JETS NEWS FOR 8-25-06

[NIGHT STALKER]

Jets can get points across

BY RICH CIMINI

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Chad Pennington, who figures to start tonight against Giants, aims to get Jets offense moving as season opener approaches.

The Jets' preseason headlines are being dominated by a shoulder, a knee and an old Achilles heel.

Chad Pennington's throwing shoulder is doing better than expected, Curtis Martin's surgically repaired knee isn't responding as well as hoped and the offense - which ranked 31st in scoring last season - still is experiencing problems.

Save for Brad Smith's 61-yard reverse for a touchdown in last week's victory over the Redskins, the Jets haven't generated much offensive excitement under new coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. There's no cause for alarm, not after only two games, but tonight would be a good time to start a turnaround.

It's safe to assume that coach Eric Mangini will play his starters into the third quarter against the Giants, making it the most important preseason game - just like it always is.

With Pennington back from his one-game personal leave, the Jets see this as their best chance of the summer to develop consistency and cohesiveness on offense, which hopes to build on the small progress it made last week.

"We're not there yet, offensively," guard Pete Kendall said. "We made some improvement from the first week to the second week, but I don't think anyone's shoulder is sore from people patting us on the back. It was one preseason game; let's not get carried away."

After a dismal showing in the opener, the Jets rushed for 216 yards against a stout Washington defense. But, as Kendall pointed out, they accumulated 61 yards on a reverse and another 35 on scrambles by Brooks Bollinger.

The Jets (1-1) need a meat-and-potatoes touchdown drive, maybe 80 yards, as a confidence booster. So far, in 16 possessions, they have managed only two touchdowns - a one-play, 61-yard drive (Smith's run) and a nine-play, 44-yard drive with the backups.

"There's going to be some bumps in the road. It's inevitable," Kendall said. "We'll work as hard as we can to prevent that, but that doesn't mean it won't come up."

The Jets are learning a new system. That it's being taught by a first-time coordinator adds to the uncertainty. Throw in the fluid situation at running back, and it's almost impossible to predict the look and personality of the offense.

Though Schottenheimer refuses to stereotype his system, the passing game resembles a West Coast offense, heavily reliant on three-step drops and short passes. (The Jets haven't completed a pass longer than 25 yards.) That was particularly noticeable in the first game.

In the second game, Schottenheimer, perhaps borrowing from his father's old game plans, shifted into "Marty Ball" mode, conservative with power running. Obviously, he's trying different things. That's what the preseason is all about.

Because Schottenheimer came from a team that featured the tight end (the Chargers' Antonio Gates), many figured he would try to do the same with the Jets. But the tight ends have only one reception. That trend probably isn't going to change. Schottenheimer knows he doesn't have a Gates-type player, and he isn't going to force-feed the position.

Schottenheimer also doesn't have a runner such as LaDainian Tomlinson (who does?) and a blocking back such as Lorenzo Neal, so he will have to make adjustments in the running game. He may have to use more one-back sets than he would prefer.

But the new offensive chief does have a quarterback who, when healthy, can move the chains. Now all he has to do is get Pennington, the presumed starter, ready for the season. So far, he has played only two series (25 plays). He needs time to develop chemistry with his teammates.

"It's not exactly where we'd want it to be," Pennington said, "but it's getting there."

So is opening day.

[NIGHT STALKER]

McCareins Is Hearing Footsteps

By JASON DIAMOS

Published: August 25, 2006

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y., Aug. 23

[NIGHT STALKER]

JETS

Well-received unit

Mix of veteran, young wideouts in a friendly competition

BY TOM ROCK

Newsday Staff Writer

August 25, 2006

Jets coach Eric Mangini has noted several times throughout training camp his pleasure in how the wide receiving corps works together.

He said not only do they push each other on the field, but in position meetings he often will see veteran players instructing younger guys. There have even been times in the past month when Laveranues Coles, once a loose cannon for the Jets, transformed into an elder statesman by putting an arm around a rookie like Brad Smith or demonstrating a route to Reggie Newhouse.

It's very sweet to think of the players buddying-up, cramming in each others' dorm rooms, sharing tips and analysis. Now that image will be put to the test.

With the third preseason game tonight and the regular-season opener only 16 days away, playing time becomes short in supply. Roster cuts are looming. The younger players have been impressive, and one could potentially take a job away from a veteran. Where does an experienced player draw the line between helping out the kids and self-survival?

"There is no line," said Jets receiver Jerricho Cotchery, who has transformed himself from a backup with potential to the likely starting wideout opposite Coles. "It comes from the type of guys that coach Mangini wants. He's brought those types of guys in to accept the competition no matter what. Even though you are battling for a job you still want to help that next man because in the end it helps the team out."

Smith, the college quarterback who is just learning the wide receiver position, has benefited the most from the tutoring. He has shown steady improvement throughout training camp, and scored on a 61-yard reverse in a preseason game against the Redskins.

Of course, on the play, he was helped by a downfield block from Coles.

"We can be as good as anyone out there," veteran Justin McCareins said of the receiving group. "We have guys who can run, who are not only good pass catchers but are willing to block and help out in the running game. We're well-rounded and unselfish."

The Jets have scored two offensive touchdowns, both by newly added wide receivers. Besides Smith's long run, free-agent pickup Reggie Newhouse made a pretty jumping grab on a high pass from Kellen Clemens in the fourth quarter of the Redskins game.

McCareins, who began training camp in Mangini's doghouse by failing the physical test and sitting out the first practice, has spent the last two weeks playing with the second offensive unit. He's also had his name bantered about in possible trade scenarios, a fate that seems less likely now that the Jets acquired running back Kevan Barlow for a draft pick rather than an actual person.

McCareins said he doesn't worry about his status on the team, that he just continues trying to work hard.

"I'm not a coach. I don't have an opinion because it wouldn't matter what I thought about that anyway," he said. "What the coaches and the bosses decide to do is up to them."

The receivers' depth is being challenged by some injuries.

Tim Dwight sat out a second straight practice on Wednesday after a collision with safety Erik Coleman on a crossing route. Dante Ridgewood also has missed practices with a knee injury.

That could allow a seam for other players to exploit in tonight's game.

"Everybody is obviously competitive, but we're not wishing any ill will on each other or hoping anybody makes mistakes," McCareins said. "We know that the better we do as a unit the better we'll do as a team and the more games we'll win."

[NIGHT STALKER]

Mickens may not make it

Things are beginning to look ominous for Jets CB Ray Mickens, a classy veteran who returned after one year in Cleveland to lend experience to a young secondary. Mickens, 33, didn't get much action last week against the Redskins and he was limited to a handful of practice reps leading into tonight's game against the Giants.

Unless he is injured - coach Eric Mangini doesn't disclose injuries - Mickens appears to be the fifth or sixth cornerback, behind Andre Dyson, David Barrett, Justin Miller, rookie Drew Coleman and Derrick Strait, who is splitting time at cornerback and safety.

Mickens provides tremendous leadership, a quality that should help on a rebuilding team.

SNAPPY ANSWERS: Presumably, Chad Pennington, who missed last week's game to be with his ill father, will start the game. The identity of tonight's No.2 quarterback could indicate which way Mangini is leaning in the battle for the backup job.

A breakdown on the number of plays for each quarterback in the first two games: Kellen Clemens 39, Brooks Bollinger 35, Pennington 25, Patrick Ramsey 23.

It will be telling if Ramsey, a disappointment in camp, doesn't play.

THEIR HOUSE: Tonight's game, the Jets' 2006 debut at Giants Stadium, has special meaning for the Newhouse family. WR Reggie Newhouse, trying to make the Jets as a free agent, is the son of former Cowboys FB Robert Newhouse, who played with Dallas from 1972 to 1983. He told Reggie recently that he scored his first NFL touchdown at the Meadowlands.

"He's always telling me stuff like that," said Reggie, who has a chance to make the team as the fifth or sixth receiver. "He's real supportive. He knows what it takes to play in this league."

NO RUSH: If newly acquired RB Kevan Barlow plays tonight, it will be in a cameo role. He has participated in one full practice since being acquired from the 49ers for a fourth-round pick. Understandably, the coaches are leery of playing him, especially on passing plays. He's still learning the offense and they don't want to leave themselves vulnerable to the blitz.... The recent addition of journeyman Walter Rasby creates an interesting battle at tight end. With three holdovers from 2005 - Chris Baker, Doug Jolley and Joel Dreessen - it would appear that someone has to go....The Jets are still looking for a defensive tackle. Brentson Buckner remains on the radar.

Rich Cimini

[NIGHT STALKER]

CUTTING EDGE

DEPTH CHART BATTLES LOOM FOR GANG GREEN

By MARK CANNIZZARO

August 25, 2006 -- The talk about open competition on the roster and who'll start and who won't ends, for the most part, for Eric Mangini and the Jets with tonight's preseason game against the Giants.

Mangini needs to have his starting roster pretty much nailed down by the time he watches the film of tonight's game at Giants Stadium, which happens to be a Jets' home game.

Here's a look at the key roster spots that'll be broken down and decided upon after tonight's game - because all preseason finales are about keeping the starters healthy and off the field except for perhaps a series or two.

Though Mangini has acknowledged nothing in public, the starting quarterback is Chad Pennington, who's expected to get a good amount of work tonight - perhaps a full first and the start of the third quarter.

What is up for grabs is who'll be Pennington's backup. Rookie Kellen Clemens, who has performed fairly well in his short preseason stints, will make the team. Whether he's No. 2 or No. 3 depends on the Jets' faith in Patrick Ramsey, who has been spotty in camp and in games. Brooks Bollinger, though a valuable performer, could be the man squeezed out unless the Jets send Ramsey packing.

Due to Curtis Martin's knee injury, running back is a 52-card pickup. Kevan Barlow, who was traded for this week, will have his chance to carry the ball tonight. Derrick Blaylock and Cedric Houston are also vying for ball carrying time. This could end up being a running back by committee scenario.

At fullback, the question is whether B.J. Askew is going to stay or fall from the bubble with youngsters Jamar Martin and Stacey Tutt pushing him. Askew has been a disappointment of unfulfilled potential since he got here.

At receiver, the big thing to watch is whether Justin McCareins can hold on to his starting job. Jerricho Cotchery, popular among the coaches, has been pushing McCareins and appears headed toward overtaking him.

On the offensive line, the position watch is right tackle, where Anthony Clement has seemingly pushed Adrian Jones from the starting lineup. Mangini likes Jones' versatility as a swing man who can play guard and tackle, which might leave him as a backup after starting last season.

Defensively, the Jets are uncertain at cornerback, where Justin Miller's talent is tantalizing but his lack of technique at times has been maddening to Mangini. Miller, a talent on KO returns, was burned several times in the preseason game in Washington.

Veteran David Barrett lurks as the starter, alongside Andre Dyson, who has had a solid camp.

"He has done some positive things, but it is different than it was last year, so there is learning there for him as well."

One area Mangini has had little to worry about is at left tackle and center, where his top two draft picks - D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold - have been performing like pros for the most part.

"I just like the way both of those guys are approaching this, with such maturity and the level-headedness that they have and their work ethic," Mangini said.

This is what Mangini is seeking tonight - his team giving itself a chance to be successful. Progress is a word he constantly uses. Progress from tonight will be finally settling on two sound starting units.

[NIGHT STALKER]

THE RED ZONE

Tom Rock; The Associated Press

August 25, 2006

JETS: Mangini figures to make final cut

Everyone follows the rules. Everyone.

Even Jets coach Eric Mangini, who ostensibly helped create the style book players use when answering questions from the media.

On Wednesday, Mangini spoke about his experiences as a first-time head coach in his inaugural training camp, and he was asked if he will make the team. It was a softball straightline.

"You would have to talk to Mike [Tannenbaum, Jets GM] about that," Mangini said, mimicking the response nearly every player has given to similar questions. "I'm sure he meets with [team owner] Woody [Johnson] every night and discusses the organization. My goal is to be competitive against the guys that are here and the guys that are out there."

Bottom line

The third preseason game usually gives good insight into who will be playing in the regular season. Don't count on it this time. The Jets' "rotations" and several positions will preclude a clear picture from developing. - Tom Rock

[NIGHT STALKER]

By BILL PENNINGTON

Published: August 25, 2006

ALBANY, Aug. 23

[NIGHT STALKER]

JETS NOTEBOOK

Defense a Giant test

BY TOM ROCK

Newsday Staff Writer

August 25, 2006

Fans get all revved up for the Jets-Giants game. So will the Jets, but not for the same reasons.

The Jets are anticipating a test from the Giants defense, a chance to see how things stack up against what should be one of the better units in the NFL this season.

"It's more of an opportunity then anything else," Jets coach Eric Mangini said. "It's great for them to collectively work against a group like this."

Last week the Jets ran over the Redskins for 214 yards in a 27-14 win. They play their final preseason game against the Eagles next Friday. If they win out, they should be in strong position for a division crown: the NFC East.

Schlegel's struggles

Anthony Schlegel, third-round pick from Ohio State, wasn't a rookie who made a positive impression in last week's win over the Redskins. The linebacker looked lost in pass coverage, falling down on a play that resulted in a Redskins touchdown pass and drawing a flag for pass interference when he didn't turn toward the ball on coverage toward the sideline. "The important thing is for him to look at that and understand where he made the mistake, which is something that we covered," Mangini said. "There were times when other guys with 'stiff hips' have covered and played with better technique then Anthony did on that wheel route."

The Adams Family

At the beginning of training camp, Islip HS product Darrell Adams, an undrafted rookie DE, said he wanted to stick around to play in a home game so his friends and family could see him. That will happen tonight. Adams said he has handed out a "decent amount" of tickets. He said he has watched games at the Meadowlands, but never has played a game there.

"Every game is a new adventure, and I'm trying to take advantage of it," said Adams, whose new goal is to make this or another NFL team.

[NIGHT STALKER]

Two-Minute Drill

Arthur Staple; Christian Schefer

August 25, 2006

Don't call it 'meaningless'

The Giants-Jets preseason game should only mean something to the fans of both teams that care about bragging rights.

Tell that to the players. Guys like Chad Pennington, who had the first of his many season-ending injuries in this game three years ago. Or to the various Giants players who were treated like tackling dummies during the teams' scrimmage last year, prior to this game.

It's a strange tradition, two teams that share a stadium but little else. Now that the Subway Series is a six-game affair every season, the Giants and Jets are the two local teams who play the least. Maybe that's what builds up the emotion.

"It's going to be weird, getting booed at your own stadium," Giants special-teams ace David Tyree said. "I mean, it's happened to us before, but that was our own fans. This is still our house." Oh, perhaps that's why this game is anything but an exhibition.

[NIGHT STALKER]

August 25, 2006 -- For Eric Mangini, tonight's annual Jets-Giants preseason matchup isn't merely another preseason game.

"My dad was a huge Giants fan," Mangini said. "He was my dad, so we watched what he wanted to watch on Sunday and there weren't a lot of TVs in the house, so I watched quite a few Giants games.

"I definitely have an appreciation for the history of the Giants. I think they are a great organization. Tom [Coughlin] does a fantastic job of having a disciplined, well thought out, well-organized approach to everything he does. I respect the organization and the team."

*

WR Justin McCareins, whose training camp has gone from being put on the physically unable to perform list for failing a running test to hearing his name in trade rumors, has made some significant positive strides in recent days.

McCareins was the star of Wednesday's practice, making catches everywhere on the field.

"The things that happened (PUP), I don't even know how many weeks ago, we've moved on from all that," Mangini said. "Each day a guy gets a chance to prove himself - to do something positive to do something negative, whether it's Justin or anybody else.

"[Former Olympian] Dan O'Brien is the one that talked about the 'five-second rule.' Good or bad, you have five seconds to celebrate or be miserable and then after five seconds life goes on. Now what are you going to do in the next five seconds?

"Otis Smith is one of the best guys I've ever seen at the 'five-second rule.' He'd get beat and he'd come back exactly the same way. That's why he played so long and had the success that he had and helped his team win a lot of games. Its over, you can't control it, it's done and the only thing you can do now is correct it, move on, get better and approach it as competitively as you can at the next point. To me it's all about what you do on that day and moving forward."

Mangini sounded as if he plans to give newcomer Kevan Barlow some action tonight in the Jets' backfield.

"It's one of those things where it's important now that he learn the system," Mangini said. "There's quite a bit of learning. As quickly as he learns it, we'll improve the level of opportunity for him.