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Marley Says "Go Jets".

Nervous before Training Camp

Am I the only person in Jets nation nervous about a few things that we haven't talked about on here yet?

Chad Pennington. He had a conference call yesterday with the Jets reporters in Hofstra. Chad isn't expected to be back to 100% until close to or around September 11th, which is the opening Sunday of the football season. Can you really go into the first game of the season playing 100% only for the first time in a year? Don't you need to play at 100% capacity at least once or twice before you get all your "game timing" back?

Maybe not. Maybe he can get back to his old self with a snap of the fingers, with gradually increasing his role in the Preseason. But if this is the plan (which everyone seems to say that it is), Chad NEEDS to play 2 to 3 quarters in the final preseason game. This is unheard of for a Jets starting quarterback. Gang Green has always been conservative during the last preseason game with their quarterbacks, but that precedent needs to change this year.

Final question on this topic: What happens when you reconstruct a shoulder of a quarterback that already had a weak arm in the first place?

John Abraham. My first reaction after hearing that he was going to hold out of training camp was "I wish the Jets had either traded him last year, or used the franchise tag on Lamont Jordan instead". Then I came to my senses, and realized what a defensive line would look like while losing John Abraham and Jason Ferguson in the same offseason.

With that thought out the window, I come to the realization that the Jets need Abraham. The Problem? He's always hurt. And if he gets hurt for an extended period this year with a franchise tag contract, the Jets would be able to say to themselves, "Well, we gave it a shot with him for one more year, but the pattern continues...", and then proceed to let him go to another team willing to take a chance with him next year.

Unfortunately, Abraham and his agent aren't stupid. They know their best chance to get a good long term contract is him signing RIGHT NOW with the Jets. They would risk losing everything if he played one year under a frachise tag contract. (Granted he would still have his $6M that he would be due to make this season under the contract, so don't feel sorry for the guy). So because of all this, they are trying to force the Jets hand to lock him up to a contract.

Gang Green needs to give Abraham his way. They can't go into the season with more of a depleted defensive line. Abraham is an unreliable player, he will come down with the flu and sit out a playoff game in the drop of a hat, but he is also a difference maker. The Jets need a difference maker.

Abraham gone bye-bye

Thanks Donnie for the notice.

Two weeks before training camp starts, the Jets gaping hole in the secondary got even bigger. Who knew that was possible? Donnie Abraham FINALLY decided to retire, his agent announced yesterday.

Donnie waiting so long into the off season really created a stir in the Jets Organization. Apparently, most of the front office thought he was coming back for one more season. Why did they think that? Who knows, Donnie never really said that. Group think I guess. These guys would be perfect working for the CIA.

Anyway, the Jets immediately traded a sixth round pick to Dallas for a Bill Parcells reject, Pete Hunter. Who? He fell into Parcells' bad graces because he refused to move to safety last year. That's great, another safety caliber player playing cornerback for the Jets. What speed he must have.

Ty Law looks like a possibility. I read in the Daily News this morning that he is asking $6M per season. If they Jets give a 31 year old with a bad foot $6M a year, they really are fools, and will be even much better CIA candidates.

I do really want Ty Law on my team though. I think he's a good defensive leader, and still has some gas in the tank. But I would only want him if the asking price gets much much lower.

Mini-Camp

Since my last post the Jets have gone through the weird mid-spring ritual of "mini-camp". This is when players come together "voluntarily" to work out with each other, in pads, and learn the system of their new teams, if necessary. This is interesting because, all the rookies come to mini-camp as well, most of them without contracts.

Obviously, there is no contact in mini-camp.

Some of the highlights? Not many...

1) Donnie Abraham retired. No big loss, he was small, and didn't have a nose for the ball when it comes to interceptions.

2) Kicker boy did well, after struggling the first day.

3) Everyone is giddy with the new offensive system. I've heard that before. Don't believe it just yet.

See you toward Training Camp time!! Should be a fun year, with a very interesting schedule! Haven't seen it? Check it out!!!

Joe Zibell's Baseball Writing

The draft is now over, and it is a long way until Training Camps in LATE July. While you are enjoying your summer off, please don't hesitate to visit Joe Zibell's Baseball Writing Blog. As good as it gets.

Josh Evans

It's official coming from Hempsted, LI, Josh Evans has announced his retirement after sitting out most of last season with a back injury.

Losing Josh last season never really came around to bite the Jets because of strong play from Dewayne Robertson and Jason Ferguson in the middle, but this coming season with Ferguson bolting to Dallas (reuniting with Parcells), this could become a weak spot for the Gang Green. More blockers may end up being able to get through those tackles, and into the face of Jonathan Vilma and alike.

The Jets spent a third round pick for a large Tackle out of Utah. However, as I repeated so many times during the 2003 season, large defensive tackles will take time to develop in this league just because of large differences between college and the pros. Therefore, he will probably not contribute much this season.

Keep an eye out for a veteran DT that gets cut after June 1st, and hopefully the Jets can swoop in and grab that person...

Per the NY Daily News, the Jets also signed Guard (Offensive) Brandon Moore to a long term extension.

Doug Brien

The Jets are going to release Doug Brien around June 1st. According to published reports, they have given him permission to speak to other teams about a new job.

A no brainer decision here after picking a kicker as high as the Jets did. I'm not arguing with the thought process of picking a kicker, but you can't and don't have room under your salary cap for two pro kickers fighting for a job. Not taking up an extra roster spot either during training camp.

Doug got the Jets into the divisional round of the playoffs by hitting a field goal against San Diego... But that wasn't enough. Not when you had two chances to bring your team to the AFC Championship that following week, with two MAKEABLE kicks.

Sorry Doug, time to move on. Hope you get a chance to miss 45 yard game winning field goals somewhere else.

Johnny Sample

Ex-Jet, NFL great Sample dead at 67

STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

PHILADELPHIA - Johnny Sample, a defensive back who was on the winning side in two of the NFL's landmark games, including the Jets in Super Bowl III, died yesterday. He was 67.
His death was confirmed by Jeff Moran, a spokesman for the medical examiner's office in Philadelphia. Details were not immediately available.

Sample had an interception for the Jets in their 16-7 upset of the Baltimore Colts in the Super Bowl in 1969. That game, for which the Jets' Joe Namath "guaranteed" victory, established the old AFL on a par with the NFL after the two leagues merged.

Earlier, Sample played for the Colts in the 1958 NFL championship game against the Giants that is still often described as "The Greatest Game Ever Played." The Colts won 23-17, the first game to go to overtime.

"On behalf of the Jets organization, we are saddened and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Johnny Sample. Johnny dedicated his life to football and had a passion for the game. He will always have a special place in Jets' history," Jets coach Herman Edwards said. "The Jets and the NFL community have lost a friend in Johnny Sample." In all, Sample played 11 seasons for the Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins and the Jets. The 1958 title game was in his rookie season and the 1969 game was his last.

"His participation in two of the most significant games in NFL history, the 1958 championship game and Super Bowl III, symbolized the champion John was," Colts owner Jim Irsay said.
Known as a fierce hitter from his cornerback position, Sample had 41 interceptions during his career, returning four for touchdowns, and also returned one punt and one kickoff for a TD. In his final year with the Jets, he had seven interceptions.

Born in Philadelphia, he attended Overbrook High School at the same time as Wilt Chamberlain and played in college at Maryland-Eastern Shore.

WBC middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins said he knew Sample for 18 years.

"He was a stand-up, speak-his-mind kind of guy," Hopkins said. "It's like getting hit with a right hand that you can't shake off. He is my best older, elder friend."

Week 5 Picks

I'm currently in a picks pool, and for the past several weeks I've doing various write-ups on the NFL games. Use these recommendations at your own peril!

In my pool I have to pick a select number of games and put a weight on them. So for 25 games, I have to rank them 1-25; my 25-point game is the one I'm most confident with. My 1-point game is the one with the least amount of confidence.

I picked 10 college games yesterday. That means I have 15 NFL picks to choose. I can pick either ATS or Over/Under totals.

Anyway, these write-ups are just meant for fun, just a chance to analyze the match-ups. Enjoy the games.

Miami at New England (-13), Total: 34.5

This line is right about where it should be, and one with a 23-10 final in mind. The Dolphins haven’t given up 20 points, but that doesn’t mean they won’t in their toughest spot, against the toughest opponent they’ve played so far. And certainly vs. the best offense they’ve played to this point.

Against a Top 10 defense (Buffalo), the Pats racked up 31 points, and nearly 400 total yards.

How much longer can the Miami defense keep the weight of the team (and any shred of respectability) solely on its back? In one of these games the dam is going to break, and they won’t lose 17-9; they’ll lose by a more ugly-looking margin. This could be the week.

No team protects their QB better than the Patriots, and it’s likely they will be able to put some points on the board.

While the Pats’ pass defense is excellent (YPG and sack numbers are both very good), the run defense is not. The best way to move the ball is stay away from throwing into Belichek’s defensive backfield and just try to smash into their defensive line. However, there is nothing the Dolphins have shown that would lead anyone to believe they’re going to run the ball vs. New England.

The Dolphins’ offense has been putrid, and while the QB situation is a mess (Jay Fiedler, once a decent QB, now looks as if he forgot how to play football), the running game has been even worse. YPG: 59.8, YPR: 2.7 – both figures are last in the NFL.

I’m going to stay away from the 13-point line. In a game that will probably be decided by the 3rd quarter, it’s begging for a late score to swing it one way or the other.

What I am considering is the total: a tiny 34.5, the 2nd lowest total of the week. Last year, in the two NE/Miami games, the Under was the play both times: In October, the total was 32 on a 37 point line; In December, the total was 12 (a 12-0 NE shutout) on a 33.5 point line.

A couple of my reasons for this: 1) I have the idea in my head that if Miami continues to play offense like they’re playing underwater, the defense is going to lose interest in the 2nd half of one of these games 2) New England’s offense looks damn efficient right now. They sliced their way through a good Buffalo defense last week.

Then again, this game could be staring 20-3 right in the face… Final decision: No play

Cleveland at Pittsburgh (-6) Total: 37

Pittsburgh is a solid home favorite vs. the Browns. Don’t really know much about these two teams at this point. Browns struggle to score 20 points against decent defenses (Dallas, New York and Washington), but they’ve only really had one terrible outing (in New York) where a game really got away from them.

Is Pittsburgh good enough for this line? They’ve really played garbage teams the past two weeks, which might be inflating the line a tad. And it looks like they play to the range of their competition. The Miami game (on a post-hurricane field) played to form, as did the Cincy game last week.

If this was to play to form, I’d expect about 13-17 points for the Browns and 19-21 points for Pittsburgh.

I don’t see much of a reason to play with the six points, but the Over might be a play. I don’t see anything vaunted about the Steelers defense (I think it’s more of a reflection of the QBs they’ve played against) that makes me think that Cleveland will move the ball at least a little bit…

Tough call… Final decision: No play

Oakland at Indianapolis (-9.5) Total: 52.5

This line looks a bit high at 9.5. The Colts certainly have it in them to soar past 30 in this game and could win by a couple of touchdowns. But there might be some value in picking Oakland off a loss to Houston, and a bad performance by Kerry Collins.

I have little doubt in my mind that Oakland is going to score points. I have also little doubt that Indy is going to score points as well. The total is the highest of the week: 52.5, and this could sail past that robust amount.

If the Raiders score 24-27, can they keep the Colts in the 32-35 range? Maybe…

I think the Raiders getting 9.5 is a pretty good play. I’m going to bank that Collins will be able to throw the ball at will against that suspect Indy secondary, and keep his team within 10 points. The total is so high, that I’m a little wary of going with it. If I had to pick, I’d take the Over.

Final decision: Oakland +9.5, my 3 point game

Detroit at Atlanta (-6.5) Total: 41

That win in Carolina really swung public opinion back in the Falcons’ favor. They are easily pacing the league in rushing yards/game (174) with Warrick Dunn avg. over 4 yds/carry and the ever-present prospect of Vick on the loose. Even T.J. Duckett has pitched in with 121 yards.

The good news for the Lions is that they’ve fared well against the run (less than 100 ypg) in the early going.

The bad news is that Atlanta’s defense has been excellent, albeit against a couple of offensively challenged teams of late (Arizona and Carolina). Detroit’s offensive rankings are near the bottom of the league; Atlanta’s defense (12 ppg) is right at the top. And they’ve accumulated a bunch of sacks (16) as well.

I just don’t see that there’s going to be a lot points in this one, and yet the total (41) is only one of five games that are +40 on the point total.

In a game that I think both teams are going to struggle to get to 20, 6.5 is a decent size spread. I’ll probably stay away from it, but would lean towards the Lions coming off a bye with a good coach.

Final decision: Lions +6.5 is my 1 point game. The Under is my 15-point pick (higest of my NFL picks today)

Tampa Bay at New Orleans (-3)

Alright, which way are we going to go with the Saints this week? They lost the first two games of the season ATS as home favorites, including one game as big favorites against the 49ers. They came back as road dogs and covered vs. the Rams. And then predictably didn’t cover as a road favorite in Arizona…

They’re home against the beleaguered Bucs with an invitingly low line of -3.

Tampa can play the pass (4th in passing yards against), but they can’t play the run anymore. They allow 126.5/g, which is partly a reflection that teams have been playing with leads against them in the 2nd half, but also a reflection that the defense isn’t what it once was.

I think the fact they played the Broncos tough at home probably swung the line back down a bit. But the Broncos aren’t any great shakes either offensively…

Although trying to stay with the Saints is like trying to hold onto the back end of a roller coaster, I’m going to pick their game for the 4th week in a row. I think they’ll score some points (at least 21), and although the Saints defense is not good (26.8 ppg), the Bucs offense led by Chris Simms won’t be lighting up the scoreboard.

I’m going to stay away from the total, but would lean to the over.

Final decision: Saints -3, my 5 point game

New York Giants at Dallas (-3.5) Total: 37.5

The Giants and Cowboys have played a relatively similar schedule. Both teams opened with brutal road games (at Minny, at Philly) and didn’t fare well.

And they’ve both played the Browns and Redskins. The Giants have one extra game b/c of Dallas’ bye last week.

B/c of the similarities, a statistical comparison is probably a little more helpful here than for other match-ups with big schedule disparities.

Rushing Offense (YPR/YPG)
New York: 5.03/148.2
Dallas: 3.53/82.3

Passing Offense (YPG/QB Rating)
New York: 222.5/88.47
Dallas: 3.53/83.41

Rushing Defense (YPR/YPG)
New York: 4.68/113.5
Dallas: 4.69/122

Passing Defense (YPG/QB Rating/Sacks)
New York: 227/79.06/10
Dallas: 211.7/86.07/8

Turnover Ratio
New York: +10
Dallas: -3

Okay, what’s the first thing you think about when I say “Giants/Cowboys” and then say “Coughlin/Parcells?” Well, I don’t know about you but I think about defense, defense, defense. Except, look at these numbers… Neither team is a defensive powerhouse, and consider that four of the seven games these teams have played have been against offensively-challenged Cleveland and Washington.

Looking at these numbers (and remembering that Vinny Testaverde will take a sack every now and then, not to mention throw a pick), I don’t see much of a reason not to take the Giants and the points. Of course, I smell a trap here… Or maybe that it’s just Dallas is at home, and people aren’t sold on the Giants yet.

Either way, I’ll take the points in this rivalry game.

The total is a tough call. Right on the money at 37.5. I’d probably take the Under, but with not a lot of confidence.

Final decision: Giants +3.5, my 8 point pick

Minnesota (-4) at Houston

I sense a lot of people are going to jump on the Texans' bandwagon this week, and pick them as a home dog after covering easily against the Raiders last week, and winning as huge road dogs at Kansas City the week before.

One thing you can bank on, Houston is going to score some points against that Minnesota D. As I wrote last week, Houston’s offensive output has been consistent all season long: 20-16-24-30. They had one slip up on the road in Detroit, but other than that they look to be a lock for about 21 points/game. I would imagine they’re going to hit at least 24 at home against that defense. *I should mention that Minnesota’s poor defensive rankings (their PTS allowed total is middle of the pack), is due to their bad pass defense numbers (30th in the league in passing yards allowed/game). Their run defense is Top 10 in the league.

But how many are they going to give up? Houston’s pass defense (198.5 ypg) isn’t a huge problem, but their run defense is. Ranked 25th at 133.8 ypg. Keep in mind they’ve had to go against Tomlinson and Holmes already, but that’s a pretty hearty total. Minnesota’s rushing numbers, while not as good as their passing numbers, are still very good. They’re at 100+ ypg and run at 4.32 y/r.

50 is the point total for this game, and it’s certainly justified. For the Vikes to cover the four, I suspect they’re going to have to hit at least 29. The problem is that the Texans points allowed are on a steady decline since week 1: 27-28-21-17. And those last two numbers are against good offensive teams (Kansas City and Oakland).

The play here is Houston. For Minnesota to cover with 25, they’d have to hold the Texans to 20. 1) I don’t think it’s a lock that Minnesota will score high 20s in this spot and 2) I’m not convinced that the Texans will be held down at 20 or 21. They might reach 24-27 against that defense.

Final decision: Texans +4, my 4 point pick

Buffalo Bills at New York Jets (-6.5) Total: 37

Here are the Bills’ point totals for their first three games: 13, 13, 17 – against two very good defenses, and one average defense.

The Jets are a still an average defense (but getting better), and are allowing 20+ ppg. My guess is that today is the first week the Bills crack 20. The problem is, I think the Jets will sail past 20 as well.

All week I was on this game, thinking the Bills + the points. However, now that it’s down to 6.5 and seeing how banged up the Bills are, especially in the secondary, I’m hedging my bet on this one.

The desperate Bills playing a division game, Mularky still looking for win #1 might be a light play. Jets are 3-0 ATS; Bills are 0-3.

I do like the Over.

Final decision: Over 37, my 14 point pick

Jacksonville (-3) @ San Diego

My initial lean tells me Jacksonville. The Jags are a sharp 3-1 ATS against some good competition, but they have been Dogs in every game. This is their first spot as a favorite, and it’s on the road to boot.

Their pass defense rankings are very good, but surprisingly, their rushing defense numbers are just average (16th in ypg).

I don’t mind taking the Jags in this spot (I’m still not much of a believer in San Diego), but what’s the point in pushing on 3, which is what I think could easily happen.

I’ll take my chances and would rather play the Under. San Diego will be able to run a little, but not pass. Jacksonville could pass if it had a better passing game…

Final decision: Under 36.5, my 7 point pick; Jacksonville -3 is my 2 point pick

Carolina at Denver (-5.5), Total: 37.5

I’m a little worried about Carolina’s D in this spot. But in the area where they’ve really struggled (rush defense), I’m not sure Denver will be able to take advantage with Griffin injured. Plummer doesn’t figure to do much against a pass defense that is allowing opposing QBs a 73.42 rating (and that includes games against Favre, Green and Vick).

On the other side of the ball, I’m not expecting much from the Carolina offense. Denver’s defense has played very well, having allowed only 20 points once in a game (opening week to the Chiefs).

Carolina has to shoot for 16 and hope for the best. Denver probably will do just enough to win. The Under is a pretty good play, as is taking Carolina plus the points.

Final decision: Carolina +5.5, my 11 point pick; the Under is my 10 point pick

St. Louis @ Seattle (-7)

Seattle is now getting big lines in its favor, as they have surged to the top of the heap in the NFL. Their point differential is jaw-dropping as they’re scoring 21.7 and allowing a miniscule 4.3 ppg. Their opponents have been New Orleans, Tampa and San Francisco, but still… 4 points a game are 4 points a game.

The rushing numbers against are best in the league, and opposing QBs have by far the lowest rating against Seattle.

Will St. Louis be able to make any dent in that D, off an extra week of rest?

The Rams are no longer the Greatest Show on Turf, but they still have a good offense. They can still run, and their QB rating is still +90; they score 20.8/g.

I’m not convinced they’ll be able to do much against this defense, however. And with Seattle likely to sail past 20 points in this one, I don’t mind laying the seven. A light play, but I’d go with the home team in this one.

Final decision: Seattle -7, my 6 point game

Arizona at San Francisco (-1) Total: 37

Ooooh… this is an ugly one. Both offenses are terrible; both teams score right around 15 ppg. QB ratings are almost identical (low 70s).

When looking at the statistical comparisons between these two, one number jumps up and down off the page and waves its hands: San Francisco is allowing opposing QBs a 106.47 rating. That is colossally bad. (The next worst team is Green Bay at 102).

I don’t see any convincing reason to take the 49ers in this spot. They showed some spunk early in the season, covering as Dogs against Atlanta and New Oreleans. But they didn’t come close in Seattle as double-digit Dogs, and they were lackluster against the mediocre Rams at home in primetime.

Arizona is still floating under the radar a bit, and I’ll take them to win this one outright. The play is Under 37.

Final decision: Under 37, my 12 point pick; Cards +1, my 9 point pick

Baltimore at Washington (Pick 'em)

Just when you thought the ugly games were over for the week, this gem comes rolling down the pike.

The Redskins have been a mess offensively. Defensively, they’ve been fine. The only game they allowed more than 20 was against the Giants, a game in which they turned the ball over seven times.

I like the Ravens in this spot. They’re coming off a home MNF loss in which they were huge favorites (always affects the line), and they could fall two behind Pittsburgh with a loss here in the early going. I like Billick over Gibbs right now in the coaching department as well.

I usually don’t like relying on transient things like “motivation” and “emotion” in picking football games, but I’m going to use some of those things in picking the Ravens. With the impending loss of Lewis for a couple games, they need this win. And I have a feeling they’re not going to be in the best of moods… The total is the lowest of the week… If either team hits 20, you probably push… I’ll stay away from that number.

Final decision: Ravens, my 13 point pick

Tennessee at Green Bay (-3)

What do you do with this game? Both teams struggling, trying to regain their footing, coming off three losses in a row since opening week wins. What team finds its way back into the season? Which one falls off into 1-4 oblivion?

Both defenses have been disappointments. They both are allowing a bunch of rushing yards, an equal amount actually: 131 ypg. And Tennessee’s defense is marginally better than Green Bay’s, which has been awful.

I give Fisher a huge coaching edge over Sherman, but I thought that the Titans would be well-prepped to win in San Diego last week, and that didn’t come close to happening.

My play would be Tennessee + points. But I’m not touching the line or the total. This might be the toughest game to call of the year so far…

Final decision: No play

Recap

15: Detroit/Atlanta Under
14: Jets/Bills Over
13: Baltimore Ravens
12: Cardinals/49ers Under
11: Carolina Panthers +5.5
10: Broncos/Panthers Under
9: Arizona Cardinals +1
8: New York Giants +3.5
7: Jacksonville/San Diego Under
6: Seattle -7
5: New Orleans -3
4: Houston +4
3: Oakland +9.5
2: Jacksonville -3
1: Detroit Lions +6.5

The last two weeks, I'm 15-11-2 in my NFL pix. Let's see how this week shakes out.

-- Joe

Lamont

Is anyone not sick of Lamont Jordan and his playing time issue? If you aren't sick of hearing about it let me know. Because I don't think there is anyone out there that is not sick of it like I am. And then I will be proved wrong.

Trade him.

Finally!!!!

Finally, Santana Moss with play for the first time this preseason against the Eagles on Friday night. He was sidelined with a hamstring injury almost the entire camp.

What a great season Moss had last year, but I never stop worrying about his health. That's never a good thing when thinking about a football player.

Pennington signed a huge contract. I hope Mike Tannenbaum thought out the salary cap issues correctly. I'm not worried though, Tannenbaum is the best salary cap man in the business.

Catch Up

It's been a little while since my last post on this site, so I decided to take some time out of my day for a quick recap of some issues that are outstanding.

The Jets have had a couple of preseason games since we last saw each other, with very different results.

Against the Colts, the Jets Defense returned somewhat to earlier form, by getting run over in the first half. James ran all over the field and all over the Jets. Missed tackles and John Abraham all contributed to the disaster for the run defense. The Secondary actually impressed a little bit. Getting a big pick off of Peyton Manning.

The Giants game was a tale of a different defense. The Jets D had a field day with Eli Manning on the field. The Jets looked quick and alert, and impressed this skeptical fan. I've always thought the third preseason game was always the key, since the starters are basically ready, and there is not yet the cautiousness that comes into play during the forth game. It's usually a barometer on how the team is progressing. The Defense is making big strides. But it's a marathon. Building a defense is a marathon.

Some other notes:

Curtis Martin is getting a ton of carries this preseason. For any normal back, this would be alarming. But this veteran seems to play his best when he is either 1) hurt or 2) tired. Let's just be safe, and keep Curtis tired, not injured.

Lamont Jordan is still on this team, and still mopping around Hofstra. Please trade this guy.

The Secondary is going to have some young exciting players playing a lot. Reggie Tongue has all but lost his job to rookie SS Coleman. And since Ray Mickens is a little banged up, Derrick Strait will be used more often than not as a nickel back.

Wayne Chrebet is doing terrible apparently. His thigh (or whatever that is that's hurt) is doing poorly. I won't be surprised if he doesn't come back until after the first couple of weeks of the season. Even then, what can you expect from a guy coming back from post concussion syndrome, and someone who hasn't been hit in game action in a year? I think it's a great time for Jerricho Cotchery to step up and become a good possession receiver in his first year.

After years of watching John Hall and pulling my hair out, it's really refreshing to have Doug Brien on your team. We maybe giving up some longer field goals, but in the end, the consistency makes up for that. He has been 6 for 6 in the preseason.

Jets are close to signing Chad Pennington and possibly Shaun Ellis to extensions. I'm glad to hear that. Also glad to hear the Jets may not even bother to talk to John Abraham about an extension. Good. Talk about the biggest one dimensional player on this team (along with Bryan Thomas, remember him?). He cannot, under any circumstances, stop the run.

I'll leave reiterating my excitement about this Jets Defense. Joe (my fellow contributor to this blog) has gotten me even more excited. How? He actually mentioned to me how happy he was with the development of this defense. Joe is usually level headed about such things, so his saying that really makes me stand up and take notice. It should be a fun season.

Next game vs. Philly on Friday night. "Just don't hurt yourself" should be the motto.

My favorite 4th round pick

The bandwagon is getting full...

And here's another one!

Newspaper Read

A glowing critique of the Jets game last night by Rich Cimini in the NY Daily News. He seemed very excited about some of the new things the Jets defense is doing. To be honest, I have to agree with him. This seems like they are taking some chances, and being aggressive and proactive instead of reactive. Nice.

Of course, something to keep in mind is Reggie/Ronnie/Ronald Tongue (SS) and Eric Barton (LB) didn't play. Those two are projected to start on this defense. So the defense wasn't full "strength". I hesitate to use the word "strength" when mentioning the Jets D.

All the local papers today are saying good things about RB Jonathan Reese. Things like "it will be hard for the Jets to cut him...". If this is the case, isn't this a good time to trade Lamont Jordan? I reiterate my view that it's time to let him fly somewhere else.

Friday the 13th - Jets/Saints

9:30pm

See below for some analysis of some interesting stats in the first half of the Jets/Saints preseason game.

It is halftime now, and the first half of the first preseason game is all that matters. Second half involves most people just fighting for a job.

Jon McGraw had an interception in the first half. It's time for him to break out this season. If not; that draft pick was a bust. What was he a 3rd round pick? I'm not sure, but 3 years is enough to develop for a Safety.

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9:15pm

Bollinger is proving me wrong. He's 4 for 6 for 43 yards on this current Jets drive. My unsung draft pick Cotchery has 2 catches for 22 yards. I tell you, he WILL contribute to this receiving corps this year.

Jonathan Reese is getting some carries in this first half in place of Martin and Jordan. He has 11 carries for 40 yards. He was on the Jets in 2003, but didn't carry the football.

Brien kicked his second field goal.

(I am not concerned about the score. It's how you LOOK not whether you win or lose. Especially in the first preseason game.)

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I'm sitting here at 9pm tonight getting my first glimpse of the stats on the internet of tonight's game so far. I will be watching the game on tape tomorrow morning courtesy of the NFL Network.

Brian Bollinger has two fumbles, losing both of them. First of all, how long will it take Terry Bradway to sign a veteran backup? The line starts at 2 days. Any betters? Secondly, I hope this doesn't have something to say about the O-line. We shall see when I watch the game tomorrow.

The Jets rushing defense. 6 minutes left in the first half, the Saints have 76 yards rushing, including two rushes over 20 yards. I just wrote an e-mail to a fellow Jets fan telling him that I was about to puke over that stat. Of course, keep telling yourself how early in the preseason it is. Keep telling yourself how this defense has to gel.

Vilma has four tackles. Is this due to lack of good defensive line play? I hope not. I hope it means this kid is all over the field... I can't tell that by just stats.

Doug Brien. Just consistent as heck last year. Couldn't have asked for more from him. Would really "like" some more leg strength, but I'll take consistency over length and inconsistency (i.e. John Hall) any day.

I'll try to write more later....