Eric Smith Keeps the Starting Job

by John B on Dec 1, 2009 8:49 AM EST

For the second straight game, Eric Smith will start at safety for the Jets instead of Kerry Rhodes.

Eric Smith is the starting safety, but Kerry Rhodes has earned more playing time for Thursday's game against the Bills in Toronto after responding to his benching with two interceptions Sunday against the Jaguars. "Kerry's going to start in more packages, you might not notice how much, but he's going to play a ton," Rex Ryan said Monday. "I probably will start Eric in what you call the base package."

I do like to see Rex rewarding Rhodes for his play on Sunday, but I'm not sure I'm in agreement with the decision here.

I'll reiterate that Rhodes is the better player. It didn't really matter against Jake Delhomme. It might not against Ryan Fitzpatrick. At some point, though, the Jets are going to face a quarterback capable of making big plays in the passing game. I want the guy with better range in the lineup. That's Rhodes.

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Someone mentioned on Sunday that we always agree John, so hopefully they see this because I disagree entirely. By nature Rhodes may have the better range, but he has barely shown it this season. Smith is the better tackler, and I’m finding it hard to see Rhodes supposed better football instincts, 2 tackles for loss show Smith’s football instincts where as I really haven’t seen any proof of Rhodes instincts this season. Rex built up that first pick, but even he couldn’t defend the second one saying Rhodes could of called for a fair catch,

I like this decision by Rex, keeping the guy who did the job in the starting spot and giving Rhodes a slight increase but maintaining the message that he has to continue to improve if he wants the starting spot back.

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by David_Wyatt on Dec 1, 2009 8:54 AM EST reply actions

Well put, David

I totally agree 100% with everything you said, pretty much.

by Exystence on Dec 1, 2009 10:57 AM EST up reply actions

I agree 100%

with what both of you said lol.

by Togaman7 on Dec 1, 2009 4:05 PM EST up reply actions

"Someone" Psssht

Funny that I was the balls to the wall Rhodes advocate because after Sunday I like him in package and as a situational back now. If Smith can hold down the Strong position solid enough and Rhodes is producing in nickel and dime formations I see no reason why to change things. Granted the performance was against Delhomme so I think it’s even a better idea to see how the Smith at Safety and Rhodes in coverage combo works out for another week.

by Bro Namath on Dec 1, 2009 10:49 PM EST up reply actions

I think it should be Smith's spot to lose now...

Kerri has had 11 games to prove himself, and he hasnt. Smith has done everything right and has made the most of his limited opportunity. He should be given more reps to see just how good he can be in this scheme. If he messes up a few times, then u give Kerri back some more reps. But Smith should be given every opportunity to make plays, and shouldnt come off the field until his play warrants it. Rhodes should remain relegated to dime packages.

The only way Rhodes should get his reps back is by either taking them back with outstanding play both in practice and in games (but games in particular); or if Smith’s bad play forces the switch back (bc if they are essentially equal, then the guy making more money should play).

by Crackback on Dec 1, 2009 11:49 AM EST reply actions

Agree w/ crack and David 100%. It’s a business. And right now, Eric Smith is playing better and has earned the spot. Kerry’s gotta want it, and work hard enough to win it back.

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by Matt Birch on Dec 1, 2009 12:05 PM EST reply actions

Agreed

Eric played well.
The guy’s gone a long way since being on the verge of getting cut at the beginning of the season.
This seems like a good approach by Rex Ryan.

and the home of the... JETS!!!

Go, Pac, Go!!! Manny Pacquiao!!!

by dvdvil on Dec 1, 2009 12:23 PM EST reply actions

2009 Stats... Interesting...

Kerri Rhodes — 48 tackles; 2 ints; 7 passes def

Eric Smith (with significantly less playing time) — 38 tackles; 1 int; 5 passes def

by Crackback on Dec 1, 2009 1:00 PM EST reply actions

How many of Rhodes tackles were for a loss of yards? can’t actually remember him making many plays behind the line.

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by David_Wyatt on Dec 1, 2009 1:03 PM EST up reply actions

Kerry Rhodes on his way to comeback

Kerry Rhodes utilized a publicly humiliating demotion to his advantage and showcased his superiority over Smith with the 2 picks. True style and class.

check out Kerry on Lockerblogger!!

http://www.lockerblogger.com/lockers/Kerry%20Rhodes

by Ddrothgirl on Dec 1, 2009 3:59 PM EST reply actions

I don’t think catching two balls thrown straight at you and not making a single tackle is showcasing is superiority over Smith. If anything Smith did the job that Kerry showed he couldn’t do.

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by David_Wyatt on Dec 2, 2009 4:23 AM EST up reply actions

From Yahoo Sports:

S Kerry Rhodes, demoted last week in favor of Eric Smith, said his relationship with Ryan is "real good" and said he had "to do one more thing with him and I’ll be back in my regular old spot." He declined to reveal what that one thing is.

and the home of the... JETS!!!

Go, Pac, Go!!! Manny Pacquiao!!!

by dvdvil on Dec 1, 2009 10:08 PM EST reply actions

Probably do his job and make plays

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by David_Wyatt on Dec 2, 2009 4:24 AM EST up reply actions

Yes, although it's a little vague.

In previous weeks, Ryan did allude that he thought Kerry should have been spending more time watching film with Jim Leonhard. And then last week, a teammate (I forget who) mentioned that Kerry spent more time watching film on 3rd downs. That could be it, but who knows.

and the home of the... JETS!!!

Go, Pac, Go!!! Manny Pacquiao!!!

by dvdvil on Dec 2, 2009 9:27 AM EST up reply actions

That was Eric Smith who said that, remember reading the interview. My worry is that Kerry wasn’t doing all these things before, it seems strikingly clear that he was taking his position for granted, and watching someone else do your job might of been the wake up call he needed, but it shouldn’t be so easy to get that back.

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by David_Wyatt on Dec 2, 2009 9:52 AM EST up reply actions

That was one good thing with Mangini – there was open competition in every position.
He demoted previous starter Justin McCareins and gave the chance to J-Co, who took full advantage.

and the home of the... JETS!!!

Go, Pac, Go!!! Manny Pacquiao!!!

by dvdvil on Dec 2, 2009 10:13 AM EST up reply actions

That was a good aspect

Glad that Rex seems to be running by the same method, at least close to it anyway.

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by David_Wyatt on Dec 2, 2009 10:15 AM EST up reply actions

Im starting to hate this guy more and more...

I think the pick above says all u need to know about Kerri. Sissy.

I say bench his sissy ace and let Ihedigbo get the nickel and dime reps.

by Crackback on Dec 2, 2009 8:14 PM EST up reply actions

No time for experiments

We have no time for experiments!!! If anything bench Sanchez for a game or 2, anyway we have a good chance to get into the playoffs why are we doing this?

by bllackkman on Dec 2, 2009 7:30 PM EST reply actions

Why are we benching a player that was under-performing and sticking with a player that played a great game on Sunday? I think that’s why we are sticking with Smith over Rhodes, and it’s probably because we are still in with a shot for the play-offs.

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by David_Wyatt on Dec 3, 2009 4:06 AM EST up reply actions