Key Position Battles to Watch
by Ryan Alfieri on May 19, 2010 9:00 AM EDT
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PrintRemember when Mangini brought in that old-school, best-player-plays approach that was actually refreshing during his first year? Well, Rex ain't much different, as he was willing to bench a once hometown favorite Kerry Rhodes, no matter how crazy it made him look (well, at 4-6, and claiming you can still win the Superbowl, to many people, you can't look much crazier). Here's the biggest spots that could change between now and the end of August.
1. Vladimir Ducasse vs. Matt Slauson for starting LG - Maybe the most recently publicized of contests, the fight for being the replacement to future HOF Alan Faneca is going to be tighter than you think. While Ducasse is a raw prospect, he has all of the tools to be an eventual starter. Don't count out Slauson just yet. The coaching staff loves his toughness and physicality, and he has some game experience, going in for Nick Mangold at center for a few plays against Tampa. I do expect Ducasse to eventually take over, however, it just may nor be right away.
2. Jerricho Cotchery vs. Santonio Holmes for 2nd WR spot - I think it is safe to say Braylon will earn a spot, barring some kind of severe case of the drops that really gets out of control. The question is who will line up on the other side. What will probably happen is a rotation when Santonio comes back from his suspension. Jehrico and Santonio are two similiar types of recievers; good hands, good route runners, good after the catch. I would say Jehrico is the "safer" choice, he has developed a relationship with Sanchez and is always reliable on 3rd downs. Santonio, however, is much faster and more big-play ability. Should be interesting to watch.
3. Brodney Pool vs. Eric Smith vs. Donovan Warren for starting FS spot - Pool was brought in for a reason, and he will be the starter, assuming all goes well. But that's the key, for all to go well, Pool must stay healthy, and Pool has been riddled with concussions during his time in Cleveland. Eric Smith has proven that, while he is not much of a ball-hawk, he can fill the role. Donovan Warren wasn't drafted because he lacks elite speed, which is why he may be a nice fit at FS.
4. Kellen Clemens vs. Whoever else is on the Depth Chart (Brunell?) for backup QB - Watching Kellen play against Tampa last year, we all had the same thought: We are so lucky we're playing against Tampa this week. It wasn't pretty, and it completely changed the attitude the Jets had toward Kellen. If the Jets do bring in Brunell, he will backup, and Kellen's future will be up in the air.
5. Dwight Lowery vs. Marquice Cole for 4th CB spot - On paper, you would assume Lowrey, who started at CB for a good chunk of the '09 season, would just get pushed down the chart to the 4th spot. But that 4th corner is usually playing inside, against slot receivers, which is not Lowrey's strong suit. Cole has shown a lot, and this could go either way.
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What about Ainge?
Did we cut him at some point? I think he’d be a fine backup. Seriously.
And I say Slauson starts, because he’s got the familiarity with Callahan and he’s got the experience. I think Ducasse will be first off the bench, though, for any garbage time at the guard spots.
We are gonna shock them with 5,000 mega watts of raw ROO POWER.
Also, I think Warren is going to be a steal as a UDFA
I really, legitimately, think HE should be in the conversation for the 4th CB spot.
We are gonna shock them with 5,000 mega watts of raw ROO POWER.
He was a consensus top-8 corner pre-draft
His coverage skills were excellent in college, really the only bright spot on UM’s horrible pass defense. He ran a terrible 40 at the combine (not sure what it was, but it was bad… like over 4.6 bad or something), but he was running on gimpy ankles, which I’m sure will heal.
But he plays physical and he was used in man coverage in college, and he’s got prototypical size for a DB. I really think he’s a poor man’s Kyle Wilson.
We are gonna shock them with 5,000 mega watts of raw ROO POWER.
And honestly, this was all off the top of my head.
If you want to read more about him, just go to Maize N Brew and search “Warren”
We are gonna shock them with 5,000 mega watts of raw ROO POWER.
Warren only entered the draft because he thought he was a third round projection. Bad workout numbers killed his stock.
Contributing Writer - GangGreenNation.com
Marty Brodeur - Stealing Rangers' lunch money since 1990
by Ryan Alfieri on May 19, 2010 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I like Ainge too, but to ask him to step in right in in a playoff drive (or game) might be tough...
if Sanchez was out for the season, I’d want to see Ainge start (I think he has better ability than Clemens or Brunell at this point), if its to start a game or two to keep us in a playoff job I would rather see a vet like Brunell in there because of the experience.
Just hate lefthanded QB's Balls come at receivers with a different spin
when they’re used to a right handed QB.Leads to some drops and tips and int’s
by Putnan Prince on May 19, 2010 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
If Sanchez goes down...
There’s the season. The Jets will be hard-pressed to beat anyone not the Bucs, Rams, Lions, etc. with Kellen Clemens manning the offense.
Before you ask why I'm a fan of both the Cowboys and Jets, I'll just say the answer is complicated and that it just turned out that way.
I disagree. With an effective game manager we’d have a shot at the playoffs. Even without Sanchez, our WR depth is strong enough where teams should have to not stack the box. Our depth at RB could be better but I did see Jenkins really applaud LDTs work ethic and he thinks he could have a great year. Our OL should win the battle vs any DL this season too. Defensively we will not only be #1, but barring an injury to someone like David Harris, we should be dominate.
My ideal choices for #2:
Bulger, pick someone up on waivers (Brett Ratliff is currently 4th on the Cleveland depth chart), Ainge/O’Connell, Brunnell, Clemens
We made the Playoffs with Sanchez and his 63 QB rating and 20 ints. If our #1 D doesn’t allow game winning long drives to non playoff teams, (Phins and Falcons), and our special teams don’t give up not 1 but 2 100+ yard returns to T Ginn we actually win 12 games, even with our rookie playing like…well, a rookie. I don’t see even Kellen doing worse, though I would also prefer Brunell.
by george JETson on May 19, 2010 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
agree with ya
Clemens is just not working out for us…. I’d rather see Ainge at Backup QB at this point.
finally, someone with a brain willing to call it how it is
Clemens sucks and will always be a Brooks Bollinger type. Brunell would be a great 2nd choice pick up, but I like Ainge alot as a back up. Cut Clemens, Cut our losses.
njdevil7
Nice write-up.
and the home of the... JETS!!!
www.ganggreennation.com
I've tried to email Revis, but it just shuts down my computer.
I’d like to add Steve Weatherford vs 10 other punters we bring in.
And just because I’m not sold on Folk… Folk vs 10 guys who come in for a tryout.
Ok the only one I disagree with is Lowery vs. Cole
I can see Lowery getting some competition from maybe Brian Jackson, or even Warren if they take a look at him at CB, but Cole will be lucky if he even makes the team (hell he still behind Coleman in the depth chart, and I doubt he makes it), he’s been waived something like four times already, don’t know where he “showed a lot” he was rarely on the field last year, and when he was he did nothing, and it was basically on special teams. Lowery has way more talent, and yes he’s not the best on the inside, but still better than a borderline NFL talent like Cole who is a career practice squad player (and at 27 this year will not even be that much longer).
by Judgegavel on May 19, 2010 11:14 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
+111
This was the other one I did not agree with. Cole is not even on Lowery’s level. No competition between these two for CB4.
If anything, it’s Coleman vs Lowery. In which case I still think Lowery wins out, but it’s certainly not Lowery vs Cole.
GGN Staff Writer
www.ganggreennation.com
I disagree. Several times in press conferences Mike T, Rex, and Pettine have all praised Cole. Lowrey is the favorite, but don’t count out Cole. He is really coming along.
Contributing Writer - GangGreenNation.com
Marty Brodeur - Stealing Rangers' lunch money since 1990
by Ryan Alfieri on May 19, 2010 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ve heard Woodhead praised a bunch of times as well, it doesn’t mean he has any shot of beating out Joe “Puke” McKnight. There is a reason Cole is with his 4th NFL team (and until last year never was anything more than a practice squad player), sure he puts up nice effort in practice (probably why he’s still bouncing around the league), but if he’s our 4th CB we are in trouble. No way he beats out Lowery, because with his lack of skill they would never trust him in coverage in anything more than an emergency role (hence why even Drew Coleman is ahead of him on the depth chart, and was out in coverage even it the end of last season, still over Cole). Cole is really doubtful to make this team considering the number of prospects brought in at DB, he is not in the same league as Warren, Brian Jackson, or even Drew Coleman, as far as skill goes. He really only made the team last year because of our lack of depth at CB, and the number of injuries we had, and was never any higher than 6th on the depth chart at CB.
there is no competition between the two at CB, but
Cole is good on special teams, Lowrey is not, in my opinion they both suck
Warren is not starting
Don’t be ridiculous.
Pretty good post though NJDevil, nice work.
GGN Staff Writer
www.ganggreennation.com
I wouldn’t underestimate Warren too much. As I said, Pool will start, the question is who will take over if he gets hurt. I picture Warren going in on Nickel and Dime packages, similiar to say, James Ihedibo last year.
Contributing Writer - GangGreenNation.com
Marty Brodeur - Stealing Rangers' lunch money since 1990
by Ryan Alfieri on May 19, 2010 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree, but...
along with not underestimating Warren is not buying into the predraft work out number hype. And if we do that it may be his future is still at CB, and not S.
Warren will be listed as a FS. At one of the mini camps, if you watch the presser, Rex explicitly says, “Warren’s best chance of making this team will be at Saftey.”
Contributing Writer - GangGreenNation.com
Marty Brodeur - Stealing Rangers' lunch money since 1990
by Ryan Alfieri on May 19, 2010 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions
But I think thats also because we are somewhat thin at safety...
I think his best chance of making the team is if he can show he can play both. If he plays one exceptionally even better.
Does anybody else think that it could make things difficult when you have a left handed QB (Brunell) coming in as the backup? It is one thing when the lefty is the starter and all the reps are lefthanded (handoffs, etc.) but to have a right handed starter then something happens and all of a sudden you have lefty in there might be a concern.
We do not need any concerns.
Lets stay away from Brunell!
Jim Clancy
maybe it will throw off the o-line a bit, but not much
he is better than bulger and definately better than Clemens. This is not baseball where lefty/righty really makes that big of a difference
thats your perogative
we are talking about a backup qb that we don’t even have on the team as though we just signed him. its not really a big deal either way
Edwards as 1
Why is it assumed Edwards will be #1. Santonio should be the #1. He has better speed and hands than Braylon. Is more reliable in terms of being clutch as evidenced by his SB MVP. I think the battle for #2 is between steady Cotchery and electric Edwards. Can’t be # 1WR letting wide open bombs bounce off your helmet, haven’t seen that since my son’s pee wee games! LOL!
Also Homles actually had a higher percentage of his catches result in a first down than JCo, (79.7 vs 77.2). His yards after the catch is better, (6.2 vs 4.9). His hands…not so much, 8 drops to JCo’s 2 and Bray’s 6, (though Holmes had more balls thrown at him).
I see it playing out Holmes #1, Edwards #2 and Jco in the #3 slot role. though Edwards and Jco rotate more often depending on Edward’s droppsies.
Edwards has great size, and don’t underestimate his speed. He can run good routes and gets seperation. He’s also a big red-zone target.
Your stats are misleading, too. Santonio has had Ben Rothlisberger throwing to him, in a more of a passing offense. J-Co has had a rookie QB and a rn-first offense.
What will probably happen is a rotation, but over time, it will becomre more clear who will be the 2nd starter.
Contributing Writer - GangGreenNation.com
Marty Brodeur - Stealing Rangers' lunch money since 1990
by Ryan Alfieri on May 19, 2010 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I used stats that referred to the similar attributes you mentioned. When it comes to hands JCo seems to have better hands, his drops are lower. even if he had the same amount of balls thrown his way he would have dropped less. Santonio is better after the catch. Yac has nothing to do with how many balls are thrown your way or offensive style. Neither does percentage of catches that result in first downs. I would think that if you get 1.3 yards more per catch you might have a higher % of 1rst down catches. I agree that Jco’s Totals were hurt by Sanchez being a rookie and the style we had to play. With a good QB ithink their totals would be the same. Truthful all 3 are 80+ rec and a 1000 yrds plus. Edwards is the big deep guy, JCo is solid, great hands and Holmes is a little of both with great speed. Because JCo and Holmes are the most similar you would want to pair one of them with Edwards. I just think Holmes is a little better at those similarities plus he has the deep threat speed so I would give him the nod. I think they both are slightly better than Edwards, (but if Edwards improved his concentration he would exceed both). I think there will be alot of rotating and just about every team would love to have this problem of 3 #1s.
by george JETson on May 19, 2010 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions
80+ 1000...
is their high water mark I think, and it does have a lot to do with the QB. But despite that you cant ignore that Holmes is coming off a career year, and has been on the incline since being drafted, while Edwards and JCo have been on the decline. I also think that a lot is going to have to do with who Sanchez develops chemistry with, last year despite the drops both him and Edwards were developing it a bit, while to me it seamed him and JCo did not.
+1...
Holmes > Edwards, will be our best receiver and should be considered the #1, where they line-up is up to Brian. Its kind of a moot point though with the suspension.
I really don’t know about that. As I mentioned above, Edwards has bigger size and gets great seperation. Everyone knocks on his hands, well, thats just one aspect of being a reciever. It’s just that, frankly, most casual fans that don’t see his blocking and seperation watch him drop balls and say he’s just not good. I believe that he is just a pair of hands away from being a Top 8 or so reciever in the leauge.
Contributing Writer - GangGreenNation.com
Marty Brodeur - Stealing Rangers' lunch money since 1990
by Ryan Alfieri on May 19, 2010 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree, he has great hands in traffic and can make the hard catch. But you don’t build confidence with your QB when you drop the easy ones or run lax routes, (maybe that was timing but at times he seemed to stop a route short or not be where Sanchez thought he would). Those things seem cerebral, as in concentration. JCo built that with Sanchez by catching the ball and he ran better routes. That could be why Holmes and Jco can be used in the slot.
by george JETson on May 19, 2010 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with your points on Edwards...
I think your just underestimating Holmes, and his accomplishments. At this point with one less year of NFL he has been flat out a better receiver than Edwards.
True, but I think Edwards has re-invented his career with the Jets.
Contributing Writer - GangGreenNation.com
Marty Brodeur - Stealing Rangers' lunch money since 1990
by Ryan Alfieri on May 22, 2010 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions
wide recievers
i disagree it makes no difference the jets are going to rotate th 3 in and out of the game and use each one to their talents and they will mix them in and out depending on the formation it makes no difference who is 1 2 or 3 since i am assuming the jets will be doing many 3 wide out formations this year the only problem is deciding who plays in the slot n that situation jerricho and santonio
also i think the jets are going to play them differently depending on the strengths of the opposing defenses it makes no difference to me who is 1 2 or 3 since i feel they will all be getting a similar amount of playing time when all 3 are playing
Personally, I don't want anything getting handed to Vlad
He may have all the tools to be the guy in the end but I want him to really beat out Slaus in camp. I say name Matt the starter barring any huge let downs and let Vlad get a lil fire going untill hes needed mid season. And he will be needed at some point mark my words.
At WR. Im not sure the specifics of Holmes’ suspension. I would assume he’s not allowed to practice with the team. So he’s not getting solid reps with Mark. Anyway the #2 spot has to belong to J-Co because he will be there in games when Holmes will not. Holmes will have to take that spot from him mid-season.
At saftey. I won’t be suprised to see a revolving door at that position untill someone steps up in a meaningfull game. Like if Smith takes off Moss’ head in game two. Or If the Don starts showing shades of Ed Reed against Rex’s old team. There is no clear cut fav at that position.
Back-up QB is tricky. Im sick of Kellen getting by for simply knowing the playbook and working a headset. It’s not enough anymore. We need Ainge to step up or sign a Vet. Otherwise, were one “Head-first slide” away for shit-canning the whole thing. That’s not acceptable anymore
by colinyoung on May 19, 2010 7:01 PM EDT reply actions
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