TOJs Top 6 Camp Battles

[JetBlue]

 

By Dalbin Osorio.

 

 

We’re back with another edition of TOJ’s #PickSix. This week, we are going to look at six position battles that will go a long way towards determining the New York Jets depth chart. 

 

1. Geno Smith v Ryan Fitzpatrick
While this isn’t a competition in the traditional sense of the word, this is still something worth watching as OTAs and training camp progress for the New York Jets. Geno is the incumbent and will begin training camp as the first team quarterback. He is playing in his 3rd offensive system in 4 seasons. However, he will have the benefit of starting with the first team while Fitzpatrick heals from a broken leg. Should Smith falter, the Jets have a guy that was productive last season and who knows the system very well. Fitzpatrick is facing an uphill climb to unseat Smith but will be ready to do so if Smith shows he’s not ready.
Prediction: Geno Smith

 

2. Chris Ivory v Steven Ridley v Zac Stacy
Bilal Powell, in my opinion, is entrenched as the 3rd down back and won’t get the chance to compete for the starting running back’s position. This will come down to the incumbent Chris Ivory and newcomers Zac Stacy and Steven Ridley.

 

Ivory is the best pure runner out of the group, but he has durability issues. Ridley has the highest ceiling of the three, but also has durability issues. Stacy might be the hungriest out of the three, but he … you get the point. The Jets offensive line is a mess. With only one above average starter up front (Nick Mangold), it is important for the Jets to make sure they have the best possible player starting at running back.
Prediction: Chris Ivory

 

3. Devin Smith v Jeremy Kerley
Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall will get A LOT of opportunities from the slot, but the 3rd wide receiver in the Jets offense is vital to Gailey’s system. Jeremy Kerley is one of the more underrated Wide Receivers in the league. People forget that Kerley (playing with, arguably, the worst QB in the NFL) had similar numbers to Mike Wallace in his last year with Pittsburgh.

 

However, Kerley is going to have to do more than what he did last year to beat out second round pick Devin Smith. Smith isn’t just a speed wide receiver. Despite the pigeonholing, Smith has a decent grasp of the route tree, displays very good hands, and a has knack for high-pointing the ball.

 

There will be an acclimation process to the physicality of pro cornerbacks, but there is no reason to think Smith won’t have a good rookie year.
Prediction: Devin Smith

 

4. Calvin Pace v Lorenzo Mauldin
The New York Jets picked up Calvin Pace’s option with good reason. Pace is a veteran that can ease a new head coach’s transition and mentor any of the new guys. Quinton Coples will start at one of the OLB spots while Pace will be fending off rookie Lorenzo Mauldin. By now you are probably familiar with Mauldin’s story, but what about from a strictly football standpoint?

 

Mauldin is an angry pass rusher. He is athletic enough to cover tight ends and rush off the edge. If there is one thing Mauldin struggles with, it is his ability to consistently set the edge versus the run; that is something that Pace can help him with. However, Mauldin offers more than Pace as a pass rusher and this could tilt the battle in his favor.
Prediction: Calvin Pace

 

5. Dee Milliner v Dexter McDougle
Dee Milliner started as a top 10 pick in the NFL draft only to be fighting for snaps with an injury prone 3rd rounder. The former first round pick will have his work cut out for him as he both comes back from an achilles tear and has to beat out McDougle for the dime corner spot.

 

The Jets are loaded at CB this year. Whoever wins this camp battle will have the inside track to start on the outside should injuries become a factor or should the Jets decide to move on from Antonio Cromartie next year. Milliner’s experience covering tight ends at Alabama should help his case. However, McDougle was already pushing for playing time last year and is further along in his recovery than Milliner.
Prediction: Dexter McDougle

 

6. Willie Colon v Brian Winters v Oday Aboushi v Dakota Dozier v Jarvis Harrison
Mike Maccagnan went out of his way to add as many bodies as he could to the offensive line. He did this in the hope that one of them would emerge at the guard position opposite James Carpenter. Interestingly enough, this competition should come down to Jarvis Harrison and four guys brought in by John Idzik. Colon is the veteran that brings steady, if unspectacular, play.

 

Winters has been inconsistent his entire career and has been taking snaps at center, which could signal the end of his career at guard for the Jets. Aboushi started at the end of last year and flashed enough that it is safe to wonder what the Jets have with him long term. Dozier was considered a good value pick last year and will be given every chance to start after what was essentially a redshirt year. And, then there’s Jarvis Harrison.

 

Many people believed the Jets got a steal with Harrison in the 5th, and our own Mike Nolan stated before the draft how Harrison’s only issue is his desire. If Harrison can show that he actually loves to play football, the Jets could have a good one.
Prediction: Oday Aboushi

 

 

[The Crusher]

 

 

 

5. Dee Milliner v Dexter McDougle

Dee Milliner started as a top 10 pick in the NFL draft only to be fighting for snaps with an injury prone 3rd rounder. The former first round pick will have his work cut out for him as he both comes back from an achilles tear and has to beat out McDougle for the dime corner spot.

 

The Jets are loaded at CB this year. Whoever wins this camp battle will have the inside track to start on the outside should injuries become a factor or should the Jets decide to move on from Antonio Cromartie next year. Milliner’s experience covering tight ends at Alabama should help his case. However, McDougle was already pushing for playing time last year and is further along in his recovery than Milliner.

Prediction: Dexter McDougle

 

 

Isn't a prediction a lot like a guess? Child please! McDougle FTW. Book it.  Cook it. Eat it.   Forget the last part. I will eat it. 

[J-Diddy]

 

 

By Dalbin Osorio.

 

 

We’re back with another edition of TOJ’s #PickSix. This week, we are going to look at six position battles that will go a long way towards determining the New York Jets depth chart. 

 

1. Geno Smith v Ryan Fitzpatrick

While this isn’t a competition in the traditional sense of the word, this is still something worth watching as OTAs and training camp progress for the New York Jets. Geno is the incumbent and will begin training camp as the first team quarterback. He is playing in his 3rd offensive system in 4 seasons. However, he will have the benefit of starting with the first team while Fitzpatrick heals from a broken leg. Should Smith falter, the Jets have a guy that was productive last season and who knows the system very well. Fitzpatrick is facing an uphill climb to unseat Smith but will be ready to do so if Smith shows he’s not ready.

Prediction: Geno Smith

 

 

 

[Jetsfan80]

But wait, the pro-Geno crowd keeps telling me Geno won the job already?  So weird.

 

Devin Smith and Jeremy Kerley is not a positional battle.  They're only the same in position name only.  Deep threats and slot receivers are as different as an Offensive Tackle and a Guard.  The author had to do a lot of mental gymnastics to try to make that into something it's not.

[JetBlue]

But wait, the pro-Geno crowd keeps telling me Geno won the job already?  So weird.

 

Devin Smith and Jeremy Kerley is not a positional battle.  They're only the same in position name only.  Deep threats and slot receivers are as different as an Offensive Tackle and a Guard.  The author had to do a lot of mental gymnastics to try to make that into something it's not.

There is no pro-Geno crowd.  Only pro JETS.  Enough already with this divisive crap.  

[Jetsfan80]

There is no pro-Geno crowd.  Only pro JETS.  Enough already with this divisive crap.  

 

I want what's best for the Jets too.  Which is why I'm pro-Fitz. 

[JetBlue]

I want what's best for the Jets too.  Which is why I'm pro-Fitz. 

And if he sucks? 

[Jetsfan80]

And if he sucks? 

 

Tank with Geno/Petty, get a top pick, draft franchise QB or trade for Brees/Rivers/other.

[JustInFudge]

But wait, the pro-Geno crowd keeps telling me Geno won the job already?  So weird.

 

Devin Smith and Jeremy Kerley is not a positional battle.  They're only the same in position name only.  Deep threats and slot receivers are as different as an Offensive Tackle and a Guard.  The author had to do a lot of mental gymnastics to try to make that into something it's not.

 

Todd Bowles wrote this? 

[Jetsfan80]

Todd Bowles wrote this? 

 

No, but this happened.  Today.  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000494313/article/new-york-jets-not-handing-geno-smith-starting-qb-job

 

"Come camp time there will be competition at the spot (quarterback)," Bowles said.

 

[JustInFudge]

No, but this happened.  Today.  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000494313/article/new-york-jets-not-handing-geno-smith-starting-qb-job

 

CONQUERING HERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jetsfan80]

CONQUERING HERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Can't wait.

[JetBlue]

Tank with Geno/Petty, get a top pick, draft franchise QB or trade for Brees/Rivers/other.

If Geno helped the team to 8 wins as a rookie, why would you think the team would tank if he is the starter?   It is a much better team, better coaching and he has had another year of experience.   

[Jetsfan80]

If Geno helped the team to 8 wins as a rookie, why would you think the team would tank if he is the starter?   It is a much better team, better coaching and he has had another year of experience.   

 

Because he digressed and led the team to 4 wins last year.  In his rookie year he had two nice games against Atlanta and Buffalo, and had that final quarter of the year where we thought maybe he'd have some momentum heading into the next year.  Turns out Atlanta and Buffalo were basically the two worst defenses in the NFL that year, and those last 4 games were meaningless in terms of "progress".  In Year 2, the league figured him out.  It happens.  He isn't going to suddenly set the world on fire in 2015, or even be this elusive "average" QB we keep hoping for.  He'll continue to miss receivers and turn the ball over.

 

What you call an improved roster that will help Geno, I call an improved roster that will be wasted by Geno.  What's the point of adding all these receivers if Geno will still find new and creative ways to miss them or fumble the ball away (which he's done 7 times, for a whopping total of 41 turnovers in 2 years....he also had 9 other fumbles that were recovered by the offense)?

[JustInFudge]

Because he digressed and led the team to 4 wins last year.  In his rookie year he had two nice games against Atlanta and Buffalo, and had that final quarter of the year where we thought maybe he'd have some momentum heading into the next year.  Turns out Atlanta and Buffalo were basically the two worst defenses in the NFL that year, and those last 4 games were meaningless in terms of "progress".  In Year 2, the league figured him out.  It happens.  He isn't going to suddenly set the world on fire in 2015, or even be this elusive "average" QB we keep hoping for.  He'll continue to miss receivers and turn the ball over.

 

What you call an improved roster that will help Geno, I call an improved roster that will be wasted by Geno.  What's the point of adding all these receivers if Geno will still find new and creative ways to miss them or fumble the ball away?

 

He digressed?  Or regressed?

 

Either way, you're wrong.  

[JetBlue]

Because he digressed and led the team to 4 wins last year.  In his rookie year he had two nice games against Atlanta and Buffalo.  Turns out those were basically the two worst defenses in the NFL that year.  In Year 2, the league figured him out.  It happens.  He isn't going to suddenly set the world on fire in 2015, or even be this elusive "average" QB we keep hoping for.  He'll continue to miss receivers and turn the ball over. 

You realize that happens in sports?  Players can have sophomore slumps and as has been stated over and over, his last 6 games he played fairly well culminating in his best game of the year in Miami; those games do count don't they?    Chan admitted he hadn't even bothered to look at film of his rookie year and instead focused on last year and still came away feeling that Smith has potential to be "pretty good".     You may be 100% correct in your evaluation of Geno but I am prepared to see what Gailey can do with him and I am not talking about OTAs in May. 

[Jetsfan80]

You realize that happens in sports?  Players can have sophomore slumps and as has been stated over and over, his last 6 games he played fairly well culminating in his best game of the year in Miami; those games do count don't they?    Chan admitted he hadn't even bothered to look at film of his rookie year and instead focused on last year and still came away feeling that Smith has potential to be "pretty good".     You may be 100% correct in your evaluation of Geno but I am prepared to see what Gailey can do with him and I am not talking about OTAs in May. 

 

It's not a Sophomore slump if your freshman season wasn't even good to begin with.  He threw 13 TD's and had 24 turnovers his first season.  The sophomore slump deal is a myth for QB's, by the way.  Most good QB's have a rough rookie year then show at least a little bit of improvement year 2.  He didn't.  He was basically terrible his rookie year and stayed terrible. 

 

Yet people want to waste the 2015 season on a Year 3?  Nah, we've been down this road before.

[Ken Schroy]

But wait, the pro-Geno crowd keeps telling me Geno won the job already?  So weird.

 

Devin Smith and Jeremy Kerley is not a positional battle.  They're only the same in position name only.  Deep threats and slot receivers are as different as an Offensive Tackle and a Guard.  The author had to do a lot of mental gymnastics to try to make that into something it's not.

Who said Geno "won" something? Maybe a spot in the parking lot, that's about it.

[JetBlue]

It's not a Sophomore slump if your freshman season wasn't even good to begin with.  He threw 13 TD's and had 24 turnovers his first season.  The sophomore slump deal is a myth for QB's, by the way.  Most good QB's have a rough rookie year then show at least a little bit of improvement year 2.  He didn't.  He was basically terrible his rookie year and stayed terrible. 

 

Yet people want to waste the 2015 season on a Year 3?  Nah, we've been down this road before.

Those people being his head coach and OC....

[56mehl56]

It's not a Sophomore slump if your freshman season wasn't even good to begin with.  He threw 13 TD's and had 24 turnovers his first season.  The sophomore slump deal is a myth for QB's, by the way.  Most good QB's have a rough rookie year then show at least a little bit of improvement year 2.  He didn't.  He was basically terrible his rookie year and stayed terrible. 

 

Yet people want to waste the 2015 season on a Year 3?  Nah, we've been down this road before.

And people want to waste this year on a journeyman who's never won more than 6 games because he's "smart".

[JetsFanatic]

 

 

By Dalbin Osorio.

 

 

We’re back with another edition of TOJ’s #PickSix. This week, we are going to look at six position battles that will go a long way towards determining the New York Jets depth chart. 

 

1. Geno Smith v Ryan Fitzpatrick

While this isn’t a competition in the traditional sense of the word, this is still something worth watching as OTAs and training camp progress for the New York Jets. Geno is the incumbent and will begin training camp as the first team quarterback. He is playing in his 3rd offensive system in 4 seasons. However, he will have the benefit of starting with the first team while Fitzpatrick heals from a broken leg. Should Smith falter, the Jets have a guy that was productive last season and who knows the system very well. Fitzpatrick is facing an uphill climb to unseat Smith but will be ready to do so if Smith shows he’s not ready.

Prediction: Geno Smith

 

Actually it's his 2nd offensive system in 3 years.  He had Mornhinweg for his first 2 seasons.

[Larz]

carpenter should be first guy off the bus

 

what an enourmous human, lol

[Jetsfan80]

And people want to waste this year on a journeyman who's never won more than 6 games because he's "smart".

Oh I see you're following the JiF route and only looking at his W-L record. Maybe watch him play and you'll see he's a professional QB. Nothing special but easily better than the guy who rubbed boogers on people and the other guy who can't tell time.

[Ken Schroy]

Oh I see you're following the JiF route and only looking at his W-L record. Maybe watch him play and you'll see he's a professional QB. Nothing special but easily better than the guy who rubbed boogers on people and the other guy who can't tell time.

Which 1 is the booger boy and which is the timeless 1?

[slats]

But wait, the pro-Geno crowd keeps telling me Geno won the job already?  So weird.

 

Devin Smith and Jeremy Kerley is not a positional battle.  They're only the same in position name only.  Deep threats and slot receivers are as different as an Offensive Tackle and a Guard.  The author had to do a lot of mental gymnastics to try to make that into something it's not.

 

There is no pro-Geno crowd. Just relax. 

 

And Kerley and Smith are definitely in a battle for snaps. Doesn't matter if one is more of a slot guy, and the other is more of a deep threat. If they think Smith brings more to the table as a WR than Kerley, they'll slide Marshall or Decker into the slot and run him outside - leaving Kerley on the bench. 

[Matt39]

When the online is the biggest concern that's not good.

[RutgersJetFan]

Weird that we're experimenting with shifting Aboushi around. I thought he did well enough last year to justify going forward at LG.

[FidelioJet]

When the online is the biggest concern that's not good.

The o-line is very far from a mess (as this article states)

Maybe not great it is solid - with one open question as to guard playing opposite Carpenter. And then brought in a lot of bodied to compete for that one spot.

[#27TheDominator]

Not that it means anything for how they play, but those guys are HUGE.  Giacmini is listed at 6'7" 318 and he looks like the smallest one. #69 Brewer (6'6", 330) #77 Carpenter (6'5", 321) #79 Qvale (6'7", 315)

 

 

 

Actually it's his 2nd offensive system in 3 years.  He had Mornhinweg for his first 2 seasons.

 

They like that quote for some reason.  That is why they go back to college.  3 systems in 4 years, instead of 2 in 3. 

[JetsFanatic]

Not that it means anything for how they play, but those guys are HUGE.  Giacmini is listed at 6'7" 318 and he looks like the smallest one. #69 Brewer (6'6", 330) #77 Carpenter (6'5", 321) #79 Qvale (6'7", 315)

 

 

 

 

They like that quote for some reason.  That is why they go back to college.  3 systems in 4 years, instead of 2 in 3. 

Didn't realize they included college.  They shouldn't!

[Smashmouth]

But wait,

I thought you were going to say just pay shipping and handling and get your second Geno absolutely free !!

[bealeb319]

I want what's best for the Jets too.  Which is why I'm pro-Fitz. 

 

Bowels and Macc have done a good job during the offseason, I am Pro-whoever they decide should start and I will put my faith in their decisions until proven otherwise. That said I do have a gut feeling that Geno will start the season for us, he may not finish it but something tells me that he will start it.