Mum's the word: Jets quiet as they prepare for camp to open

[Smizzy]

Mum's the word: Jets quiet as they prepare for camp to open

By ANDREA ADELSON, AP Sports Writer

July 27, 2006

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) -- It's not often that a rookie offensive lineman gets a chance to show off his speed on his first day at training camp.

Jets left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson did. He put on quite a show.

The No. 4 overall pick reported to camp on time Thursday, after signing his multimillion dollar contract the previous night. As he walked out of the cafeteria following lunch, Ferguson showed his Justin Gatlin-like speed when approached for comment.

He ran away from reporters -- and fans shouting, 'D'Brick!' as they begged for autographs. Laughing all the way, Ferguson crossed a busy intersection and kept running until he was out of sight. One teammate watched with a puzzled look on his face.

Yes, the Eric Mangini era has begun. The new coach is the anti-Herman Edwards, clamping down on players, their activities and limiting access to them. Though players reported Thursday, Mangini was unavailable, preferring to talk when practice opens Friday. It was the first time in recent memory the coach was unavailable the day players showed up for camp.

Mangini is a taskmaster and disciplinarian, and modeling his regime after Patriots coach Bill Belichick. He quizzes players in the hallway on formations and schemes. He wants them all to be accountable not just for their own play, but for what everyone else is doing.

"He's a very strict coach, it's another whole vibe you get," safety Erik Coleman said. "He's a disciplinarian, he expects his players to know everything about the team. I think that's a positive thing. It's pretty intense, everyone's serious about what's going to happen. Focus is the main thing you will see out of everyone."

Players seem to be fine with the change of pace, but it is early. Taking orders from a 35-year-old coach could become more difficult if they have another losing season.

"Eric is being himself," veteran cornerback Ray Mickens said. "He's a very detail-oriented coach, he definitely studies a lot. He pays attention to the little things. That's what he wants out of us as players. You have to be a reflection of your head coach, and that's what he wants us to become."

There will be many challenges for the first-year head coach. First is the situation at quarterback, with Chad Pennington coming off a second rotator cuff operation. Pennington participated in minicamp, but is no shoo-in to start.

Mangini has said the job is wide open between Pennington, Patrick Ramsey and rookie Kellen Clemens. The Jets also have a young coordinator in Brian Schottenheimer and must find a way to increase their scoring, a problem over the last three seasons.

The Jets also are putting in a new defensive scheme, the 3-4. Though Mickens has experience playing in it, many players don't, including Pro Bowl linebacker Jonathan Vilma and former first-round pick Dewayne Robertson.

There was good news Thursday when the Jets signed first-round pick Nick Mangold to a five-year, $7.47 million deal with $4.8 million guaranteed, and second-round pick Kellen Clemens. But there was also a bit of bad news.

Running back Curtis Martin was placed on the physically unable to perform list with a lingering right knee injury, along with receiver Justin McCareins (leg) and center Trey Teague (center). It is unclear how many practices the 33-year-old Martin will miss.

Maybe they can put Ferguson in the backfield.

Odd.

[Barton]

I was there.

Dbrick was chasing some old fat guy from texas in the parking lot who yelled "Dbust". I dont think the guy was talking to Ferguson though.

[GreenBeans]

I was there.

Dbrick was chasing some old fat guy from texas in the parking lot who yelled "Dbust". I dont think the guy was talking to Ferguson though.

POTW NOM - nice job, Barton!