Randy Lange Chat Transcript

[slats]

The man hung in for about 2 and a half hours last night. If you didn't make it last night, hope you can be there next time!

Randy Lange Chat Transcript - 8/23/06

Thanks to Randy, another excellent session.

As usual I've edited a little, but not much. I've deleted the coming and going of folks where it didn't draw a comment from Randy. Randy stayed for 2 1/2 hours, and the last hour is completely unstructured. I've only bolded and separated Randy's text in that part for readability.

Also deleted the tracking of the question order in most cases.. Steve (sg1) worked hard thoughout the chat, thanks again for an excellent job, and for meeting up with Randy at camp and setting it up.

[17:59] randy_lange joined http://www.nyjetschat.com

[17:59] <slats> Welcome Randy

[17:59] <Ray_Ray1> Yeah, that Rich Cimini is a jackass...

[17:59] <xto> Hi Randy, thanks for coming

[17:59] <Ray_Ray1> Oh wait, I'm sorry, Hi Randy

[17:59] <Kevlax3> Hi Randy

[17:59] <cdplayer> Hi Randy. Thanks for joining us.

[17:59] <randy_lange> Thanks for having me again. It's almost time to rock and roll.

[18:00] <Maven> welcome randy.. thanks for taking the time to be with us

[18:00] <randy_lange> It's my honor as always, Maven.

[18:00] <sg1> Hi Randy, welcome. It is a great honor to welcome you to this chat. Randy Lange of the Bergen Record and Northjersey.com is THE BEST and hardest working beat writer of them all. It is really terrific for him to spend this time with us

[18:00] <slats> I like Cimini a lot more now that I'm more of a jaded fan...

[18:00] <cdplayer> AMEN, sg1 !!!!

[18:00] <randy_lange> Rich will like hearing that, slats.

[18:00] <sg1> Please refer to him as Dr. Cimini, noted orthopedist, thank you

[18:01] <sg1> Ready for questions, Mr Lange?

[18:01] <randy_lange> Fire when ready.

[18:01] <KCkotite> ok so we are getting conflicting reports that Mangini has the team believing in him and some that say the opposite do you have a good read on how the team is responding to the new coaching staff and the more disaplined style? Hoping we dont see the backlash the giants did a few years ago

[18:02] <Maven> for the new folks, try to pay attention to the order as sg1 will call during the chat, and please have your question typed and ready to go when your time is near

[18:02] <slats> hi pete, I still love you

[18:03] <randy_lange> That's going to be an ongoing theme probably all season. I've heard from a few vets who are grumbling about some of the silly things they feel Mangini has made them do this training camp, the rules, etc. But a lot of other players seem to genuinely like the change or come in with the mind-set (such as Chatham, Dwight, Rasby, DBrick, Mangold, Schlegel) that the coach is giving them what they need.

[18:03] <Kevlax3> Which TE's does it look like we are keeping? Will we keep as many as 4 with Dearth as Longsnapper?

[18:04] <MotionUS> Randy, Do the Jets carry 4 quarterbacks into the regular season, Who looks to be the #2?

[18:05] <randy_lange> I'd say Baker, Dreessen and Dearth are locks. But Mangini has indicated he may view Dearth as a specialist and won't put him in harms way for extended periods of time at TE. Then will it be Rasby or Jolley? I'm not sold on Rasby yet, but he is a longtime, well-traveled player, he just came out of Belichick's camp and he blocks for the run. So I'd say Jolley is the odd man out.

[18:05] Kevlax3 left irc: Connection reset by peer

[18:05] <sg1> that would be terrific IMO

[18:05] <slats> guess that answer was too much for Kev

[18:05] Kevlax2 joined #jetschat.

[18:06] <Maven> lol, kev missed the answer

[18:06] <Kevlax2> Sorry I am in a hotel and the connection is loose

[18:06] <sg1> the next question is motions about the number of QB's

[18:06] <slats> how are the women?

[18:06] <Maven> in short, randy thinks jolley is the odd man out kev

[18:06] <meddle> Kev, to sum up... Jolley is toast

[18:06] <meddle> ooops

[18:06] <Kevlax2> thanks

[18:06] <jessie1> i'm fine slats, thanks.

[18:06] <randy_lange> Well, Mr. T said way back in April that one team carried 4. That was the 2000 Patriots, who had Bledsoe, Brady, Friesz and Bishop. But the last three never played, so the Jets could carry 4 but two or three won't play. Really the only choice to me is whether you keep Ramsey or Bollinger or both. Pennington should get the starting nod, Clemens will be either 2 or 3, and the other 2, the way I've seen it this summer, are even and the next game or two will determine whether Ramsey gets to enter that second year of his extension or Bollinger gets the unexpected nod.

[18:07] <slats> glad to hear that, jessie

[18:07] <sg1> Sofaking wanted to know about stadium problems caused by the Xanadu collapse if any and if there are any groundbreaking plans

[18:08] <Ray_Ray1> What Xanadu collapse?

[18:08] <sg1> shhhhhhh

[18:08] <Ray_Ray1> heh

[18:08] <randy_lange> Interesting question. Apparently a new venture-capital company has entered to prop up Xanadu after Mills crapped out. So I don't think Xanadu will affect the new stadium but The Record's expert on that is John Brennan, who writes for the news side. As for groundbreaking, I've heard nothing. We have another meeting in the next month or two to hammer out the remaining details. The first move will be the Jets breaking down Weeb Ewbank Hall and moving to my neck of the woods, Florham Park, sometime around May-June of 2008.

[18:10] <xto> Thanks for coming, Randy. Some local writers seem upset that Mangini/Tannenbaum are so tight with information. How's their style working as far as your concerned? any downside for the team itself? Part b of the question is that I'm pretty frustrated that the Jets release NO information on contracts. Do you know the details of our top 3 picks' deals, and if so, would it be possible to get them (either in print or via email?) I'm a desperate geek here! And yes, I recognize the irony in my question.

[18:10] <Ray_Ray1> damn you xto

[18:11] <xto> lol -- had you typed up the smae question?

[18:11] <randy_lange> Yes, Tanngini is tight with info. But it's not much different than Parcells or Groh or Belichick. We will have to work harder and some of us don't like that. I personally don't like giving the readers one- or two-voice stories, such as a Chad story with only Chad and Mangini involved. But that's the challenge and we'll get it done one way or another.

[18:12] <cdplayer> Randy, do you have any read on what Mangini thinks of McCareins? It's been rumored McCareins is in Mangini's doghouse and has lost his starting spot. Do you think there's any chance the Jets will seek to trade or cut him?

[18:12] <sg1> as an addendum to xto's question -- is this Mangini-Tannenbaum "style" that much different than it was when Parcells was in charge

[18:13] <randy_lange> As far as hurting the operation, I don't think so yet. Although that episode after the Tampa Bay game was somewhat comical in retrospect. Chad didn't want to say Eric was chewing his ear off for 35 minutes behind drapes in the visitors' locker room, so in the absence of info, most of us speculated about Chad's health and one or two big outlets jumped to the wrong conclusion, that Chad was hurt again. I guess in the long run it didn't hurt the team, but I always feel the hierarchy should probably give out a little more info just to avoid sticky situations like the Tampa postgame situation.

[18:13] <SofaKingTired> thanks Randy. Just read the response now. I was a bit concerned since that whole thing is going to be a part of the new Meadowlands.

[18:13] <jessie1> randy, how will chad's shoulder hold up when you know Chad's release is rather slow?

[18:15] <randy_lange> cdplayer's question: Many of us have characterized where Justin is is in Eric's doghouse. Eric denies all this, and as recently as today's news conference he gave McCareins a small pat on the back. But I've been hearing McCareins is still available in trade. One rumor was that three-team trade among ATL, WAS and DEN should have been the Jets, not DEN. But I don't think Mangini hates McCareins, just that he's trying to push McCareins for as long as he's here because a mediocre WR corps becomes that much better if McCareins plays as he did in '04 and not as he did in '05.

[18:16] <dinamite> that would be great, we would own the redskins draft

[18:16] <cdplayer> Thanks. I'd like to see him go, and would have loved for the Jets to pick up some of Washington's largesse.

[18:17] <sg1> jessies question was about chads release post shoulder and whether you've noticed any problems

[18:17] <randy_lange> I'm up to Jessie1. Have I missed anyone? It seems to me as late as today Chad is having the kind of camp we all wished he could have had last camp. There haven't been any false positives like last year. He's thrown the ball exceptionally well in many practices, including today. We all know Chad's arm is not the strongest in the league, but it appears to me that he is getting very close to the accuracy he had in '02, which was exceptional. Yet I'm going to reserve judgment on Chad until he gets out of the Giants game without Tom Coughlin blitzing him to IR.

[18:17] <Maven> no, your doing fine randy, as always

[18:19] <Ray_Ray1> Randy, real quick, I think you are the best beat writer out there, you're professional, you have no agenda, you accept the direction the organization is heading, I really appreciate your professionalism and the effort you give us, I cannot tell you how disturbing it is for me to read the daily agendas of some of the beat reporters that cover this team, it is really getting old...

[18:19] <cdplayer> Hopefully, they'll all be firing blanks! LOL!

[18:19] <Ray_Ray1> so I thank you for being the best out there...

[18:19] <cdplayer> Hear, hear!!

[18:20] <randy_lange> Yeah, you're right, Jessie. Tampa did with an inside safety blitz. One thing the Jets' OL needs is that Miami OL mentality with Marino or the Colts OL mindset with Peyton -- don't let No. 10 get hit.

[18:20] <sg1> and Cannizzaro should try a salad, btw

[18:20] <Ray_Ray1> As for my first question... I personally LOVE the fact that Mangini seems to have a plan, has brought many of the same philosiphies of both his former bosses, I think Mangini has a lot of BOTH Parcells and Belichick. I think it is so damn unfair for the media to label him and even suggest that Eric has "no right".......

[18:20] <Ray_Ray1> to do something yet because he's a rookie head coach, that is a CROCK, he has every right to do what he wants with HIS team. I can care less about media access, or his willingness to talk to the media to give us information, I'm confident that he is working to build a winning organization,.......

[18:20] <Ray_Ray1> and I'm willing to give Eric time to grow into his new role, and can care less that so many in the media industry that are already looking for Eric to fail, before he gets started, do you get any sense of what Mangini himself thinks of the criticism?

[18:20] <slats> holy soapbox, Batman!

[18:20] <xto> how long did it take to write that question, dostoyevski?

[18:20] <sg1> is there a question in this op ed piece ray?

[18:20] <Maven> i knew there would be a question eventually, lol

[18:21] <em31> lol

[18:21] <Ray_Ray1> simmadonna

[18:22] <randy_lange> Ray_Ray, thanks for the kudos. I know a lot of fans feel as you do, because I've been reading their comments for years and a lot more than usual this year. I believe we have a good, varied pressroom covering the team, with each writer bringing something outstanding and different to the table. I've always tried to emulate Fox's motto: I report, you decide.

[18:22] <sg1> slats is next with a short question, then dinamite, henry, meddle, bartlett, ken, the schmooze and em31 to finish the first round

[18:22] <meddle> Ray loves FOX too!

[18:22] <cdplayer> LOL@ Steve!

[18:22] <slats> ready.... ?

[18:23] <Ray_Ray1> hey wait, still waiting for my response...

[18:23] <randy_lange> Ray_Ray, what you're saying about the "no right" angle, I agree wholeheartedly. Who should Mangini be? Someone he's not? Should he run the team one way, then another way when he wins something? Yes, he's a lot like Little Bill and a little like Big Bill, but he also is doing a lot of things his way.

[18:23] <meddle> Ray just came

[18:23] <Maven> lol

[18:23] <Ray_Ray1> LOL

[18:24] <sg1> Dr Love sends his Love ray

[18:24] <randy_lange> To me, what Eric needs to be on guard for is if the wrinkles he brings to coaching the team are getting the desired effect. If the penalty laps are really resented by some veterans, well, he can get rid of the vets, of course, but maybe he'd also want to rethink that element for next camp. He's not going anywhere, but if he has a Groh effect on this year's team, it'll take that much longer to rebuild the foundation next year.

[18:24] <Ray_Ray1> Thanks again Randy...

[18:24] <sg1> go slats

[18:24] <slats> Is Sutton running the defense, or is he the DC in title only while Mangini runs the show? How involved is Mangini with the individual positions, i.e.; the DB's?

[18:26] <randy_lange> One more point for Ray_Ray. I asked Eric about the criticism. He SEEMS to genuinely not care. He even has said he likes the media, and he has been unfailingly polite and civil at his news conferences. But he knows he's just not going to tell us exactly what's wrong with Curtis yet if ever, and he's not going to announce who is starting QB is until he's ready, and he doesn't care if we bitch.

[18:27] <cdplayer> That's good news, imo.

[18:27] <Ray_Ray1> Good to know... I get that sense... I get the sense that as smart as Mangini is perceived by some, he's even much smarter than that... Very impressive for such a young coach.

[18:28] <burf> Gotta like that about EM...

[18:28] <randy_lange> Slats, on Sutton, as an aside, this is one thing I just think isn't right about Eric's media policy. Bob Sutton was promoted to DC in February. We have yet as a press corps or even individually to talk to him. We've requested him as we're allowed to do, as well as all the other assistant coaches, but the only coordinator we've gotten so far is Brian Schottenheimer, and that was after the June minicamp. As for Sutton running the defense, I think he will call the plays. I don't know if Eric will have veto power or will do what Parcells did to Charlie Weis and execute a coordinator coup. Mangini seems to me to be working more with the defense, but not to the extent that Herm initially did with the DBs. Eric is very detail-oriented but I think he's smart enough to know he can't get too bogged down in micromanaging now.

[18:29] <ken> Which undrafted rookies do you expect will make thee 53 man roster? Would you a give us a little color on those players.

[18:29] <sg1> ken, you are way out of turn..... dinamite has the next question

[18:29] <dinamite> Randy thanks for being here. What do you think of Kevin Barlow? What do you think of the jets trade (fair value, too much, even necessary?) thanks.

[18:29] <ken> sorry

[18:30] <slats> Thanks! Hopefully you get to talk to Sutton and some other coaches soon. I bet Cox is STILL a great interview!

[18:31] <meddle> Cox just uses hand gestures

[18:32] <randy_lange> Ken, for starters, Reggie Newhouse is not an undrafted rookie but I'll throw his name out. Whether McCareins stays or goes, I think Newhouse gets a berth on the 53. I've loved his game since the start of camp. He's made many outstanding catches, went up to snag the TD at WAS from Clemens. His dad is Robert Newhouse, the old Cowboy, and Reggie tells me he talks to Dad almost every day.

[18:32] <xto> not cox and (dave) ball?

[18:33] <Maven> wonder if kendall will shoot from the hip as much with mangini holding the leash

[18:33] <sg1> reggie is randy's guy, BTW

[18:33] <slats> i'm all for Reggie making the team, myself

[18:33] <randy_lange> As for undrafted FAs, Tui Alailefaleula (say it three times fast) looks to have a leg up as a backup NT primarily because of the Pope defenction and Pouha IR-ing. Guy's big, from Alaska, played both lines at at Washington.

[18:33] <dinamite> you just hate mccareins slats

[18:34] <sg1> Randy, the question from dinamite was about your opinion on Barlow and whether the deal seemed a good value

[18:34] <slats> and everything he represents!

[18:34] <dinamite> you can give us your honest opinion too

[18:34] <dinamite> on the value of the trade that is, not on mcareins/slats gate

[18:36] <randy_lange> For dinamite, yeah, I think it was good value. Barlow, despite the Hitler stuff with Mike Nolan today, is not a bad guy. He's not a thug. He's emotional, sensitive, and Nolan lied to him about not worrying about being traded. And I'd say the 4 is worth the gamble if Mangini and Schottenheimer think they can uncover the '03 Barlow and not see the '04-05 Barlow again.

[18:36] <sg1> next up is the founding father of this joint, the great Henry Hertz (and one of Justin McCarriens most loyal fans

[18:36] <randy_lange> Hello, Henry. How's it hanging?

[18:36] <slats> hen-ry, hen-ry!

[18:36] <hmhertz> Given reports of Martin informing the Jets of the seriousness of his knee, do you think more should have been done in the off season

[18:36] <dinamite> thanks randy and thanks sg1 for moderating

[18:38] <meddle> Barlow, as you mentioned, dropped a Hitler comment in ref to his old coach and his dogmatic ways. What's Kevan gonna think of Mangini? I mean Mangini is not exactly laid back. Can Barlow be the "same guy everyday"?

[18:38] <randy_lange> Yes, Henry, I can agree that the Jets should have done more for a possible transition, especially because they don't seem to like what they've seen from Blaylock and Houston that much. But I don't buy into the draft-Bush theory. That would have mortgaged the draft. Maybe Addai before the Colts got to him.

[18:39] <sg1> I'll settle for the Brick and the Man of Gold frankly

[18:39] <Ray_Ray1> ..and Clemens

[18:39] <meddle> We just gave a 4th for the guy. Will Mangini make a guy who his pal Mr. T just traded for run laps? Could be interesting.

[18:39] <em31> and a redskins pick

[18:39] <randy_lange> Meddle, I think after a few weeks, Barlow won't see Mangini as Hitler but as Mussolini. But seriously, folks, that's a good point. I don't know Barlow well enough to say he can be the same guy every day. But I sense from the player, having listened to him talk, that if he can channel that emotion of his to the field of play, that's a good thing.

[slats]

[18:40] <sbartlett7> Is Askew on the fence? Can Dwight be a Chrebet type? Can any of the Jets tightends be productive?

[18:41] <burf> I'm still hoping we draft Vernon Davis...

[18:41] <randy_lange> Plus on Barlow, consider this: Curtis will be around this year, maybe as a player, maybe not. I don't want Curtis helping my pro personnel people (he recommended Quincy Carter). But I do want Curtis working with the kid that idolized him growing up in Pittsburgh. If Barlow's reachable, Curtis will reach him.

[18:41] <slats> <sigh>

[18:42] <burf> That's the key randy... my thoughts too...

[18:42] <Ray_Ray1> Agreed, makes you wonder if Martin had a hand in bringing Barlow in

[18:43] <sg1> doubtful

[18:43] <burf> I'm sure he was one of the people Tannini spoke with

[18:43] <randy_lange> sbarlett7 -- can I call you bartlett? I don't think Askew is on the fence. But I think the front office is concerned that he's not a big bopper, so they're looking at options like Stacy Tutt (another undrafted FA who could make the squad) and Jamar Martin. But I sense that Schotty likes the HB tendencies Askew possesses. BJ touched the ball more at WAS than he had in his first three seasons.

[18:43] <burf> before doing the trade

[18:43] <Ray_Ray1> I'm sure Mr T consulted with mudcat

[18:43] <jessie1> good ol' herm lol

[18:44] <sbartlett7> Randy, you can even call me Bart. Thanks for coming Randy. You are a great read and true professional.

[18:44] <em31> I think you're the best <blah blah blah>.... first time long time etc. etc. (always wanted to say that)

[18:45] <em31> My question is about the linebackers in general. How do they look as a group and I am specifically interested in how Anthony Schlegel is doing since he has been getting crucified on the message boards after the fall down in the game last week. How has this guy looked in practice. Out of his depth at this level?

[18:46] <randy_lange> Thanks, Bart. I dozed off there for a second ... Dwight looks eerily like Chrebet. He's smaller but quicker, so it's almost a wash. He's the slot man in the 3WR set (although he was dinged and didn't practice yesterday). And even though he goes down when hit, he's a far better punt returner than Wayne. As long as Dwight stays healthy, he should produce.

[18:46] <hiker> Have you heard anything about any honor/ceremony for Chrebet? I remember Mo and Marvin's halftime ceremony was announced well before the season started, yet no word on Wayne that I have heard. What's up?

[18:47] <randy_lange> As for TEs, Dreessen has moments where it seems like he could push Baker for time as the starter. Dreessen has a better seam dimension, but I thought Chris in 8 games last year really showed that he can do this thing, too, making tough catches, getting YAC and blocking well.

[18:48] <randy_lange> em31 on the LBs: In general I like the composition of the LBs. I think Vilma will be fine when he's the ILB in the 3-4. Barton is back. Bryan Thomas hasn't looked bad, especially at WAS. Chatham is pushing both BT and Hobson. Kassell has experience in the middle.

[18:48] <KCkotite> Randy the word is KCKotite lost the team last year, personall I think it happend before the season, can you give me one JUICY bit of gossip you may have heard on this. If not what is your feeling on soft coaches versus strict ones

[18:49] <Maven> lets try not to get oo far ahead guys

[18:49] <hiker> lol, I jumped the gun too, I guess

[18:49] <KCkotite> wasnt i up

[18:50] <sg1> hiker's question on a wayne ceremony needs to be answered first

[18:50] <KCkotite> srry

[18:50] <randy_lange> That brings us to Schlegel. Great guy, great attitude. But after he screwed himself into the ground, allowing Buck Ortega to go unmolested to the end zone, Schlegel then got beat by RB Nehemiah Broughton and got called for faceguarding. He struggles when athleticism is needed, such as in coverage, in my opinion. I'm guessing he makes the cut but at first his exposure will have to be limited.

[18:50] <burf> also schlegel

[18:50] <em31> thanks... still a reach then

[18:51] <Maven> s'ok.. just don't want to make it hard on randy, where he has to look to see if he's missed, and for me to edit the transcript <maven is lazy>

[18:51] <randy_lange> On Chrebet ceremony, yes, they'll have one, but the Jets haven't telegraphed when it will be. They have shown a tendency to want to get sponsors, for the Klecko day and for Mo/Marvin, so they may be lining that up.

[18:51] <sg1> then kotite is fine with his question about the real Kansas City Kotite.

[18:51] <KCkotite> I was in wash and Schlegel looked worse in person, then he made a hit that made the whole stadium oooooh

[18:53] <randy_lange> Oh, KCkotite. I didn't get that right away. I believe Herm and the Jets grew out of love and needed to move on. Yes, I feel Herm lost the team last year. His position has always been that he treats his players like men and they're professionals and they'll do what's in their best interests. But I heard too many stories such as certain guys taking shortcuts in the weight room in the off-season, and then I was told more than 20 players did not make their prescribed weights and/or were not weighing in as they were required to during the season. Markus Paul was not the problem; he had no enforcement behind him. I thought that was telling early on when Eric gave Markus an unequivocal vote of confidence.

[18:54] <xto> sorry I have to drop out -- thanks for stopping by, Randy

[18:54] <Kevlax2> With the depth we have in our secondary, does it still look like the Jets will try to hang Strait out as trade bait? Looks like we are keeping 6 WR as of now (if mccairens stays).

[18:55] <randy_lange> As for soft vs. strict, it happens without fail that if a players' coach goes away, then the drill sergeant was the best thing to happen to the team and vice versa. I think Herm did a good job in a lot of areas, and I say that because the bottom line was three playoffs in five seasons. But with no playoffs in two of the last three, I don't think it was Herm being soft in general as much as that he wanted to move on to the next challenge, where the pay was more in line with the league average.

[18:55] <slats> will ray be able to ask his entire question before time runs out?

[18:57] <Ray_Ray1> I thought Pouha was a big loss, and I do like the looks of Tui #93 early, any scoop on what the Jets might do at NT, or even at the DT or DE position to address depth concerns?

[18:57] <burf> Maybe they can get Schlegel to add 75 lbs..

[18:57] <slats> Still have Kev's question out there...

[18:58] <slats> <~ wants to hear that the Jets are doing more trading!

[18:58] <randy_lange> On the DB depth, Kevlax, I'd say Strait still could be moved, but sometimes players are moved not because they're not wanted but because they have value. I just don't know where Strait's value is with this secondary. He hasn't been playing a lot of first-team corner, and I don't think he's among the three best safeties (Rhodes, Coleman, ESmith), so I'd say Strait is still bait.

[18:58] <sg1> kev's question about strait and DB's, then motion, then you ray

[19:00] <sg1> OK - lets move to rays question about Pouha and the NT situation in general

[19:00] <randy_lange> RayRay, I thought Pouha was going to make a nice spot for himself this season. I based it on how he looked his first three practices, but he's always been a mature guy (he's 27, I think, after all) and he lost weight. The Jets, I've been told, will be looking for DL depth at all positions, not just NT. But I haven't heard any new names now that Grady Jackson signed elsewhere.

[19:01] <sg1> slats then hertz, meddle, bart and em and hiker if randy has enough time

[19:01] <jessie1> you skipped me?

[19:01] <randy_lange> I do like what Dave Ball's been doing as the nickel inside rusher. I haven't seen much of McChesney. Tui has been holding his own until he got his bell rung at WAS. The Adams brothers, Darrell and Titus, I'm undecided on.

[19:01] <slats> go 'head, Jess

[19:01] <jessie1> What's your take on Dewayne Robertson and Mangini leaning on him heavily in the nose tackle position this season?

[19:01] <jessie1> thanks slats

[19:01] <sg1> sorry jessie, I thought you posted that you were just listening

[19:01] <Ray_Ray1> Agreed on Ball, he has looked good, good 3-4 DE

[19:02] <jessie1> changed my mind

[19:02] <sg1> OK

[19:02] <cdplayer> A woman's prerogative!

[19:02] <Kevlax2> .1 lol chicks can't stay quiet that long

[19:02] <Ray_Ray1> LOL

[19:02] <jessie1> hush... i'm trying to behave .. j/k

[19:03] <em31> you're kidding about trying to behave?

[19:03] <sg1> now now, boys and girls....

[19:03] <randy_lange> Jessie, I'm seeing less of Mangini leaning on Dewayne at the nose lately. It almost seems as if D-Rob will start at RDE in the 3-4 and Kimo will play NT. Kimo absolutely does not bitch so it's hard to know if he thought he was signing up for nose duty when he got here. The two will flip-flop, but I'm guessing DRob either verbally or by his play is just showing he's more comfortable, if he's not at 3-technique, playing 3-4 end.

[19:04] <jessie1> last 2 games rb's are running up the middle for large gains

[19:04] <sg1> or maybe the biggest draft bust of the last 5 years just aint good enuf

[19:04] <randy_lange> OK, who did I leave in the dust two screens back?

[19:05] <sg1> slats needs to ask the next question, I think we are OK

[19:05] <slats> Six WR's, 4 RB's, 3 FB's... nice competition, but there has to be some trimming there. Any surpise cuts?

[19:05] <burf> And 4 QBs...

[19:06] <hmhertz> Any names eliciting interest as potential trades or Waiver wire pick ups?

[19:06] <slats> a reasonable follow up

[19:07] <randy_lange> Well, Slats, I think Newhouse will probably start on the inactive list. They'll keep four RBs, but only two FBs because Schotty is motioning his TEs into H-back/FB roles a lot. If Ramsey were cut, that'd qualify as a surprise (but I don't see it).

[19:09] <randy_lange> Henry, I ran out of names when Suggs and then Barlow came here and Grady Jackson went away. I know the areas they're looking at, interior OL, DL but I don't have any fresh names at the moment.

[19:10] <meddle> Any take on how well Vilma is holding up versus the run in practice?

[19:10] <hmhertz> be sure to mention them, when you hear them

[19:12] <randy_lange> meddle, I haven't seen any dropoff yet. It could come, especially if there are any more DL injuries. But I'd also say that while I think the 3-4 will be the Jets' base, I don't think it will be an 80-20 split with the 4-3. It might be more 60-40, 65-35. And one reason for that is because Vilma is smart enough to play both but maybe better suited to the 4-3. One other thing on J-Vil: I've seen him blitzing a little more than he had his first two years. That's the name of the game with this pass rush. They're going to have to scheme the heck out of people unless Bryan Thomas shows all he needed was a running start to become the edge rusher the Jets thought he was when they drafted him.

[19:13] <meddle> Cool. Thanks again, Randy.

[19:13] <ken> Randy, thanks for your time.

[19:13] <randy_lange> My pleasure, Ken.

[19:14] <em31> Back to the DL and run defense Randy. Did Tampa show the way to beat the jets by Just pounding us up the middle? If so, how can we stop this given how thin (and light) we are up th middle?

[19:14] <KCkotite> Randy just wanted to let you know that Jessie is rumored to be a certain qbs wife

[19:15] <Ray_Ray1> On the Jets?

[19:15] <KCkotite> yes

[19:15] <Ray_Ray1> n/k

[19:15] <KCkotite> for real right jessie

[19:15] <KCkotite> tell us the truth

[19:15] <jessie1> what did I miss?

[19:15] <slats> Jesteverde?

[19:16] <KCkotite> must be vinneys

[19:16] <KCkotite> lol

[19:16] <randy_lange> That could be, em31. The LBs will need to be very active and the D-line has to hold up. Otherwise, the effect could be similar to last year, when the pass defense was actually pretty good but no one knew it because the Jets were just beaten up on the run. Also back to Schlegel, if Mangini is a genius in residence, he needs to get Anthony on the field for those situations where he can play to his strength, stopping the run at the point of attack.

[19:16] <hiker> How do you think Cox is doing as a coach? I really found it to be a surprise to hire a guy that has spent the last few years trashing the team publicly.

[19:17] <cdplayer> How about Rashad Washington or Andre Maddox. Any chance one or both will make the roster?

[19:17] <slats> I strongly suspect the pass dee was good BECAUSE no one had to throw against the Jets

[19:17] <Maven> I remember Maddox made noise early last year, then got hurt, heard nothing on him this year

[19:18] <meddle> I'd be real surprised if Rashad Washington was cut.

[19:18] <randy_lange> Hiker, it was a real interesting hire. Why would BCox want to leave the cushy life of a Fox talking head for the long hours, lower pay and lower profile of an NFL assistant? Even Bryan's agent was surprised. And I would know the answer to this better if the writers would be allowed to talk to Cox, but that also hasn't happened yet, even though he's been requested.

[19:19] <em31> you need to catch him at the track

[19:19] <slats> if Bolly makes the team and Maddox gets cut, mudcat's head may explode!

[19:19] <randy_lange> All that being said, Cox seems to enjoy his role. He's got his Curtis McGriff winter coat on (as Parcells used to say when he was with the other team), but he's putting the D-linemen through the heavy bag drills after practice and seems to have some good coaching pointers. (In those drills, we're close enough to hear some actual byplay between coach and player.)

[19:19] <sg1> Thanks Randy for joining us. Hopefully, we can do it again sometime after the season begins and we whup up on the Patriots and Dolphins

[19:19] <jessie1> thank you randy....I enjoy reading your articles.

[19:19] <hiker> I get the feeling you can't muzzle Cox forever. Thanks Randy

[19:19] <Ray_Ray1> Any scoop with the rest of the teams in the division?

[19:20] <jessie1> season practices closed to the media? had to slip that in...lol

[19:20] <slats> Thanks for another great chat, Randy!

[19:20] <em31> good job Randy. Thanks for taking the time

[19:20] <randy_lange> cdplayer, Rashad and Andre have had quiet camps in my opinion, Rashad showing up just a little more. Andre has been buried with the third defense. I'm sure Mike Westhoff would like to keep both, but he's no longer the assistant HC anymore. My guess would be Rashad will stick, Andre may not, but he is practice-squad eligible.

[19:20] <burf> Thanks, Randy... good stuff... keep up the great work!

[19:20] <cdplayer> Randy, thanks again! Great job as always. Please keep up the great work!

[19:20] <Kevlax2> Thanks again Randy!

[19:20] <sg1> Randy answered that one when we talked at Hofstra. The answer is "It's up to Eric"

[19:20] <Maven> thanks for coming randy.. anything you wish to plug?

[19:21] <meddle> Randy, you did a great job. Profuse thanks.

[19:21] <em31> susie kolber?

[19:21] <jessie1> like advertising?

[19:21] <Maven> lol

[19:21] <KCkotite> em are you laughing at the anything to plug line??????????????

[19:21] <em31> lol

[19:21] <jessie1> it's Bristol Baby....

[19:21] <em31> indeed i am

[19:22] <em31> night races from here on into the cahse Jessie

[19:22] <hiker> IBB4Life lol

[19:22] <KCkotite> wheres that HOFer when you need him

[19:22] <cdplayer> But...

[19:22] <hmhertz> Randy thanx much, Jessie is available for a date, at reasonable prices

[19:22] <jessie1> quietly slipping out the door............. Thanks again Randy! loved talking to you

[19:22] <em31> ok Randy... 'fess up... on which ballot will you wvote for Curtis?

[19:22] <jessie1> shaddup hertz you can lose an eye for that..........lol

[19:22] <jessie1> lol

[19:22] <randy_lange> Thanks all. Jessie, the NFL is mandating that the first 30 minutes of RS practices be open to media. We had that the last two years with Herm and we got a taste of that at Mangini's rookie minicamp. They'll just stretch and go through individual drills until we go in. The good reporters will try to mine something out of that half-hour for publication, but it is tougher, no question.

[slats]

[19:24] <randy_lange> On Curtis, I don't vote for the HOF, but my esteemed colleague Vinny DiTrani does. He's the Giants presenter and did a phenomenal behind-the-scenes job of finally getting Harry Carson through to enshrinement. Paul Zimmerman of SI is the Jets' presenter. I haven't talked to either about Curtis but I suspect they wouldn't have any problems supporting him when it's time to vote for him.

[19:24] <sg1> randy is still logged in, ray.... I'm sure he is ready for your twenty six questions

[19:25] <Maven> lol

[19:25] <KCkotite> hertz you are either far smarter or far older then I am

[19:25] <slats> one question in 26 parts....

[19:25] <randy_lange> It's only been 1:25. Another 58 minutes before we match the average length of a Mangini training camp practice.

[19:25] <em31> back to schools

[19:25] <jessie1> see ya peeps on the board... it's was great

[19:26] <mikey727> Thanks Randy think it could be a suprising year

[19:26] <cdplayer> G'night. doll

[19:26] <Ray_Ray1> Randy, I've been impressed with the way Mangini carries himself on the sideline, he seems intense and stern with every piece of the operation, and doesn't show any hesitation in digging into his assistants, everything that is done has to be done with a precision to his liking, I've been very impressed by this, I often think of Parcells while watching Mangini do this....

[19:26] <Maven> herm woulda had them in street clothes by now

[19:26] <jessie1> nite

[19:26] <Ray_Ray1> Has anybody in the media picked up on this?

[19:26] <Kevlax2> gnight

[19:26] <KCkotite> thanks maven I was trying to be good

[19:27] <em31> the straw poll here is that we cautiously nudging our W/L guesstimates up based on what we hear from camp and general happiness with the draft

[19:27] <hmhertz> Old posters never quit, they just fade away

[19:27] <KCkotite> Well randy if your going to stick around

[19:27] <randy_lange> Ray_Ray, I agree with that also. I have made the observation that Eric doesn't "coach young." He may succeed, he may fail, but I don't think it'll be because he's in over his head or afraid to coach his way. Now does he have the genius of the Bills? And does Mr. T have the personnel skill at his young age to draft the next Brady or Bruschi? Jury's still out.

[19:27] <Maven> has any writer commented on mangini's resemblance to the commedian kevin james?

[19:28] <jessie1> how many games do u think the jets are capable of winning this year?

[19:28] <KCkotite> there was a smattering of rumors that Parcells was trying to facilitate a future spot on the jets fo, do you know if that was at all true

[19:28] <randy_lange> No, Maven, I haven't heard Kevin's name brought up yet. Maybe I'll sneak it in somewhere.

[19:29] <Maven> i had a photo comparison side by side somewhere on the forum.. it's pretty close

[19:29] <jessie1> how many foreign journalists attend or listen to mangini's press conferences?

[19:29] <em31> randy if the pats were so smart on Brady how come they passed on him fivce times?

[19:29] <cdplayer> Do you think we'll see a lot of B. Smith this year at WR?

[19:30] <randy_lange> Jessie, I'm turning that one over in my mind every day. Last year, I hate to admit it, I drank the Herm-Aid and picked them to make that Super Bowl trip. In my defense, I've never done that before and I had a good feel. This year, I'm thinking 6-10 but I'm thinking 8-8 is a great goal to shoot for and with a favorable second-half schedule, they can at least take a run at it. I'm always positive and so I would love to see a 9-7 team in the playoff argument. But I'm just not feeling it yet. OTOH, I don't agree with the Sporting News and other national outlets that this is the worst team in the NFL. I don't think they're the worst team in the AFC East.

[19:30] <Ray_Ray1> Brad Smith has big time potential, he's raw, but he has the look as a potential #1 or #2 WR down the road.

[19:30] <jessie1> thank you

[19:32] <randy_lange> Not many foreign journalists have been in attendance this season, jessie, although some of the columnists seem to be speaking in tongues when they ask questions to support their agendas that EM is paranoid or is not ready or is not being himself.

[19:32] <KCkotite> It may just take one break through game for this team to decide they are as good as anyone, my vote is the Pats game or the Colts game and we may not need to even win the game

[19:32] <em31> hehehe

[19:33] <Ray_Ray1> I laugh at the national outlets that pretend to have a clue about the Jets, and put their material together based on the consensus..

[19:33] <randy_lange> On Brad Smith, cdplayer, I think he is improving in leaps and bounds. He started out minicamp shaky and unsure in his hands and his routes, but each has gotten better. He did a Jumbo Elliott with his first reception at TB but since then he's been sharper in practice, and one play he doesn't get credit for (except in my books) is the illegal contact he drew early in the fourth quarter at WAS that kept the Clemens TD drive alive

[19:33] <em31> when did an O-line ever come together that quickly KC?

[19:33] <jessie1> randy, most sportswriters are not fans of the teams they cover.... what team did u grow up rooting for?

[19:34] <Maven> he's a jets fan jessie.. and a yankees fan too

[19:34] <randy_lange> And of course the 61-yard reverse stands on its own. Brad Smith will be a factor in the offense this season. (He'd better be.)

[19:34] <KCkotite> I dont think the Oline is typical, and it does have good depth and vets when all are healthy

[19:35] <Ray_Ray1> Randy, you seem to have a genuine interest in what goes on out on the field. In my time out at training camp, you're the only one who seems to be ready for the start of practice, with a notebook even, while the others, espeically the two clowns *cough* POST and DailyNews *cough* usually straggle out midway through practice, BS, and then try and put a report together...

[19:35] <em31> lol... what a loaded question

[19:35] <Ray_Ray1> I know I can't ask you to put a colleague on the spot, but why do a couple of the reporters seem to have the agenda they have, with almost a geninue interest to see the team fail...

[19:36] <slats> a sense an agenda

[19:36] <randy_lange> KC, I think a great season will be to be competitive in every game, don't lose any 56-3 games, score an upset or two, show that you're a well-conditioned team in December and not a team that wants to keep blaming Al Groh.

[19:36] <em31> have you stopped beating your wife lately

[19:36] <KCkotite> I agree completely

[19:37] <sg1> this is going to be like 1997 when the game looked bad for a lot of the time and you looked up and the Jets were only down 3 points in the fourth quarter and about to get the ball.

[19:37] <KCkotite> Ironically I think a slightly modified "KcKotite" game plan would give us a chance to do just that and maybe a little more if we are lucky

[19:37] <em31> I think Chad needs a franchise tight end more than any QB since Bernie Kosar

[19:37] <cdplayer> I think most Jets fans would be very happy with that season.

[19:38] <em31> and that isn't even in the top 5 of our "declared" needs

[19:38] <cdplayer> Well, they had their chance, but passed on Vernon Davis! LOL!!! (That was for Henry)

[19:38] <randy_lange> Jessie, I know this is sacrilege in Gang Green circles but I was a New York sports fan all the way, so football-wise I cut my teeth on the Giants of YA Tittle, Alex Webster, Homer Jones, Sam Huff, etc. (I was young then, but I'm getting old now.) But when Namath came along, so did I. So I've followed both and covered both over the years.

[19:38] <sg1> I remember the Raider game in 1997. They appeared to be running the Jets off the field for three quarters and there we were down only 6 and ready for for a blocked field goal to be run back all the way by Ray Mickens for the win

[19:39] <jessie1> nice.... it's rare a sports journalist gets to cover the team they rooted for.... your articles are excellent... i once sent you an email

[19:39] <randy_lange> RayRay, thanks, but I have my share of late starts, too. All our deadlines being what they are, some days we have to stay in the pressroom and get something on the screen first before we come out to the field. Also, the Mangini 2 pm starts meant that sometimes we didn't finish with our player interviews until after 5 pm, further slowing things down. But yes, I do try to be out there early in the proceedings and ready to see what I can see. Some days we all like to get together and chat among ourselves, but you have to put that aside and observe the important developments on the team you're covering.

[19:39] <jessie1> root

[19:39] <sg1> Unlike our out of condition, unprepared teams of the last 5 years who fell apart at the end of halves and fourth quarters in exhaustion

[19:39] <KCkotite> anyone catch Bellicheck on tv tonight

[19:40] <em31> that's unfair sg1... sometimes they just didn't start up until Q3

[19:41] <sg1> was he on Larry King live? or Seanity and Clones?

[19:41] <em31> at which point they were quite fresh.... against the Chiefs for example

[19:41] <KCkotite> I think he was on some FX show

[19:41] <em31> Orielly?

[19:42] <KCkotite> no a real show

[19:42] <KCkotite> the one with dennis leary

[19:42] <em31> and i'll give you the final word....

[19:42] <Ray_Ray1> what did he say KC?

[19:42] <KCkotite> I missed it

[19:43] <em31> here's one for you Randy since you're mot bailing yet... what was the deal with the verry cold handshake from gibbs at the end of the game last week?

[19:43] <sg1> Hey Randy, since you are still here..... didn't you feel cheated when, after hearing the torrent of superbowl talk all offseason, we discovered after exactly 3 offensive plays by the Chiefs that Herman Kotite was an emperor with no clothes and we were unprepared as usual for the season?

[19:43] <KCkotite> might have just been a spot appearance Im not sure he had lines

[19:43] <KCkotite> no stealing my questions

[19:44] <randy_lange> As for the agenda question, that's a tough one. I can't comment on what drives each writer. At some point you decide that there are some issues you have to take a stand on, so to half the readership you'll be right on and the other half you're a jerk.

[19:44] <Ray_Ray1> EM, I noticed that, but I've seen Gibbs do that before, he did it to Parcells last year, I remember that very vividly. He's a bit of a sore loser, he doesn't care who you are.

[19:44] <KCkotite> If mangini is anything like either bill he wont forget the snub

[19:44] <Ray_Ray1> Randy, good answer... Very fair, and I can appreciate your take that the variety of reporting can also be construed as a good thing.

[19:45] <jessie1> i think Gibbs got what he came for.... Sponsorship for one of his racecars and getting his son out of racing to save his life. I don't see him staying too much longer coaching football

[19:45] <jessie1> FedEx

[19:46] <em31> they will all be looking for exit strategies when they dont have any more draft picks for the next decade.. talk about eating you seed corn

[19:46] <randy_lange> em31, I didn't see the handshake or hear about it. Sometimes when we rush to get our earlies into our offices, then go down to the field for the end of the game, we miss things. I've always liked Gibbs, thought he was a class act, so I don't know what that might've been about, unless he thought Mr. T held hiim up for that second-round pick next year and took it out on Eric.

[19:46] <sg1> in case you find this confusing Randy, I've lost control and we are just bsing

[19:47] <em31> some thought it might have been the way washington hot dogged into the end zone.... i don't buy that one....

[19:47] <KCkotite> well your the one that tried to get us to sign off an hour ago

[19:48] <Ray_Ray1> I can to, but it drives me absolutely NUTS when it is done with the anger and vengance that it appears to be sometimes... It's one thing to be critical, but it's another to take it as far as a couple do... How about just giving us the news, not creating the news, and most of all, without the unsubstantiated badgering of the organization.

[19:48] <sg1> I'm old and it's past my bedtime

[19:48] <KCkotite> lol

[19:48] <Maven> i'm surprised we haven't seen more from Blaylock.. he impressed me when I saw him out here in KC. Is it just that he's not the big prototype Beli/Parcells type feature back that Mangini seems to want?

[19:48] <jessie1> Gibbs has a good reputation out there all around ... i/m/o i wouldn't read anything into the handshake

[19:48] <sg1> So you must hate Fox News then ray

[19:48] <randy_lange> Yeah, steve, that KC game was a real groin shot. I think that's when we all realized that maybe Herm accelerated the Pennington process a little too quickly because he didn't look like himself. And we all know Herm didn't send the QB and center on penalty laps after botched snaps.

[19:49] <jessie1> can't believe you feel for Herman, Randy.... lol

[19:49] <em31> Herm gave us vinny last year too...

[19:49] <jets79> So I'm late and apologize if we've already covered this, but it's looking like Penny, Cotchery, and Clement are nailing down starting spots...is that a fair assumption at this pont?

[19:49] <cdplayer> That alone is reason to hate him! LOL!

[19:50] <randy_lange> Steve, I'm enjoying the ambience.

[19:50] <sg1> every time I hear some expert blame last year on iinjuries, I remember back to game 1 in KC, 100 percent healthy and 100 percent uncoached and ill prepared

[19:50] <KCkotite> Hello my moniker is The Commissioner , I sometimes go by KCkotite , and I am a Hermanhater

[19:50] <em31> lol

[19:51] <KCkotite> mostlyn because my wife would say stuff like "why didnt he call a TO" or Whats wrong with third down etc

[19:51] <em31> <--- tohught Curtis was nice running back but not a deity and overpaid by and large.... this makes me an official "Curtis Hater" and not a real Jets fan

[19:52] <KCkotite> you know what em I actuALLY really always like curt untill all the BS HOF crap started 4 years ago

[19:52] <sg1> serious question. Randy.... What, if anything, is Bradway's role on the team (hopefully not much of an important one)?

[19:52] <randy_lange> Maven, Blaylock actually has looked better in practice this week and at the WAS game. But my feeling before the Barlow trade was that they should give Cedric Houston a shot with the first team because I didn't think Blaylock was a load-carrier. Interestingly, Leon Washington has continued to get first-team reps this week, not just the odd start at WAS. But unless Barlow gets up to speed very quickly, this season will open with the dreaded RBBC.

[19:52] <jessie1> Curtis will be making $800's this season and if he can't perform it goes down to $400's ....

[19:52] <em31> eight million a year for nine hundred years ws where they lost me at the same time the Pats got a very lively Dillon for about 2 mill

[19:52] <jessie1> RBBC?

[19:52] <Ray_Ray1> What are the thoughts on Tannenbaum and the job he has done in putting the current team together. I think he did well in the draft, how much did Mangini have a say in the draft, and have you heard any scoop around the league about how Tannenbaum is compared to his peers?

[19:53] <kevlax2> running back by committee

[19:53] <jessie1> oic

[19:53] <kevlax2> big stoopid

[19:53] <jessie1> lol

[19:53] <sg1> try and keep up, jess

[19:53] <jessie1> hey, glad ya'll read my posts...that's my line lol

[19:53] <KCkotite> Here is another serious one Randy, was Bradway at all bitter over his move

[19:54] <Ray_Ray1> I think Houston is on the bubble, I don't think mangini trusts him as a blocker, he's a tough runner, but is limited as a receiver, and doesn't seem to have it 'upstairs,' my guess is Houston is cut, Barlow, Blaylock, and Washington in that order, with Martin going on the PUP.

[19:54] <cdplayer> Henry, you still breathing?

[19:54] <randy_lange> Jets79, yes on all three. Chad hasn't gotten the job yet (despite reporting two weeks ago to the contrary) but he's Secretariat in the lead turning for home. As long as he doesn't pull a Barbaro, he should be the starter. Cotchery has looked excellent and this is the year to move him ahead of Justin. Clement, he can maul people and has started before. I'm not sure if he's that much better than Adrian Jones, but AJ probably has better athleticism and versatility to improve the depth at G and T if the Jets don't bring in somebody for the interior line from the outside. And it's easy to forget Trey Teague, but I think he'll be back soon and will factor into the equation.

[19:54] <em31> I like Houston but he can't seem to hang on to the ball

[19:54] <sg1> great ray, we are all glad to know what you think about the bubble

[19:54] <KCkotite> hes filling up the message board

[19:54] <Ray_Ray1> LOL

[19:55] <cdplayer> Somebody check hertz' pulse. He's never been this quiet for this long!

[19:56] <Ray_Ray1> Ahh, yes, what is Teague's status, is he working out, have you seen him? My guess is, once he's ready, he could rotate with Mangold at C...

[19:56] <em31> he may have lost his spot there

[19:56] <kevlax2> juping out a helicopter and down a 100 foot waterfall

[19:56] <sg1> Any plans to move Mangold to OG between Teague at C and Clement at T?

[19:56] <jets79> Yes I like Teague...versatile and tough

[19:57] <randy_lange> KC, Bradway from all I can tell was not bitter, despite speculation to the contrary that he got knifed in the back. I've talked with Terry and Mike and the only thing that might have been going on was that Terry wasn't ready to step down at the instant Woody told him to. But I think Terry at some point soon wanted to return to his first love, scouting. He wasn't a fan of the second-guessing of the GM and has always felt the Jets haven't gotten enough credit for making the playoffs three times in the first four years. But he knew he might step down and in fact talked with Jay Cross about it during last season. But Woody and Jay accelerated the process and I have never detected any bitterness from Terry, only support of Mike.

[slats]

[19:57] <sg1> good luck on the transcript of this one, maven

[19:57] <jessie1> randy how often do you read the opinions on jets forum? makes it easy for sports journalists to keep up with the fans opinions

[19:58] <jessie1> whats bradway doing these days? tia

[19:59] <em31> teague matsui and sheffield.... how many of these players automatically regain their first team spots when healthy?

[19:59] <cdplayer> Good.

[19:59] <sg1> I think Pedro will get his spot in the rotation back when healthy too, em

[20:00] <Ray_Ray1> please keep the discussion on the Jets....

[20:00] <em31> only matsui IMO

[20:00] <randy_lange> RayRay, Teague is another one of the black holes of the new regime. Eric never confirmed Teague broke anything and hasn't given an update (or been asked, to my knowledge, but I'll ask either FRI or early next week). Teague, like Martin, has been practicing behind the green doors and not with the Tour de France team outside. But I think even if he doesn't come back before TEN, he'll be on the active roster, not the PUP list, and should be able to contribute sometime in Sept.

[20:01] <KCkotite> could you let go of my large trout now ray ray

[20:01] <em31> does he bump Mangold?

[20:01] <jessie1> how do u think the giants will do this year? i grew up a giant fan

[20:01] <Maven> i like that.. the tour de france team

[20:01] <jessie1> before the switch

[20:02] <Ray_Ray1> LOL @ "tour de france"

[20:02] <randy_lange> I think the original idea would have been to start Mangold at RG and Teague at C, steve, but the plans changed when someone fell on Teague's ankle at the early-June passing camp.

[20:02] <Ray_Ray1> I think Brandon Moore gets a bad rap, I think he's very sound for an OG...

[20:02] <Ray_Ray1> I don't think Mangold would take over at RG over Moore at all...

[20:02] <cdplayer> Can Teague play OG?

[20:02] <em31> how much better would this team be if Runyan had signed I wonder

[20:02] <randy_lange> Terry is now the player personnel director, new title, presumably working over Jesse Kaye but I think the two will double-team the draft for the next few years.

[20:03] <sg1> eventually, Mangold replaces stopgap Moore between Teague and Clement and Brick and Kendall hold down the left side

[20:03] <KCkotite> Can Drob play gaurd

[20:03] <em31> Hrrm... working over jessie????

[20:03] <sg1> maybe Dewayne will be that surprise cut.... LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER

[20:03] <em31> <perk>

[20:04] <jessie1> what happened?

[20:04] <randy_lange> em, I don't know if Teague bumps Mangold when he gets back. Good question, answer is under deep cover. If Mangold is holding his own, making the right line calls to keep Chadwick upright, he stays in. But if Mangold is struggling and Teague is ready, Teague would go back in quickly. In other words, I don't know yet.

[20:04] <Ray_Ray1> Randy, all we heard last year was how D-Rob's knees were bothering him, I find it funny we haven't seen a single incident or have been given any indication that there is anything wrong this year... I get the sense that he's in better shape this year, and is avoiding the Mangini fine...

[20:04] <sg1> then he can take his always perfectly clean uni with him back to Kentucky

[20:04] <KCkotite> I dont think we can because of the cap plus while hes mediocre we need to be atleast that

[20:05] <sg1> we also havent seen a single incident of him making a tackle or a play

[20:05] <Ray_Ray1> quiet sg, Robertson has had pretty good pre-season and camp... Randy, you agree?

[20:06] <KCkotite> I personally saw him fall on the pile durring the Wash game

[20:06] <em31> lol

[20:06] <randy_lange> RayRay, I thought Brandon might have gotten bumped if Teague had stayed healthy. Now I'd say if Teague returns to the lineup, Mangold may take a seat. Brandon is a good guy, a good guard. Feisty, not the most mobile, had more penalties than usual last year, yet who didn't struggle during that disaster?

[20:06] <sg1> Robertson stinks. Hopefully Tui backs up Kimo at the nose and Ball and Ellis hold down the ends

[20:07] <randy_lange> cd, Teague has never played guard in the pros as far as I have determined. He started four years at LT for DEN, then went to BUF and started four years at C. Versatility is a virtue for Mangini of course, but I think with Teague's late start, he has to stay at C.

[20:07] <sg1> Robertson is very good at arriving at the play after the tackle is made 5 yards upfield and kneeling nearby

[20:08] <cdplayer> Thanks, Randy. You've been really patient with this rowdy bunch.

[20:08] <sg1> And excellent at stumbling over his own feet in a sad impersonation of a pass rush

[20:08] <KCkotite> shut up

[20:08] <jessie1> i'm worried about Chad..... the way he fell two weeks ago looked exactly like the way he fell injuring himself. ... The first good defense the Jets play i/m/o will spook him espec. if one of the lineman get to him and whisper in his ear...he's coming back

[20:08] <KCkotite> lol

[20:08] <Ray_Ray1> yes, please.

[20:08] <em31> THe only defense I ever saw truly spook him was that Raider playoff game

[20:09] <sg1> Chad's shoulder will be strong enough to hoist the NFL COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR award for the season

[20:09] <randy_lange> RayRay, DRob's knees were an issue early, but DRob never alibi-ed it. And the thing that KO'd him for the last four games was a thigh bruise. DRob is getting paid too much to continue to be an average or inconsistent DL wherever he plays. This is a big year for him.

[20:09] <cdplayer> Ah, Jessie, don't be such a worry wart. Chad's gonna play all 16 games this year, win Comeback Player of the Year Award and MVP.

[20:09] <jessie1> that team started it em

[20:09] <cdplayer> LOL! Great minds think alike!

[20:09] <Ray_Ray1> Agreed Randy

[20:09] <jessie1> i wish chad the best...

[20:10] <randy_lange> On Robertson's camp, yeah, pretty good, but again nothing where he's just made you say, Finally, DRob has arrived.

[20:10] <sg1> and then hoist that Lombardi on his strong shoulder in early 2008

[20:10] <cdplayer> Make it so!

[20:11] <KCkotite> Randy do you get the feeling that the O will run alot of "diversity" ie the reverses and screens

[20:11] <KCkotite> etc

[20:11] <Ray_Ray1> Pats are banged up defensively, they have issues at WR, they could be a slow start out of the gate...

[20:11] <sg1> Ray leading the witness again

[20:12] <randy_lange> Jessie, Chad said the hit at TB and the hit vs. JAX last year were similar, and yet they were different enough that it probably saved Chad (safety hitting him from in front vs. DE hanging on his arm from rear). I know Pennington's health is an issue for many fans and there's a theory about why not start Bollinger, who has the best mobility of the group and thus could avoid a kill shot. But that's not how Chad or Eric or Schotty want to play it. It is football, after all, and love Chad or hate him, I think you have to admire the quest that he is trying to become the first QB that any of us can remember to make it back from two rotator cuff tears. So if he's the guy, he'll be the guy, and if The Hit comes, it comes.

[20:12] <cdplayer> LOL

[20:12] <sg1> oh no not Brooksie, anything but Brooksie

[20:12] <em31> bolly is fine between the 20's

[20:13] <em31> it's just that darned red zone

[20:13] <Maven> i think you'll see lots of scheme this year, based on the opponent and persona matchups.. mangini and his crew seem the type to try to do whatever they think will work for each game.. could be 4-3 against some teams, while mostly 3-4 against others. Just a guess, but this is how I feel they will do it until they find a proven method given the roster

[20:13] <Ray_Ray1> Bolly has trade value, no way he makes this team...

[20:13] <em31> bolly is a cheap reliable #3 who isn't going to thow the Vinny... uh pick

[20:14] <sg1> Bolly is not worth a jockstrap in the trade market. Other teams have eyes and have seen him play.

[20:14] <cdplayer> Hasn't Bolly had a better camp and better play in preseason games than Ramsey?

[20:14] <randy_lange> KC, on the offensive diversity, yeah, it looks that way. If Barlow's on, that helps a lot, but the passing game has so far been very cramped, not much over 10 yards downfield, lots of slipscreens. There has been more FB in the offfense, and there should be more TE come the RS because of Schottenheimer's work with Antonio Gates in SD. Maybe that's being kept under wraps. Let's hope so.

[20:14] <KCkotite> Poor bolly , your never going to get many props when you head coach is playing for a punt,

[20:14] <Ray_Ray1> no, not at all, I don't think we can evaluate performance solely on the pre-season...

[20:15] <em31> side bet to any here that if he gets cut he has a new job within 3 days

[20:15] <Ray_Ray1> Poor Dan Leberfield, Bolly's biggest supporter...

[20:15] <KCkotite> no he will certainly have a job

[20:15] <sg1> Dan is actually a pretty good guy IMO

[20:15] <Ray_Ray1> Agreed sg1, but his bias with Bollinger is a little screwy

[20:16] <cdplayer> Randy, since Chad's shoulder seems healthy, do you think we'll see more downfield throws this week, or do you think they're holding off on showing anything until the RS?

[20:16] <sg1> Brooksie's future is in a deli somewhere

[20:16] <jessie1> Clemson is the future no? Still don't think defenses are coming with all they have towards Chad in preseason... Nobody knows Chad better than Mangini the past few years.... I like Chad don't get me wrong.

[20:16] <randy_lange> RayRay, you're right that Bollinger has some value. It might only be a 6, which is where he came in, but it's there. It's just that this preseason like last RS, as you said, the red zone has been the dead zone for Brooks. He also turned in practice to throw a screen on Tuesday -- right to Dave Ball. Looked like another BB on that one (Bubby Brister).

[20:16] <em31> who is clemson?

[20:17] <jessie1> lol

[20:17] <cdplayer> Clemens

[20:17] <KCkotite> omg Im going to have nightmares about him now

[20:17] <randy_lange> Maven, Scheme may be Mangini's middle name. (or Scheme-gini?) They'll do it on O, they'll do it on D. And to help them over the rough patches, I think the special teams have a chance to be very good and pull out a few games this year.

[20:17] <jessie1> clemens..sorry

[20:18] <KCkotite> I like Schemegini I'll use that

[20:18] <Maven> i hope i get to see some games this year

[20:18] <KCkotite> hopefully he is good enough for us to creamourjeanys

[20:18] <jessie1> Randy have you covered any professional sports besides football? thanks

[20:19] <sg1> I believe in Chad and backed it up by taking him at QB in a FFL draft (in the fifteenth round instead of a backup kicker)

[20:19] <KCkotite> like

[20:19] <randy_lange> cd, they may try one or two go routes, but they're probably keeping that under wraps as well. Chad has thrown a few, not a lot, in camp and has looked excellent on a few completions.

[20:19] <KCkotite> maybe

[20:19] <jessie1> kc is that "like" for me? lol

[20:19] <KCkotite> Trailer racing

[20:19] <Ray_Ray1> sg, you've probably seen him the most out at camp, how does he look compared to last year at this time?

[20:19] <em31> Special teams... I bet Westhoff has a real spring in his step with all that new talent arond this year

[20:20] <KCkotite> jk jess

[20:20] <jessie1> some newspapers rotate their sports journalists........like The Times....lol

[20:20] <randy_lange> Yes, Clemens is the future. The Jets love what they've seen. But he's also had some rookie-like practices and he has struggled particularly with the long ball and throwing into double coverage or against deep help. Maybe we'll see him later this season, maybe not till next year.

[20:21] <jessie1> did any players come to camp out of shape

[20:21] <em31> let's hope chad keeps him firmly planted on the bench outside mop up duty

[20:21] <sg1> Chad looks vastly better than last year when he was only four months removed from invasive surgery that requires a 12-15 month normal rehab. This training camp he looks very much like the 2002 Chad but doesn't throw as hard as Clemens

[20:21] <KCkotite> xto no questions about medial calatorial ligaments or such

[20:22] <KCkotite> Im aware I fed that up

[20:22] <xto> well, I don't want to ask stuff that's already been answered -- so I'll just read the transcript (unless someone's asked whether he thinks we'll have 6 WRs on the roster, and if not, is McCareins the odd man out. WOuld the Jets just cut him, or will they trade him in the next 2 weeks?)

[20:22] <xto> lol at Herm Edwards!

[20:22] <randy_lange> Jessie, I have covered Yankees and Mets games the past 10 years as a fill-in during the spring and summer, plus the occasional Nets game once the NFL season over, etc. But I've never held a pro beat in any sport besides football. I'm lucky in that it's my sport of choice and I've gotten to do it for a while now.

[20:22] <jessie1> thank you randy

[20:22] <sg1> Randy, did you get a chance to read that parody of a Herman Edwards post game press conference?

[20:22] <cdplayer> Tell her you have no interest in covering stock car racing, Randy! LOL!

[20:22] <kevlax2> xto- Randy said that Newhouse makes the team but starts on the inactive list

[20:23] <kevlax2> so 5 active receivers and 1 inactive...assuming mccareins isn't traded

[20:23] <xto> I think I remember that. So we've got Coles, Cotch, Smith for sure, Newhouse, and either JMAC or Dwight

[20:23] <jessie1> i didn't bring Nascar up.......except to say "It's Bristol Baby" this weekend...you're welcome to join us in the Nascar chat...lol

[20:23] <xto> but that's 6 on the 53-man roster (with RN inactive, but not on the practice squad)

[20:24] <Maven> Dwight is in for sure

[20:24] <sg1> NOT A SPORT CARS

[20:24] <randy_lange> Jessie, I am not aware that anyone came in out of shape. I recall Mangini saying everyone made his weight. McCareins failed the conditioning run, but I believe he's gotten a bad rap for that. Justin is not a bad guy or a slacker. He had some physical issues (a cramp, we heard, and possibly the foot he banged late in the minicamp) and he couldn't make his time in the run, probably by a second or two. Then he passed the test on his own the next day, then passed it for Mangini the following day. I feel bad for Justin because he's a good guy and I think he's closer to the WR he was in '04 than in '05, but I know and he knows he needs to step it up this year, whether it be for the Jets or someone else.

[20:24] <em31> ok people I have a date with a commuter train in the morning... Randy it has been great. Thanks. Everyone else you are boring and ask stupid questions. Except the people I like.

[20:25] <Maven> lol

[20:25] <xto> so only yourself?

[20:26] <randy_lange> Folks, I hate to go, but I must answer the call of nature. Thanks for everything.

[20:26] <Maven> thanks so much randy

[20:26] <xto> thanks Randy, you're the best!

[20:26] <sg1> thanks for a great evening Randy

[20:26] <KCkotite> your great thanks

[20:26] <kevlax2> thanks randy you rule

[20:26] <cdplayer> Randy, thanks again. You're the greatest!

[20:26] <Ray_Ray1> Randy, you're the best, thanks a lot for your time.

[20:26] <Maven> we really enjoy reading your stuff

[20:26] <Ray_Ray1> slap Cimini for me

[20:26] <cdplayer> Ah!

[20:26] <jessie1> I look at it.... Who knows this team better than Mangini.... he knew coming in i/m/o who he liked and who he didn't..... I'm probably wrong...because with Herm here ... there was no telling what players potential was.

[20:27] <kevlax2> Randy - any plans on another book? The Mangini era?

[20:27] <KCkotite> I'll answer for Randy now

[20:27] <KCkotite> Yes

[20:27] <Maven> how would he get info for it?

[20:27] <jessie1> sorry for the sentence structure.

[20:27] <KCkotite> if you will buy it

[20:27] <KCkotite> I will write

[20:27] <kevlax2> haha it would be a blank book

[20:28] <Maven> the mangini era.. one page.. written at the top

[20:28] <Maven> "No Comment"

[20:28] randy_lange left http://www.nyjetschat.com

[faba]

Nice job done there by the posters and Randy Lange.

Barlow I think can do well for the Jets getting a change of scenery from San Fran.

[bitonti]

nice read thanks slats

[spjets]

holy crap that was long.....great job...

and RAY RAY is a friggin idiot...thats TX's buddie...

[SoFlaJets]

my favorite line....Il Duce'

I think after a few weeks, Barlow won't see Mangini as Hitler but as Mussolini.