Kentucky Jet Posted September 2, 2007 Share Posted September 2, 2007 SERBY'S SUNDAY Q&A WITH... MIKE TANNENBAUM By STEVE SERBY Mike TannenbaumSeptember 2, 2007 -- The Post's Steve Serby chatted with the Jets GM about football, family and a few of his favorite things: Q: When did you become convinced that Eric Mangini was head-coaching material? A: He broke his leg during the '97 season (as a Jets assistant) and he would work with it elevated in a cast and never missed any time. Q: Best piece of advice from Bill Parcells? A: He'd say, "Mr. T., when the trapper's coming off the side of the mountain, he doesn't have to tell anybody he did a good job; you can tell what kind of trapper he is by the pelts he has on his horse. We go by what we see." Q: What was Parcells like inside Weeb Ewbank Hall? A: He would relate a lot of stories that would go back to the 1950s and '60s and baseball history. Even if you weren't interested in baseball history, you had to pretend you were (chuckles). Q: What was his presence like? A: He made everybody accountable every day, and he had the most innate way to motivate everybody. He knew what buttons to push on everybody in the building. Some he'd yell at, some he'd put his arm around. Q: How did he motivate you? A: A lot of pressure every day (chuckles). He was great. You knew exactly what was expected of you, and as long as you did that, there were never any problems. Q: An anecdote? A: (Scout) JoJo Wooden ... I was out on a business trip one time trying to sign a player, and couldn't. I told JoJo, "Please tell Coach Parcells we couldn't get this player." So he told him, and JoJo called me and said: "Mike, you are never leaving this office ever again!" Meaning, "I'm not ever gonna deliver bad news to Coach Parcells." Q: What is it like being a GM in New York? A: Greatest job in the world. Just the passion of the fans 365 days a year. Q: Does it require thicker skin? A: You have to understand that you have to explain what you're doing; you always try to get your message out there. It's a challenge, but working with Woody (Johnson), Jay Cross and Eric, it's a lot of fun. We feel we're making good progress. Q: How much sleep do you get? A: Not enough (chuckles). Five hours maybe, between the team and two young kids. Q: Do you ever sleep at Weeb Ewbank Hall? A: Yes. Q: How are the accommodations? A: Convenient (chuckles). Q: What is game day like for you? A: Agonizing. I have a squeeze ball I hold sometimes. Q: Executives in other sports you admire? A: (Braves GM) John Schuerholz. Unbelievable consistency for a long period of time. Q: Coaches in other sports you admire? CONTINUED A: (Texas basketball coach) Rick Barnes. I love his tenacity. When he was in the ACC, he wouldn't back down to the Dean Smiths and the Mike Krzyzewskis. I love his fire. Q: An example of a Mike Tannenbaum player from another era? A: Mark Bavaro. Marty Lyons. Q: Boyhood idol? A: Larry Bird. Q: Favorite boxer? A: Marvin Hagler. Q: Best fight Mangini has shown the Jets? A: Hagler-Hearns. Q: What do you remember about losing the 1998 AFC Championship game in Denver? A: Mr. Hess greeting the team at three in the morning, shaking every person's hand as we were walking off the plane. Q: And the plane flight? A: Complete depression. I really thought at halftime we had a chance to get to the Super Bowl. Q: How did you propose to your wife Michelle? A: Seven-hundred feet above the Hudson River in a helicopter. If she said no I had options; it was all about creating leverage (chuckles). There were six seats to the helicopter, it was $50 for five minutes. I had to buy all of the seats. Cost me $300 for five minutes. Q: Your three-year-old daughter Ella? A: She puts a smile on my face every time I see her. Q: Your one-year-old son Jacob? A: He knows "Go Jets" and "Touchdown" (chuckles). Q: What's he like? A: Feisty. A lot of people say he's like me, but my wife has some subtle feistiness in her. Q: Most embarrassing moment? A: I was the last man on the basketball team my junior year. At the end of a blowout game, it was safe to put me in. I got fouled and the first one was an airball. The referee holding the ball said, "What, are you tired or something?" Q: Working at the post office from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. after college? A: I had my stool privileges revoked. I had fallen asleep more than once. Q: You worked for free for the Pittsfield Mets during the day. A: I lined the field, put cheese on the nachos, took the tarp off, sold marketing deals ... whatever needed to be done. Q: What did you learn from watching (Patriots GM) Scott Pioli? A: Hard work. Q: What did you learn from watching Bill Belichick? A: Incredible attention to detail. Q: Three dinner guests? A: Abe Lincoln, Vince Vaughn, Warren Buffett. Q: Best piece of advice from your parents? A: Never burn a bridge. Q: Anyone else influential in your life? A: My grandfather, Harry. He had a great work ethic, and even when he had his leg amputated he got up every day and worked hard (in a fish store) and never made excuses. Q: Favorite New York restaurant? A: Il Postino. Matteo's. Q: Favorite movie? A: "Platoon." Q: Favorite actor? A: Vince Vaughn. Q: Favorite actress? A: Jodie Foster. Q: Favorite meal? A: Veal parmigiana. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kentucky Jet Posted September 2, 2007 Author Share Posted September 2, 2007 CHANSI OF A LIFETIME SEVENTH-ROUNDER STUCKEY STICKS WITH JETS By MARK CANNIZZARO HE'S GOT IT MADE: Chansi Stuckey (83) impressed the Jets as both a wide receiver and return man and became a rare seventh-round pick to make the cut.September 2, 2007 -- In the NFL, seventh-round draft picks are never great bets to become impact players. Most, in fact, have a hard time even making their team's roster. They are, after all, one step above rookie free agents in the league's food chain. The Jets, for example, have to look all the way back to 1997 to find a seventh-round pick who became a starter and an impact player - defensive tackle Jason Ferguson. And, in Ferguson's case, his draft stock had fallenignificantly after it was learned he'd used marijuana. Jets fans might remember some of these forgettable seventh-rounders who amounted to nothing more than training- camp bodies in the recent past: DT Titus Adams (in 2006), WR Harry Williams Jr. (2005), G Dave Yovanovits (2003) G Situpe Peko (2001), DT Richard Seals (2000), LB J.J. Syvrud (1999) and TE Lawrence Hart (1998). Chansi Stuckey, a wide receiver out of Clemson, is a Jets' seventh-round draft pick who doesn't carry himself like one. Stuckey, who led the Jets in preseason receptions with 11, refuses to let a label drag him down. "Football is football," Stuckey said. "If you can play football it'll show. I just look at myself as a football player, as someone who can help the Jets win." He may well do just that, having won a job as the team's fourth or fifth receiver and likely a key role on special teams. Stuckey starred in the Jets' preseason finale against the Eagles on Thursday night, catching four passes for 47 yards, returning one punt for 38 yards and averaging 27 yards on three kickoff returns. "I've been really happy with Chansi throughout training camp," Eric Mangini said. "He's done a nice job creating roles for himself offensively and on special teams. He's a very smart person, he works hard at it, and he's really taken to Jerricho [Cotchery] and Laveranues [Coles] and Justin [McCareins] and has been picking their brains, trying to learn as much as possible." Chad Pennington said it's clear that Stuckey has been positively influenced by the three above-mentioned Jets veteran receivers. "You can tell he's been a sponge," Pennington said. "He's been watching Jerricho running the inside routes and watching Laveraneus and Justin on the outside stuff and really has tried to take it all in. He takes good notes and listens. Any time you ask a question, he's right on the money with the answer, so he's doing all the right things. "One thing you notice about him is he understands how to get open in the middle and in traffic, and not a lot of guys understand how to do that," Pennington added. "And, the ball sticks to his hands when he catches it." Backup QB Kellen Clemens, who has done a lot of work with Stuckey in camp and in preseason games, also is impressed. "This is not an easy offense to come in and learn your first year and he's done a really good job making the adjustment," Clemens said. "He's learning the routes and he's had a great spring and summer and become a dependable guy that you can go to. He has very good football instincts." Stuckey is a humble person who prefers to compliment those around him than take credit himself. When asked about the key catches he made in Philly, Stuckey said, "I just made the best of the opportunities that I had. The O-line was doing a great job and Tui [QB Marques Tuiasosopo] was doing a great job sitting in the pocket and we were able to make a couple plays." When asked about his performance in the kick- and punt-return game, he said, "Coach [Mike] Westhoff does a great job of putting players in a great position to make things happen, so all you've got to do is do what he says and things will work out for you." Cotchery said, "The best thing about him is he's been consistent the entire offseason with his work ethic, every day out there making plays. He's willing to get better each day and he takes the time to prepare like a professional. That says a lot coming from a rookie." It says even more about a seventh-round draft pick. mark.cannizzaro@nypost.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kentucky Jet Posted September 2, 2007 Author Share Posted September 2, 2007 TUIASOSOPO WILL CARRY CLIPBOARD By MARK CANNIZZARO September 2, 2007 -- When the Jets' final 22 cuts were announced yesterday, there were several intriguing elements to Eric Mangini's decisions. * QB Marques Tuiasosopo made the team as what amounts to a fourth quarterback on the roster with Chad Pennington, Kellen Clemens and do-everything Brad Smith already locks to be on the team. The final analysis there was two-fold. The Jets opted to have the insurance of another experienced backup and Tuiasosopo's presence frees Smith up to do the receiving and kick returning things he does. Tuiasosopo's performance leading the Jets back in the final seconds of the last preseason game cemented his roster spot. * Mangini deleted two of his key veterans who've been significant locker-room influences - DT Bobby Hamilton and DE Kimo von Oelhoffen, who started last season. * The Jets conceded their mistake of picking LB Anthony Schlegel in the third round of last year's draft. Schlegel simply hardly ever got onto the field last year and was nudged out by a deep inside linebacking corps this year. * After three undrafted free agents made the roster last year, only DE Mike DeVito, a New York native who went to college at Maine, made it this year. * Two comeback stories were thwarted when LB Andre Wadsworth, attempting to return to the field after six years away from the game, 13 surgeries and a position change, and DE Michael Haynes, who hadn't played since 2005, were cut. For Smith, who was listed all summer as a QB, Mangini insisted keeping Tuiasosopo wasn't a negative. "Brad wears many hats and we've expanded his role," Mangini said. Mangini said all the cuts were difficult to make, but the conversations with Hamilton, Von Oelhoffen and Wadsworth were particularly hard. "It makes it even tougher when you have a preexisting relationship," he said. "Bobby's such a classy guy and a pro, a good example. We had a good talk this morning, and he knows how I feel about him." Hamilton, in his 13th season, wants to try to continue playing, according to Mangini. * Here's the list of the other casualties: QB Brett Ratliff, RBs Alvin Banks and Danny Ware, LBs Jason Trusnik and Blake Costanzo, Evan Prall, WRs Frisman Jackson and Chris Davis, OLs Na'Shan Goddard, Dominic Moran, Marko Cavka, Joseph Villani, TE Iiro Luoto, Ss Raymond Ventrone, Jamie Thompson and CBs Manny Collins from Rutgers and Alphonso Hodge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kentucky Jet Posted September 2, 2007 Author Share Posted September 2, 2007 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marques Tuiasosopo survives final cuts for Jets -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, September 2nd 2007, 4:00 AM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Print Email Suggest a Story QB Marques Tuiasosopo, who battled the versatile Brad Smith for the Jets' third-string quarterback job, was one of the few on-the-bubble veterans who survived yesterday's final roster cuts. The decision to keep Tuiasosopo, who helped his chances with a solid performance in the final preseason game, will allow Smith to have a prominent role on offense (mostly as a wide receiver) and on special teams, according to Eric Mangini. "I thought this was a way to increase his ability to do more, having Tui here," Mangini said yesterday. "I also like the things Tui has done and the progress he's made." Smith, given a chance to return to his quarterback roots, didn't distinguish himself as a passer in the preseason (6-for-15, 50 yards). He can make plays with his feet - he could have a small package of QB plays each week - but the Jets wanted extra insurance at the position. They still remember what happened in 2005, when Chad Pennington and Jay Fiedler suffered season-ending injuries in the same game. LET VETS GO: It was a rough day for older vets as the Jets pared the roster from 75 to the mandatory 53. DE Kimo von Oelhoffen and DE Bobby Hamilton, both 36, were released, along with LB Andre Wadsworth, 32, whose inspirational comeback came to a predictable end. Another reclamation project, DE Michael Haynes, also was released. Hamilton, a valuable backup last season, was a mild surprise. He still wants to keep playing, Mangini said. In essence, Hamilton, who won two Super Bowl rings with the Patriots, lost his job to Mike DeVito, a rookie free agent from Maine. "I've been extremely happy with him," Mangini said of DeVito. Wadsworth, trying to come back after a six-year hiatus, also will explore his opportunities. The Jets finally admitted their mistake with von Oelhoffen, a free-agent bust. A year ago, he received a $3.2 million signing bonus and started 16 games, but produced very little. He almost became a cap casualty in the offseason, but he received a $600,000 roster bonus and another shot. STARTING SOMETHING: Mangini said the starting jobs at left guard and left cornerback won't be decided until later in the week. Rookie LG Jacob Bender and CB Andre Dyson are the favorites, although Dyson's status could be determined by a lower-leg injury. First-round pick Darrelle Revis could start for Dyson. They have six corners on the roster. Adrien Clarke and Wade Smith still are in the mix at left guard. Rich Cimini Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kentucky Jet Posted September 2, 2007 Author Share Posted September 2, 2007 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BY RICH CIMINI DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER Sunday, September 2nd 2007, 4:00 AM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Print Email Suggest a Story Though he'll be a backup to Thomas Jones this season, Leon Washington could dive into the starting job this season if called upon. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Washington rushed for a team-high 650 yards last season and averaged 4.3 yards per carry, nearly a full yard better than the team average. Read Rich Cimini's The Jets Stream For such a young player, Leon Washington is well on his way to compiling a Greatest Hits and Misses album. His best hit occurred two weeks ago against the Vikings, when he sent Kevin Williams - a 6-5, 311-pound defensive tackle - into orbit while blocking downfield on a touchdown pass to Justin McCareins. Remember, Washington is only 5-8, 202 pounds, but he scored major points with teammates on that particular play. Earlier in the game, Williams de-cleated tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson on an interception return. Ah, sweet payback. "Brick came back to me and said, 'Hey, thanks a lot for that,'" the Jets' second-year running back said. Washington's greatest miss came last Christmas night in Miami, where he actually staged a series of misses on his now-celebrated, 64-yard catch-and-run. He took a screen pass and turned the Dolphins' defenders into pretzels, darting his way to one of the biggest plays of the Jets' season - on wet grass, no less. At first, the Jets thought it was the mother of all screen passes, a perfectly executed, straight-from-the-chalkboard play - until they watched the tape. "We thought we were the cat's meow, but it was all Leon," quarterback Chad Pennington said. "It was one of the most amazing runs I've ever seen in my life." Washington is the Jets' little big man, one of the most respected players in the locker room. His teammates rave about his elusiveness and toughness, sometimes gushing with child-like awe. They'd have no problem if he has to carry the load in the backfield, which might be the case next Sunday in the season opener against the Patriots. Although Thomas Jones (strained calf) is expected to be ready, he hasn't practiced in three weeks and it would be a stretch to say he'll be 100% for the game. Washington, who seemed destined be a complementary back with the arrival of Jones from the Bears, could be the bell cow until Jones is right. "If it's one carry or 100 carries, I'll be ready," he said. Because of his size, Washington is stereotyped as a scatback, but he's also an aggressive runner between the tackles. As running backs coach Jimmy Raye said, "Leon happens to be short, but he's not a little man. He plays very recklessly." He rushed for a team-high 650 yards last season and averaged 4.3 yards per carry, nearly a full yard better than the team average. The Jets got the ball into his hands 176 times last season, including 25 receptions, and that total figures to rise - yes, even with the addition of Jones. Even though Jones is a proven No.1 back, the Jets plan to keep Washington heavily involved in the offense. Clearly, he's their most dangerous threat. Two weeks ago, he took a short pass from Pennington and zig-zagged through the Giants for a 79-yard touchdown. "There aren't many of them out there like him," wide receiver Laveranues Coles said. "He will be the guy, later on down the road, when somebody like that comes along, they'll compare the next person to him." Said Pennington: "People overlook Leon's toughness....This guy is one of the toughest guys we have on this team. He runs in there and blocks linebackers and defenders that are twice his size. It's pretty amazing." At first, Washington was considered a liability in pass protection, but he worked on it, making himself a competent blocker. He runs like a sports car, blocks like a small truck. "A lot of times, I don't imagine myself being 5-7 or 5-8," he said. "I try to picture myself 6-4 or 6-5." Washington's diminutive stature works to his advantage at times. For defenders, he's hard to spot in a crowd. By the time they see him, it's too late. That happened last Christmas in Miami. Former Dolphin David Bowens, who signed with the Jets in the offseason, said the players were warning each other in the huddle to watch Washington on the screen. No matter. He made them look silly anyway. "I couldn't see anything," said Bowens, rushing the passer on the play. "Next thing, I look up and he's gone, making guys miss." It was track one of Washington's Greatest Hits and Misses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kentucky Jet Posted September 2, 2007 Author Share Posted September 2, 2007 Von Oelhoffen among 22 players released by Jets BY TOM ROCK | tom.rock@newsday.com September 2, 2007 : The Jets have always been vocal about the contributions Kimo von Oelhoffen made to last year's team. They talk about his professionalism, his locker-room presence and his experience in the 3-4 defensive scheme. What was not said aloud was that von Oelhoffen had a disappointing season in 2006. Despite starting every game, he totaled a mere 28 tackles and only one sack, not what the Jets had expected when they signed him to a three-year, $9.2-million deal. But those things didn't have to be vocalized. The Jets' actions spoke much more loudly. There was the acquisition of free agent Kenyon Coleman. And the steady string of veterans the team brought in at von Oelhoffen's position. And reports that the Jets wanted the 36-year-old von Oelhoffen to take a pay cut during the offseason. Finally, when the Jets trimmed their roster to 52 yesterday, came the loudest silence. Von Oelhoffen was one of 22 players released, the only starter from 2006 to not make the squad. "It goes back to each year being its own unique entity and we look at it objectively," coach Eric Mangini said of the fall of von Oelhoffen from starter to surplus. Von Oelhoffen was not the only veteran defender cut loose. Bobby Hamilton, also 36, who had a terrific early camp but slowed as the summer progressed, was released. So was Michael Haynes, a former first-round pick of the Bears who was trying to come back from back surgery. And former defensive end Andre Wadsworth saw the end of his comeback attempt after 13 leg surgeries and no NFL action since 2000. The heartwarming story clearly was headed for an unhappy ending based on Wadsworth's minimal participation in preseason games, but Mangini said it still was difficult to finish the fairy tale without a happily-ever-after. The Jets kept rookie Mike DeVito and former Chiefs defensive end Eric Hicks to fill out their defensive line position. At other skill positions, the Jets made some unexpected decisions. They kept only two running backs, releasing Danny Ware and Alvin Banks. Fullback Stacy Tutt took reps at tailback in the preseason finale Thursday and apparently did well enough to make the two rookies expendable. It's also a sure sign that Thomas Jones (calf) will be ready for the season opener a week from today. Marques Tuiasosopo, thought to be on the bubble, made the team. With Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens securing the top two quarterback spots, the Jets decided to keep both Tuiasosopo and Brad Smith. It was presumed that Smith would be the third quarterback, adding flexibility to the roster, but Mangini said keeping Tuiasosopo will allow Smith to continue working as a wide receiver and special-teamer. Tuiasosopo's handling of the two-minute drill at the end of the preseason game combined with Smith's lackluster play at quarterback likely nudged that decision. Notes & quotes: LB Anthony Schlegel, the Jets' third-round pick a year ago, never developed and was squeezed out of the roster ... The Jets also released OL Marko Cavka, CB Manny Collins, LB Blake Costanzo, WR Chris Davis, OL Na'Shan Goddard, CB Alphonso Hodge, WR Frisman Jackson, OL Dominic Moran, WR Evan Prall, QB Brett Ratliff, S Jamie Thompson, LB Jason Trusnik, OL Robert Turner, S Raymond Ventrone and C Joe Villani ... The Jets kept four tight ends on the roster, with Mangini saying he liked the different things each brought to the team ... DE Mike DeVito was the only rookie free agent to make the team ... Mangini said the Jets are not shopping any trades but did not rule out deals later this week after scouring the cuts of the rest of the league ... Expect Jones to practice with the team tomorrow, though the Jets probably will limit him to keep him on the injury report. Sept. 9 Patriots at Jets 1 p.m. TV: Ch. 2 Radio: WEPN (1050) More articles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kentucky Jet Posted September 2, 2007 Author Share Posted September 2, 2007 Jets have some surprises as they cut down to 53 By ANDREW GROSS THE JOURNAL NEWS (Original publication: September 2, 2007) Cutting a player is never an easy job. But Eric Mangini found releasing veteran defensive lineman Bobby Hamilton particularly difficult as the Jets got to the NFL limit of 53 yesterday. Both player and coach are 36 years old. Mangini's stint as a Jets assistant from 1997-99, coincided with Hamilton's first tenure with the team. They were also together from 2000-03 with the Patriots and last season back with the Jets. "We had a good talk this morning," Mangini said. "He knows how I feel about him." The flip side for Mangini was seeing undrafted free-agent defensive end Mike DeVito make the team. DeVito, who grew up on Cape Cod and played at Maine, is the grandson of the late Suffern coach and Rockland County Sports Hall of Fame inductee Ralph Consiglio. "He's the only rookie free agent who made it this year; we had three of them last year," Mangini said. "I've been impressed with his approach, his work ethic. He's got good toughness." The Jets also decided to keep ex-Raider Marques Tuiasosopo as their third quarterback, allowing second-year pro Brad Smith to concentrate on wide receiver and special teams. And in a surprising move, the Jets cut undrafted free-agent running back Danny Ware, instead opting to go with fullback Stacy Tutt as a third option after Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. The Jets did release linebacker Anthony Schlegel, their third-round pick out of Ohio State in 2006, as well as defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen, the former Steeler who signed a three-year deal worth $9.2 million in 2006 but made just 28 tackles with one sack despite starting 16 games last season. Former first-rounders Michael Haynes, a defensive end, and linebacker Andre Wadsworth had their comeback attempts thwarted. Wadsworth, the third overall pick by the Cardinals in 1998, has not played since 2000 and has undergone 13 knee surgeries since. "He was inspirational," Mangini said. "Here's a guy who's not letting his dream die. He was told he couldn't play. It's an amazing story." Notes: Also released yesterday were running back Alvin Banks, offensive linemen Marko Cavka, Na'Shan Goddard, Robert Turner, Dominic Moran and Joseph Villani, wide receivers Frisman Jackson, Chris Davis and Evan Prall, quarterback Brett Ratliff, linebackers Blake Costanzo and Jason Trusnik, and defensive backs Manny Collins, Alphonso Hodge, Jamie Thompson and Raymond Ventrone. ... Mangini said he felt bad for Patriots safety Rodney Harrison, who received a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. "He's a good friend and I care about him deeply," Harrison's former position coach said. "I support him and his family through this difficult time. But I respect the league guidelines as well." Reach Andrew Gross at apgross@lohud.com and read his Jets blog at www.jets.lohudblogs.com. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kentucky Jet Posted September 2, 2007 Author Share Posted September 2, 2007 AFC preview Bob McManaman The Arizona Republic Sept. 1, 2007 11:14 PM AFC EAST Predicted order of finish: Patriots, Jets, Dolphins, Bills. Story line: If the Patriots don't end up in Glendale, it will be a shocker. . . . Give head coach Eric Mangini a chance, and he could thrust the Jets into prominence. . . . The Dolphins' defense will be fierce, but the offense could lack some real teeth. . . . If Marshawn Lynch is the real deal, the Bills could surprise - in another couple years. New faces: Patriots DE/LB Adalius Thomas, Jets RB Thomas Jones, Dolphins LB Joey Porter, Bills RB Marshawn Lynch. The playmakers: QB Tom Brady, WR Randy Moss, RB Laurence Maroney, LB/DT Adalius Thomas, CB Asante Samuel (Patriots); QB Chad Pennington, RB Leon Washington, S Kerry Rhodes, LB Jonathan Vilma (Jets); QB Trent Green, WR Chris Chambers, WR Tedd Ginn Jr., LB Zach Thomas, DE Jason Taylor (Dolphins); RB Marshawn Lynch, WR Peerless Price, S Donte Whitner (Bills). Coach on the hot seat: Cam Cameron, Dolphins. He had better hope his unique way of doing things gets results in a hurry, or his eccentricities won't be tolerated for very long. Best offensive player: QB Tom Brady, Patriots. Best defensive player: DE Richard Seymour, Patriots Biggest rookie impact: RB Marshawn Lynch, Bills. AFC NORTH Predicted order of finish: Ravens, Bengals, Steelers, Browns. Story line: Are the Ravens too old at too many key positions, and are they hungry enough to keep improving? . . . Chad Johnson is determined to have a monster season in Cincinnati. . . . Can the Steelers hold ground, or did they take too many steps backwards with so many changes? . . . The Browns will be singing the blues but they'll make strides in the rebuilding effort this season. New faces: Ravens RB Willis McGahee, Bengals CB Leon Hall, Steelers FB Kevan Barlow, Browns QB Brady Quinn, The playmakers: QB Steve McNair, RB Willis McGahee, TE Todd Heap, LB Ray Lewis, S Dawan Landry (Ravens); QB Carson Palmer, WR Chad Johnson, RB Rudi Johnson, LB Ahmad Brooks (Bengals); QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Willie Parker, WR Hines Ward, S Troy Polamalu (Steelers); QB Brady Quinn, RB Jamal Lewis, TE Kellen Winslow, S Sean Jones (Browns). Coach on the hot seat: Mike Tomlin, Steelers. We'll give him a chance, but will Steelers fans if this team heads south? Bring back the Chin! Bring back the Chin! Best offensive player: RB Willie Parker, Steelers. Best defensive player: S Troy Polamalu, Steelers. Biggest rookie impact: QB Brady Quinn, Browns. AFC SOUTH Predicted order of finish: Colts, Jaguars, Titans, Texans. Story line: Repeating is never easy, but the Colts know what it takes to win. . . . What will Dirk Koetter bring to the Jags as the new offensive coordinator? . . . Vince Young is a year older and a year wiser as the Titans' leading man. . . . Will the offensive line be better for Matt Schaub than it was for David Carr? New faces: Colts WR Anthony Gonzalez, Jaguars WR Dennis Northcutt, Titans DB Michael Griffin, Texans RB Ahman Green. The playmakers: QB Peyton Manning, RB Joseph Addai, WR Marvin Harrison, WR Reggie Wayne (Colts); RB Fred Taylor, WR Reggie Williams, S Reggie Nelson (Jaguars); QB Vince Young, WR Davis Givens, CB Reynaldo Hill (Titans); QB Matt Schaub, WR Andre Johnson, RB Ahman Green, DE Mario Williams, CB Demarcus Faggins (Texans). Coach on the hot seat: Jack Del Rio, Jaguars. After four years of constant turnovers on his own staff, Del Rio could be the one to go next if the Jags don't go to the playoffs. Best offensive player: QB Peyton Manning, Colts. Best defensive player: DE Dwight Freeney, Colts. Biggest rookie impact: S Reggie Nelson, Jaguars. AFC WEST Predicted order of finish: Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders. Story line: Despite heartaches, the Broncos could be the surprise story in the AFC in 2007. . . . How would the Chargers respond should LaDainian Tomlinson go down? . . . Do the Chiefs have enough talent across the board to be a legitimate threat or are they a dark horse? . . . It could be another long season for Raider Nation, but the Raiders are ready to turn the corner. New faces: Broncos RB Travis Henry, Chargers head coach Norv Turner, Chiefs LB Napoleon Harris, Raiders QB Daunte Culpepper. The playmakers: QB Jay Cutler, RB Travis Henry, WR Javon Walker, CB Champ Bailey, S John Lynch (Broncos); QB Phillip Rivers, RB LaDainian Tomlinson, TE Antonio Gates, LB Shawne Merriman (Chargers); RB Larry Johnson, TE Tony Gonzalez, WR Eddie Kennison, CB Ty Law (Chiefs); QB Daunte Culpepper, QB JaMarcus Russell, WR Jerry Porter, DE Derrick Burgess, CB Nnamdi Asomugha (Raiders). Coach on the hot seat: Norv Turner, Chargers. The retread coach was handed the keys to a Ferrari, but expecting another 14-2 season, with so many new coaches on board, is wishful thinking. There could be a big hiccup in San Diego this year. Best offensive player: RB LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers. Best defensive player: LB Shawne Merriman, Chargers. Biggest rookie impact: TE Zach Miller, Raiders. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BP Posted September 2, 2007 Share Posted September 2, 2007 Thanks KJ! Earlier in the game, Williams de-cleated tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson on an interception return. LOL@ Cimini! Plagiarism, that was my comment in the game thread. you should credit the source. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kentucky Jet Posted September 2, 2007 Author Share Posted September 2, 2007 http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7180864?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kentucky Jet Posted September 2, 2007 Author Share Posted September 2, 2007 Jets pull few surprises Tuiasosopo remains as third QB; Rutgers' Collins cut Sunday, September 02, 2007 BY DAVE HUTCHINSON Star-Ledger Staff Veteran quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo made the grade. Rookie free-agent cornerback Manny Collins did not. As the Jets trimmed their roster from 75 to the mandatory 53 yesterday, there were only a few mild surprises and coach Eric Mangini and general manager Mike Tannenbaum immediately turned their attention to the waiver wire and possible trade opportunities. Advertisement As expected, the Jets released linebacker/defensive end Andre Wadsworth, defensive ends Kimo von Oelhoffen and Michael Haynes and linebacker Anthony Schlegel, a third-round pick last season, but they also said good-bye to veteran defensive end Bobby Hamilton, who had a strong training camp, and rookie running back Danny Ware, who appeared to be a shoo- in for the third running back position. At the moment, it appears the Jets will stick with rookie left guard Jacob Bender as the starter and they caught a break yesterday when the Patriots put Pro Bowl defensive end Richard Seymour on the reserve/ physically-unable-to-perform list, meaning he'll miss at least the first six games. Even so, the Jets kept six cornerbacks, a rarity, and may be looking to deal one in an effort to obtain a veteran guard. The player most likely to be traded is Andre Dyson, a starter last season who has been slowed by a nagging right leg injury throughout camp. The Jets kept four tight ends -- starter Chris Baker, Sean Ryan, Jason Pociask and Joe Kowalewski -- five counting long-snapper James Dearth. Mangini said he did it because each brings something different to the table and can play out of the backfield as an H-back or in the traditional two tight end. The Jets released 22 players: RB Alvin Banks, T Marko Cavka, Col lins, LB Blake Costanzo, WR Chris Davis, T Na'Shan Goddard, Hamil ton, Haynes, CB Alphonso Hodge, WR Frisman Jackson, G Dominic Moran, WR Evan Prall, QB Brett Ratliff, Schlegel, S Jamie Thomp son, LB Jason Trusnik, G/T Robert Turner, S Raymond Ventrone, C Joe Villiani, von Oelhoffen, Wadsworth and Ware. The decision to keep Tuiaso sopo was one of the biggest sur prises because Mangini is a propo nent of roster flexibility and with wide receiver/quarterback/special teamer Brad Smith on the roster, Mangini could've saved a roster spot by releasing Tuiasosopo. But the play of Tuiasosopo -- he engineered a game-winning, two-minute drive vs. the Eagles -- and the realization that Smith simply has too much on his plate caused the Jets to keep the ex-Raider as the third quarterback. "Brad wears many hats and we've even expanded that," Mangini said yesterday in a conference call. "It was important to me to have him work at quarterback. Even looking at Kellen's (Clemens) progress over a year. I think Brad made a lot of strides over the OTAs (organized team activities) and the preseason and he'll continue to make strides. "But he also has the added load of working at receiver, he works extensively at special teams, we've expanded that to kickoff and punt returns. He has a lot of information that he deals with weekly. I thought this (keeping Tuiasosopo) was a way to actually increase his ability to do more. I really like the things 'Tui' has done so that made it an easier decision." Smith, however, will likely have a package of plays each week at quarterback. Collins, a Rutgers product and Plainfield native, was signed roughly two weeks into camp and immediately caught the eye of Mangini. Cornerback, though, is one of the Jets' deepest positions. "I know we talked a lot about him when he first get here and (his play) impressed me quite a bit,' Mangini said. "He literally got off the bus, took his (condi tioning) test, did the physical, passed all those things, had no meeting time and we threw him out at practice and he made a couple of plays... I thought he did a good job with his opportunities. He has a good outlook on things." Collins is a candidate for the practice squad but with six cornerbacks already on the roster, the Jets may look at other position to fill on the five-player squad. Hamilton, in his 13th season, was beaten out by Mike DeVito, the only rookie free agent to make the roster. Ware lost his job to FB Stacy Tutt, who showed the ability vs. the Eagles to play tailback as well. Notes: The Jets save von Oel hoffen's $1.85 million base salary this season.... Schlegel, a third- round pick, appeared in four games last season and contributed one special teams tackle.... NT C.J. Mosley probably made the team with his three-sack, two-forced-fumble series vs. the Eagles.... Mangini refused to say if RB Thomas Jones would prac tice on Monday but Jones is extremely close. Print This E-mail This More Star-Ledger Jets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kentucky Jet Posted September 2, 2007 Author Share Posted September 2, 2007 http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/articles/show_permalink/final-cuts-kimo-hamilton-go-tui-devito-tes-stay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kentucky Jet Posted September 2, 2007 Author Share Posted September 2, 2007 Jets get early jump on opener with Patriots BY TOM ROCK | tom.rock@newsday.com September 1, 2007 Article tools E-mail Share Digg Del.icio.us Facebook Furl Google Newsvine Reddit Spurl Yahoo Print Single page view Reprints Reader feedback Text size: The postgame locker room had a decidedly pregame intensity. The Jets - or at least the backups wearing Jets uniforms - had just come back to beat the Eagles in the preseason finale Thursday night. But while the participants rehashed plays from that evening, the regular players who were mere observers already were deep in their preparation for the Sept. 9 regular-season opener. Even coach Eric Mangini, Mr. One Day, One Meeting, One Play at a Time, said he's taken more than a cursory peek at some of the Patriots' preseason portfolio in recent days. "It's always good to be able to work a little bit ahead," Mangini said, "so I've caught a couple of the games." The Jets have seven days to refine their Patriots game plan, but they've been working on it since training camp began July 27 and probably have been formulating and figuring since right after the Jets lost their playoff game in Foxboro in January. That focus became more acute after last Saturday's game against the Giants, the last significant game action for most of the regulars. The Eagles game was nice to win, and important in evaluating some of the players who could make the roster. But for many, it was just something to watch other than Patriots game video. "I've been thinking about next Sunday for the past week or so," tight end Chris Baker said after taking an unnecessary shower Thursday night. "Obviously, we've been looking at what they're doing, especially in that third preseason game, that's a big game. We'll really, really get into it now." The season opener is always a tone-setting game. But this year, with the Jets facing the Patriots, it could reverberate for months. The Jets haven't opened the season against a division opponent since 2002, when they beat the Bills in overtime and went on to win their only AFC East title in the last eight years. "Usually we end up playing somebody outside the division on opening day," Baker said. "This is the last team we played last year, and with all the success they've had, it's obviously a big game right off the bat for us." Obviously. Notes & quotes: Talks between the Jets and G Keydrick Vincent, released by the Ravens earlier in the week, have cooled off, according to a person familiar with the situation. Even so, the Jets are one of three NFL teams with an expressed interest in Vincent ... Mangini said he liked what he saw on the winning drive, in which the Jets went 65 yards in 15 plays in 2:47 to kick a 35-yard field goal as time expired. Still, something was missing. "It felt a lot like practice," Mangini said, "but without the music going." ... The Jets, and all NFL teams, must reduce their rosters to 53 names by 5 p.m. Saturday. Sept. 9 Patriots at Jets 1 p.m. TV: Ch. 2 Radio: WEPN (1050) More articles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kentucky Jet Posted September 2, 2007 Author Share Posted September 2, 2007 Hamilton, Haynes among those cut as Jets get down to 53 By ANDREW GROSS THE JOURNAL NEWS (Original publication: September 1, 2007) Veteran defensive linemen Bobby Hamilton, Michael Haynes and Kimo von Oelhoffen were among the 22 players released by the Jets today as they trimmed their roster to the NFL maximum 53. However, defensive end Mike DeVito, an undrafted free agent out of Maine who is the grandson of the late Suffern football coach Ralph Consiglio, did make the cut. "He's the only rookie free agent who made it this year; we had three of them last year," Jets coach Eric Mangini said. "I've been impressed with his approach, his work ethic. He's got good toughness. I've been extremely happy with him." The Jets also decided to keep ex-Raider Marques Tuiasosopo as their third quarterback, which leaves his main competition for that spot, second-year pro Brad Smith, more flexibility to play wide receiver and special teams. But linebacker Andre Wadsworth, the third overall pick by the Cardinals in 1998 who has been out of the NFL since 2000 and undergone 13 knee surgeries since, saw his comeback bid end. Also released today: rookie running backs Alvin Banks and Danny Ware; offensive linemen Marko Cavka, Na'Shan Goddard, Robert Turner, Dominic Moran and Joseph Villani, the last three of whom are rookies; wide receivers Frisman Jackson, Chris Davis and Evan Prall, the latter two being rookies; rookie quarterback Brett Ratliff; rookie cornerback Manny Collins; linebackers Blake Costanzo, Jason Trusnik, an undrafted free agent out of Ohio Northern, and Anthony Schlegel, a third-round pick out of Ohio State in 2006; and defensive backs Alphonso Hodge, Jamie Thompson and Raymond Ventrone. Read more about this story tomorrow in The Journal News and at www.lohud.com/sports and get all your Jets news on Andrew Gross' blog at www.jets.lohudblogs.com. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kentucky Jet Posted September 2, 2007 Author Share Posted September 2, 2007 Happy Birthday BP. I saw a thread from Jetgirl on JI dedicated to you for your birthday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetCane Posted September 2, 2007 Share Posted September 2, 2007 Q: Most embarrassing moment? A: I was the last man on the basketball team my junior year. At the end of a blowout game, it was safe to put me in. I got fouled and the first one was an airball. The referee holding the ball said, "What, are you tired or something?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kentucky Jet Posted September 2, 2007 Author Share Posted September 2, 2007 Q: Most embarrassing moment? A: I was the last man on the basketball team my junior year. At the end of a blowout game, it was safe to put me in. I got fouled and the first one was an airball. The referee holding the ball said, "What, are you tired or something?" Rotflmao! That was excellent, Jetcane! By J.P. PELZMAN STAFF WRITER C.J. Mosley didn't mind the message he received from the press box during the game Thursday. But he also would prefer if that was the last phone call he got from the Jets for the time being. At least until roster cuts are made. Mosley received a phone call from assistant defensive line coach Bryan Cox after the defensive tackle rang up three first-quarter sacks against Philadelphia, all on the same series. And it's possible his play in the Jets' 13-11 victory could be a factor should the Jets decide to keep him. All NFL teams must reduce their rosters to 53 players by 4 o'clock today. "I thought C.J. Mosley did a very nice job," coach Eric Mangini said after the game. "He's been able to, throughout the preseason, provide some pressure in four-man rushes and even three-man rushes." Mosley finished the preseason with a team-high four sacks. He sacked Philadelphia backup A.J. Feeley on consecutive plays in the first quarter, and forced a fumble on the second sack. The ball went out of bounds and the Eagles continued the drive, but it ended on Mosley's second strip sack, which teammate David Bowens recovered on the Jets' 38. GREEN MACHINE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Football writer J.P. Pelzman tackles all the behind-the-scenes stories about your New York Jets. Visit the blog Listen to The Record SportsCast "I never had anything like that," Mosley said of his productive series. "I'm sure he'd love to figure it out and bottle it," Mangini said of Mosley's three-sack series. "He's done some nice things throughout the preseason. ... He's getting more and more time in the system and that's good." Mosley was acquired in a trade with Minnesota a year ago Friday, and contributed seven tackles and one sack in five games. "It takes time to adjust from a 4-3 to a 3-4," the third-year pro said, "but I feel I can do it." When asked if he had made a case to stay on the roster, Mosley responded, "I would hope so, but that's up to them." He said that Cox's message to him was "don't be satisfied with [the three sacks]. Keep going out there and playing football." That neatly summarizes the goals of all the backups who played in the otherwise meaningless game. Marques Tuiasosopo, looking to be the third quarterback, led a 65-yard drive in the final 2:43 to set up Mike Nugent's game-winning 35-yard field goal as time expired. "Hopefully, I've made a case for myself," said Tuiasosopo, who was 9-for-16 for 78 yards while playing the entire second half. "There's not much else I can do. I hope that [with] what I've shown and what I've done, they will evaluate that and see me as someone they would like to have on their team." "I was pleased with the mechanics of that two-minute drive," said Mangini, who also noted that Tuiasosopo didn't need to use any timeouts before the final drive. Tuiasosopo also ran for an 11-yard score early in the fourth quarter, giving the Jets a 10-3 lead. Another player on the fence who may have helped himself is second-year linebacker Anthony Schlegel, who had six tackles and forced a third-quarter fumble that was recovered by teammate Drew Coleman. "I don't know if I showed [them] anything," said Schlegel, a third-round draft pick who played only four games last season. "I just think when you get presented with an opportunity, you've got to go out there and make the best of it. I just go out there every day and try to make plays, and let the chips fall where they may." "I can look myself in the mirror," he added, "and say I did everything I could. Whatever happens, happens." E-mail: pelzman@northjersey.com 7188958 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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