Game Ball: Jamaal Westerman

by John B on Oct 11, 2011 7:46 PM EDT

Jamaal Westerman had been one of the disappointments of the young season. The Jets let Jason Taylor go because they seemed to feel Westerman was ready to take over as the designated pass rusher. He reportedly lit up training camp. Things did not translate to the games, though. Billed as the guy who could finally give the Jets a bona fide pass rusher, Westerman had his moments but was not a consistent factor. The team twice signing Aaron Maybin was likely a tacit admission the third year player from Rutgers had not met expectations as a pass rusher.

Bryan Thomas' injury made Westerman an every down player. In his first game in Thomas' place, Westerman broke out. He had a pair of sacks, registered a hit, and drew a holding penalty as a pass rusher. You seldom hear stats about defenders drawing holding calls, but they are often the result of a defender winning a matchup that puts the blocker out of position.

Perhaps Westerman has more of a comfort level now that he is seeing the field full time. Perhaps it was just a one game thing. Either way, Westerman gets my game ball.

Who gets yours?

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Nick Mangold

and the HOLMES of the... JETS!!!
Gang Green Nation.
David Vill on Twitter
Am I just me? Or am I hot in here?

by dvdvil on Oct 11, 2011 7:51 PM EDT reply actions

I agree

I was thinking maybe Revis or Westerman as well but the difference with Mangold in there really stuck out for me. It was like a completely different (and better) offensive line.

"I just build our guys up. If it's trash talking that I believe in our football team, then, yes, I agree with that statement. I'm the biggest trash talker there is." Rex Ryan

by OldJetsFanatic on Oct 11, 2011 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Westerman

Yes, very good game as a pass rusher, but very poor game as a run stopper. Was blocked out of most running plays.

by Skimat on Oct 11, 2011 8:09 PM EDT reply actions

Wait was that two offical sacks, cause I thought someone got one that was flagged away.

And the home of the .... JETS!!!
Now lets get a G-D snack!!!
"You might not like that. You might be very cynical about that. Well, f**k it, I don't care what you think."-Roy McDonald

by Noble_Lance on Oct 11, 2011 8:10 PM EDT reply actions

Joe McKnight

He’s quickly becoming the safe substitute for Antonio Cromartie’s hot-cold play on specialty roles.

by MachlinT on Oct 11, 2011 9:11 PM EDT reply actions

Sometime I love when I've been proven wrong

Thought Westerman was a bust. I see potential there now. Not many people have sacked Brady once in multiple games. He did twice in one game. Joe McKnight is the early leader for special team player of the year. I see a pro bowl nod. Take that Woodhead fans

by BIG OH!!!!! on Oct 11, 2011 9:15 PM EDT reply actions

Joe Mckinght,

Just because I have proudly yet to see him start at KR and NOT return a kick at least 80 yards. He’s unstoppable, despite the new rule, which might be helping? Anyways, excited to see if he could be the next Leon at KR. Let’s go Joe kill the Fins.

by JetKing55 on Oct 11, 2011 9:44 PM EDT reply actions

Can't argue with Jamaal.

But the o-line looked waaay better with Nick back. And Revis basically blanked Welker until Smith decided to jump out of his cleets at run action. Also Joe does it again with another huge return.

Woulda coulda shoulda won that game. Dang.

by Crackback on Oct 11, 2011 10:06 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

I had lots of confidence in jamaal. Beat his man consistently.

It’s between him and Mcknight. One thing is certain, the jets are great at drafting crafty players like mcknight and kerley. Each big playmaker we lost, we had somebody else fill in perfectly.

by jets4life24 on Oct 11, 2011 11:37 PM EDT via mobile reply actions