Preseason Opener Thoughts
by John B on Aug 15, 2011 11:46 PM EDT
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PrintThe Jets lost their first preseason game of 2011 tonight in Houston to the Texans 20-16. Despite the loss, I think there are a lot of positive takeaways. How much does any of this mean? Probably not much. Remember how in 2002 Vinny Testaverde and company could not be stopped in preseason and then stunk up the league early in the regular season? My quick thoughts are below.
- I think the most important thing to take from tonight is how crisp Mark Sanchez looked. He seemed very comfortable and was right on target. Hopefully this is the start of something big.
- Shonn Greene looked explosive. I wish he would not lower his shoulder in preseason and learn to just end plays out of bounds at least until they start playing for real.
- Vladimir Ducasse...wow. That was terrible. I counted 3 sacks on his watch. It was worse than that. Almost every time I watched him, he was getting beaten handily. He was not winning. He was not fighting to a draw. He was just getting dominated. Worse, he showed a lack of even basic awareness, whiffing on a block on one screen and failing to chip, subsequently getting his quarterback hit on another. I really wonder whether he even makes the team. It is great to be big, but what good is it if you do not know how to latch onto a defender? It is great to be athletic, but what good does it do if you do not use your athleticism to be quick off the ball? I saw absolutely no improvement from where he was a year ago.
- Robert Turner might not be great, but hope he is healthy. Next to the other second team linemen, he looks like Anthony Munoz.
- Muhammad Wilkerson looked like a rookie out there. I feel like the Jets might be making the Kyle Wilson mistake all over, asking a rookie to do an extremely hard job. He had a tough time with power blocking.
- The second team defensive line of Ropati Pitoitua, Kenrick Ellis, and Marcus Dixon, however, were fantastic. Yes, they were going against backups, but they were controlling the line of scrimmage. Pitoitua in particular was a load to block. He showed no signs of his injury from a year ago. If this holds up, he is going to be starting. Ellis tipped a pass that led to an interception.
- Josh Mauga probably has a roster spot because of his work on special teams last year, but he made a bid to see more time on defense. A big tackle, a sack, a pressure, and an interception is a good night.
- Jeremy Kerley dropped a pass he should have had, but man he looks slippery. Fans are really going to like this guy.
- I thought the guys on ESPN were ridiculous the way they ridiculed Joe McKnight. I thought Joe looked pretty good aside from a drop. He was finishing his runs and grinding out extra yardage. They killed him for losing a one on one in pass protection to Brooks Reed. Guess what. A back should never be matched up against an edge rusher. That is a blocking failure when it happens. Yes, he ran out a deep kickoff like Kerley did. Might this be a sign that the Jets ordered their return men to run everything out so they could get a look at what they have?
- Nick Folk made a bid to keep his kicking job by hitting both field goals. If the Jets did not care about his kickoffs last year, they probably will not with an extra 5 yards this year. He hit most of his kicks near the end zone, which shows how it will help.
- I thought Chris Bryan won the night punting with 47 and 51 yard punts. T.J. Conley should have pinned the Texans at the 1 and would have if not for bad coverage. His other kicks were not that good, though.
- Brodney Pool had a bad night. He was the guy who failed to kill that punt at the 1 and was beaten multiple times in coverage by backups.
- Overall, coverage was very good. The Texans did not have many places to throw it. Until the waning moments, a running back was the only guy on their team with more than one reception. They just caught the Jets a few times blowing assignments out of the backfield and ran a few screens at perfect times catching the Jets blitzing.
- Patrick Turner did a good job camping underneath when the Texans provided a cushion. He finished with 6 catches for 32 yards and a touchdown. I think his roster chances might have taken a hit, though. More on that tomorrow.
- Jeff Cumberland looked dangerous with it in his hands. He finished with 6 grabs for 77 yards. He is fast and tough to bring down. I think his route running needs some work, but we saw him make plays. Unlike say Vladimir Ducasse, he made some progress.
- Bilal Powell takes a long time to get to full speed, but he is a load to bring down once he gets there.
- Matt Kroul made some mistakes. That is to be expected from a new lineman. He showed yflashes, though. I think the Jets should consider taking a guy like him who has potential once he learns technique over a guy who has not picked up anything in Ducasse if it came down to them.
- Josh Baker might have a tough time finding a spot, but he sure made a case with all of those catches on that last drive and making things happen with it in his hands.
- Michael Campbell's slim roster chances probably slipped through his fingers on that drop.
- Dan DePalma was not as slippery as Kerley, but he looked tough to bring down.
- Finally, there is Greg McElroy. He has a long way to go. It was clear he underestimated the speed of the pro game at times, and he was against scrubs. He also clearly needs to hit the weight room hard. He needs to add some zip to his throws so he can drive the tough ones in there. With that said, I was impressed with the toughness he showed shaking off a tough start and making plays and good decisions. Brian Schottenheimer also made good adjustments after that rough start giving McElroy easy throws to make (please, Schotty, be this smart all year long). The last play of the game was a bit ugly, but the Jets probably were not scoring there anyway.
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Great recap
Overall, I was pretty happy with their performance, also.
Vlad Ducasse is awful, though.
Manage/write for GGN, telling it like it is at http://www.ganggreennation.com
Thanks for this
For some reason I just don’t find myself caring enough to watch pre-season games. Same with hockey too. Great writeup.
"Since when did The Onion start doing hockey stories?" - Random Puck Daddy Comment
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Cumberland was a beast.
I think I really like McElroy. I think I love Kerley. I know I love Kenrick.
But Vlad… wtf bro? That was ugly.
Bengals fan here..
I think you got talent equal to Dalton with McElroy, but you got it in the 7th round. Very very impressive first game. I’m jealous.
how was westerman?
fellow rutgers alumni :) was he alright? seemed quiet tonight
It seemed to me like he was REALLY REALLY REALLY trying to get a sack out there which took him out of plays at times especially against all those screens, but he drew blockers his way and opened things up for other guys to make plays even though he didn’t do much himself. I can see him really being a force with first-team linemen next to him in the regular season.
by Exystence on Aug 16, 2011 12:39 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
aye
"Now here we go dropping science dropping it all over"- B.Boys
by mad science on Aug 16, 2011 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Vlad was terrible.
I loved Cumberland. Sanchez played well as did Wilson. Westerman was pretty solid, got some push but also got fooled on a TD. Liked Kenrick a lot tonight too. Ropati IMO had the best game for a dline men
Wilson
Seems to have learned a thing or two from working with Revis. Notice that he consistently turned his head around to find the ball. Something he never did last year and caused him to get burned several times.
by struckanerve9 on Aug 16, 2011 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Once again Great Recap
Of all the second string Offensive Lineman, I thought Dennis Landholt showed Promise.Very impressive defensive line depth. Cumberland is going to be a force this year
Ropati deserves a mention
I like that Sanchez was comfy, but he didn’t throw anything further than, what, 8 yards?
+1 on Ropati
I liked him disrupting Leinhart’s timing bringing the pressure
Manage/write for GGN, telling it like it is at http://www.ganggreennation.com
Heck with Vlad out there, I wouldn't want Sanchez to take me then 2 steps.
McElroy was good but I don’t want to see him when Vlad gets Sanchez put in the hospital because we tried more then a 10 yard pass in the preseason.
We have alot of promising young talent
McElroy.. Ellis.. Kerley.. Powell..McKnight..Cumberland..even Turner put on a show. #87 was inthe mix alot as well. Kyle Wilson looks like he’s improved. We’re gonna be just fine.
by MoneyMarcBleedsGreen&White on Aug 16, 2011 12:08 AM EDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Great summation
Goddamn was Ducasse awful. Not only that, our O-Line depth aside from him doesn’t exactly fill me with confidence. McElroy spent way to much time on the ground tonight. That said, good things from a lot of the people we were hoping to see good things from. Special mention to Cumberland, Ellis 2.0, Kerley, Ropati. Also was pleased to see the effort from Mauga, Baker, Powell. McElroy is clearly a work in progress but I liked what I saw from him in terms of his foot ball mind, so to speak, and he put the Jets in a position to win it if not for that Campbell drop (for which Campbell should be on the first cut list)
Any word on Turner?
"I reject your reality and substitute my own"
-Adam Savage
by blueandorange4life on Aug 16, 2011 12:22 AM EDT reply actions
Also, dear god do I despise the ESPN broadcast crew
Tirico is ok, but Jaws and Gruden make me crazy
"I reject your reality and substitute my own"
-Adam Savage
by blueandorange4life on Aug 16, 2011 12:25 AM EDT reply actions
Gruden was verbally molesting all the young QBs so much,
he should be put on the sex offender registry.
Gruden
is by far the DUMBEST broadcaster I’ve ever seen. I consistently found myself saying that it’s no wonder he’s not a coach anymore. The guy is an absolute football moron. All he does is repeat the same tired crap you hear from everyone without doing any real analysis. And his voice makes me want to eat glass.
by struckanerve9 on Aug 16, 2011 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Good game guys.
Preseason so the W-L is meaningless.
I thought Cumberland, Sanchez and your d-lines looked very good.
Ducasse….ya….
McElroy has talent, just made some rookie mistakes as one should expect.
Overall the Jets have some nice young talent.
I have to say Sanchez looked great, definitely stood out in terms of being comfortable and sharp.
Good luck this season.
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
Thanks.
Hate to say it, especially after you were so nice, but looked to me like Mario Williams was pretty lost at OLB. Overall the Texans D did a good job of getting pressure though.
by struckanerve9 on Aug 16, 2011 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
yes
His backup (Jesse Nading) and Nading’s backup (undrafted rookie Bryan Braman) looked much more acclimated to the “elephant” WOLB position than Williams for sure. I think Mario just needs a few more weeks to get it down after so many reps in the league as a DE. I was sure impressed with the Nading and Braman though.
"Ignorance is bliss. Oedipus ruined a great sex life by asking too many questions." -Stephen Colbert
also meant to add
that Sanchez looked good last night and handled the rush well. And it looks like you guys got a bargain with McElroy in the 7th round. He seemed to mature before our very eyes last night. I actually thought last night’s game was one of the better preseason games I’ve watched in a long time. Maybe that’s just how bad I was jonesin’ for some football.
"Ignorance is bliss. Oedipus ruined a great sex life by asking too many questions." -Stephen Colbert
i liked what i saw from some of these guys
I thought Mo played well not great but he did play well so i dont understand the criticism on him cause he didnt play that bad and same with brodney he was right there in coverage several times but he was just beaten by the perfect throw like when Matt lenert rolled out side the pocket to his left pool was all over that TE but the placement ball was near perfect so there was nothing he could do so to me he played well not great but good enough. and also a quick reminder THIS IS THE FIRST PRESEASON GAME AFTER A LOCKOUT SO RELAX EVERYONE INCLUDING ME!
Ducasse.. Needs work. The lockout killed valuable time for him.
Wilks wasn’t as bad as ppl say. He did get in the QB’s face a few times. I say first game jitters. Ellis, dixon, ropati, looked awesome. Liked what I saw in cumberland, powell, kerley,, mcknight and sanchez
by jets4life24 on Aug 16, 2011 12:38 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
J
I think the team played good. Its still the 1st preseason, so some rust, blown assignments, and blown coverage is expected. Wow the Jets has become a very young team. I hope Turner and d madbacker are ok. Glad to see Jimmy out there. Now is the time for the team to dig in and watch tapes, correct mistakes and move on.
Thanks John B & Others for the Recap
I had a rehearsal, so I didn’t get to start watching until a little after 10:00 PM (some point in the 3rd Qtr). I saw the recap on Sports Center, but it helps to see comments that you guys made as well.
I was impressed with McElroy, Cumberland, Mauga and several others in the action I saw. The Jets have to work on their OL depth or if any of the starters gets injured they’re gonna have another season where their top 2-3 QBs go down in one game. #77 (Clifford) blows chunks. I realize he’s TC fodder, but I swear, I think I could have done a better job than he did and I’m 57 years old and only weigh about 260. If Ducasse looked as bad as he did, and Turner’s injury is serious, the Jets could be in trouble. They better be looking to bring in a camp cut or one of the unsigned FA OL for insurance.
I think I’d axe Clifford tomorrow and sign someone immediately. He looked hopeless to me. Unless they need Campbell for TC, I think I’d axe his butt too. His hands didn’t look good at all. He ran a good route to get open on what should have been the game-winning TD, but then dropped it. Supposedly, they have several good WR prospects. I’d give them Campbell’s reps.
I think Mauga should definitely get some first team reps in practice. I like his speed and hustle. I think he could be an effective blitzer on passing plays.
McElroy is definitely a keeper and tough. His arm looked stronger than I expected, too. It’s a marginal pro arm, but probably stronger than Pennington’s was.
Some of the Jets’ DBs on the 2nd and 3rd units looked pretty good, too. I’m not sure of numbers, but it appeared Emmanuel Cook may have improved a good bit. I think he made some good plays, but it could have been someone else.
Oh, I almost forgot, that DiPalma kid looked good returning punts. Didn’t he catch some passes, too? I had never heard of him. He may wind up on the PS.
The Texans have a lot of talent. I still can’t believe they got both JJ Watt and Brooks Reed in this draft, and that Braman kid looked very good. Once the light goes on with Mario Williams, their pass rush is gonna be scary, and with what looks to be a much-improved secondary, they’re gonna be a much better D and team. Kudos to you Texans fans. You’re class acts. I’ve always liked your club and wish you a lot of luck this season.
"Reality is purely the perception of the individual mind. It follows, that since no two minds are alike, no two perceptions of reality are alike. It further follows, that what reality is to one, may seem complete madness to someone else."
– Yefim Novikov
lets hope
damion woody is getting a call soon. i thought mcelroy played extremly well for a 7th rounder playing his first game. over all i was pretty happy with how we played
"it's not easy being green"-kermit the frog
"we the mets are an improved ball club, now we lose in extra innings"-casy stengel
i cant spell a nosebleed
he's gone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!OLLIE PEREZ IS GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I couldn't agree more.
We are definitely not accounting for how well the Texans D played. Although, I think Vlad would have had problems with the 3rd stringers.
Honestly...
I thought most of what the Texans D did was because of our lack of quality OLinemen on the field. The blew right through Ducasse and Felix (after Turner went down). Williams did nothing and looked lost at the OLB spot. Hate to say it, but some guys are just not cut out to be 3-4 OLBs after playing 4-3 DE. We’ll see if Mario can make the transition. If not, he’ll end up being a liability. Other than that, our own mistakes notwithstanding, it seemed like we had very little trouble moving the ball throughout the game. Even Bilal Powell and Joe McKnight looked good running the ball.
by struckanerve9 on Aug 16, 2011 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
I personally feel
Brodney Pool belongs at Strong Safety, not at Free Safety. Stick Lowery in FS as the starter. But that’s just me…
this
“I feel like the Jets might be making the Kyle Wilson mistake all over, asking a rookie to do an extremely hard job”
Winners from the game were definitely
Mauga and DePalma. Mauga was flying ALL over the place when he subbed in, I think he’s going to be getting some looooong looks from the staff in regards to getting on the 2-deep this year, and if nothing else, he’ll be a special teams ace.
And DePalma, I’ve never heard of the guy, but I love the hustle and the toughness he showed. He’s got good speed, maybe not quite great, but he’s got good feet and looked good on special teams. I hope they can find him a roster spot— if there’s anyone that I thought “played like a Jet,” it was DePalma.
Greg McElroy really just needs to work on his arm strength and driving through his throws, especially his deep balls. He just lets a little too much air get underneath them. Honestly, and I mean this as the highest praise, his upside could be Chad Pennington 2.0, which would be FANTASTIC. Medium and short routes, he looks like he’s got great accuracy.
Another positive sign to see was that he wasn’t staring down reads and getting lucky because of blown coverages by training-camp fodder in the secondary in the second half— he was seeing covered WRs downfield and making his check-downs. A lot of times, you see QBs inflate their stats against blown coverage type plays, but McElroy really seems to “get it”— it’s just a matter of being around the NFL game speed and a NFL conditioning program.
Patrick Turner had a good game, and Jeff Cumberland looks like he’s finally harnessing some of the raw physical tools he was blessed with. Kerley will be good when he gets more reps. Liked seeing some chemistry with Sanchez and Mason.
Ducasse? Woof. Terrible game. Landolt (and I’m a PSU grad, so this hurts to say) did not look good in pass protection. Run blocking he was okay, but he got manhandled by some second-team edge rushers— not something you want to see at LT. The O-line depth in general worries me a LOT.
I think Campbell gets cut this week after that drop. That was In. His. Hands. No excuse. It’s not like they have any shortage of prospects at WR.
I don't mean to be a pain but I don't see a mention for Wilson.
I counted 2 passes defended. He also stuck his head in against the running game. Overall I see a completely different player from last year.
He’s even showing confidence on the sideline with the guys.
His body language is all together different.
And lets not forget the main gripe that had so many people ready to call him a bust last year…
He got his head around and looked for the ball!
I don’t mean to jump the gun (I know it’s week one of the preseason) but this kid is not the BUST some people called him last year.
He’s ready to go
I also think Josh Baker was excellent.
Cumberland didn’t look very impressive. I say develop Cumberland on the PS and keep Baker on the roster. He looked that great.
No.
Wilk seems to be the type to shed his block quickly and pursue the runner so he looks like hes giving ground alot. He over commited on an early play when he should have stayed in his running lane. All together he played well. Didn’t screw anything up too bad. He was fine. He’s the first round pick so everyone is going to overreact.
To me he looks like a guy still trying to ease himself into the speed of the game. Nothing to freak out about.
I thought Powell played well
Showed some ability to find holes. Might not have great measurements but he knows how to be a RB.
Campbell catches that pass, McElroy looks a whole lot better this morning. But he hung in there in his first game, made a few mistakes, but he’s tough and has talent. And he knows how to be a QB on a running team.
"Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun."
Not too familiar with the Texans roster
but Omar Minaya had a great night as an NFL running back. Good for him.
and the HOLMES of the... JETS!!!
Gang Green Nation.
David Vill on Twitter
that's Chris Ogbonnaya
and he was #5 on the depth chart in training camp but our other RBs have all had nagging injuries. Funny that last year, everyone was saying we needed a RB… now we have them coming out our ears. But yeah, OingoBiongo, made quite an impression last nite and may have secured himself a roster spot.
"Ignorance is bliss. Oedipus ruined a great sex life by asking too many questions." -Stephen Colbert
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