Damon "Snacks" Harrison: Best Situational Run Stuffer!

[Villain The Foe]

http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/63217918/

 

 

THE NFL'S ALL-SUPPORTING CAST TEAM
The time for midseason awards is almost upon us, when writers like me are called upon to inform you that Peyton Manning, Jamaal Charles, LeSean McCoy and Robert Mathis are having great years.Players like Fred Jackson (a 56% Success Rate entering Week Seven) and Damon Harrison (16 solo tackles) are outshining more established stars this year.

Of course, you know all of that.

What about the players making smaller contributions? Role-players, super subs and unsung heroes are people too! Anyone can make a midseason All-Pro team, but Sports on Earth is your only source for the All-Support Team, a celebration of the little guys who have made a big difference in the first half of the season.

Best Game-Manager Quarterback: Russell Wilson, Seahawks

Game manager? Wilson? THAT'S AN INSULT. Not so fast: "game manager" is not always a polite euphemism like "blind date with a nice personality." Game management is a real NFL skill, one which Wilson uses to augment his big-play ability and keep the Seahawks out of jams.

Next time you watch a Seahawks game, take note of how often Wilson throws the football at a running back's feet to kill a botched screen pass, or throws out of bounds after a rollout to nowhere. That's effective game management at work. Wilson is blessed with a great defense but must cope with an obliterated offensive line; the smartest decision he can sometimes make is to bail on a play and let Richard Sherman and company take a crack at things. Wilson also wisely runs out of bounds or slides at the end of scrambles and option runs: his health is worth much more than an extra yard or two.

Of course, a quarterback who throws the ball away at the first sign of trouble is a check-down artist, not a true game manager. Wilson averages 8.0 yards per pass attempt, sixth in the NFL, and has displayed his usual knack for the deep dagger pass that blows a game open. He has led three fourth-quarter game-winning drives this season, remarkable for a team that we think of as always having a comfortable lead.

One other game management note about Wilson: he has been sacked 20 times. That is a high total, tied for sixth in the NFL, though the patchwork offensive line deserves much of the blame. But Wilson has lost just 119 yards on those sacks, whereas quarterbacks with similar totals have lost 140-150 yards. Wilson was sacked twice by the Colts but lost just five yards. He was sacked twice by the Titans but lost just four yards. Wilson is often scrambling toward the line of scrimmage when he is sacked, minimizing the impact of the play. It's another way of minimizing negative plays and putting his teammates in position to do good work.

If you were expecting Alex Smith to win the game management award, he gets Honorable Mention, and may start angling for a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Best Veteran Running Back Off the Bench: Fred Jackson, Bills

Jackson is doing what he has done for the Bills since 2007: coming off the bench in relief of more famous running backs and doing everything he can to win games. Jackson entered Week Seven with the highest Success Rate in the NFL, according to Football Outsiders. "Success Rate" is like a batting average for running backs; six-yard runs on first down are success, six-yard runs on third-and-25 are not, two-yard runs on third-and-one are successes but on first-and-10 are not, and so on. Jackson had a Success Rate of 56%, making him the ultimate get-the-job-done running back.

Jackson erased all doubts about this award in the Bills' win over the Dolphins on Sunday. He churned out 36 tough rushing yards, 49 receiving yards and one touchdown in a game where C.J. Spiller hobbled around for a few snaps, then disappeared. Late in the fourth quarter, with the Bills trying to burn clock while setting up a game-winning chip shot, Jackson plowed 10 yards on 3^rd-and-4, placing the ball on the 18-yard line, forcing the Dolphins to use their last timeout, and providing a fresh set of downs to whittle away two more precious minutes. What more can you ask for from a veteran who starts every season second on the depth chart?

Best Backfield Receiver: Danny Woodhead, Chargers

Woodhead has caught 40 of the 45 passes thrown to him, a remarkable percentage (89%) even for a screen-catching running back. What Woodhead does with his receptions is as significant as his catch rate: he has produced three receiving touchdowns and 14 first downs, including six third down conversions. Twenty-seven of Woodhead's receptions this season have netted six yards or more. He is second to Antonio Gates on the Chargers in times targeted, which is a heck of a burden for a change-up running back. The Chargers' winning record and productive offense tell us as much about Woodhead's importance as his individual stats.

Best Fullback: Mike Tolbert, Panthers

With four touchdowns in less than half a season, Tolbert is a cinch to make the NFC Pro Bowl roster at fullback. For once, it won't be an honorary appointment left over from the Moose Johnston era. Tolbert may be redefining the fullback position for the shotgun-option age. He is not a situational I-formation blocker or just a bigger halfback. He is a real fullback, who plays a lot of snaps, run blocks, pass protects, and mixes short catches with power runs. He is a natural fit in shotgun two-back sets, and option-flavored teams like the Seahawks and 49ers have their own Spencer Ware and Bruce Miller types who can provide all-purpose thump. Tolbert is the most established and successful of the bunch, but he does get docked a point for getting dumped for a safety against the Rams. Miller is gaining on you, big guy.

Best Third Wide Receiver (non-Broncos Edition): Doug Baldwin, Seahawks

Eric Decker is the best No. 3 receiver in the NFL right now, but the Broncos offense requires an asterisk, even after Sunday night's loss. Baldwin has more receptions than teammate Sidney Rice, though he is targeted less often and plays fewer snaps in most games. The best third receivers are monsters on third down, and Baldwin fits the bill: 11 catches on 14 targets, 188 yards, nine first downs, four receptions over 20 yards.

Best Fourth Receiver: Cole Beasley, Cowboys

I know, I know: we are not supposed to compare all skinny white receivers to Wes Welker. But Beasley, a 5-foot-8, 178-pound sophomore, is just asking for it. He hides in the slot, catches little flips in the flat, and turns upfield in a distinctly Welker-like manner. Beasley has caught 18 of the 20 passes thrown to him by Tony Romo this year, and every single one of them travelled 10 yards or less through the air. But those tiny passes have yielded significant production, including 10 first downs. So the stats and the role are Welker-ish. Beasley is a Texan who went to SMU. Welker is an Oklahoman who went to Texas Tech. That's close enough for an East Coast type. Can I please make the comparison? After all, Beasley is the one living up to it.

Best No. 2 Tight End: Ben Watson, Saints

The NFL is full of great second tight ends right now, from veterans like Jermaine Gresham to newcomers like Joseph Fauria. But Watson is everything a team could hope for in a second tight end. He blocks, for one thing. He does not need many touches to be effective. And he makes the most of the opportunities he gets: six of Watson's eight catches have resulted in first downs or touchdowns, including 25 and 32-yarders. If the defense has Jimmy Graham, Marcus Colston, and the other Saints receivers covered, Watson can step up -- or he can seal the edge so one of the running backs can have the glory.

Best Offensive Line Stabilizer: Nick Hardwick, Chargers

The Chargers offensive line should be terrible. They have gone through three left tackles, and putting King Dunlap at the position is like giving up and planting an oak tree next to the left guard. Rookie D.J. Fluker is at right tackle, and he is the offensive line equivalent of a low-batting average baseball slugger: a few smashes, but lots of whiffs.

But the Chargers line is holding its own, and Hardwick is a big reason. The veteran center works in tandem with Philip Rivers the way Jeff Saturday once worked with Peyton Manning. Hardwick adjusts blocking assignments at the line, then plays (mostly) mistake-free football after the snap. Rivers has been sacked just 11 times, and the Chargers running game has been able to churn out yardage despite a complete lack of big play ability. Hardwick, a holdover from the Drew Brees/Marty Schottenheimer era, could help Rivers bridge the Chargers' last era as contenders with an all-new one.

Best Situational Run Defender: Damon Harrison, Jets

The 350-pound geological formation named "Harrison" is listed as the Jets starting nose tackle, but he typically plays less than half their snaps. If it's first-and-10 or third-and-inches, Harrison is on the field. In most other situations, Rex Ryan would rather use someone a little quicker.

Still, Harrison makes the most of his opportunities. He recorded 16 solo tackles before Sunday's Patriots game, and opponents gained just 19 total yards on those plays. All but one of Harrison's tackles were on rushes, but he has proven useful on first-down passes as well. He recorded his first sack on Sunday against Tom Brady, and he managed to chase down Bills receiver Robert Woods after a catch in Week Three. A man Harrison's size only has to land on quarterbacks and receivers once in a while to make an impact.

Best Situational Pass Rusher: Shaun Phillips, Broncos

The "situation" was a six-game suspension for Von Miller, which left the Broncos with no true pass rush threat. Phillips arrived as a low-risk free agent from San Diego, played 40-60% of Broncos defensive snaps (opponents spend a lot of time in "obvious passing downs" against the Broncos) and produced 6.5 sacks, two passes defensed, a forced fumble, and eight hits on quarterbacks. Now that Miller is back, Phillips can play a little less often but get pressure a little more often.

Best Coverage Linebacker: DeAndre Levy, Lions

Levy was the beneficiary of Brandon Weeden's game-killing underhand lob two weeks ago and a Christian Ponder head-scratcher in Week One, but gift interceptions do not make someone a great coverage linebacker. Levy has been stepping up and stopping the likes of Randall Cobb, Jermichael Finley, Greg Jennings and Matt Forte well before the sticks on third down plays. On Sunday, he broke up one pass, held Giovani Bernard to minimal gains twice, and stopped Tyler Eifert after a two-yard gain. Levy has made 34 plays in the passing game, from passes defensed to clean-up tackles down the field. Levy allows the Lions to use their base defensive personnel against all kinds of opponents. And of course, he can cherry pick interceptions from bad quarterbacks.

There are plenty of honorable mentions in this category: Daryl Smith of the Ravens, Kiko Alonso of the Bills, and lifetime achievers Lance Briggs (Bears, injured) and D'Qwell Jackson (Browns). Strategic changes have brought a Renaissance for the coverage linebacker, who used to leave the field at the drop of a hat for dime cornerback but must now guard against pistol formations and read-option play action.

Best Run Support Safety: T.J. Ward, Browns

Remember Adrian Wilson? Ward is Wilson Junior. Like the former Cardinals Pro Bowler, Ward plays close to the line of scrimmage and attacks vertically. He has three tackles for losses on running plays -- one on Eddie Lacy on Sunday -- but Ward is just as effective when acting as a de-factor linebacker and holding ballcarriers to short gains.

 

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Running backs and scrambling quarterbacks averaged just 3.1 yards per carry on plays finished by Ward, an incredibly low average for a member of the secondary. The ballcarriers Ward has dumped for minimal gains this year include Reggie Bush (five times), Adrian Peterson, and Fred Jackson. When not penetrating the backfield, Ward has also found time for two interceptions. Ward plays for defensive coordinator Ray Horton, Wilson's former coach in Arizona. That may explain his sudden improvement.

 

Best Nickel Cornerback: Marcus Cooper, Chiefs

With Darrelle Revis recovering from an injury and playing in an insane asylum, Alterraun Verner has emerged as the best starting cornerback in the NFL. There are plenty of contenders for second best: Richard Sherman, Patrick Peterson, Brandon Flowers and others. But Cooper has the best nickel corner title locked up. Cooper is tied for second in the NFL with 11 passes defensed; he actually has more passes defensed than tackles (eight).

When not blanketing the likes of Nate Washington and Denarius Moore, Cooper has filled in for Flowers and Sean Smith while they battled injuries. His versatility has allowed Bob Sutton to get creative in the secondary, sliding Smith or Flowers into deep coverage or blitzing them while Cooper jams outside receivers on the line. The Chiefs secondary is so deep that opponents must try to pick on Cooper, a rookie seventh-round pick. Cooper is not so easily picked upon.

Cooper has two interceptions and a fumble recovery for a touchdown this season. Not bad for a part-timer who was cut by the 49ers in training camp.

Best Return Man: Trindon Holliday, Broncos

You knew that.

Best Kickoff Specialist: Graham Gano, Panthers

Just three of Gano's 30 kickoffs have been returned this season, two in Sunday's win against the Rams. The rest were touchbacks, a 90% rate that is even astounding in this age of kicking off from the 40-yard line. When the Panthers score, they have confidence that their opponent will start the next drive at the 20-yard line. That is good news for a team that is starting to score more regularly.

Best Special Teams Gunner: Marcus Easley, Bills

Easley leads the NFL by a wide margin with 10 special teams tackles. He had three of them on Sunday, stopping Dolphins return man Marcus Thigpen on the 16-yard line after the opening kickoff and holding him to zero and four yards on two punt returns. Special teams gunners do not get much attention, except in Buffalo, the home of Steve Tasker's Hall of Fame campaign. Easley may soon start getting some of that Tasker love, and more: gunners, unlike nickel corners and second tight ends, get to go to the real Pro Bowl. 

 

[Villain The Foe]

The Jets have good depth on this football team. Its amazing what Idzik has done with less than a full offseason and virtually none of his own guys in the front office during that time. Congrats to Damon as well as the Woody for understanding that if you dont know how to pick the correct GM, hire someone who does! 

[JiFtheOracle]

The Jets have good depth on this football team. Its amazing what Idzik has done with less than a full offseason and virtually none of his own guys in the front office during that time. Congrats to Damon as well as the Woody for understanding that if you dont know how to pick the correct GM, hire someone who does! 

 

I dont know why you're giving kudos to Idzik...who is contributing that he added?

 

Richardson (Rex), Geno (maybe Idzik), Colon?  Ivory sucks. Landry sucks.  Goodson and Barnes are out for the year.  Winslow suspended. 

[flgreen]

I dont know why you're giving kudos to Idzik...who is contributing that he added?

 

Richardson (Rex), Geno (maybe Idzik), Colon?  Ivory sucks. Landry sucks.  Goodson and Barnes are out for the year.  Winslow suspended. 

 

Most people on here are going to hate this, but I suspect that Bradway will be responsible for what ever success this draft had.

 

The way they drafted it appears to me that they took the top player on their board, regardless of position.  More then likely that board was put together by Bradway and the scouting department.

[The Crusher]

The 350-pound geological formation named "Harrison"  Nice

[JiFtheOracle]

Most people on here are going to hate this, but I suspect that Bradway will be responsible for what ever success this draft had.

 

The way they drafted it appears to me that they took the top player on their board, regardless of position.  More then likely that board was put together by Bradway and the scouting department.

 

A man corner and a versatile defensive lineman screams Rex.  But yeah, I assume they went BAP the whole way.  Who creates the board for the Jets, I dont know...but I have a hard time thinking Idzik who's been mainly a numbers guy had a huge say in the scouting dept.

 

What I can say, is outside of Willie Colon, his FA's have sucked and Rex is making chicken salad out of chicken sh*t.

[Villain The Foe]

I dont know why you're giving kudos to Idzik...who is contributing that he added?

 

Richardson (Rex), Geno (maybe Idzik), Colon?  Ivory sucks. Landry sucks.  Goodson and Barnes are out for the year.  Winslow suspended. 

Im giving Kudos because Barnes was our best pass rusher until injured. Injury is part of the game, not part of the reason why you say your GM sucks. We both know that Idzik pulled the trigger on Geno and he even said it himself..."Geno has the most value on the board at that particular time". Ivory didnt suck on Sunday against our biggest Rivals. Willie Colon isn't the best guard in the league but he brings a grit to this team so I'll give him that much in regards to intangibles. Goodson and Winslow were low risk high reward type deals. Goodson and Winslow both showed that when on the field. Goodson was a freak accident where in he actually got hurt by a fellow teammate. But even outside of that, the way Idzik even handled the Goodson situation during the preseason was rather mature, something that would have turned into a circus "grand theft auto" style if Tanny would have been here. 

And as for Dee Milliner, the verdict is still out. I personally think he's going to bust but the CB position outside of the QB position does have the steepest learning curve. 

 

Oh, and Idzik pulled the trigger on Geno Smith in case you missed that the first time. 

[flgreen]

The 350-pound geological formation named "Harrison"  Nice

 

 

Yeah I liked that.

 

Jealous ?

[faba]

Don't forget Idzik traded revis-

[The Crusher]

Yeah I liked that.

 

Jealous ?

 

 

hey I'm working on trimming down from amorphous blob to geological formation as we speak. Actually right now m eating but in a minute I will do that other thing. 

[flgreen]

Im giving Kudos because Barnes was our best pass rusher until injured. Injury is part of the game, not part of the reason why you say your GM sucks. We both know that Idzik pulled the trigger on Geno and he even said it himself..."Geno has the most value on the board at that particular time". Ivory didnt suck on Sunday against our biggest Rivals. Willie Colon is the best guard in the league but he brings a grit to this team so I'll give me that much in regards to intangibles. Goodson and Winslow were low risk high reward type deals. Goodson and Winslow both showed that when on the field. Goodson was a freak accident where in he actually got hurt by a fellow teammate. But even outside of that, the way Idzik even handled the Goodson situation during the preseason was rather mature, something that would have turned into a circus "grand theft auto" style if Tanny would have been here. 

And as for Dee Milliner, the verdict is still out. I personally think he's going to bust but the CB position outside of the CB position does have the steepest learning curve. 

 

Oh, and Idzik pulled the trigger on Geno Smith in case you missed that the first time. 

 

Most of what your saying is probably true.  I also get the feeling that Milliner is maybe not going to be a total bust, but never going to be what he was hyped to be.

 

Hope your not running victory laps with Smith just yet.  Lets get thru 2 games with out a turnover first

[T0mShane]

Im giving Kudos because Barnes was our best pass rusher until injured. Injury is part of the game, not part of the reason why you say your GM sucks. We both know that Idzik pulled the trigger on Geno and he even said it himself..."Geno has the most value on the board at that particular time". Ivory didnt suck on Sunday against our biggest Rivals. Willie Colon is the best guard in the league but he brings a grit to this team so I'll give me that much in regards to intangibles. Goodson and Winslow were low risk high reward type deals. Goodson and Winslow both showed that when on the field. Goodson was a freak accident where in he actually got hurt by a fellow teammate. But even outside of that, the way Idzik even handled the Goodson situation during the preseason was rather mature, something that would have turned into a circus "grand theft auto" style if Tanny would have been here.

And as for Dee Milliner, the verdict is still out. I personally think he's going to bust but the CB position outside of the CB position does have the steepest learning curve.

Oh, and Idzik pulled the trigger on Geno Smith in case you missed that the first time.

Don't listen to JiF. Rex fanboys have developed a fear that crediting Idzik with doing anything positive somehow diminishes Rex, which it does, because Idzik has basically saved Rex from pushing the entire organization off of a cliff.

[#27TheDominator]

What I find funny about this is that if they are swapping run/pass they probably use Kenrick Ellis against the run and Harrison against the pass. 

[JiFtheOracle]

Im giving Kudos because Barnes was our best pass rusher until injured. Injury is part of the game, not part of the reason why you say your GM sucks. We both know that Idzik pulled the trigger on Geno and he even said it himself..."Geno has the most value on the board at that particular time". Ivory didnt suck on Sunday against our biggest Rivals. Willie Colon is the best guard in the league but he brings a grit to this team so I'll give me that much in regards to intangibles. Goodson and Winslow were low risk high reward type deals. Goodson and Winslow both showed that when on the field. Goodson was a freak accident where in he actually got hurt by a fellow teammate. But even outside of that, the way Idzik even handled the Goodson situation during the preseason was rather mature, something that would have turned into a circus "grand theft auto" style if Tanny would have been here. 

And as for Dee Milliner, the verdict is still out. I personally think he's going to bust but the CB position outside of the CB position does have the steepest learning curve. 

 

Oh, and Idzik pulled the trigger on Geno Smith in case you missed that the first time. 

 

Meh, he added nothing.  There is a reason why this team was picked to be the worst in the league.  This roster is a bag of sh*t and this coaching staff is making it competitive, they deserve the praise.  

 

That said, I like what he's doing.  Cleared a lot of space, added some picks, and if he hand picked Geno than credit to him, brought in some managerial discipline.  But next season we shall see the real Idzik. 

[Villain The Foe]

Most of what your saying is probably true.  I also get the feeling that Milliner is maybe not going to be a total bust, but never going to be what he was hyped to be.

 

Hope your not running victory laps with Smith just yet.  Lets get thru 2 games with out a turnover first

 

Sh_t, Im halfway through the first lap bro! lol

[T0mShane]

But next season we shall see the real Idzik.

"Real" Timeline:

2009: Real Rex

2010: Real Rex

2011: Real Schottenheimer

2012: Real Sparano/Real Tannenbaum

2013: Real Rex v. Atlanta/ NE; Real Geno v. Pats (first meeting), Titans, Steelers.

2014: Real Idzik, unless they do well after re-upping Rex, then it's just Real Rex.

[Villain The Foe]

Don't listen to JiF. Rex fanboys have developed a fear that crediting Idzik with doing anything positive somehow diminishes Rex, which it does, because Idzik has basically saved Rex from pushing the entire organization off of a cliff.

I gotta disagree with you somewhat on that. Idzik saved the Jets from having Tanny push this organization off of a cliff. I'll personally give the credit to Marty Mornhinweg for saving Rex job. I wouldnt say that Idzik didnt have any influence, of course he did, but the biggest upgrade by far was our O.C., a very close 2nd place was Geno Smith by way of Idzik. 

[faba]

Yes Idzik gets incomplete after only 7 games- it only makes sense- REx has multiple years to judge him on

[Villain The Foe]

Meh, he added nothing.  There is a reason why this team was picked to be the worst in the league.  This roster is a bag of sh*t and this coaching staff is making it competitive, they deserve the praise.  

 

That said, I like what he's doing.  Cleared a lot of space, added some picks, and if he hand picked Geno than credit to him, brought in some managerial discipline.  But next season we shall see the real Idzik. 

He added nothing? Funny, he added Sheldon Richardson REMEMBER? If it was a Rex pick it was only because Idzik pulled the trigger on Revis. He Added Geno on the cheap by not jumping out the window at 9 or 13 in the 1st rd. Chris Ivory, an Idzik pick-up asked for the rock last week and he got exactly that. And what do you think clearing up that space and adding picks will do for this team in the near future? 

 

Lastly, me complimenting Idzik for a good job doesnt suddenly negate others who've done a good job. That thought process are for people who cant pick up the concept of "group effort". I mentioned Idzik because Rex and Marty have been getting more than a fair share of praise around here. I also praised Woody for doing the best thing he's done since he's been owner which was get out of the way and hire a professional to do the work for him. 

 

Idzik is leaving an impression on me, if not on you thats cool. 

[Kleckineau]

Shame..........no love for Brian Winters who has single handedly helped us forget Ducasse.

[flgreen]

Shame..........no love for Brian Winters who has single handedly helped us forget Ducasse.

 

Winters is a major ???? right now.  Have to give him a pass at the moment being so green, but I think he gave up a few sacks against the Pats.  Hard to judge him by that cause Smith holds the ball forever

[Villain The Foe]

Shame..........no love for Brian Winters who has single handedly helped us forget Ducasse.

Winters has been okay, which "okay" is light years beyond what Ducasse was. With that said, Winters has had some bad plays, but it seems like those plays are only there because he's a rookie and he's still thinking about assignments instead of it being instinctual. Next year Winters will have some needed experience under that belt. 

[faba]

Winters has been okay, which "okay" is light years beyond what Ducasse was. With that said, Winters has had some bad plays, but it seems like those plays are only there because he's a rookie and he's still thinking about assignments instead of it being instinctual. Next year Winters will have some needed experience under that belt. 

Anything that keeps Vlad on the sidelines is positive with me

[Villain The Foe]

Anything that keeps Vlad on the sidelines is positive with me

+1

[jorge o8]

Don't forget Idzik traded revis-

yeah you just cant pay a CB  16m no way, ask the bucks how that is working out

[JiFtheOracle]

He added nothing? Funny, he added Sheldon Richardson REMEMBER? If it was a Rex pick it was only because Idzik pulled the trigger on Revis. He Added Geno on the cheap by not jumping out the window at 9 or 13 in the 1st rd. Chris Ivory, an Idzik pick-up asked for the rock last week and he got exactly that. And what do you think clearing up that space and adding picks will do for this team in the near future? 

 

Lastly, me complimenting Idzik for a good job doesnt suddenly negate others who've done a good job. That thought process are for people who cant pick up the concept of "group effort". I mentioned Idzik because Rex and Marty have been getting more than a fair share of praise around here. I also praised Woody for doing the best thing he's done since he's been owner which was get out of the way and hire a professional to do the work for him. 

 

Idzik is leaving an impression on me, if not on you thats cool. 

 

He is making a good impression.  I absolutely loved this years draft.  And I really like what Idzik brings to the table from a managerial perspective.  He's the change the FO needed.  I'm very excited to see what he does with all the cap space and picks.

Guess I'm just hung up the fact that you started a thread about Harrison and complimented the depth and the offseason that Idzik had.  The Jets signed Harrison in 2012.  He's a carry over.  And I just dont see what Idzik has added that is really making the difference you see on the field.

 

Richardson and Geno obviously are HUGE factors.  And if Geno keeps improving, then this is just stupid and Idzik is God.  But...he's replacing Sanchez.  Colon?  Meh, Moore was as good or better.  Landry?  Huge downgrade from his brother.  Winters?  Tons of promise, currently getting beat like a drum.  Ivory?  Not impressed most backs in the league could carry the ball 35 times for 100 yards.  Barnes, Goodson, Winslow, all not playing, not Idzik's fault but still not playing.

 

Its the coaching staff and the development of the carry overs that are really making the difference IMO.  There is a ton of young talent on this team.  Tons of new starters.  Most of them, guys that were selected by Rex Ryan or Mikey T, depending on your agenda. 

[T0mShane]

He is making a good impression. I absolutely loved this years draft. And I really like what Idzik brings to the table from a managerial perspective. He's the change the FO needed. I'm very excited to see what he does with all the cap space and picks.

Guess I'm just hung up the fact that you started a thread about Harrison and complimented the depth and the offseason that Idzik had. The Jets signed Harrison in 2012. He's a carry over. And I just dont see what Idzik has added that is really making the difference you see on the field.

Richardson and Geno obviously are HUGE factors. And if Geno keeps improving, then this is just stupid and Idzik is God. But...he's replacing Sanchez. Colon? Meh, Moore was as good or better. Landry? Huge downgrade from his brother. Winters? Tons of promise, currently getting beat like a drum. Ivory? Not impressed most backs in the league could carry the ball 35 times for 100 yards. Barnes, Goodson, Winslow, all not playing, not Idzik's fault but still not playing.

Its the coaching staff and the development of the carry overs that are really making the difference IMO. There is a ton of young talent on this team. Tons of new starters. Most of them, guys that were selected by Rex Ryan or Mikey T, depending on your agenda.

The #1 difference between this year and last is that, in the wins, the quarterback and OC didn't put their heads in the sand. The big-picture difference between this year's team and the team from the last two years is that the quarterback doesn't go into a tailspin every time he thinks somebody's writing a mean tweet about him.

[JiFtheOracle]

The #1 difference between this year and last is that, in the wins, the quarterback and OC didn't put their heads in the sand. The big-picture difference between this year's team and the team from the last two years is that the quarterback doesn't go into a tailspin every time he thinks somebody's writing a mean tweet about him.

 

Lulza

 

Exactly.  Geno can be a liability but he's also an explosive weapon.  Sanchez was just a liability.  And Marty seems to have a good feel for the game in addition to using his players for their strengths. 

[SenorGato]

Don't listen to JiF. Rex fanboys have developed a fear that crediting Idzik with doing anything positive somehow diminishes Rex, which it does, because Idzik has basically saved Rex from pushing the entire organization off of a cliff.

Seriously? 

[Villain The Foe]

He is making a good impression.  I absolutely loved this years draft.  And I really like what Idzik brings to the table from a managerial perspective.  He's the change the FO needed.  I'm very excited to see what he does with all the cap space and picks.

Guess I'm just hung up the fact that you started a thread about Harrison and complimented the depth and the offseason that Idzik had.  The Jets signed Harrison in 2012.  He's a carry over.  And I just dont see what Idzik has added that is really making the difference you see on the field.

 

Richardson and Geno obviously are HUGE factors.  And if Geno keeps improving, then this is just stupid and Idzik is God.  But...he's replacing Sanchez.  Colon?  Meh, Moore was as good or better.  Landry?  Huge downgrade from his brother.  Winters?  Tons of promise, currently getting beat like a drum.  Ivory?  Not impressed most backs in the league could carry the ball 35 times for 100 yards.  Barnes, Goodson, Winslow, all not playing, not Idzik's fault but still not playing.

 

Its the coaching staff and the development of the carry overs that are really making the difference IMO.  There is a ton of young talent on this team.  Tons of new starters.  Most of them, guys that were selected by Rex Ryan or Mikey T, depending on your agenda. 

Valid points bro, let me explain. Harrison is a carry over and its working wonders. Why?  Question, how good would Harrison be with just Wilkerson? Who knows? Now plug in Sheldon into that equation and you have a MAJOR PROBLEM as an offensive line because there will be times where its one-one-one and that should be a blessing for any defensive lineman, and Harrison is taking full advantage. So Idzik's first draft is not only producing but its also allowing to get the best out of the current players here. Look at what Geno is doing for guys like Kerley, Cumberland and Hill. Look at what Leger Douzable, a signing back in July is doing for depth. Look at what it does for kendrick Ellis who is able to go mano y mano against opposing centers during 4th and inches. Idzik's decisions have done wonders for the Jets situational defense. Look at Demario Davis flying through lanes  or riding the back of a defensive line that wont even bend in order for him to blast a RB trying to bounce to the outside. Whens the last time we seen David Harris fly around the field like we see today? What im saying is that the guys that were signed while Idzik has been running things have produced and assisted in the production of others more often than not. 

 

The "not so flashy" pick-ups that have worked out (Like a Douzable) not many talk about because it isnt sexy or that noticeable. However, when its a skill position and it doesnt work out (Goodson/Winslow) us Jet fans are all over that, though not really speaking on the fact that a rookie QB with ice in his veins that was passed over by every team in the league and shouldnt even be a Jet right now (should have been a Bill or Viking) is putting our carry over players in very productive situations. 

[JiFtheOracle]

Valid points bro, let me explain. Harrison is a carry over and its working wonders. Why?  Question, how good would Harrison be with just Wilkerson? Who knows? Now plug in Sheldon into that equation and you have a MAJOR PROBLEM as an offensive line because there will be times where its one-one-one and that should be a blessing for any defensive lineman, and Harrison is taking full advantage. So Idzik's first draft is not only producing but its also allowing to get the best out of the current players here. Look at what Geno is doing for guys like Kerley, Cumberland and Hill. Look at what Leger Douzable, a signing back in July is doing for depth. Look at what it does for kendrick Ellis who is able to go mano y mano against opposing centers during 4th and inches. Idzik's decisions have done wonders for the Jets situational defense. Look at Demario Davis flying through lanes  or riding the back of a defensive line that wont even bend in order for him to blast a RB trying to bounce to the outside. Whens the last time we seen David Harris fly around the field like we see today? What im saying is that the guys that were signed while Idzik has been running things have produced and assisted in the production of others more often than not. 

 

The "not so flashy" pick-ups that have worked out (Like a Douzable) not many talk about because it isnt sexy or that noticeable. However, when its a skill position and it doesnt work out (Goodson/Winslow) us Jet fans are all over that, though not really speaking on the fact that a rookie QB with ice in his veins that was passed over by every team in the league and shouldnt even be a Jet right now (should have been a Bill or Viking) is putting our carry over players in very productive situations. 

 

Great post.  I see your angle.

[flgreen]

Valid points bro, let me explain. Harrison is a carry over and its working wonders. Why?  Question, how good would Harrison be with just Wilkerson? Who knows? Now plug in Sheldon into that equation and you have a MAJOR PROBLEM as an offensive line because there will be times where its one-one-one and that should be a blessing for any defensive lineman, and Harrison is taking full advantage. So Idzik's first draft is not only producing but its also allowing to get the best out of the current players here. Look at what Geno is doing for guys like Kerley, Cumberland and Hill. Look at what Leger Douzable, a signing back in July is doing for depth. Look at what it does for kendrick Ellis who is able to go mano y mano against opposing centers during 4th and inches. Idzik's decisions have done wonders for the Jets situational defense. Look at Demario Davis flying through lanes  or riding the back of a defensive line that wont even bend in order for him to blast a RB trying to bounce to the outside. Whens the last time we seen David Harris fly around the field like we see today? What im saying is that the guys that were signed while Idzik has been running things have produced and assisted in the production of others more often than not. 

 

The "not so flashy" pick-ups that have worked out (Like a Douzable) not many talk about because it isnt sexy or that noticeable. However, when its a skill position and it doesnt work out (Goodson/Winslow) us Jet fans are all over that, though not really speaking on the fact that a rookie QB with ice in his veins that was passed over by every team in the league and shouldnt even be a Jet right now (should have been a Bill or Viking) is putting our carry over players in very productive situations. 

Villain, don't you think the Coaching staff has more to do with getting mediocre players to contribute then the GM?  Not slamming Idzik, don't think any kind of a  judgement can be made on him until after next season, but the things your describing are more pats on the back for Rex and Marty, no?

 

Edit:  BTW Richardson was a great pick, and the GM gets full credit for that

[Villain The Foe]

Villain, don't you think the Coaching staff has more to do with getting mediocre players to contribute then the GM?  Not slamming Idzik, don't think any kind of a  judgement can be made on him until after next season, but the things your describing are more pats on the back for Rex and Marty, no?

 

Edit:  BTW Richardson was a great pick, and the GM gets full credit for that

I think that everyone has a part in it. Idzik provided some very good players which are meshing well with the current ones that were on the roster. The Coaching staff does have alot to do with the performance of the players, thats not Idziks job, however, How many people going into week 8 feel like we would be 4-3 with Mark Sanchez? Before Powell showed his stuff in the preseason everyone was STOKED for Ivory. Its a benefit to the Jets that both guys are playing well. Goodson's change of pace would have been great to have. 

 

As I said earlier, everyone is playing a part and its working, what I dont understand is why is it that its either Rex and the coaching staff or the front office. Maybe the two are working together and is producing something that doesnt look quite like a circus. 

[Irish Jet]

Geno could do absolutely nothing for the rest of his career and I'd still think it was a good pick.

 

He has first round talent, if nothing else, and we managed to get him later on with very little invested in him. We needed to make a change at QB and that a brilliant low risk/high reward move.  

[Gastineau Lives]

yeah you just cant pay a CB  16m no way, ask the bucks how that is working out

 

Please explain.