Jets News

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'Other' Brett throws twist in No. 2 battle

BY RICH CIMINI

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Monday, August 18th 2008, 8:45 PM

Weissman for News

Brett Ratliff (r.) likely won't unseat Brett Favre as starter any time soon, but he could push Kellen Clemens down on the depth chart.

A COUPLE OF quarterbacks from the same town - Chico, Calif., - are living in Brett Favre's shadow. There's no doubt which one has it tougher.

For Aaron Rodgers, Favre's successor in Green Bay, it's a 24/7 competition against a ghost. For the Jets' Brett Ratliff, it's a stress-free, nothing-to-lose, everything-to-gain situation.

And he's gaining - on Kellen Clemens.

As the Jets head into the final week of training camp, the unlikeliest of positional battles has developed: Ratliff is pushing Clemens for No. 2. It won't be easy to unseat Clemens, who was competing for the starting job until the Favre trade, but Ratliff is giving the coaching staff reason to pause.

Ratliff threw 70- and 71-yard touchdowns in the preseason opener, and he followed up with an almost come-from-behind victory Saturday night over the Redskins. With the Jets down by three with 1:02 remaining, he marched the offense 71 yards before being sabotaged by a dropped pass in the end zone (rookie Paul Raymond) and a missed field goal from 23 yards (Mike Nugent).

Favre might lead the NFL in preseason hype, but Ratliff tops the league with a 119.6 passer rating.

Who is Brett Ratliff? He was undrafted last year, signed with the Jets as a free agent and spent the season on the practice squad, where he worked as a scout-team wide receiver. He struggled so much at quarterback that it took an "act of Congress" for him to make the right play call in the huddle, Mangini joked.

Coming into this season, Ratliff was an afterthought, a happy-to-be-here player who was going to have a front-row view of the Clemens-Chad Pennington battle.

"The story of his life," Jeff Jordan said yesterday in a phone interview. "He always seems to be coming out of nowhere."

Jordan coached Ratliff at Butte College, a two-year school in Oroville, Calif. Ratliff landed there because he didn't receive any Division I offers out of high school. Weird twist: His predecessor at Butte was Rodgers, an old high-school rival.

After two productive seasons at Butte, Ratliff signed with the only I-A school that showed interest - Utah, which was scrambling to replace Alex Smith. Smith left after his junior year and became the No. 1 overall pick by the 49ers. It made for a wild game of musical quarterbacks:

Ratliff succeeded Rodgers at Butte. The 49ers famously passed on Rodgers to select Smith, whom Ratliff eventually replaced at Utah. Now Ratliff and Rodgers are in the middle of Favre World.

"I'm trying to learn as much as I can from Brett," said Ratliff, whose 2008 salary ($295,000) is less than Favre's weekly paycheck ($706,000). "He has a lot of wisdom I can learn from."

Ratliff (6-4, 235) has led the offense to 20 points in 11 possessions, albeit against backups. For Clemens, uneven since the start of camp, it's zero points in six possessions. Ratliff has completed 69% of his passes (27-for-39) for 400 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Each week, he receives more reps in practice.

"I like his progress," Mangini said.

If Ratliff has a bad day, no sweat.

"If I make a mistake, I make a mistake," he said. "It's not the end of the world."

His homey in Green Bay wishes he could say the same thing.

THAT HURTS: Promising WR David Clowney, the Jets' leading receiver after two games, has a broken collarbone, the Daily News has confirmed. In most cases, that's a 4-to-6 week injury. ... GM Mike Tannenbaum must be trying to collect future Hall of Famers. He was in the hunt for former Pro Bowl S John Lynch, according to multiple reports. Lynch signed last week with the Patriots. The Jets got CB David Barrett to take a $1.4 million pay cut, in part, to create cap room for Lynch. ... Rookie DB Nate Lyles was waived. ... After an off day, training camp resumes today with a 1:30 practice.

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'LEARNING' CURVE

GHOLSTON BEGINNING TO SETTLE IN AT NEW POSITION

By MARK CANNIZZARO

STANDING TALL: Rookie Vernon Gholston, who missed some offseason preparation because of school commitments and a late contract signing, says he is still learning the ins and outs of his new position.Last updated: 3:44 am

August 19, 2008

Posted: 3:06 am

August 19, 2008

Vernon Gholston has been toiling a bit in his first NFL training camp, but his fortune is the fact that his No. 1 pick presence has been overshadowed by the much larger aura of Brett Favre.

The fact is, if Favre were not here, Gholston, because of where he was drafted (sixth overall), would be drawing a lot more attention than he has to date and, based on his early struggles, that's probably not a good thing for him. That's attention he'd probably rather not have.

To his credit, Gholston, the linebacker out of Ohio State who missed some offseason preparation because of school commitments and a late contract signing, has acknowledged that he's struggled.

Early in camp, coach Eric Mangini was asked about Gholston and said the rookie was "swimming." When told of Mangini's comments, Gholston joked that he was "drowning."

In fairness, Gholston, who was a pass-rushing specialist as a down lineman in college, is learning a completely new position as a professional - standup outside linebacker.

"I'm still learning; it's getting better," Gholston said. "Everybody tells you just to go, but it's kind of hard when you don't know where to go."

This is where Gholston's problem lies. He hasn't yet matched his physical speed to knowing where he's supposed to be speeding toward.

He appeared to struggle more in the preseason opener against the Browns than he did Saturday against the Redskins.

"Going back to the [browns] game, it was kind of rough," Gholston conceded. "[since then], I've really picked up on it. I'm a little more comfortable out there. Some things I'm actually [picking up] off the pre-snap read and jumping on it.

"It's coming," Gholston said. "It's just one of those things where you'll be out there and sooner or later you'll realize you're making plays and you're not thinking at all."

After the Redskins game, Gholston sounded as if he was picking things up.

"I was able to not think so much and just go out and play," he said. "I was able to settle down and play as opposed to being out there running around like I had my head cut off. I had a little more fun [against the Redskins].

"I felt some nervousness out there, but that will soon go away. Getting game experience is what it's all about. You get a better gauge of yourself. I want to use this game and keep improving."

JetsNew York Jets defensive coordinator Bob Sutton said Gholston learning a new position has him "a little out of his comfort zone."

"He's converting from basically being a down end to a stand-up outside linebacker," Sutton said. "There's a transition there that happens. The longer he is here and the more comfortable he gets with the system, he's going to be fine."

Mangini said he's seen some signs of the player Gholston can be.

"There's been some times where you see the pass rush ability, the raw power," Mangini said. "He's got very strong hands. He's got a great ability to control the line of scrimmage. Those traits just naturally come out especially [in] a one-on-one drill or something where it's less processing, but you want to see it translate into the game and into the practices, and it will come.

"When you're doing it for the first time, it's all new [and] it's just a lot of stuff to process. You keep chipping away at it and eventually the fog clears and things look a lot better."

mark.cannizzaro@nypost.com

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FAVRE STILL TRYING TO DIGEST JETS OFFENSE

By MARK CANNIZZARO

Posted: 3:06 am

August 19, 2008

Brett Favre, in a radio interview yesterday, indicated that he spoke to coach Eric Mangini yesterday about trying to pare down the number of offensive plays in order for him to get comfortable as he crams for the start of the season.

"I had a long talk with Eric," Favre said on 1050 ESPN Radio. "I don't want to think, I want to react. There's got to be some middle ground there. That's what we're trying to find. I'm trying to get as much digested as possible.

"A lot of times you can make this as complicated as you want to."

Favre indicated that the goal is to "simplify" things and "use the guys to the best of our ability."

He said the JetsNew York Jets ' offense "is totally different" from the Packers system he was in the last 16 years.

"Some of the terms we used in Green Bay we use here, but they mean something totally different," he said.

Favre said "there's a tall mountain in front" of him in terms of the task he faces, adding, "I'm up to the challenge and I hope this thing works out."

He said he knew coming to New York "would bring with it high expectations and high energy."

"But," he said, "we all knew how quickly that can fade. I don't want to come here and fail. I want to come here and play well - for me and for this team - and in the process bring some energy to the fans."

Favre reiterated that he spoke to WR Laveranues ColesLaveranues Coles , who's been so upset about Chad Pennington's release that he's refused to speak to reporters since.

Favre said he told Coles, "I'm not here to replace Chad PenningtonChad Pennington as a person. I'm here as the new quarterback of the Jets. I told Laveranues, 'I think it'll work out, that being a friend of Chad is not going to change. I'm not here to replace him; I'm here to throw you passes. I'll do my best to get passes to you.' That's all I can do and that's all I can say."

*

The Jets yesterday waived CB Nate Lyles. . . . There was no practice yesterday. The team resumes practice today at 1:30 p.m.

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August 18, 2008

Favre on the radio

And no, he's not replacing Chris 'Dog' Russo as Mike Francesa's sidekick. He appeared in 1050 ESPN, the Jets' station, for about 10 minutes or so today with Michael Kay. Nothing earth-shattering, and much of it was what he already has said.

Some highlights:

'I don't want to come in here and fail.' Obviously, he's motivated to do well and show everyone, especially Green Bay GM Ted Thompson, he has something left.

He said he told WR Laveranues Coles that 'I'm not here to replace Chad Pennington as a person.'

'Age is just a number.' He'll be 39 on Oct. 10. He also said he remembers his first TD pass, and for that matter, every TD pass and interception in his career. [His first TD went to Sterling Sharpe on Sept. 20, 1992, against Cincinnati.]

He said he and Eric Mangini 'haven't talked about' how much he'll play Saturday against the Giants, but reiterated his desire to play extensively in that games because he needs to get his 'feet wet.'

His old team came up once more, and he indicated he isn't necessarily rooting against the Packers, because he still likes the guys in the locker room there, but he'd like for the Jets to 'do better' than the Pack. He said there's no animosity and said he has a 'great relationship' with coach Mike McCarthy, but admitted to a 'few disagreements' with Thompson.

In other Jets' news, they again waived rookie S Nate Lyles, who was cut two days before the start of training camp and then re-signed nine days later.

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King" of the Jerks

Posted by Bob Bullock August 18, 2008 6:39PM

Categories: News

Peter King rips the Jets' fans for not showing up for the "preseason" debut of Brett Favre.

What, does he think we all live in Green Bay where there is nothing else to do but go watch a preseason football game? King, we're talking about a preseason game here buddy, give it a rest. I would bet the ratings for that game were pretty darn high, but why should fans spend money, fight traffic, cancel vacation plans or whatever else, for a PRESEASON game?

We are New York fans and we all realize that it was a good story, but the REAL game is Sept. 7th in Miami when Favre takes the field for the first time in Green and White AND it counts. You can bet the Meadowlands will be packed out the following week for the home opener against the Patriots too.

To rip the fans for not showing up for a preseason game is just ridiculous. I've noticed King just writes crap for the hell of it sometimes and that note was certainly one of those times. I also noticed he didn't write a thing about the amount of folks that attended some of his first practices either. He also didn't mention a word about the jerseys that have been sold since he was traded to Gang Green.

King is just another one of those pompous journalists who thinks they can write whatever they want and get away with it. That doesn't cut it when you make a stupid comment about Jets' fans.

I guess King will be ripping the Giants' fans tomorrow for not filling the stadium to welcome back the Super Bowl Champions too, huh?

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Favre makes sure Jets' Keller has a ball

BY ERIK BOLAND | erik.boland@newsday.com August 19, 2008 The night's prize sat in a cubbyhole above Dustin Keller's locker at the Meadowlands.

"Dustin, congratulations on your first touchdown, [signed] Brett."

It was the football with which Brett Favre hit the tight end for a 4-yard touchdown in Saturday's 13-10 preseason loss to the Redskins, a pass that was significant for both players.

Though unofficial as far as the record book is concerned, it was Favre's first touchdown pass as a Jet, and for the rookie from Purdue, his first touchdown reception.

So who would get the ball?

"Favre came up to me later in the game and said, 'I was going to let you have the ball but I think I am going to keep it,'" Keller said after the game. "I said, 'OK, that's cool, I will keep the next one.'"

But it was a misdirection play on Favre's part.

"As soon as I get in the locker room, I get a tap on my shoulder from him and he says, 'You deserve this, here you go,'" Keller said.

Favre said he considered keeping the ball but changed his mind.

"I think it's probably more important that he keeps the ball," Favre said. "He's got tremendous talent. I hope he has a lot more of those."

The indications are that Keller will. Keller was not the first option on the play, Bubba Franks was. But Franks got caught up at the line and when Favre looked Keller's way, he saw the rookie easily had shed Redskins linebacker Rocky McIntosh and Favre delivered a strike.

Keller, who in the third quarter caught a 22-yard pass from Brett Ratliff, said it was a simple reason why he didn't feel any nerves when he broke open in the end zone.

"It was coming too fast [to think]," Keller said. "I think my heart stopped for a second."

Keller laughed when asked about Favre's "fatigued" arm, a story line from the middle of the week.

"It didn't feel fatigued," Keller said.

Both Keller and Jerricho Cotchery, who caught a pretty 19-yard touch pass from Favre three plays before the touchdown pass to Keller, commented on Favre's ability to throw a variety of passes. But they also came away impressed with his commanding huddle demeanor, despite only having a modicum of the playbook memorized.

"Very much in control of the huddle, like he always is, and very much in control of the game," Cotchery said. "And that allowed us to be in control as an offense, as a unit. We felt like everything that we were going to run was going to work."

Keller, speaking within minutes of Cotchery, gave an almost identical response.

"He is real calm and collected in the huddle, even though he is new with the offense," Keller said. "Every single time he comes in, it's like he has been with this offense for his whole career. We are more calm and collected. We just feel really good about it."

As for his souvenir, Keller felt good enough about that to plan some moderate construction.

"It's going in the trophy case," Keller said before pausing. "I don't have one yet, but I might build one just for that ball."

Saturday

Giants at Jets

7 p.m.

TV: Ch. 2

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Anybody else can find anything feel free.

My lights are flipping on and off from the storm, so it's becoming hard to post.

Can't work

Can't fish

Can't play golf

Can't post.

Today is going to be boring

[JETSFAN5180]

Cimini jumps on the Ratliff bandwagon too!! Ive been saying this kid was gonna be good is gonna be good you name it.But I guess since now Cimini says so all is perfect.Imagine that.

[SoFlaJets]

I think Kentucky Jet is back starting tomorrow morning-thanks to Flgreen for stepping up to the plate for the board