stadium?

  618 votes | Results

38 comments  |  1 recs |

Jets Flight Connections 03-15-10

Ggn-1st-draft_medium_medium_medium_medium_medium_medium_medium_medium_medium_medium_medium_medium_medium_medium_medium_medium_medium_medium_medium_medium_medium_medium_medium_medium_medium


RB LaDainian Tomlinson has chosen to sign with Gang Green.

Sports Illustrated's Jim Trotter explains why Tomlinson is a Jet.

Sports Illustrated's Peter King thinks this is the best place for LaDainian.

Gary Myers thinks doubting Thomas is a mistake.

Rich Cimini thinks Tomlinson is a downgrade from Jones.

Tim Graham says there's no contest between the two backs.

Mark Cannizzaro says the $5.1 million deal seems curious.

Steve Serby says L.T. now stands for "Less Terrifying."

JP Pelzman blogs that this signing is a roll of the dice.

Ian O'Connor says LaDainian only makes the Jets weaker.

Dave Hutchinson points out that after losing out on Tomlinson, Minnesota may now want RB Leon Washington.

 

More connections after the jump.

Continue reading this post »

4 comments  |  0 recs |

Why LaDainian Tomlinson Chose the Jets

SI's Jim Trotter explains why LaDainian Tomlison decided to become a Jet instead of a Viking.

 

I don't think anybody should be surprised by any of this.

Even with Favre, the Vikings have a tougher road to the title. They don't have a big margin for error in the regular season. The Jets are built to win on the road. They don't necessarily need home field advantage to go far. The Vikings do. Favre plays very poorly in bad weather. They need to avoid January games in cold weather, which means staying in their dome.

7 comments  |  0 recs |

LT or TJ?

Photo

More photos » Darron Cummings - AP

I know a lot of people have asked that we not talk about this, but it's central to breaking down the Tomlinson signing and asserting whether it was a good move. LaDainian Tomlinson is going to make $5.2 million over the next two years. Thomas Jones would have made $2.8 million on top of a $3 million roster bonus had the Jets kept him.

In other words, the Jets could have given Thomas Jones $5.8 million over one year or Tomlinson $5.2 million over two. For a little over half a million total, the Jets took Tomlinson even though Jones is way more productive at this point of their respective careers, and you'll have a tough time convincing me it is only due to their offensive lines.

It's not that simple, though. Jones signed with the Chiefs for two years and $5 million. To top that, the Jets would not have had to even match the money they gave LT.

It doesn't make a ton of sense.

Poll
Should the Jets have just brought back Thomas Jones instead of signing LaDainian Tomlinson?

  1016 votes | Results

97 comments  |  0 recs |

Who Does LT Replace?

It's going to be interesting to see which for which back the front office views LaDainian Tomlinson as a replacement. The smart money would be Thomas Jones. He would fit the role TJ would have taken, third back, veteran presence, and pass blocker.

Then again, maybe he'll be Leon Washington's replacement. In theory at least, LT is an elusive back and would be a change of pace from Shonn Greene's brusing style. The Jets could let Washington walk for a second round pick. This would presumably mean an increased role. For all the talk about a three back system, the Jets used two backs for the majority of last season. Shonn Greene got into the rotation only after Washington's injury.

Poll
Which back do you think LaDainian Tomlinson will replace?

  836 votes | Results

40 comments  |  0 recs |

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New York Jets Roster

offense # Pos. DOB W H College
Erik Ainge 10 QB 6.12.86 221 6-5 Tennessee
Kellen Clemens 11 QB 6.6.83 221 6-2 Oregon
David Clowney 87 WR 7.7.85 188 6-0 Virginia Tech
Jerricho Cotchery 89 WR 6.16.82 203 6-0 North Carolina State
Jason Davis 43 FB 11.2.83 242 5-10 Illinois
Britt Davis 19 WR 1.1.00 205 6-3 Northern Illinois
Braylon Edwards 17 WR 2.21.83 215 6-3 Michigan
Alan Faneca 66 G 12.7.76 305 6-5 L-S-U
D'Brickashaw Ferguson 60 OT 12.10.83 310 6-6 Virginia
Dan Gay 71 OT 8.29.86 303 6-4 Baylor
Shonn Greene 23 RB 8.21.85 226 5-11 Iowa
Ben Hartsock 84 TE 7.5.80 270 6-4 Ohio State
Marcus Henry 14 WR 2.21.86 212 6-4 Kansas
Wayne Hunter 78 OL 7.2.81 303 6-5 Hawaii
Dustin Keller 81 TE 9.25.84 248 6-2 Purdue
Nick Mangold 74 C 1.13.84 305 6-4 Ohio State
Brandon Moore 65 G 6.3.80 305 6-3 Illinois
Matthew Mulligan 82 TE 1.18.85 270 6-4 Maine
Kevin O'Connell 7 QB 5.25.85 250 6-5 San Diego State
Michael Parenton 56 C 11.2.85 287 6-2 Tulane
Mark Sanchez 6 QB 11.11.86 225 6-2 U-S-C
Matt Slauson 68 OL 2.18.86 315 6-5 Nebraska
Brad Smith 16 WR 12.12.83 210 6-2 Missouri
LaDainian Tomlinson - RB 6.23.79 221 5-10 T-C-U
Michael Turkovich - OT 11.27.86 305 6-6 Notre Dame
Robert Turner 75 OL 8.20.84 308 6-4 New Mexico
Chauncey Washington 32 RB 4.29.86 222 5-11 U-S-C
Danny Woodhead 83 WR 1.25.85 195 5-7 Chadron State
Damien Woody 67 OT 11.3.77 330 6-3 Boston College
defense # Pos. DOB W H College
Marquice Cole 34 CB 11.13.83 190 5-10 Northwestern
Drew Coleman 30 CB 4.22.83 180 5-9 T-C-U
Brannon Condren 42 FS 8.19.83 205 6-1 Troy
Antonio Cromartie - CB 4.15.84 203 6-2 Florida State
Kenwin Cummings 54 LB 7.23.86 250 6-2 Wingate
Mike Devito 70 DE 6.10.84 305 6-3 Maine
Shaun Ellis 92 DE 6.24.77 285 6-5 Tennessee
Vernon Gholston 50 LB 6.5.86 264 6-3 Ohio State
David Harris 52 LB 1.21.84 245 6-2 Michigan
James Ihedigbo 44 DB 12.3.83 210 6-1 Massachusetts
Matt Kroul 63 DL 2.25.86 280 6-3 Iowa
Jim Leonhard 36 S 10.27.82 186 5-8 Wisconsin
Dwight Lowery 21 CB 1.23.86 198 5-11 San Jose State
Calvin Pace 97 LB 10.28.80 265 6-4 Wake Forest
Ropati Pitoitua 79 DE 4.6.85 310 6-8 Washington State
Brodney Pool - S 5.24.84 210 6-2 Oklahoma
Sione Pouha 91 DT 2.3.79 325 6-3 Utah
Darrelle Revis 24 CB 7.14.85 198 5-11 Pittsburgh
Bart Scott 57 LB 8.18.80 240 6-2 Southern Illinois
Eric Smith 33 S 3.17.83 205 6-1 Michigan State
Ty Steinkuhler 61 DL 9.11.86 280 6-3 Nebraska
Bryan Thomas 99 LB 6.7.79 266 6-4 U-A-B
Jamaal Westerman 55 LB 2.21.85 255 6-3 Rutgers
specialists # Pos. DOB W H College
Nick Folk - K 11.5.84 225 6-1 Arizona
Tanner Purdum - LS 1.1.86 270 6-3 Baker
Steve Weatherford 9 P 12.17.82 210 6-3 Illinois

New York Jets Injuries

Probable

Player Injury Type Injury Date
Shaun Ellis knee 01/20/2010
David Harris ankle 01/20/2010
Bart Scott ankle 01/20/2010
Danny Woodhead knee 01/20/2010
Mark Sanchez knee 01/20/2010

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player Injury Type Injury Date
Leon Washington fibula 10/26/2009
Kris Jenkins knee 10/20/2009
Brodney Pool concussion 12/01/2009

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