Pelzman- Pats have more then Moss

[Kentucky Jet]

JETS

Patriots have more than Moss

Saturday, September 8, 2007

By J.P. PELZMAN

STAFF WRITER

The Jets' defense is preparing for New England on Sunday with the assumption that Randy Moss will play, balky hamstring or not.

But even if he isn't a big factor, some other talented wide receivers could be when they make their Patriots' debuts against the Jets. Donte' Stallworth, signed as a free agent in March, has 28 touchdown receptions for New Orleans and Philadelphia over his five seasons in the NFL.

Wes Welker, acquired from Miami in a trade, had a career-high 67 receptions last year in his third NFL season. Because of all of this receiving depth, the Patriots decided to release Reche Caldwell, the team-leader in receptions last season with 61.

"We've seen them all play before," strong safety Kerry Rhodes said of New England's new wideouts. "I played against Randy Moss my first year. I've seen Wes Welker with Miami. I've seen Donte' with Philly. We know what they're all capable of doing and we know that they're great receivers."

Welker is a "do-all-receiver," said outside linebacker David Bowens, a teammate of Welker's with Miami. "He's one of those guys that you can put in the slot and basically [can] run any route. He's not scared to go over the middle. He's not scared to take a hit. He gets right back up. He's a tough guy. ... He's one of the guys you can go to if you want to get a first down."

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Football writer J.P. Pelzman tackles all the behind-the-scenes stories about your New York Jets.

Another receiving threat is tight end Benjamin Watson, who was second on the team in 2006 with 49 catches. The Patriots might choose to go after rookie cornerback Darrelle Revis, who is expected to see a lot of playing time Sunday.

"They will be throwing the ball a lot," Revis said. "You just have to play hard [and] do what you have to do to make plays."

"We'll be ready to play," Rhodes promised. "We have a good game plan."

BRIEF: RB Thomas Jones (calf) again said after practice he's "feeling a lot better" and it appears he will be ready to play Sunday, although the Jets officially listed him as questionable because his participation in practice was limited.

E-mail: pelzman@northjersey.com

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Jets' position breakdown

J.P. Pelzman's position-by-position breakdown of the 2007 Jets:

OFFENSE

Quarterback

In his second year in coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's system, Chad Pennington must improve on his 17-16 ratio of touchdowns to interceptions. Should Pennington slump, the Jets now consider second-year player Kellen Clemens to be a viable option as a starter, something he wasn't last season.

Running back

Thomas Jones isn't a superstar but is a solid pro who can get yardage both outside and between the tackles. But his lack of work after suffering a strained right calf last month could slow his progress in the offense. Leon Washington is a breakaway threat as a runner or receiver and again will get plenty of offensive touches.

Wide receiver

Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery totaled 173 receptions last season and again should be a formidable 1-2 punch. Coles is as good a possession receiver as there is and Cotchery, though not blessed with great speed, showed an ability to make the big play in 2006. Justin McCareins could provide a deep threat and rookie Chansi Stuckey runs precise routes and has good hands.

Tight end

Chris Baker has plenty of ability (remember his disputed but spectacular non-catch against Cleveland last season), but issues on the Jets' offensive line mean he again may have to stay home and help block on passing downs quite often.

Offensive line

Second-year center Nick Mangold already seems like an old pro and the right side has stability with steady guard Brandon Moore and tackle Anthony Clement. The left side could be a problem. Second-year player D'Brickashaw Ferguson has the potential to be a shutdown tackle but needs to be more consistent and either rookie Jacob Bender or Adrien Clarke has to replace disgruntled Pete Kendall, traded last month.

DEFENSE

Defensive line

Dewayne Robertson is improving rapidly in the system but doesn't have the bulk of a prototypical 3-4 nose tackle. Left end Shaun Ellis also needs to continue his adjustment. The Jets expect Dallas import Kenyon Coleman to succeed at right end where last year's free agent acquisition, Kimo von Oelhoffen, failed.

Linebacker

Outside 'backers Bryan Thomas and Victor Hobson should be able to build on very good 2006 seasons. Rookie David Harris figures to push both Jonathan Vilma and Eric Barton for playing time and will be a key figure in the rotation. Vilma needs to make more impact plays and show he can be a good fit in this scheme. Free agent pickup David Bowens could be a good situational pass-rusher.

Cornerback

Rookie Darrelle Revis is a quick learner and could start Sunday. He eventually could become a Pro Bowler. Andre Dyson and David Barrett both are solid and there's plenty of depth with Justin Miller, Hank Poteat and Drew Coleman.

Safety

Strong safety Kerry Rhodes should have made the Pro Bowl last season. Second-year player Eric Smith was challenging for Erik Coleman's free safety job in camp before Smith was sidelined by a hamstring pull.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Mike Nugent connected on his last 21 field-goal attempts last season and has improved his leg strength. The Jets would like to see Ben Graham, who is excellent at situational punting, avoid a late-season drop-off. Miller and Washington are game-breakers on kickoff returns and Washington and Revis likely will handle punt returns. James Dearth has been a reliable long snapper for the past six seasons.

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