Kentucky Jet Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 NYJ Spotlight on Leon Washington By Angel Navedo on July 13th, 2008 Back with a vengeance! Remaining on the offensive side of the ball, this would now be the appropriate moment to shift your focus to Leon Washington. He may be our number two running back, behind Thomas Jones, but the skill set Leon brings to the table contains a massive arsenal for which teams must be prepared. Selected in the 4th Round of the 2006 Draft, Leon is one of the best things to come out of the Herman Edwards era. That Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kentucky Jet Posted July 14, 2008 Author Share Posted July 14, 2008 Rhodes Gets Fox Soapbox at Mets Game Published: Fri, July 11, 2008 - 10:25pm EST By Randy Lange Lange is editor-in-chief of newyorkjets.com. He covered the Jets for 13 years for The Record of Hackensack, N.J. File Under: Mike Tannenbaum, Kerry Rhodes, Jets Night at Shea, Fox-TV change font email article 07/11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kentucky Jet Posted July 14, 2008 Author Share Posted July 14, 2008 Offensive Line Rankings There is already an open DataReader associated with this Connection which must be closed first. PRINTER FRIENDLY Offseason Low Down Archives Line play heavily influences fantasy production. A dominant run-blocking line can turn an undrafted free agent into a 1,600-yard rusher, or resurrect a declining back's career. A unit that can't protect will often get its quarterback hurt or ruin a team's season. We saw that last year in St. Louis, and to some extent in Carolina, Chicago, and Baltimore. Taking statistics, scheme, experience, and depth into consideration, I've ranked the league's offensive lines in order from 1-32. Note that in-season injuries are the biggest variable when ranking offensive lines. That's why having experienced or promising depth behind a starting five can matter so much. Listed below the teams are Gregg Rosenthal's o-line rankings from the last two seasons. And with training camp only two weeks away, it's getting to be time to pick up Rotoworld's Online Draft Guide. 1. Patriots 2006: 8 2007: 9 Throwing out their Super Bowl performance -- we'll credit Steve Spagnuolo's fire-zone blitzes for that, rather blame line coach Dante Scarnecchia or the Pats' talent -- this Logan Mankins, Stephen Neal, and Matt Light-led unit was unrivaled in 2007. All five starters return from a group that allowed only 21 sacks despite attempting the fifth most passes in the NFL. Reserves Wesley Britt, Ryan O'Callaghan, Oliver Ross, and Russ Hochstein all possess starting experience and position versatility. 2. Colts 2006: 10 2007: 1 The Colts can manufacture linemen and GM Bill Polian drafts for scheme fit. Losing a starter (e.g. Jake Scott this offseason) is rarely a problem. Tony Ugoh didn't miss a beat on Peyton Manning's blind side after Tarik Glenn's surprise retirement last year, and is an upgrade athletically. After C Jeff Saturday retires, 2008 second-rounder Mike Pollak will probably replace him. All the members can pass block. Indianapolis hasn't yielded over 25 sacks in a season since 2001. 3. Browns 2006: 19 2007: 29 The additions of Joe Thomas and Eric Steinbach were a godsend to Cleveland's offense last season. Both play with a mean streak and are mobile pass protectors. Kevin Shaffer proved a better fit at right tackle after manning the blind side in 2006, and RG Ryan Tucker and C Hank Fraley are solid starters. The Browns are exceptionally deep with G/C Rex Hadnot signed to push Tucker. Whoever finishes as Cleveland's quarterback should have a nice, clean jersey in Week 17. 4. Cowboys 2006: 17 2007: 22 Dallas' powerful starting five boasts a massive tackle-guard combo of LT Flozell Adams (6'7/340) and RG Leonard Davis (6'6/354). Jerry Jones invested two high draft picks on projects James Marten and Doug Free last April, and either could replace contract-year RT Marc Colombo in 2009. This group supports Marion Barber's no-nonsense running style and protects Tony Romo more than adequately. 5. Vikings 2006: 9 2007: 8 Minnesota might've topped this list if not for LT Bryant McKinnie's legal woes. McKinnie is unlikely to be available for more than 12 games this season and would be replaced by squatty guard Artis Hicks. It's still a top-five unit due to the dominant inside work of C Matt Birk, LG Steve Hutchinson, and rising RG Anthony Herrera. After Herrera was installed as a starter in Week 6 last year, the Vikings averaged 175 rushing yards per game despite Adrian Peterson's injury. Young RT Ryan Cook, a college center, is still developing. Tested veteran Marcus Johnson provides depth behind him. 6. Jaguars 2006: 20 2007: 5 Another group of maulers, Jacksonville's line consistently wins the battle at the point and boasts sound depth. Khalif Barnes isn't the ideal blind-side protector and has had off-field issues before, but RT Tony Pashos and LG Vince Manuwai are 320+ pound run-blocking specialists. G Uche Nwaneri and backup LT Richard Collier are promising prospects. The Jags' yards-per-carry average was second in the league in 2006 and tied for third in 2007, thanks in no small part to these trench warriors. 7. Eagles 2006: 12 2007: 3 The Eagles surrendered too many sacks in 2007 as LG Todd Herremans and LT William Thomas played hurt. Thomas may be on his last legs, but this remains one of the NFL's most talented, deep lines. C Jamaal Jackson, RG Shawn Andrews, and top backup Max Jean-Gilles are beasts inside. RT Jon Runyan is a vicious run blocker. Philadelphia ranked second in the league in yards per rush last year. 8. Chargers 2006: 11 2007: 2 San Diego would be higher if not for C Nick Hardwick's foot injury (Hardwick could miss the first quarter of the season). LT Marcus McNeill does a first-rate job protecting Philip Rivers, while Hardwick, Mike Goff, and Kris Dielman are mainstays inside. RT Jeromey Clary, a potential liability, is probably better cut out to play guard. 9. Giants 2006: 14 2007: 15 There were doubts about David Diehl's ability to play left tackle in 2007, but he held up and was rewarded with a $31 million extension in May. Steady guards Rich Seubert and Chris Snee are also signed long term. RT Kareem McKenzie is a 6'6/330-pound bruiser. The Jints have experienced reserves in Grey Ruegamer and Kevin Boothe, and are still high on the potential of OT Guy Whimper. It's a power blocking unit designed to clear lanes for a deep stable of backs. 10. Titans 2006: 24 2007: 14 Tennessee made sure intimidating tackles Michael Roos and David Stewart would be around for the long haul this offseason, extending both through 2013. Leroy Harris has been developed to replace retired G Benji Olson. C Kevin Mawae is the line's heart and soul and Jake Scott comes from Indianapolis to replace Jacob Bell. The run-first Titans pound the rock behind this group. 11. Jets 2006: 29 2007: 19 The Jets paid the price for mishandling Pete Kendall's situation last summer, but should have one of the AFC's top units again with LG Alan Faneca added between youngsters D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold. Though he may struggle in protection, RT Damien Woody should be an upgrade over Anthony Clement in the ground game. The additions bode well for Thomas Jones. 12. Buccaneers 2006: 26 2007: 16 Road-grading guards Arron Sears and Davin Joseph, both top-35 picks the last two offseasons, are this group's strength and support Earnest Graham, master of the four-yard gain. New C Jeff Faine also helps. LT Donald Penn was up and down as a first-year starter in 2007, but will benefit from the adversity. 13. Seahawks 2006: 1 2007: 10 Once almost indisputably the league's best, the Seahawks' line has taken a step back since losing Steve Hutchinson. Young C Chris Spencer has battled injuries and RT Sean Locklear has been a shade inconsistent. Still, LT Walter Jones remains a legitimate All Pro and Seattle gets fine all-around line play even if Shaun Alexander's statistics didn't support it. 14. Panthers 2006: 13 2007: 21 When it rains it pours, and we saw how bad it can get last year in Carolina. The Panthers' lost multiple quarterbacks and starting LT Travelle Wharton to injury. With mauling first-round tackle Jeff Otah on board, John Fox should get back to his rock-pounding ways and feed Jonathan Stewart religiously. 15. Broncos 2006: 3 2007: 6 Denver's zone-blocking system is a plus, but uncertainty at center (Tom Nalen, 36, is recovering from knee surgery) and competition at right tackle leaves room for concern. While first-round LT Ryan Clady should succeed immediately, we can't reasonably put the Broncos higher than this. 16. Packers 2006: 27 2007:16 The Packers haven't found great depth behind technically sound OTs Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton, but they impressively blend power and zone blocking and have a promising interior line with at least four starting-capable guards. Aaron Rodgers wouldn't have an obvious excuse if he failed as a starter. 17. Bengals 2006: 4 2007: 4 It's easy to like the nucleus of LG Andrew Whitworth, G/T Stacy Andrews, and rookie Anthony Collins, but left tackle Levi Jones' health has become a serious question mark. There are also issues at center, and RG Bobbie Williams and RT Willie Anderson are aging. This line is great in pass pro and can power block with anyone if it jells, but Rudi Johnson's performance has sagged badly the past two seasons. 18. Redskins 2006: 5 2007: 7 The Redskins have quality starters, but their depth is questionable and knocks Washington down in our rankings. Two members (RT Jon Jansen and RG Randy Thomas) are coming off serious injuries. But if they're healthy, this can be a potent run-blocking wall for Clinton Portis. 19. Steelers 2006: 6 2007: 13 Pittsburgh's line gets somewhat unfairly criticized for yielding sacks because no QB hangs in the pocket (often with success) like Ben Roethlisberger. Rashard Mendenhall's addition should make the group look better because he'll likely be a better inside runner than Willie Parker and will pick up the blitz. 20. Bills 2006: 18 2007: 22 LT Jason Peters is quietly threatening a holdout, but when he's on Buffalo opens holes and is above average in protection. RT Langston Walker and LG Derrick Dockery are monster maulers. 21. Saints 2006: 28 2007: 11 This finesse line showed its true colors last season, particularly on the ground. It's really a middle-of-the-pack group, but still talented (LT Jammal Brown, G Jahri Evans) with developmental depth (T Jermon Bushrod, G Andy Alleman). Sean Payton throws more than anyone, even Mike Martz, which helps Drew Brees' numbers but can leave the linemen out to dry. Though Brees keeps defenders off him with a quick release, he's hurried as much as any QB. 22. Cardinals 2006: 26 2007: 27 Arizona threw a ton in 2007 and this group protected well. But the Cardinals ranked 30th in yards-per-carry average. 23. Texans 2006: 31 2007: 31 This group couldn't keep Matt Schaub healthy in 2007. Position coach Alex Gibbs' addition will help the ground attack, but Houston will likely start a rookie left tackle this year and the protection could be up and down again. 24. Bears 2006: 15 2007: 12 The Bears' line got old all at once in 2007, but should rebound some with John Tait moving to his natural right tackle position and first-rounder Chris Williams installed on the blind side. Still, Chicago's run blocking could remain inconsistent. 25. 49ers 2006: 32 2007: 17 San Francisco's line has potential, but C Eric Heitmann, G David Baas, and RT Jonas Jennings are coming off injuries. Martz's offense is pass heavy, so they need to get healthy and keep their heads on a swivel. 26. Rams 2006: 20 2007: 18 This unit was decimated by injuries last season. Though they possess plenty of talent, there are too many "ifs" for the Rams' line to be considered average. 27. Ravens 2006: 28 2007: 30 The middle of Baltimore's line is a strength, but replacing Jonathan Ogden with raw second-year man Jared Gaither may not bode well for the Ravens' quarterback. 28. Dolphins 2006: 30 2007: 21 Miami's line has major power potential, but there are concerns about LT Jake Long's athleticism and the interior play. 29. Raiders 2006: 23 2007: 32 Oakland has an excellent position coach in Tom Cable, but LT Kwame Harris was a turnstile in San Francisco and JaMarcus Russell could be on his back quite a bit in his first year starting. 30. Lions 2006: 25 2007: 24 Perhaps the Lions have been unfairly downgraded here due to outrageous sack totals under Martz, but this group isn't any good until proven otherwise. 31. Chiefs 2006: 4 2007: 25 Athletic first-round pick Branden Albert helps, but this is unlikely to be a successful line this season with multiple unproven starters. 32. Falcons 2006: 7 2007: 23 New LT Sam Baker has T-Rex arms and RT Tyson Clabo isn't a power player. Atlanta's quarterback could be a sitting duck in 2008 and Michael Turner threatens to disappoint. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 Jets Team Report The Sports Xchange Inside Slant Marcus Henry has heard comparisons to Super Bowl prognosticator Plaxico Burress, and he realizes the parallels are drawn because of their size. Henry, a sixth-round pick of the Jets is 6-foot-4, while NFL veteran Burress is 6-5. But the rookie realizes there is a lot more separating the two of them than one inch of height. “Plaxico is a good receiver,” said Henry, who already has been signed by the Jets. “I don’t think I’m anywhere near him. Hopefully, I can develop my game here with the Jets and be that type of receiver.” While the Jets are set at the starting wideout spots with veterans Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery, Henry can definitely contend for playing time in 2008, and not merely on special teams. Henry said, “I think I’m the type of receiver that’s a big target and can go up and get the ball.” Although Henry doesn’t have blazing speed, his route-running ability and height helped him to 54 receptions for 1,014 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Kansas Jayhawks in his senior season in 2007. His height makes him a potential red-zone target, and he showed flashes of that ability during the Jets’ spring practices. Kansas coach Mark Mangino is considered an offensive guru by some, and even though it doesn’t compare to a pro playbook, the Kansas playbook was pretty thick. The offense “was pretty complex,” Henry said. “We had a lot of schemes we had to learn. It’s kind of the same here, except it’s a lot more complex. … It helped a lot, just the way our offense was run. It helped me out coming up here and learning this offense.” “Getting Marcus with the 171st pick is a steal for the New York Jets,” Mangino said. “They will like everything about him, his ability, work ethic and the way he conducts himself on and off the field. If Marcus had redshirted, he would have been one of the premier wide receivers in college football this year.” And here’s what another “Man-genius” had to say about Henry. “It’s a whole new world for him because in college they didn’t play a lot of press” coverage, Jets coach Eric Mangini said of Henry’s transition. “Now people are up in his face (and) he’s having to deal with that.” But Mangini also indicated he likes the progress Henry made during the spring. “I don’t worry about the pressure (of New York) or anything like that,” Henry said. “I just go out there and play on the field, that’s my focus. I don’t really worry about the cameras.” Camp Calendar: Camp opens July 24 (first practice). Rookies report July 16. Quarterbacks and injured veterans report July 20. Veterans report July 23. The official end date for training camp has not been announced. Notes, Quotes • The Jets waived WR/KR Ashlan Davis, CB Kenny Patton and FB Justin Valentine. Davis, a former CFL player, didn’t even practice for the Jets before being cut. He was signed June 10, four days after spring minicamp ended. None of the three has any NFL experience, although at least Patton and Valentine practiced with the Jets during the spring. • Despite their competition for the quarterback job, Kellen Clemens and Chad Pennington still get along well. “Honestly, it really hasn’t changed our relationship,” Clemens said. “Everything that even happened throughout the course of last year, where I came in and he came back and I went back in, it’s never changed the dynamic of our relationship. It’s been a real positive I think for the team that we’re able to not let the issues that have come up between us and since there’s going be attention that we get now, to be a distraction.” Clemens added, “I’m very fortunate to be competing with a guy like Chad, it makes what could potentially be a very hostile environment and a hostile relationship, awesome. … I have put myself in his shoes. That only deepened my appreciation of how he has handled this situation. He’s a phenomenal guy.” • The New York Mets honored six former Jets before their game against San Francisco on July 8, calling it Jets Night. The Jets played at Shea Stadium from 1964-83 before moving to Giants Stadium. This is the Mets’ final season at Shea before moving to a new stadium next door, Citi Field. The former Jets on hand were CB Randy Beverly, RB Emerson Boozer and C John Schmitt from the 1968 Super Bowl champions, as well as WR Wesley Walker, DT Marty Lyons and LB Greg Buttle. Schmitt and Beverly both expressed disappointment at the impending move of the team’s training facility from Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. to Florham Park, N.J. Schmitt, a Hofstra alum, was especially dismayed, saying, “They might as well move it out to Wyoming someplace. … They might as well be a million miles away from home.” He also noted that fans who watch practice at Florham Park in summers to come could be those who can’t get Giants’ season tickets. Beverly was similarly disappointed, saying, “It’s sad that they’re leaving. Hofstra just meant so much to the Jets. There was a lot of history there.” Beverly actually lives in Jamesburg, N.J., but believes the Jets still belong on Long Island. Quote To Note: “It’s pretty exciting knowing I’m getting paid to do it.”—WR Marcus Henry on being in the NFL. Strategy And Personnel The Jets already have signed two of their six draft choices, the last two. Both seventh-rounder Nate Garner, an offensive lineman from Arkansas, and sixth-rounder Marcus Henry, a wide receiver from Kansas, are under contract. That left four picks yet to be signed. First-round linebacker Vernon Gholston (Ohio State), first-round tight end Dustin Keller (Purdue), fourth-round cornerback Dwight Lowery (San Jose State) and fifth-round quarterback Erik Ainge (Tennessee). General manager Mike Tannenbaum takes pride in not having drawn-out contract impasses such as the one with cornerback Darrelle Revis last year, and certainly doesn’t want that to happen again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 (above article continued) UNIT-BY-UNIT ANALYSIS Quarterback: Starter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kentucky Jet Posted July 14, 2008 Author Share Posted July 14, 2008 Even Years Serve The Jets Well - ARCHIVES Friday, July 04th 2008, 1:14 am by Pietro DiSante Many New York Jets fans are wondering what they can expect from the 2008 season. If the last ten years have taught Jets fans anything, it is that an even year can’t hurt for Gang Green. Since a new era of Jets football began (Parcells 1997), even year seasons have been much better than odd year seasons. Starting with 1998, the Jets had a great season and went 12-4. They won the AFC East and made it to the AFC Championship game. In 2000, the Jets had a decent season under Al Groh and sported an impressive 9-7 record after Bill Parcells left the team. In 2002, The Jets went from 2-5 to 9-7 and won the AFC East. It was one of the best years for modern Jets fans to enjoy with the spark and leadership of Chad Pennington. In 2004 the Jets rebounded from a 6-10 record to make the playoffs and were a kick away from the AFC Championship. Lets not go there, it was still a very good year. In 2006 they rebounded from a 4-12 record to go 10-6 and make the playoffs. Chad Pennington also played well enough to win the Comeback Player of the Year Award. You could say that is just a team who played good during the even years no biggie, how different could the odd years be? Lets take a look. In 1999, the Jets looked to be the favorite in the AFC to reach the Super Bowl, but a Week 1 injury to Vinny Testaverde ruined the season and the team only managed to go 8-8. 2001 is the only flaw to my system. The team went 10-6 and made the playoffs, but the team was put in a bad position having to play in the black hole immediately after shocking the world by upsetting the Raiders. In 2003 Pennington was injured and a team that had so much promise only went 6-10. 2005 was another horrible year when Chad Pennington and Jay Fiedler went down with injuries. The team led by Brooks Bollinger and Vinny Testaverde only managed to go 4-12. Last year was another bad year during an odd year season. The team had offseason problems and when the 2007 season came it only got worse. The Jets went 4-12 with a team that should have been better. Jets Record during even year seasons over the last 10 years: 50-30 Jets Record during odd year seasons over the last 10 years: 32-48 The good news is 2008 is an even year Jets fans! With all the additions the Jets have made, most people expect them to improve. Judging by the last 10 seasons, this season has been written in the stars. Expect the Jets to yet again bounce back from a bad season with a good one in 2008. Lets not think about 2009 just yet… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kentucky Jet Posted July 14, 2008 Author Share Posted July 14, 2008 Now Is Not The Time To Give Up On Kellen Clemens. Saturday, February 09th 2008, 10:44 am by Pietro DiSante If the 2008 playoffs has taught Jets fans anything, it is that the offensive line and defensive line wins championships. Another thing it taught us is that sometimes quarterbacks just click and begin to play well. This occurred with Giants quarterback Eli Manning and he played well beyond anyone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 Here are recent height/weight alterations for 11 other Jets on the training camp roster: Player Old Ht Old Wt New Ht New Wt WR David Ball 6'0" 197 6'1" 200 DT Thomas Johnson 298 305 OL Will Montgomery 312 310 DT C.J. Mosley 314 305 LB Marques Murrell 246 250 K Mike Nugent 5'9" 188 5'10" 190 OL Clint Oldenburg 300 310 TE Jason Pociask 6'2" 6'3" QB Brett Ratliff 224 235 WR Paul Raymond 170 185 CB Jonathan Zenon 176 193 As of this morning, D'Brickashaw Ferguson is still listed at 312 lbs, Kris Jenkins at 349, Damien Woody at 335, and Alan Faneca at 307. It is likely that all four of those are wildly inaccurate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#27TheDominator Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 As of this morning, D'Brickashaw Ferguson is still listed at 312 lbs, Kris Jenkins at 349, Damien Woody at 335, and Alan Faneca at 307. It is likely that all four of those are wildly inaccurate. I'm sure they aren't accurate, but at least changing weight is plausible. Am I supposed to believe that Ball and Nugent grew an inch? Do you think they were measured or did they just supply a driver's license with the new height? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slats Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 As of this morning, D'Brickashaw Ferguson is still listed at 312 lbs... That's the only one I cared about as I looked down that list. Would've been encouraging if he was listed at 320 or so. The fine/reward system in place for Jenkins should keep his weight in line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 I'm sure they aren't accurate, but at least changing weight is plausible. Am I supposed to believe that Ball and Nugent grew an inch? Do you think they were measured or did they just supply a driver's license with the new height? They now start measuring from the lowest part of the scrotum, unlike at the combine. Same as before, just a different measuring spot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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