SoFlaJets Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 NEW LEASH ON LIFE MCCAREINS PROVING DOG DAYS ARE OVER By MARK CANNIZZARO CATCHING ON:Justin McCareins, who was stuck in Eric Mangini Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted July 30, 2007 Author Share Posted July 30, 2007 KENDALL EXPECTS TO BE LET GO By MARK CANNIZZARO July 30, 2007 -- Pete Kendall, the Jets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted July 30, 2007 Author Share Posted July 30, 2007 REVIS' HOLDOUT IRKING MANGINI By MARK CANNIZZARO July 30, 2007 -- The longer the Darrelle Revis contract holdout drags on, the more irritable Jets coaches and management become. Revis, the Jets' top draft pick, No. 14 overall, missed his fourth and fifth practices yesterday while Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum and Revis' agent, Neil Schwartz, negotiate what should be a simple contract. Based on the fact that both players drafted ahead of and behind Revis have been signed, it really should be simple math slotting him in with a contract. However, the word is that the Jets want Revis to sign a six-year deal, which would be financially better for the team in the long run, and Revis wants to sign a five-year deal, which is what the players drafted before and after him had signed. "Every day is critical for people to be here," Eric Mangini said yesterday of the impact of Revis' absence. "Every day, we're putting things in, installing news defenses, working on situational defense. There's a lot of really good teaching, very important teaching, going on. "The good thing is that the players who are here get extra reps." One of those players has been Justin Miller, whom Mangini praised. "He's been doing a really nice job here early on," Mangini said of Miller, whose legal case involving a fight outside a Manhattan nightclub is still pending. * Mangini also offered high praise for DT Sioni Pouha, who missed all of last season with a knee injury suffered in training camp a year ago. RB Leon Washington was back on the practice field yesterday after being excused on Saturday to tend to a personal matter . . . The Jets yesterday waived K Justin Ayat and re-signed G Dominic Moran, who was originally signed on May 12 but waived July 23. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted July 30, 2007 Author Share Posted July 30, 2007 Jets' camp more relaxing for Pennington this year By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (Original publication: July 30, 2007) HEMPSTEAD - Chad Pennington doesn't need to look over his surgically repaired right shoulder in training camp these days. The Jets' quarterback is feeling good this summer, completely healthy a year after entering camp in a four-man competition because of the uncertainty surrounding his arm. "I'm excited when I step off the field - to be able to step into the film room and watch my film to get better mentally and not have to immediately go to the training room to get treatment on my shoulder," he said. Pennington, whose rotator cuff was operated on in consecutive years, won the quarterback job last summer. He responded with the first full season of his career and has looked mostly sharp early in training camp. That's good news for a Jets' offense that added a bona fide No. 1 running back in Thomas Jones and could score in bunches this season. The Jets finished the regular season ranked 25th in total offense and scored 30 or more points just twice. "We are excited about the potential, but we have a lot of work to do. We really do," Pennington said. "All of our veterans know what to do; we're trying to learn how to do it better." Last summer, Pennington competed with Patrick Ramsey, Brooks Bollinger and rookie Kellen Clemens. This year, coach Eric Mangini ended the suspense in February by predictably naming last season's comeback player of the year the starter. "When you have one guy, you get used to him," wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery said. "Everyone becomes one with that one guy in the huddle. Everyone just feeds off the quarterback." Added receiver Laveranues Coles: "He doesn't have this dark cloud hanging over his head and everybody second-guessing him." The addition of Jones should also be a big help for a team that was never settled at running back last season. By acquiring the musclebound Jones from the NFC champion Chicago Bears, the Jets finally have a replacement for the recently retired Curtis Martin. "I don't look in the past; I'm just looking into the future and to work with what we have here," said Jones, who rushed for 1,210 yards and six touchdowns last year. Leon Washington, who led the team with 650 yards rushing, most likely will assume the No. 2 job as a speedy change-of-pace runner. "He's been to the big dance, so he knows what it takes to get there," said Washington, who was back at practice yesterday after missing Saturday's session for personal reasons. "Having that leadership on the team, especially on offense, is big for us." Jones and new fullback Darian Barnes could have immediate impacts on the play-action, a key to Pennington's past success. With the instability at running back last year, Pennington might have been forced into trying to make things happen, as evidenced by his career-high 16 interceptions. "If we can be multiple and versatile, that will make us better," Pennington said. The Jets plan to work Brad Smith into the quarterback rotation. That's less a threat to Pennington's hold on the starting job as it is to opposing defenses. Smith, a quarterback at Missouri, played last season mostly at wide receiver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted July 30, 2007 Author Share Posted July 30, 2007 Jets' Barnes eager to clear path again for Jones BY TOM ROCK tom.rock@newsday.com July 30, 2007 Jets fans still were rejoicing over the acquisition of Thomas Jones when the team made another offseason move that was largely overshadowed but could be critical to Jones' success. Three days after finalizing the Jones trade with the Bears, the Jets signed free-agent fullback Darian Barnes. It often will be his job to escort Jones through the line of scrimmage, a role he already played when the two were teammates with Tampa Bay in 2003. With 21 of 22 starters returning, it's true that fullback was a position of need for the Jets during the offseason. But the immediate juxtaposition of the two moves speaks volumes about how important the Jets consider the tandem. "They've worked together in the past," coach Eric Mangini said, "and it's always good to have a fullback-tailback relationship." Jones agreed and said that because he and Barnes have a history, they can skip right over the usual howdy-dos that a change in teams can necessitate. "Once you get that type of communication between each other where I know how he's going to block a guy and he knows how I'm going to run, it makes it that much easier for us to be productive in the games," Jones said. "I definitely like having him in front of me." Who wouldn't? At 6-2, 240 pounds, Barnes has spent most of his career as a cattle-catcher, clearing paths for ballcarriers. In five seasons in the NFL and 60 games, he's carried the ball five times and caught 14 passes. Even though Barnes is two years younger than Jones, the Toms River, N.J., product speaks of the tailback with the protective posture of an older brother. "He's got to trust me to get the job done, that I'm going to be there for him and I'm not going to let anybody come after him," Barnes said. There's little doubt that Barnes can bully. When he lowered his head and trampled starting safety Kerry Rhodes in a one-on-one tackling drill Saturday, that became clear. But the Jets have other ideas for Barnes, who has lined up at receiver and shifted into and out of the backfield as part of the team's ever-morphing system. Barnes said he is fine with the added responsibilities - excited, even - and is embracing them. The Jets' other fullback, Stacy Tutt, is a converted college quarterback with the more obvious athleticism (and 40 fewer pounds) to shift to those other positions. Mangini said he sees Tutt as a "Richie Anderson-type" player. Barnes may be called upon to catch or carry the football this year, and he's performed well at those foreign tasks, but deep down he knows he's really here to plow the field so the team can harvest the crop of Thomas Jones. "I'm way more of a straight-ahead guy," Barnes said, recalling something Nick Saban told him as he was leaving the Dolphins. "He said, 'You always go back to your fastball.' And my fastball is [being] a lead blocker. That's what I do." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted July 30, 2007 Author Share Posted July 30, 2007 Injured Wright embracing role of coach on field July 30, 2007 Tim Dwight may not be able to play, but that isn't stopping him from contributing. He's on the physically unable to perform list with a foot injury that lingers from last season, so Dwight, 32, is not allowed to participate in any practices. He does, however, spend much of the workout time on the field, holding a script and advising players such as Wallace Wright, Brad Smith and Justin Miller. "They know that right now they can't be on the field in a participatory role," Mangini said of Dwight and fellow PUP-py Matt Chatham, "but they can still help guys that are getting the reps, give another set of eyes and share their experience with them." If Dwight is unable to come back for his 10th season, it might not be long before he eases into a second career as Coach Tim. The bottom line Of the first five hurry-up drills in camp, the offense has yet to score. Disappointing? Or good news for the defense? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted July 30, 2007 Author Share Posted July 30, 2007 With Kendall on outs with Jets, Clarke moves in BY TOM ROCK tom.rock@newsday.com July 30, 2007 While Pete Kendall continues to distance himself from the Jets, his apparent replacement at left guard, Adrien Clarke, is trying to fit in. Clarke, picked up as a free agent from the Eagles after he missed all of 2006 because of back surgery, has been sharing first-team reps with Kendall through the first few days of camp. Getting acclimated on an offensive line that returns four starters can be challenging, but Clarke played with center Nick Mangold at Ohio State and said the players on either side of him, Mangold and left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, have been helpful. That's quite the reversal of roles because Kendall was credited with ushering Mangold and Ferguson through their rookie seasons last year. Kendall, who has demanded to be traded or released, said yesterday that he has been approached by several teammates who share his outrage over how the organization is treating him (though he wouldn't name names). He also said some have noted the episode as a eye-opener. Kendall participated in the morning practice but was on the sideline wearing a baseball cap in the evening. Revis still a no-show James Farrior, the last Jets draft pick to be unsigned at the beginning of training camp, missed three days of practice in 1997. Darrelle Revis matched that mark yesterday and could extend it. The cornerback out of Pittsburgh, selected 14th overall after the Jets traded up for him, does not appear close to budging on his desire for a five-year deal (the Jets reportedly want to secure him for six). "Every day is critical for people to be here," coach Eric Mangini said. "We're installing new defenses, situational defenses. There's a lot of very important teaching going on." Jet streams DEs Kenyon Coleman and Kimo von Oelhoffen split reps with the first unit in the morning. OLB David Bowens was with the starters for a second straight workout ... Mangini said he decided to play classical music at some practices because he heard that Mozart can stimulate learning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted July 30, 2007 Author Share Posted July 30, 2007 Revis negotiations remain a year apart Monday, July 30, 2007 BY DAVE HUTCHINSON Star-Ledger Staff HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Cornerback Darrelle Revis, whom the Jets wanted so badly that they traded up 12 spots to draft him 14th overall, missed Day 3 of training camp yesterday and both sides appear to be digging in. Revis and his agent, Neil Schwartz, want a five-year deal. The Jets want six years. The Jets' position is a bit curious because all the first-round picks drafted between seven and 16th overall have signed five-year deals, and Revis is the only one among the group who hasn't signed. In the NFL, contracts are usually slotted and it's not difficult to strike a fair deal. Schwartz declined to comment yesterday. The Jets' policy is to not publicly discuss contract negotiations. Meanwhile, Revis, who is expected to be a big contributor, continues to miss valuable time. "Every day is critical," coach Eric Mangini said. "Every day we're installing new defenses or situational defenses. There's a lot of really good teaching going on, very important teaching." In Revis' absence, Mangini said third-year CB Justin Miller has played well. Unhappy G Pete Kendall spoke to the media yesterday and said nothing has changed, although he did receive increased reps with the first team in the morning session before sitting out the evening practice (leg/knee). His bitter contract battle has been the talk of the organization and he said he has gotten plenty of support. "I'm not going to put anybody's name on it, coaches and players -- people in the building -- have expressed to me that they hope I get what I want," Kendall said. "More than a few have expressed that they don't necessarily agree with what's going on. It's probably eye-opening for a lot of people." Kendall, who is scheduled to earn $1.7 million but wants $2.7 million, said he believes the organization is making an example out of him, letting everyone know who's boss. Kendall said he's thought about leaving camp but doesn't want to pay a $14,000-per-day fine. He said he still likes the game, he's just not pleased with his situation. Miami is believed to be his preferred destination. QB Chad Pennington threw several nice deep balls. ... Rookie WR Chansi Stuckey, a seventh-round pick out of Clemson, has been impressive. ... RB Leon Washington (excused absence) returned to practice yesterday. ... QB/WR Brad Smith was named the MVP of the off-season program by Mangini. Mangini has replaced some of the ear-piercing hip-hop music he blares over the loud speakers with some classical selections. He said studies show that classical music stimulates learning. ... S Kerry Rhodes was slowed by leg cramps in the morning session. ... Mangini has dropped several pounds, though he's still dubbed "The Penguin." ... The Jets yesterday signed G Dominic Moran and waived K Justin Ayat. ... The Jets have one practice today at 2 p.m. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted July 30, 2007 Author Share Posted July 30, 2007 Jets' Vilma has clock set at 3-4 Monday, July 30, 2007 By J.P. PELZMAN STAFF WRITER HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Jonathan Vilma is beginning his fourth season in the NFL. But the way he looks at it, it's really his second season. Second, that is, in the 3-4 defense. "You can't really gauge yourself from one system to the other," the Jets' inside linebacker said after Sunday's morning practice. "It's two totally different animals. I gauge myself as it's my second year in this system." Well, at least he shouldn't have to worry about the sophomore jinx, considering how his rookie season as a 3-4 linebacker went. Vilma's numbers dropped from 187 tackles in 2005, when the Jets were using the 4-3 under then-coach Herm Edwards, to 116 in 2006 in the first year of coach Eric Mangini's 3-4. His impact plays also decreased, as Vilma had one interception and one fumble recovery in both seasons, but went from four forced fumbles in 2005 to none in 2006. As the middle linebacker in the 4-3, Vilma had the freedom to roam sideline to sideline, making plays. As an inside linebacker in the 3-4, he had to stay at home more and fend off more blockers. But he should be helped by the fact that nose tackle Dewayne Robertson, who also didn't have the easiest adjustment to the 3-4, improved markedly as the 2006 season went on and should be able to handle more of those blockers before they get to Vilma. GREEN MACHINE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Football writer J.P. Pelzman tackles all the behind-the-scenes stories about your New York Jets Visit the blog "You look at yourself and you can see yourself doing better and you know that you want to do better," Vilma said, "but it's just a matter of time. There's really nothing you can do about it. It's just something that's going to come, and you have to keep working at it and working at it. You're not going to get it right the first time. You're not going to be perfect the first go-round, so it's just something that you have to live through and deal with." Vilma added that once "we start getting into the season, by that time, of course I'll be better than I was last year simply because we're a year into it." Of course, optimism is as much a staple of training camp as two-a-days and college dorm rooms, but Mangini also has steadfastly maintained that Vilma can be a good fit in the 3-4. "He's been excellent," Mangini said of Vilma's work both in the off-season and in camp, "and we've put in quite a bit more [in the playbook] here early on in camp than last year. Jon is able to see it and then also add some of the nuances that we had. His recall is outstanding." Mangini also believes that a quality linebacker can be successful in any system. "I've seen a lot of different linebacker types playing the system over the years," he said, "and they've all played at a good level. It's not that there's only one way to necessarily play it. It develops and you figure out the best way for you to get those jobs done. Tedy Bruschi played it very differently than Ted Johnson did, than Roman Phifer did, than Junior Seau does. "It's the same system [and] it's the same responsibilities, but each guy caters it to the things they do well." Vilma said, "If you utilize a person's strengths within either system, the 3-4 or the 4-3, then he's going to be productive." Vilma and the Jets will have the chance to prove that this season. E-mail: pelzman@northjersey.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted July 30, 2007 Author Share Posted July 30, 2007 Jets' Vilma has clock set at 3-4 Monday, July 30, 2007 By J.P. PELZMAN STAFF WRITER HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Jonathan Vilma is beginning his fourth season in the NFL. But the way he looks at it, it's really his second season. Second, that is, in the 3-4 defense. "You can't really gauge yourself from one system to the other," the Jets' inside linebacker said after Sunday's morning practice. "It's two totally different animals. I gauge myself as it's my second year in this system." Well, at least he shouldn't have to worry about the sophomore jinx, considering how his rookie season as a 3-4 linebacker went. Vilma's numbers dropped from 187 tackles in 2005, when the Jets were using the 4-3 under then-coach Herm Edwards, to 116 in 2006 in the first year of coach Eric Mangini's 3-4. His impact plays also decreased, as Vilma had one interception and one fumble recovery in both seasons, but went from four forced fumbles in 2005 to none in 2006. As the middle linebacker in the 4-3, Vilma had the freedom to roam sideline to sideline, making plays. As an inside linebacker in the 3-4, he had to stay at home more and fend off more blockers. But he should be helped by the fact that nose tackle Dewayne Robertson, who also didn't have the easiest adjustment to the 3-4, improved markedly as the 2006 season went on and should be able to handle more of those blockers before they get to Vilma. GREEN MACHINE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Football writer J.P. Pelzman tackles all the behind-the-scenes stories about your New York Jets Visit the blog "You look at yourself and you can see yourself doing better and you know that you want to do better," Vilma said, "but it's just a matter of time. There's really nothing you can do about it. It's just something that's going to come, and you have to keep working at it and working at it. You're not going to get it right the first time. You're not going to be perfect the first go-round, so it's just something that you have to live through and deal with." Vilma added that once "we start getting into the season, by that time, of course I'll be better than I was last year simply because we're a year into it." Of course, optimism is as much a staple of training camp as two-a-days and college dorm rooms, but Mangini also has steadfastly maintained that Vilma can be a good fit in the 3-4. "He's been excellent," Mangini said of Vilma's work both in the off-season and in camp, "and we've put in quite a bit more [in the playbook] here early on in camp than last year. Jon is able to see it and then also add some of the nuances that we had. His recall is outstanding." Mangini also believes that a quality linebacker can be successful in any system. "I've seen a lot of different linebacker types playing the system over the years," he said, "and they've all played at a good level. It's not that there's only one way to necessarily play it. It develops and you figure out the best way for you to get those jobs done. Tedy Bruschi played it very differently than Ted Johnson did, than Roman Phifer did, than Junior Seau does. "It's the same system [and] it's the same responsibilities, but each guy caters it to the things they do well." Vilma said, "If you utilize a person's strengths within either system, the 3-4 or the 4-3, then he's going to be productive." Vilma and the Jets will have the chance to prove that this season. E-mail: pelzman@northjersey.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted July 30, 2007 Author Share Posted July 30, 2007 add on as you find them JNeers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nj meadowlands Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 Great to hear that about J-Mac. I expect big things from him this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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