The 'Other' Receiver Who Could Step Up In Holmes Absence
We are all reminded on a daily basis that Santonio Holmes will miss the first four games of the 2010 season. This is usually followed closely with the expression "we'll need Clowney to step up" or "this is Clowney's big chance".
However does it have to be David Clowney? is it David Clowney or bust? We obviously have Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery, but when we move to three wide receiver sets, why is that 3rd wide receiver automatically David Clowney. He's done some great things in pre-season but in actual game time he hasn't done a great deal.
I know Clowney has become a fan favorite along the way but I think we should be looking more at Aundrae Allison.
During the 2009 pre-season, Allison tore his ACL which sidelined him for the entire 2009 season. However before this, he was enjoying quite a bit of praise from Rex Ryan, as we reported at the time here. That is just one example of positive praise that came Allison's way.
After getting drafted by the Vikings in 2005 out of East Carolina he struggled to hold down a receiving role. Although he was still making plays as a kick returner, Including a 104 yard return TD against the Detroit Lions in 2007. He was a highly thought of college wide receiver, a Fred Biletnikoff award candidate and voted C-USA's most dangerous deep threat.
He has struggled with injuries throughout his career, but if he is healthy coming into camp and right now it seems he is. Why are we not giving him a sniff of some game time through the first 4 weeks of the season. From what I have seen of him, he looks like he could do a job if he can stay healthy.
We have kept him on IR throughout the 2009 season, and if he impresses Rex this off-season as much as he did last off-season then who's to say he will not jump ahead of David Clowney. Scouts who looked at Allison coming out of East Carolina agreed that he would need time to adapt his game to the NFL level
If I were a betting man, I wouldn't put it past Allison to be the one given the nod if he can stay healthy.
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Clowney may be a better human being, than a football player. Clowney with his humanitarian trips to Ghana and Haiti has shown compasssion , commitment and Leadership. His companionship with Santonio Holmes, may help Holmes get through his transition with the Jets, and help him get on with his life. The Jets may keep David around for that very reason, as the Jets look to capitalize on their investment in Holmes.
David Clowney has been a big tease for a couple of years, he has that wonderful deep speed, and you always see flashes, but he does close to zero on Special teams, and has just not been that impressive once the season starts. The hope I have this summer for David is improved Chemistry with Sanchez ( he attended Jets West) and the hope that the Jets will open up the offense in Sanchez’s second year. Optimism is also fueled by the talk that " he wants to contribute on Special Teams".
Allison is coming off ACL surgery , tough for a receiver ,looked a little slow in OTA’s, I think he would win the competition easily if it were not for the injury.
Good point....
It’s Clowney’s to lose, but that might be what happens. His humanitarian efforts are largely fueled and funded by his success on the field. If he needs additional incentive, perhaps that will help create a win-win situation for him in New York.

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