Mike Westhoff Will Help the Jets Overcome Leon Washington's Absence on Kickoffs

by John B on Oct 26, 2009 9:38 AM EDT

One area the Jets are really going to miss Leon Washington is in the return game. He was a threat to take it to the house every time he touched it. Don't fear, though. Part of his success was due to the men in front of him.

Just remember, Washington took over two years ago for Justin Miller. Miller was a Pro Bowl returner. A few years before Miller arrived, the Jets had Chad Morton, who ran back a pair for touchdowns in a single game against Buffalo. What's the common thread? Mike Westhoff was the special teams coach.

Westhoff is the best special teams coach in football, and it shows in the return game. He draws up great return plays, getting guys in the right spots, and teaches excellent blocking technique. Since he's arrived, the Jets' return game has reminded me a lot of Denver's running game. They can plug in average players who play well and turn good players into great ones.

The Jets will miss Leon Washington on kickoffs. There's nobody as explosive on the roster. Still, with Westhoff around, whether it's Brad Smith, Dwight Lowery, or somebody else deep, I expect the team to retain an above average return game.

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I think they need to try Woodhead...

May be the only answer in the return game that will give us anything close to Leons speed/quickness. Lowerys to slow, Smith needs to heal, and even then is probably not quick enough. Only other option with some speed is Carroll.

by JudgeB on Oct 26, 2009 10:03 AM EDT reply actions

how about resigning miller?

didn’t they have in to interview a few weeks back as a CB and turn him down?

he was never much of a CB, but was a nice returner. prob a cheap option and could be more dynamic than some of the existing options. sadly they have a roster spot with leon down.

by JetsFan1991 on Oct 26, 2009 10:24 AM EDT reply actions

The kick return spot is honestly

the last place I feel like we will miss Leon. As long as I can remember since we’ve had Westhoff, we have had one of the game’s best returners. Now, I think that is more on Westhoff then it is that they are just finding the individual best return men. Chad Morton, Jonathon Carter, Justin Miller, Jerricho Cotchery, Santana Moss, it honestly hasn’t seemed to matter who we have back there. I heard Lowery was a kick return specialast at SJS when they drafted him. I also wouldn’t mind Miller. I always loved him as a return man, even if he never made it as a DB.

"It's like the old phrase goes.....The balls in your court now Mr.Church, so you take that ball, you dribble it up the court and....................................... get a layup"
- Keith Hernandez

by nrmax88 on Oct 26, 2009 5:34 PM EDT reply actions