Jets News Sunday

[SoFlaJets]

In the comfort zone

Pennington healthy, confident this time in offseason workouts

BY TOM ROCK

tom.rock@newsday.com

June 17, 2007

Chad Pennington's offseason last year was like an episode of "Jeopardy!": Everything was in the form of a question.

Would he be able to come back from a second shoulder surgery? How quickly could he adjust to a third offensive system in three years? What would the Jets do if Pennington were unable to accomplish either?

So far this year, he's been the Answer Man. His shoulder is no longer an issue and his comfort level with the offense is so keen that he has actually reversed the student-teacher dynamic by instructing new quarterbacks coach Brian Daboll on its intricacies, along with tutoring new running back Thomas Jones.

A healthy, comfortable Pennington is something the Jets have not seen since the beginning of the 2004 season - which ended a missed-field goal shy of the AFC title game - and the anticipation of heading into this campaign without concern for the starting quarterback is already exciting the team.

And, it turns out, Pennington himself.

"Last year, I was just trying to make sure that I can get on the field, call the plays and make as many throws as possible," said Pennington, who was on a strict pitch count not only because of his recovery from injury but the uncertainty of his starting status among three other contenders. "This year, I have all of the confidence in the world to make all of the throws and all of the different types of ball placement throws. Last year, physically, it was just a slow process. Now, I feel like I'm progressing physically and it's time to put the physical and mental together."

During the voluntary OTAs this month and the mandatory minicamp the Jets held this weekend, Pennington has been sharp. He'll go into training camp in late July with the title of starting quarterback, an obvious mantle but a rare concession from coach Eric Mangini, who prefers competition at every position.

"You can see him drawing on the experiences from last year, him taking things and advancing the system, not just from his position but collectively," Mangini said. "He's such a smart guy with a great memory. You tell him something once, and it may have been three weeks ago, but usually when that comes up again, he nails it."

Pennington remembers the frustration of the last few years, when his repaired arm would not always do the things it had done so effortlessly for most of his life. While some doubted whether Pennington would be able to come back from the injuries, it turned out that he was dealing with his own uncertainties.

"I knew where the ball needed to go, but I wasn't sure if it was going to go there," he said. "Sometimes it would and sometimes it wouldn't. That's just the kinks that you have to work out after you have been through an injury, trying to get your body back in shape. There is so much that goes on inside of your body with muscle memory and your nerves and all of the different things that you don't see on the outside, but you feel them on the inside and you just feel that something is not right."

There was one "not again" moment during the offseason, but it had nothing to do with Pennington's shoulder. It was when offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer was a sudden candidate for the Dolphins' head-coaching job. Pennington wondered if he would have to learn a fourth system in four years, if all the knowledge and experience and growing pains of 2006 would become worthless. Eventually, Schottenheimer decided to stay with the Jets, and it will undoubtedly add to Pennington's comfort.

"Throughout all of last year and into this offseason, I feel like each day, I have been able to come out here and make more progress and try to become more accurate," Pennington said. "I understand the type of throws that need to be made in tight spots and am able to anticipate those throws."

More importantly, he's also been able to deliver them.

[SoFlaJets]

New 'D' players not a factor yet

BY TOM ROCK

tom.rock@newsday.com

June 17, 2007

The Jets brought in a load of new bodies to help the defense during the offseason, from the free-agent signings of Kenyon Coleman and David Bowens to the first-round selection of cornerback Darrelle Revis. But during the OTAs and this weekend's minicamp, coach Eric Mangini hardly used any of them with the first unit. Instead, when the Jets lined up during these summer workouts, it was more often than not with the same starting group that played all of last season ... and ranked 25th in the league.

That's most likely to change by the time the Jets open training camp in late July, as the new pieces become more familiar with the system. By then, Mangini and the staff also will have a better idea of who can do what.

Last year's defensive captain, Jonathan Vilma, said having 11 returning starters allows the unit to "evolve," but he added that the addition of veterans helps the entire group, even though they're not with the starters.

"They bring a lot of maturity and NFL experience, which is good for us," Vilma said. "You can never go wrong with that."

NY state of mind

Running back Thomas Jones said he spoke with former Giant Tiki Barber - a fellow University of Virginia product - about playing in New York. "It's one of those things that if you do really well, you can have a lot of fun and be real successful," Jones said of the metropolitan spotlight. The part he left out, of course, is what happens when things go badly.

Jet streams

Mangini changed the schedule for minicamp and canceled yesterday's practice in favor of a "team-building exercise" with members of the U.S. Army who had visited Friday's practice from Fort Bragg, N.C. ... S Kerry Rhodes, who missed the first two days of minicamp with family obligations, was with the team yesterday ... Justin McCareins may go from the disappointing story line of 2006 to the inspiration of 2007. The receiver, who had been linked to trade and release rumors during the offseason, has been impressive on the field for the Jets and appears to be part of the team's plans at third wide receiver. "I'm here and it seems like I'm getting some good reps," McCareins said. "I'm a part of the offense. I'm doing the best that I can to put my best effort into the practices and meetings. I feel like I'm still part of the group" ... DE Eric Hicks, a recent free-agent pickup, has been playing NT in some defensive packages.

[SoFlaJets]

Vilma playing risky hand

LB frequents Big Apple poker parlors

BY RICH CIMINI

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Echoing the hard-line stance of new NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Eric Mangini has lectured the Jets on the importance of staying on the right side of the law. The coach is trying to build a team of wholesome players, and one player near the top of his list is Jonathan Vilma.

Except for one slip of the tongue - he compared illegal dogfighting to horse racing last week in a radio interview - Vilma has forged a solid reputation on and off the field. The talented linebacker is the latest to shoot a soup commercial with his mother, and what could be more anti-Pacman than that?

"We have a bunch of kids looking up to us," Vilma says. "I remember when I was a kid, looking up to Jerry Rice."

To maintain his image, Vilma says he tries to stay away from potentially troublesome situations. One of his favorite retreats? Poker in Manhattan.

Every week or so, Vilma ventures into the city to play cards in a poker den, a members-only club that attracts celebrities and serious gamblers looking to avoid crowded casinos. More than a year ago, Alex Rodriguez made headlines for frequenting these establishments, where it is legal to play poker but against the law for the house to profit.

Playing poker legally isn't a violation of league policy, according to NFL spokesman Greg Aiello. But some might question Vilma's association with the clubs, considering the perception it might create because of the raids and robberies the clubs occasionally face, although he says he doesn't see any downside. He views it as a winning situation - even when he loses.

"They told us to stay out of trouble and that's the best way to stay out of trouble," he says. "I'm inside, I can't get into trouble, I can't get hurt, I'm just playing cards."

Unlike A-Rod, who initially refused to comment on his involvement, Vilma openly discussed his jaunts to poker dens. He says he isn't worried that it will raise questions.

"I would hope not," he says. "Anybody who likes to play poker, if you want to find a good poker game, you're going to go play. It's not anything where I'm betting the house, like $100,000. You go, kick back, have fun, talk to some of the fans, enjoy it. I like playing poker. It's like playing basketball, but you can't do that (because of potential injuries)."

Vilma says he plays when he's bored, heading into Manhattan "maybe once a week, once every two weeks." To him, it's akin to shooting baskets or playing video games at the ESPN Zone.

The Jets weren't particularly expansive when asked to comment on Vilma's poker playing, releasing a statement that said, "We were unaware of this situation. The New York Jets support the league's stance on gambling."

Vilma said the team has addressed the matter with him, but declined to reveal what was said.

Many of the city's poker dens are sleek and inviting, although they're vulnerable to holdups because of the amount of cash on the premises. Thursday night a slick high-end parlor on E. 61st called National CardRoom was knocked off to the tune of $50,000. Making it even more enticing is the fact would-be robbers know the owners of these halls aren't going to call the police because their poker dens are illegal.

And there are the occasional raids - National was busted as recently as 2005 - which would be embarrassing for a professional athlete.

"There's never been an incident when I've been there," says Vilma, who, according to poker sources, is a terrific card player.

To the Jets, Vilma is an ace in the middle of their defensive deck. He's the brains of the outfit, a film-room fanatic known for spending hours in front of the DVR. But for all his smarts, his reputation took a hit last season with a sub-par performance.

Undersized for Mangini's 3-4 defense, Vilma made few impact plays, finishing with no sacks, no forced fumbles and one interception. He produced only 68 solo tackles, down from 143.

After an offseason of rampant trade speculation, none of it confirmed, the former AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year (2004) is eager to return to his old form. If he has another mediocre year, the Jets could put him on the trading block for real. This could be a crossroads season for the former first-round pick, but he says he's ready to tackle the pressure.

"It's good to know what people expect of me and how people perceive me," he says. "They expect the big plays and they expect the big hits and 200 tackles. Whether it be in a 4-3 or 3-4, those expectations aren't going to change for me. For me, it's good to hear that, and it's a little bit of a motivating factor."

Before the draft, Vilma was rumored to be on his way to the Redskins in exchange for running back Clinton Portis, a close friend and former college teammate at Miami. They shared a good laugh over the trade talk. Vilma says he never believed the rumors and never felt compelled to ask management if he was being shopped.

"Jon works the same way regardless of what system he's in, where he is, what happened in the past or what's going to happen in the future," says Mangini, who cancelled yesterday's practice to take the team on a field trip to an undisclosed location with soldiers from Fort Bragg (N.C.) who are guests of the team. "He's a very consistent guy and he's got a lot of pride in what he does at work and his craft, and you see that."

Vilma is determined to succeed in the 3-4 scheme. And that is no poker bluff.

[SoFlaJets]

MANGINI AUDIBLES ON FINAL DAY OF JETS

[SoFlaJets]

addition

Sunday, June 17, 2007

BY DAVE HUTCHINSON

Star-Ledger Staff

While new Jets running back Thomas Jones has the upper body of Mr. Universe, displaying his bulging biceps by rolling up the sleeves of his jersey, he has the nimble feet and soft hands of a game-breaker.

Jones, the former Bear, was impressive during the Jets' minicamp last week and figures to be the spark plug for the entire offense, much like Curtis Martin once was. Jones is a potential 20-carry per game back -- though he'll share time with Leon Washington -- and can catch the ball out of the backfield.

It's a job description in a multidimensional offense that suits Jones just fine, one that is night and day from what he played in Chicago the past three seasons.

"It (the Jets' offense) is different than Chicago," said Jones, who wore a play sheet on his wristbands during minicamp. "In Chicago, we ran the ball so well that we had a certain amount of plays that we ran on.

"Here, we have so many good players on offense -- so many good receivers and very good running backs. There are a lot of weapons on offense, so they have a lot of different ways to get guys the ball."

Jones, who turns 29 in August, rushed for more than 2,500 yards and caught 62 passes the past two seasons with the Bears, leading them to the Super Bowl last season. He'll likely get 15 to 20 carries per game this season, with Washington getting the rest. He'll also be a weapon in the passing game.

"I do what the coaches ask me to do," Jones said. "If they throw me the ball, I feel pretty good about catching it."

Jones, whose workout regiment is already the stuff of legend around the Jets complex, also feels good about quarterback Chad Pennington. He likes what he sees on and off the field.

"The fact that he's a smart guy who comes to work every day," said Jones, who isn't easily impressed. "As a leader, he shows that he has a presence in the huddle. I have known him for a long time. I have watched his career because we came out in the same year of the draft. I'm just fortunate to be able to play with him."

Coach Eric Mangini says it's the Jets who are pleased to have Jones "He's got a great work ethic," Mangini said. "In the weight room, it's as impressive as I've seen. But then on the field, in the classroom, all the different people that we've talked to noted his leadership. Seeing it as opposed to just the research phase, it's definitely shown up in a lot of different areas.

"You'll see him working with Leon (Washington) or Cedric (Houston) or one of the guys, just trying to help them understand things that he inherently understands now from the amount of reps that he's taken and schemes that he's seen."

Mangini surprised his team yesterday morning by announcing the final practice of their three-day minicamp was canceled and the team would instead have an off-site team-building exercise (i.e. picnic or softball game) that incorporated the military personnel from Fort Bragg that visited camp on Friday.

The Jets ended up having four practices, two on Thursday and two on Friday. The team is now off until the start of training camp in late July. The club hasn't officially announced a reporting date.

Though the Jets were shocked by the candidness of the comments on Thursday by veteran guard Pete Kendall, they haven't completely shut the door on him returning, though it seems unlikely. Team officials concede that Kendall is a solid player and could help them this season.

The Jets don't feel they overpaid for unrestricted free-agent DE Kenyon Coleman (five years, $20.5 million, $6 million guaranteed) because it's hard to find quality defensive linemen with experience in the 3-4 scheme, and when you do, you have to pay those players top dollar.

In fact, just seven of the 32 NFL teams play the 3-4 alignment: Jets, Patriots, Cowboys, Steelers, Dolphins, Browns and Chargers.

All-purpose performer Brad Smith, who played wide receiver, running back and quarterback last season, took nearly a dozen postpractice snaps on Thursday and Friday with the third- and fourth-team offense.

[SoFlaJets]

Surprise! Jets get a break

Sunday, June 17, 2007

By J.P. PELZMAN

STAFF WRITER

Eric Mangini believes in the element of surprise, whether it's in a pop quiz about a player's assignments, or putting the defense on its own 10-yard line during practice without warning.

So it really wasn't that much out of character when the head coach canceled the final practice of minicamp Saturday and replaced it with what a Jets' spokesman characterized as a "team-building activity" away from the team's Hofstra University training site.

The undisclosed exercise also involved several Army Rangers and Special Forces troops from Fort Bragg, N.C., who had been on hand for Friday's practices.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about the cancellation of a practice is that it means the hard-to-please Mangini probably is satisfied with what his team accomplished at minicamp and in the voluntary workouts, also known as Organized Team Activities, that preceded it.

"I was really pleased with the work we've gotten done in the OTAs," Mangini said during the mandatory minicamp.

"I thought we covered a lot of ground in the OTAs and made a lot of progress with the things that we had done last year, some of the new things that we will be doing and [with] all of us working together."

Really, it makes sense that a team would be ahead of schedule in the second year of a coaching regime.

"Anytime you're in [a system] for a year," wideout Laveranues Coles said recently, "you kind of have an understanding of what's going to be expected from you. ...

"And I think anytime you have the same offense for two years in a row, which I hadn't [had] for a long time, I think it has its advantages because now I can learn the little intricacies of the offense itself."

So then Mangini's second NFL training camp as a head coach, which will begin next month, shouldn't be quite as tough, right? Coles' raised eyebrow immediately answers that question.

"I'm dreading going through [training] camp as we speak," Coles said. "I'm talking about from the time we left here last [season], all I could think about was having to go through camp.

"It's something I don't want to go through and if anybody here tells you they want to go through it, you might need to have them checked out. ... If anything, he's put his foot more on the gas since we've been back. He's not one of those guys that's going to let [up], that's for sure.

"I can never be mentally prepared for an Eric Mangini camp," the eight-year veteran said. "I've been through a lot of camps but his is the toughest I've been through in my career."

But as much as he dislikes it, Coles knows it serves a purpose for Mangini.

"I think basically he wants to see who's going to fold under the pressure," Coles said. "That's all he does is apply pressure, week in, week out, day-to-day, hour-to-hour, to see what guys are going to fold and what guys are going to step up to the plate."

All of which will make for a long, hot and interesting summer for the Jets.

CAMPING OUT: The Jets haven't announced the dates for training camp, but their preseason opener will be at home against Atlanta on Aug. 10, so training camp probably will begin about two weeks before that.

[faba]

Less than 2 months to the first pre=season game-the anticipation is killing me.

[SoFlaJets]

Less than 2 months to the first pre=season game-the anticipation is killing me.

and what, less than 6 weeks till camp starts?

[4HCrew]

can Vilma just shut up already..geez..

[joiseyjet]

and what, less than 6 weeks till camp starts?

Doesn`t camp usually start that last fri. in JULY ,that would be 7/27 this year?

[faba]

Doesn`t camp usually start that last fri. in JULY ,that would be 7/27 this year?

They have not given an exact day for the start of camp yet but it has to be some time the last week of July.