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Sunday, February 27, 2005

JETS

Wheeler-dealers look for offensive overhaul

After fixing defense last season, Edwards and Bradway will beconcentrating on passing game's revival

BY KEN BERGER

STAFF WRITER

February 27, 2005

By nature, Herman Edwards and Terry Bradway are cautious men. Given the temptation to leap into the NFL free-agency period with abandon, they often have preferred to tread cautiously.

A year ago, the Jets made their biggest splash before free agency began, acquiring receiver Justin McCareins from the Titans for a second-round pick. After that, they were expected to take their usual wait-and-see approach, but it didn't happen.

After getting stood up by cornerback Antoine Winfield, the Jets quickly signed cornerback David Barrett and linebacker Eric Barton. Both players made bold contributions to the impressive - not to mention swift - rebuilding of the defense.

Perhaps emboldened by the immediate results gained from an aggressive approach to free agency and a brilliant draft last year, Edwards and Bradway could be at it again. Let's just say both men might as well be walking around the Indianapolis scouting combine this weekend with placards that read: "Last year, we fixed the defense. This year, we're fixing the offense."

Barton, Barrett, first-round pick Jonathan Vilma and fifth-round safety Erik Coleman thrived under first-year coordinator Donnie Henderson last season. After three years of porous defense, it was a reclamation project much like those undertaken with those seemingly hopeless hovels on reality TV. Edwards and Bradway could've had their own reality show, except the title, "How'd They Do That?" was already taken.

With ample salary-cap space, Edwards and Bradway are positioned to do something bold once free agency begins Wednesday.

In fact, they've already been busy, making the biggest news of the combine with their attempt to trade receiver Santana Moss to the Redskins for Laveranues Coles.

There is plenty more on the agenda:

With starting right tackle Kareem McKenzie expected to test the market, the Jets are mulling several options. One of them involves moving left tackle Jason Fabini back to his natural right side and signing a free-agent left tackle such as the Bills' Jonas Jennings. If Jennings is too pricey, Fabini could stay put and the Jets could sign right tackle Fred Miller, who played for Mike Heimerdinger in Tennessee before getting released in a cap move.

The Jets aren't ruling out re-signing LaMont Jordan, but he will test the market first. Consider him gone. The Jets won't spend big money on a backup, opting instead to draft one.

If they reacquire Coles, the Jets won't pursue free agent Derrick Mason. A Coles-McCareins-Wayne Chrebet receiving corps is conceivable, although Chrebet probably would have to take a pay cut.

A quarterback from Long Island could be brought in as Chad Pennington's backup, but it won't be Vinny Testaverde. Jay Fiedler, released by the Dolphins, will be given strong consideration. Despite Edwards' over-the-top praise for Quincy Carter, Fiedler would be a much better option.

With Heimerdinger's vertically oriented offense, the Jets are going to need a pass-catching tight end. It's a thin class, though, and word is that Heimerdinger wouldn't mind re-signing Anthony Becht. After watching video of the 2004 offense, Heimerdinger credited Becht with much of Curtis Martin's success running outside and also thought Becht was underutilized in the passing game.

The defense will require some tweaking. Nose tackle Jason Ferguson is expected to be re-signed, but veteran safety Reggie Tongue is likely to be released, as is linebacker Sam Cowart.

Notes & quotes: DT Josh Evans decided to test his value on the free-agent market, but it's nearly certain that he'll return to the Jets for a one-year, minimum-salary deal.

JETS' WISH LIST

1. Laveranues Coles, WR, Redskins: He's not a free agent, but the Jets are looking to make him their big acquisition in a trade for Santana Moss.

2. Fred Miller, RT, Titans: Released by Tennessee in a cap-saving move, the nine-year veteran would be a good option if Kareem McKenzie can't be re-signed.

3. Jonas Jennings, LT, Bills: Perhaps the top left tackle available in the unrestricted market. This McKenzie fall-back option would allow Jason Fabini to move back to his natural RT position, but Jennings probably will be too expensive.

4. Jay Fiedler, QB,

Dolphins: Released by Miami, Oceanside's Fiedler would love to come home and back up Chad Pennington. The Jets are interested.

5. Fill in the DB: The Jets are going to load up on DBs in the draft, but free agents Dwight Smith (Bucs) and Gary Baxter (Ravens) could play either cornerback or safety.

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The only thing that makes Becht interesting is Dinger. Can he do something with him? I don't see how it is possible.

Unless he teaches Becht how to catch the ball when he is wide open instead of dropping it then it is impossible.

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buit how old is this article - i thought Moss for Coles was a dead deal

It's not completely dead, just now it's dropped from very likely to very unlikely, for all we know, tomorrow they could reach an agreement on the trade and it'll happen or it will be completely dead.

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its an article from today but i guess it was written yesterday... maybe dinger can also teach becht to not be a giant p**** and run with the ball after he catches it. Who knows?
=D>

Although that does seem like an awful lot for one person to do!

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If Jonas Jennings is our LT next year, start planning on a funeral for Chad Pennington by Week 6.

The most interesting thing to come out of that article is that the Jets plan on paying Ferguson. IMO, they can do better.

If Ferguson played ever year on a one year deal he would be awesome. In the middle of that long term deal, not so much.

They say he is really funny though. That should count for something.

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If Ferguson played ever year on a one year deal he would be awesome. In the middle of that long term deal, not so much.

They say he is really funny though. That should count for something.

All being "funny" ever does for a guy is get him invited to parties at which he stands no chance of getting laid. He would be better of being mute with a strong chin.

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All being "funny" ever does for a guy is get him invited to parties at which he stands no chance of getting laid. He would be better of being mute with a strong chin.

Mr. Shane party of one your table is now available.

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All being "funny" ever does for a guy is get him invited to parties at which he stands no chance of getting laid. He would be better of being mute with a strong chin.

You state that line TS as if you have had first hand experience as that "funny" guy.

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Everytime Becht catches a pass i freak out and start looking for snipers on the grassy knoll...I mean what other explanation can their be for him getting dropped by a 5'9 ,180 DB.

My little sister can truck most NFL CB'd....Becht is as tough as play dough.

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Everytime Becht catches a pass i freak out and start looking for snipers on the grassy knoll...I mean what other explanation can their be for him getting dropped by a 5'9 ,180 DB.

My little sister can truck most NFL CB'd....Becht is as tough as play dough.

Becht would like to point at that there was only ONE sniper, thankyouverymuch.

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If Jonas Jennings is our LT next year, start planning on a funeral for Chad Pennington by Week 6.

The most interesting thing to come out of that article is that the Jets plan on paying Ferguson. IMO, they can do better.

TS, by better do you mean Pat Williams? Because if you do, I personally believe he will be seeking more money then Fergie because he is 32 and nearing the end.

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