Cimini article on the Jets

[faba]

Law man talks cash with Jets

BY RICH CIMINI

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

The Jets broke bread last night with Ty Law's agent, a meeting in which they probably learned how much bread it will take to sign the free-agent cornerback.

Assistant GM Mike Tannenbaum, the team's contract negotiator, met with Law's agent, Carl Poston, at a Manhattan restaurant. If the two sides can get reasonably close on contract numbers, the Jets might invite Law to Hofstra for a workout in the coming days.

Law, who didn't accompany Poston to New York, is hoping to show teams he's 100% after foot surgery last season. The Jaguars, Lions and Chiefs are showing interest, although it's believed the Jets have the inside track.

Herm Edwards confirmed the meeting, but declined to divulge any details.

CHAD RESTS: After practicing once a day for the first five days of camp, Chad Pennington was given a day off. "It was time for him to rest," Edwards said, claiming there's no soreness in Pennington's surgically repaired throwing shoulder.

Pennington will return tonight, as the Jets will hold their annual prime-time practice at Hofstra at 7:15 p.m. There are no day sessions. The team will spend the day at the Waldorf Astoria for its kickoff luncheon.

O NO: Edwards, unhappy with the performance of the offense, tore into the team for five minutes after practice. The defense "got the stick in its hand and they kept it all day," Edwards told reporters, repeating what he told the team.

"They know that when I speak in that tone, it's not acceptable," Edwards said, adding: "It has to get better. It wasn't the standard I like."

The offense looked ragged in the only practice of the day, but there were mitigating circumstances: The offense is learning a new system. It also didn't have Pennington and Kevin Mawae, both of whom rested.

FAME GAME: Special teams coach Mike Westhoff is heading to Canton this weekend as a guest of Dan Marino, who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Westhoff and Marino, both Pittsburgh products, became close while Westhoff served as a longtime Dolphins assistant."I'm honored to be part of it," Westhoff said. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Dan called Herm and said, 'You have to let him go.'" ... Former Jet CB Jamie Henderson, who suffered a severe head injury in a 2004 motorcycle crash, visited camp with his infant son. Henderson, 26, claims he has regained his speed and hopes to resume his career one day.

Camping out

THE BUZZ: The Jets are dining in style at their Hofstra cafeteria. Some of the new trappings include a smoothie bar, a fresh-fruit bar, an Italian ice stand, big-screen TVs, a pool table, a Ping Pong table and video games. Many of the tables are covered with patio umbrellas, creating a Club Med feel. Some players suspect the club was motivated to make the upgrades after visiting the Giants' facility last summer in Albany.

X'S AND O'S: The strong-safety job is wide open. Jon McGraw has the most experience, but he's still not 100% after having hernia surgery after the season. Oliver Celestin is atop the depth chart, but don't expect it to stay that way. Rashad Washington is starting to make some noise.

AUDIBLE: "Was that Ty Law?" a Law-obsessed Jets fan asked a group of reporters after they had finished talking with former Jets CB Jamie Henderson on the sideline during practice.

Good to hear Henderson is getting healthy after his terrible accident

McGraw when has he ever been 100 per cent is the question I ask?

[joewilly]

good article, much more substance than king's useless blurb