Jets Sign RB Tarik Cohen

[rayzor]

2 hours ago, prime21 said:

Jets looking to the future thinking they cant sign Breece to a ginormous contract and trying to find a replacement already??  

 

I'm sure this is the reason why they drafted Braelon Allen AND Isaiah Davis.  No one likes to pay RBs.

[slimjasi]

57 minutes ago, Barry McCockinner said:

JN posters when they see a new Zach Wilson thread to respond to

Or a thread about vaccines 

[bicketybam]

Just now, slimjasi said:

Or a thread about vaccines 

Where?! 😅

[slimjasi]

29 minutes ago, slats said:

As I’ve said in this thread, he’s just one of three different tiny return specialists the Jets have brought in since the draft, and that’s after drafting a slot receiver on day two. I don’t mean to send the death knell on Gipson, just saying that a number of people who do what he did last year have been brought in. 

Although I get this logic, Saleh talks up Gipson constantly. He seems to like him more than the fans do, that's for sure. He will get every opportunity. 

But I wonder if the seemingly superfluous number of returners isn't more about the kickoff changes than about Gipson, per se. The Jets have a creative special teams coach who likes to tinker. They might be looking to employ several of these guys. 

[JKlecko]

3 hours ago, Mr. Rogers said:

Interesting question and thought.

The new format basically requires 2 return men, not the historic setup where 1 guy returns most kicks. A lot of folks thought Allen or Davis (especially Davis) was drafted with an eye toward this, since the new format places more priority on acceleration and navigating traffic rather than traditional speed and agility. 

Cohen is arguably an ideal return man in this format, but Gipson, Davis, Izzy, and maybe even others could all be eligible. I think Gipson will stay locked as Punt Returner and 1 of the 2 return men - Cohen is probably camp competition for the other KR spot.

Edit: while you'd expect Breece to take most 3rd down work, there's an argument Cohen could take some true passing down work too if he looks like his old self.

Also, I'm not 100% sure if anyone else returns. I don't think anyone from last year's roster was a former return man, but we probably have a UDFA or two.

You sound like you might be on the younger side.  Historically, there were 2 returners on KOs.  It's only been in the last 10 years or so where there is only one return man on KOs.

Those who though Allen or Davis were drafted to return Kicks were badly mistaken.  Neither is fast enough.

I disagree that Breece will take most of the 3rd down work.  I think that's they drafted 2 RBs to save Breece from the wear and tear of 3rd downs.

[JiFtheOracle]

44 minutes ago, slats said:

As I’ve said in this thread, he’s just one of three different tiny return specialists the Jets have brought in since the draft, and that’s after drafting a slot receiver on day two. I don’t mean to send the death knell on Gipson, just saying that a number of people who do what he did last year have been brought in. 

And as I said, Gipson isnt great.  They should be looking to upgrade him.  We'll see if they can, he's still here and catching TD passes from Rodgers in practice, I dont know what the tiny return specialists have done, they're not making any splashes so it's great they signed another guy you think means something but I dont think Gipson is sh*tting his pants today because the Jets signed a player who hasnt played since 2020.  

[slats]

4 minutes ago, JKlecko said:

I disagree that Breece will take most of the 3rd down work.  I think that's they drafted 2 RBs to save Breece from the wear and tear of 3rd downs.

Breece isn’t coming off the field on third downs, he’s a three down back. I imagine they believe the same about the guys they drafted. In the past, they’ve spelled him for entire series at a time, and that’s what I would expect to continue. If anything, I think they’re hoping one of these guys can emerge to be their short yardage RB. That’s some quality wear & tear they can save on Breece, in a capacity where he’s probably the least effective. 

[Mr. Rogers]

2 hours ago, Sperm Edwards said:

Plus the new return rules may be a factor, though carrying two dedicated returners on gameday - particularly if neither's getting more than nominal snaps on offense - is something I'd have to see the value in doing before I get behind it.

This is why I suspect a 3rd or 4th string RB will end up joining Gipson as the other KR. Even though they wouldn't handle a lot of snaps, you need those guys with the way RBs get hurt.

I like Gipson, but if the team keeps Brownlee and 4 RBs (which seems possible), it may even be at Gipson's expense. It feels like 2 RBs would be returning if that's the case, unless the team is willing to use Corley there.

[slats]

15 minutes ago, slimjasi said:

Although I get this logic, Saleh talks up Gipson constantly. He seems to like him more than the fans do, that's for sure. He will get every opportunity. 

But I wonder if the seemingly superfluous number of returners isn't more about the kickoff changes than about Gipson, per se. The Jets have a creative special teams coach who likes to tinker. They might be looking to employ several of these guys. 

If they’re trying something different, it’s a little odd that they’ve added nothing but more similarly small returners. I’d think they’d maybe want a bruiser back there on occasion. Or maybe one of those athletic QBs who will never make it as an NFL QB, but might be useful throwing the ball across the field on a return. Kinda like how the Steelers plan to use Justin Fields, lol. 

[#27TheDominator]

They sign tiny return specialists because those are the guys that are available in free agency.  There are not many size speed prospects available, but some of these little fast guys have skills but don't get drafted - think Greg Dortch.  I think Gipson has the chance to be something, but why the **** would you not try to upgrade him?  They  should try to upgrade everybody.  Every time they take a flier on a guy it does not mean that somebody else is on especially thin ice.  Everybody in the NFL is on thin ice, particularly anybody without guaranteed money.

[Mr. Rogers]

23 minutes ago, JKlecko said:

You sound like you might be on the younger side.  Historically, there were 2 returners on KOs.  It's only been in the last 10 years or so where there is only one return man on KOs.

Those who though Allen or Davis were drafted to return Kicks were badly mistaken.  Neither is fast enough.

I disagree that Breece will take most of the 3rd down work.  I think that's they drafted 2 RBs to save Breece from the wear and tear of 3rd downs.

Ha. I am indeed younger than most here, but I remember those days. I suppose saying "historic" wasn't quite the right word, but I was just referring to the now-superseded format. 

And let's be fair, even back then, most teams had 1 guy they preferred to try and get the ball to on kickoffs. The other guy was there just in case they kicked away from him and/or for trick plays. That's how we did it in HS too.

@ Allen and Davis - have you checked out videos about the new format? They will be fielding the ball closer to the oncoming opponents, with less time to get up to full speed and a higher likelihood of needing to make contact quickly. It's less about getting up a head of steam and just out-running everyone through the gaps now. I think it's at least possible one of the RBs returns. Unless you think Cohen is a lock to make the team, who else do you think will KR along with Gipson?

@ Breece - I pretty much agree with slats. I think they will be looking to use Allen on some early downs and try to use Breece on 3rds, unless they keep giving him whole drives off. Or it's a play where the RB is a definite blocker, but I bet he runs a lot of routes. 

[#27TheDominator]

56 minutes ago, Mr. Rogers said:

This is why I suspect a 3rd or 4th string RB will end up joining Gipson as the other KR. Even though they wouldn't handle a lot of snaps, you need those guys with the way RBs get hurt.

I like Gipson, but if the team keeps Brownlee and 4 RBs (which seems possible), it may even be at Gipson's expense. It feels like 2 RBs would be returning if that's the case, unless the team is willing to use Corley there.

Last year the team broke camp with Wilson, Lazard, Hardman, Cobb, Brownlee, Gipson and Charles at WR and Hall, Cook, Carter and Abanikanda at RB.  Hardman, Cobb, Cook and Carter are gone.  They added Corley, Allen and Davis.  Additionally, Hardee is gone with his slot ST specialist slot presumably moving to Charles.  They also might carry one less TE with Uzomah being gone.

Edited to note that as @Mr. Rogers pointed out, I left out the addition of Mike Williams. 

[slimjasi]

13 minutes ago, slats said:

If they’re trying something different, it’s a little odd that they’ve added nothing but more similarly small returners. I’d think they’d maybe want a bruiser back there on occasion. Or maybe one of those athletic QBs who will never make it as an NFL QB, but might be useful throwing the ball across the field on a return. Kinda like how the Steelers plan to use Justin Fields, lol. 

I would expect speed to rule above all else, but the QB thing is interesting 

[Mr. Rogers]

18 minutes ago, #27TheDominator said:

Last year the team broke camp with Wilson, Lazard, Hardman, Cobb, Brownlee, Gipson and Charles at WR and Hall, Cook, Carter and Abanikanda at RB.  Hardman, Cobb, Cook and Carter are gone.  They added Corley, Allen and Davis.  Additionally, Hardee is gone with his slot ST specialist slot presumably moving to Charles.  They also might carry one less TE with Uzomah being gone.

That is true, but after last year's OL debacle I expect at least 1 more OL will take up a vacated spot from one of these positions. I feel like it's more likely we keep 6WR and 4RB, but you make a good point. We might be able to carry one more returns/special team guy than I stated.

Edit: Also, you didn't count Mike Williams, but with a potentially vacated TE spot and Hardee your point stands. 

[slats]

18 minutes ago, slimjasi said:

I would expect speed to rule above all else, but the QB thing is interesting 

While I think the new KOR rule is completely convoluted, I am interested in seeing how it plays out. Speed has always been the thing with returns but with these rules, I could see how a guy who can break tackles and bust thru the line could be very useful. Maybe not the same TD threat, but someone who can give you consistently good field position. 

[JKlecko]

2 hours ago, mrcoops said:

He is small, but he definitely doesn't suck.  He's a dynamic player, if healthy. The big issue is he hasn't been healthy for years.

But these highlights...wow. Guy could score from anywhere before injuries struck him down.

 

Thanks for posting this.  I knew he was good, but since I'm not a Bears fan, until I watched this video, I never realized how good he was.  Following this video, is another video where a guy is talking about the tragedy Tarik has had to deal with in his life.  His younger brother Dante got mixed up in drugs, then was shot and paralyzed for life.  Then after Tarik tore his ACL, MCL and fractured his tibia, his twin brother Tyrell died in a car accident.  He's been though a lot.  I'm rooting for him.  I like Izzy and I like Gipson, but if he still has his quickness and speed, I wouldn't hate it if Tarik beat one of them out for a roster spot.  I'd rather it be Davis, however.  Let Davis go to the PS, and Breece, Izzy, Allen and Tyrik be the RBs on the roster.

Heres' the video talking about the tragedies in Tarik's life.:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GcNLRIE0q8

[JKlecko]

42 minutes ago, slats said:

If they’re trying something different, it’s a little odd that they’ve added nothing but more similarly small returners. I’d think they’d maybe want a bruiser back there on occasion. Or maybe one of those athletic QBs who will never make it as an NFL QB, but might be useful throwing the ball across the field on a return. Kinda like how the Steelers plan to use Justin Fields, lol. 

I really like the idea of throwing the ball across the field on returns, especially with the new rules, but as you know, that kind of things has the potential to go very wrong, and with it being the Jets...

As for the big bruisers be back there as return men, the problem is that most of them have never done it before at any level.  Will they be able to cleanly field the ball, much less do it on the dead run?

[JKlecko]

20 minutes ago, Mr. Rogers said:

That is true, but after last year's OL debacle I expect at least 1 more OL will take up a vacated spot from one of these positions. I feel like it's more likely we keep 6WR and 4RB, but you make a good point. We might be able to carry one more returns/special team guy than I stated.

Edit: Also, you didn't count Mike Williams, but with a potentially vacated TE spot and Hardee your point stands. 

Interesting.  I hadn't thought about the Jets keeping an extra OL (making 11 OL) on the roster.   That said, I doubt that they'd do that.  That 11th OL is not going to be as good or play as much as a backup at another position.  I could see them keeping 2-3 OL on the PS, but I'd really be surprised if they keep 11 OL on the roster.

 

39 minutes ago, Mr. Rogers said:

Ha. I am indeed younger than most here, but I remember those days. I suppose saying "historic" wasn't quite the right word, but I was just referring to the now-superseded format. 

And let's be fair, even back then, most teams had 1 guy they preferred to try and get the ball to on kickoffs. The other guy was there just in case they kicked away from him and/or for trick plays. That's how we did it in HS too.

@ Allen and Davis - have you checked out videos about the new format? They will be fielding the ball closer to the oncoming opponents, with less time to get up to full speed and a higher likelihood of needing to make contact quickly. It's less about getting up a head of steam and just out-running everyone through the gaps now. I think it's at least possible one of the RBs returns. Unless you think Cohen is a lock to make the team, who else do you think will KR along with Gipson?

@ Breece - I pretty much agree with slats. I think they will be looking to use Allen on some early downs and try to use Breece on 3rds, unless they keep giving him whole drives off. Or it's a play where the RB is a definite blocker, but I bet he runs a lot of routes. 

True.  Often the 2nd returner would just advise the return man whether to signal for a fair catch, or in the end zone whether to let it go, return it, or catch it and take a knee.

Yes, I have checked out the videos for the new format.  A bruising returner who could break tackles could make some sense, but the problems is that probably none of those types have ever returned KOs.  Will they be able to field the ball cleanly, especially on the dead run?  I have my doubts.

Unless they're going to rest Breece for a series of downs or on a drive, I would be surprised if Allen is in on early down with any regularity.  I don't think Breece would take kindly to that.  That may even be why he wasn't here for OTAs.  He may not be happy with the Jets adding all of these RBs.

[nycdan]

6 minutes ago, JKlecko said:

 

Unless they're going to rest Breece for a series of downs or on a drive, I would be surprised if Allen is in on early down with any regularity.  I don't think Breece would take kindly to that.  That may even be why he wasn't here for OTAs.  He may not be happy with the Jets adding all of these RBs.

Hall was at OTAs, working out on the sidelines.  Some sort of rehab assignment but no idea why.  I don't think he is threatened by anyone the Jets added at RB.  All those guys are competing to back him up and he knows it.  They may run some 2-RB sets but I don't think that means Breece is going to eat less.  He is quite possibly the best RB in football right now (only a healthy CMC really challenges that).

[JKlecko]

57 minutes ago, slats said:

Breece isn’t coming off the field on third downs, he’s a three down back. I imagine they believe the same about the guys they drafted. In the past, they’ve spelled him for entire series at a time, and that’s what I would expect to continue. If anything, I think they’re hoping one of these guys can emerge to be their short yardage RB. That’s some quality wear & tear they can save on Breece, in a capacity where he’s probably the least effective. 

We'll see.  I agree that they think that Allen and Davis are 3-down backs as well.  On 3rd and longs, Breece probably will stay on the field, but on 3rd and short or 4th and short, I think he comes off.  I think they drafted Allen and Davis specifically for those situations, but it may also be a  hedge against Breece wanting too much money when he's extended. 

I agree that they're hoping that one of Allen and Davis will emerge as their short-yardage RB.  That's what I was referring to when I mentioned Breece coming off the field on 3rd downs, but should have been more specific about short yardage situations.  As you know, on 3rd and shorts, RBs can take a lot of pounding, and while Breece has power, he doesn't have the same power as Allen.  I think they would be foolish in short yardage situations anywhere on the field, including the Red Zone, to not bring in Allen or Davis and let them take the hits. That may piss Breece off in scoring fewer TDs, but if so, so be it.  Willie Colon and Bart Scott agree.  Bart said that Breece is a Cadillac.  You protect him and keep him in the garage on those situations, and let Allen and Davis get their brains rattled on those plays.

[nycdan]

53 minutes ago, Mr. Rogers said:

 

@ Allen and Davis - have you checked out videos about the new format? They will be fielding the ball closer to the oncoming opponents, with less time to get up to full speed and a higher likelihood of needing to make contact quickly. It's less about getting up a head of steam and just out-running everyone through the gaps now. I think it's at least possible one of the RBs returns. Unless you think Cohen is a lock to make the team, who else do you think will KR along with Gipson?

 

If Ashtyn Davis is the 3rd Safety, he might be interesting.  Fast, strong, and physical.

[JoeNamathsFurCoat]

1 hour ago, slats said:

As I’ve said in this thread, he’s just one of three different tiny return specialists the Jets have brought in since the draft, and that’s after drafting a slot receiver on day two. I don’t mean to send the death knell on Gipson, just saying that a number of people who do what he did last year have been brought in. 

The Jets believe in healthy competition at every position except Quarterback 🤣😂

[Beerfish]

This guy was really good and useful a few years back but many RBs often cannot withstand too many injuries before they fall off a cliff.

Decent vet insurance in case of camp or off season injuries I suppose.

He probably phoned Aaron Rodgers and said 'hey dude remember when i killed you guys when i was with the bears?  Can you get me a job?"

[JKlecko]

1 hour ago, nycdan said:

Hall was at OTAs, working out on the sidelines.  Some sort of rehab assignment but no idea why.  I don't think he is threatened by anyone the Jets added at RB.  All those guys are competing to back him up and he knows it.  They may run some 2-RB sets but I don't think that means Breece is going to eat less.  He is quite possibly the best RB in football right now (only a healthy CMC really challenges that).

Thanks.  That's good to hear that he was there.  Someone else posted that Breece was one of the Jets that didn't show up for OTAs.  I'm glad that poster was mistaken.

I don't think Breece is threatened, either, as he is the starter.  I think it does definitely mean that he will get less carries, especially in short yardage and red zone situations, which will hurt his stats in terms of TDs scored and yardage.  I don't think they drafted both Allen and Davis for both of them to just sit on the bench.  The Jets have rotated backs since Saleh has been here.  They did it less when Breece emerged, but I think those guys and Izzy will get their opportunities too.  That should help keep them all fresh and rested, and they can really wear down opposing offenses.

I agree that Breece is one of the best, if not THE best RB.

[nycdan]

6 minutes ago, Beerfish said:

This guy was really good and useful a few years back but many RBs often cannot withstand too many injuries before they fall off a cliff.

Decent vet insurance in case of camp or off season injuries I suppose.

He probably phoned Aaron Rodgers and said 'hey dude remember when i killed you guys when i was with the bears?  Can you get me a job?"

Nobody on the Bears can ever say that to Rodgers.

[JKlecko]

7 minutes ago, Beerfish said:

This guy was really good and useful a few years back but many RBs often cannot withstand too many injuries before they fall off a cliff.

Decent vet insurance in case of camp or off season injuries I suppose.

He probably phoned Aaron Rodgers and said 'hey dude remember when i killed you guys when i was with the bears?  Can you get me a job?"

I think it will be interesting to see what, if anything he has left in the tank and if his speed and quickness are anywhere near where they were.  He's been through a lot, not only in terms of injuries (torn ACL, MCL and fractured tibia, then when trying to come back from that, a torn Achilles tendon), and personal tragedies.  He had a year to get healthier and develop trust in his knee and achilles again. I'm rooting for him.  He was definitely a dynamic player and could help make our offense more dangerous if he looks anything like he did before his injuries.

[Wit]

I went down a little rabbit hole trying to figure out why a black dude has the last name Cohen but didn’t really figure it out.

That being said his grandfather is Donald cohen who group up in queens and went to Brooklyn college and became an actor. He changed his name to oba babatude so he basically also had to change his name like most Jewish actors to get work. Fascinating stuff!


Sent from my iPhone using JetNation.com mobile app

[#27TheDominator]

1 hour ago, Mr. Rogers said:

That is true, but after last year's OL debacle I expect at least 1 more OL will take up a vacated spot from one of these positions. I feel like it's more likely we keep 6WR and 4RB, but you make a good point. We might be able to carry one more returns/special team guy than I stated.

Edit: Also, you didn't count Mike Williams, but with a potentially vacated TE spot and Hardee your point stands. 

I don't know about adding offensive linemen.  I don't think they need MORE offensive linemen.  I think they need BETTER offensive linemen.  That being said, AVT and Moses are recovering and Smith is probably on a pitch count/load management, so you have a point.  Last year they carried 9 to start - they lost Brown, Becton, Turner and McGovern and added Smith, Moses, Simpson and Fahanu, plus Warren will hopefully be healthy this year.  I think people forget that the main point determining who gets cut on that last day involves who is dinged.  They are more likely to keep an extra WR if Williams is slow coming back.  An extra T is Moses is.  I would agree, probably 10 OL with 3 TE would be my guess. 

[IntoTheGreen]

https://youtu.be/5bVtKGO8YsY?si=OFCD8BRwhsOVedDh

Maybe not the best signing in terms of team need etc. But what a back story and someone I'm rooting for on a personal level. 

 

[Sperm Edwards]

3 hours ago, JustInFudge said:

I dont think Cohen is serious competition for anyone at this stage in his career.  Really more about him than it is about Gipson.

You shut up. It's very serious.

Competition + insurance in case Gipson gets hurt badly this summer. It's jeanyuss. 

[Jet_Engine1]

All set for the Triple Option Return formation.

[Aussie Jet]

Haven't watched the YouTube video posted, but I imagine it's pretty similar to this essay Cohen wrote for The Players Tribune. Hard not to keep a dry eye reading it.

https://www.theplayerstribune.com/posts/tarik-cohen-mental-health-nfl-football

[LockeJET]

Any relation to Steve Cohen?

[joewilly12]

Frank Gore coming soon. 

[Bleedin Green]

18 hours ago, slats said:

If they’re trying something different, it’s a little odd that they’ve added nothing but more similarly small returners. I’d think they’d maybe want a bruiser back there on occasion. Or maybe one of those athletic QBs who will never make it as an NFL QB, but might be useful throwing the ball across the field on a return. Kinda like how the Steelers plan to use Justin Fields, lol. 

So what you're trying to say it's time for the Jets to bring back Brad Smith?