Kentucky Jet Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 For those missing Faneca and killing Slauson -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/fo..._the_jets.html Check out the stat comparison...have to give this time He was steamrolled by a 350-pound Tongan tank when the thought crossed his mind for the millionth time: I'm going to get my quarterback killed. For all the strides Matt Slauson has made since taking over as the Jets' starting left guard, he knows being good most of the time isn't good enough. His job is as simple as it is critical to the Jets' Super Bowl dreams: Protect Mark Sanchez on every play. So, when Ravens defensive end Haloti Ngata ran over Slauson before sacking Sanchez in the season opener, more questions arose over Slauson's readiness to take over for nine-time Pro BowlerAlan Faneca. The second-year offensive lineman has accepted the pressure of making sure the Jets' $50 Million Man stays upright, but can he deliver? "I think about that all the time," said Slauson, whose education continues against the Bills Sunday. "I know teams are coming after me. If Mark gets hit wrong, if anything happens, he could be out … and it could be my fault. I think about that a lot. But I can't be scared about it. If I play scared, he will get hit." * * * The Jets' pass protection has been uneven so far, allowing five sacks in the first two games before keeping Sanchez clean last week. Despite the perception to the contrary, Slauson has made incremental improvements. He's logged plenty of hours in the film room with offensive line coach Bill Callahan to better anticipate scenarios, improve communication with the rest of the offensive line and "play faster with his eyes," Callahan said. He also has a better feel for making calls on certain plays. "He's striving for perfection," said Callahan, who coached Slauson at Nebraska. "He wants to be precise." Mistakes, of course, can prove costly with Sanchez's health at stake. Although the second-year quarterback insists that he doesn't "even worry about Slauson," the truth is that one missed block could derail the season. "He took such a bad rap in that (Ravens) game," Sanchez said. "He had one bad play. That just goes to show you how tough it is to play in this league, e specially at his position. I'm not sugarcoating it. I'd tell you, 'Hey, he needs to do much better,' but the dude's doing a really good job." There have been some close shaves since Slauson started competing with rookie Vlad Ducasse for the vacant spot. The "Hard Knocks" cameras caught general manager Mike Tannenbaum cringing at Slauson's missed block against the Panthers in the preseason. Tannenbaum specifically mentioned season-ending knee injuries to Carson Palmer and Tom Brady, while watching the replay of Carolina defensive tackle Derek Landri beating Slauson and diving at Sanchez's knees. "You see that and you say, 'Is Ducasses that bad?'" the general manager said at the time. As a result of that play, the team mandated that Sanchez wear a knee brace. "They would have wanted me to wear it," Sanchez said. "Mr. Johnson would be sick if something…" Slauson is fully aware of the doomsdsay scenario. * * * The comparisons were inevitable after the Jets released Faneca in April. The new left guard would be judged against the perennial Pro Bowler's impressive resume. "Obviously, I don't have the same experience that he's got," Slauson said. "He knows exactly what's happening on every play because he's seen it thousands of times. I'm not quite there yet. Once I do get a little more experience under my belt, I'll be fine. And everybody else won't even notice a difference anymore." Sometimes perception is reality. Sometimes it's way off base. Although Slauson is not nearly as effective as Faneca as a pulling left guard, his pass protection is certainly comparable to the future Hall of Famer's right now. ProFootballFocus.com graded only five full-time starting guards worse than Faneca last season. Faneca allowed six sacks, two hits and 15 pressures in 2009. In three games with the Cardinals this year, Faneca has given up one sack, one hit and an eye-opening 10 pressures on the quarterback. He gave up four pressures in Week 1, a sack, a hit and four pressures in Week 2 and a pair of pressures last week. His only penalty this season was declined. By comparison, Slauson has allowed two sacks, no hits and one pressure on Sanchez, according to ProFootballFocus.com. Last week, he committed three penalties, including a pair of critical holding calls that wiped out a completion that would have given the Jets the ball at the Miami 5, and Sanchez's touchdown scramble. So, does Slauson believe he's the weak link? "Yes and no," he said. * * * On the surface, there are plenty of parallels between 2007 and 2010. In 2007, the team's decision to trade disgruntled veteran left guard Pete Kendall over a salary dispute left them with free agent Adrien Clarke and Jacob Bender, a rookie sixth-round pick from a Division I-AA school. Chad Pennington was injured in the season opener thanks to a porous offensive line that allowed 53 sacks (29th in the league) that season. This year, Slauson, a second-year sixth-round pick, and Ducasse, a rookie from a Division 1-AA school, were left to fill Faneca's void. "Pete was gone (two days before) the third preseason game," center Nick Mangold said of the difference between the scenarios. "That's no time to get ready for a season with a whole new left guard. We've known for quite some time now that (Slauson) was going to be in there or Vlad. We had time to adjust and make the necessary improvements." Clarke and Bender turned out to be busts. (Clarke is in the UFL and Bender is a member of the Saints practice squad). The Jets management and players believe Slauson and Ducasse are long-term answers for the offensive line. Slauson has already been buoyed by his study habits. He's analyzed every hand and foot placement on film to make sure that he never experiences another Ngata moment again. "For a young player, pass pro is always the hardest thing to do on a consistent basis," right guard Brandon Moore said. "I know it was for me." Slauson realizes that every opponent will try to attack the interior left side of the line. So, his education never stops. "Teams are looking at me and saying we can really take advantage of him," Slauson said. "I need to go out there and say, 'No.… you can't.'" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DMaynard Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 Fanaca has given up 10 pressures in 3 games??? Yeah, I'd say he is done. He will only get worse and Slauson will only get better. Looks like the Jets knew what they were doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE ILK Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 Fanaca has given up 10 pressures in 3 games??? Yeah, I'd say he is done. He will only get worse and Slauson will only get better. Looks like the Jets knew what they were doing. This. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NIGHT STALKER Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 This. Weren't you the guy that was killing the Faneca cutting or was that me? Man, I missed the ball on that one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE ILK Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 Weren't you the guy that was killing the Faneca cutting or was that me? Man, I missed the ball on that one. It wasn't me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 Impossible. I was told this was a huge mistake because of his first 3 NFL starts. If a guy isn't really good - or even great - by then, he's never going to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RutgersJetFan Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 I can't for the life of me understand the hate for releasing Faneca from some on here. He's been absolutely putrid this season, worse than Slauson even. What Babineaux did to him in the Atlanta game was far worse than what Baltimore and Miami's lines did to Slauson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbatesman Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 Why can't they both suck? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slats Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 I really expected Ducasse to be the starter at LG this year. If Slauson holds onto the job and continues to improve, it's simply huge. Ducasse can learn all the positions this season, and maybe start focusing on RT next spring - if there is a spring! And yeah, it was Faneca's time to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bitonti Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 Why can't they both suck? this is my question it's not a matter of replacing faneca with slauson and gee they both suck. it's a matter of replacing faneca with someone good. ideally i think Vlad they wanted to be that guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE ILK Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 this is my question it's not a matter of replacing faneca with slauson and gee they both suck. it's a matter of replacing faneca with someone good. ideally i think Vlad they wanted to be that guy. In order to feed Revis' family, they have to try and develop some lower pick guys from with in. In order to do that, they have to cut dead weight like faneca, despite what you seem to think there is a salary cap. Between Slauson and faneca, Slauson was the better choice. You and the rest of team disney did not agree, now you're just singing a different tune. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbatesman Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 In order to feed Revis' family, they have to try and develop some lower pick guys from with in Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE ILK Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 Don't do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slats Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 In order to feed Revis' family, they have to try and develop some lower pick guys from with in. In order to do that, they have to cut dead weight like faneca, despite what you seem to think there is a salary cap. Between Slauson and faneca, Slauson was the better choice. You and the rest of team disney did not agree, now you're just singing a different tune. There is no cap this year, so if the Jets wanted to pay Faneca and bring Brett Favre in to back up Sanchez for $20M Revis and his family still would've been able to eat okay. The problem on the Jets is lack of lower picks. Tanny likes to trade up and trade for vets. It's paid off a lot of the time, so I can't kill him over it as much as I have in the past, but it still effects the depth on this team. Having only four picks in a draft as deep as 2010 sucks. Sucks worse that despite all the talent available, it's shaping up like Tanny's worst draft yet. Jets need to win it all this year, because they gave away a couple picks each for Edwards and Cromartie (with another pick due next year on Cro), and right now I'd be surprised if either of them is with the team next season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kentucky Jet Posted October 3, 2010 Author Share Posted October 3, 2010 Why can't they both suck? Because one sucks and the other is coming on with experience and as the OL gels, he will get even better. Sorry....! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bitonti Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 In order to feed Revis' family, they have to try and develop some lower pick guys from with in. In order to do that, they have to cut dead weight like faneca, despite what you seem to think there is a salary cap. it should be noted that the Jets are paying Alan Faneca 5 million dollars to play for another team. cost savings were significant (~2 M) but not huge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 it should be noted that the Jets are paying Alan Faneca 5 million dollars to play for another team. cost savings were significant (~2 M) but not huge. The way Faneca is playing in Arizona, it appears the Jets are getting their money's worth on the move. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE ILK Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 it should be noted that the Jets are paying Alan Faneca 5 million dollars to play for another team. cost savings were significant (~2 M) but not huge. It should be noted that, that is getting Slauson invaluable experience, and he's better than faneca! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE ILK Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 There is no cap this year, so if the Jets wanted to pay Faneca and bring Brett Favre in to back up Sanchez for $20M Revis and his family still would've been able to eat okay. The problem on the Jets is lack of lower picks. Tanny likes to trade up and trade for vets. It's paid off a lot of the time, so I can't kill him over it as much as I have in the past, but it still effects the depth on this team. Having only four picks in a draft as deep as 2010 sucks. Sucks worse that despite all the talent available, it's shaping up like Tanny's worst draft yet. Jets need to win it all this year, because they gave away a couple picks each for Edwards and Cromartie (with another pick due next year on Cro), and right now I'd be surprised if either of them is with the team next season. All the more reason to let Faneca go and get Slauson some experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BroadwayJ667 Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 I've been saying it for months. Faneca can still run block, but his pass protection is washed up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE ILK Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 I've been saying it for months. Faneca can still run block, but his pass protection is washed up Our running game is doing just fine, we are 3-1 and Slauson is not the reason we have a loss. Plus our passing game is so much more instrumental this year, thank God we don't have faneca out there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenranger Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 He was fine today Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SenorGato Posted October 4, 2010 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Still strikes me as a JAG type. No offense to him or anything. Who knows...maybe he outworks everyone for the next 5 years here... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetsfan80 Posted October 4, 2010 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Still strikes me as a JAG type. No offense to him or anything. Who knows...maybe he outworks everyone for the next 5 years here... He was never meant to be a long-term solution at LG, Ducasse is. Slauson was a project we were confident could handle a starting job or be a crucial backup. Ducasse was a player we graded as having 1st round value but took in the 2nd round. Sure, its POSSIBLE we shift Ducasse to RT and Slauson remains in our plans for LG. But my guess is we bring in a decent starting-caliber lineman via free agency next year, one way or another. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Integrity28 Posted October 4, 2010 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Before we spend any more time bitching about our O-line... I suggest we tune into the Giants/Bears game. Sometimes you don't know what you've got until you see Cutler get sacked 10 times in a half. I'll gladly put up with 1 hold per game from Slauson if it means no DE ever gets to tee off on Sanchez like Tuck and Umenyora have tonight on Cutler. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthernJet Posted October 4, 2010 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Fanaca has given up 10 pressures in 3 games??? Yeah, I'd say he is done. He will only get worse and Slauson will only get better. Looks like the Jets knew what they were doing. Tanny made the right call again IMHO. Faneca having a horrible year so far and will probably grade out in bottom 5 again. He cant pass protect to save his life. PLUS, he is a clubhouse lawyer from what I hear to boot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BroadwayJ667 Posted October 4, 2010 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Still strikes me as a JAG type. No offense to him or anything. Who knows...maybe he outworks everyone for the next 5 years here... But every team needs those guys. Nothing special about them, but they do their job. That is one of the signs of a good team. Good role players Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleedin Green Posted October 4, 2010 Share Posted October 4, 2010 I can't for the life of me understand the hate for releasing Faneca from some on here. He's been absolutely putrid this season, worse than Slauson even. What Babineaux did to him in the Atlanta game was far worse than what Baltimore and Miami's lines did to Slauson. Absolutely agree. Even more so than that, outside of the penalties and one embarrassing play against Baltimore, he really has not been that bad. For a second-year sixth round pick making his first few starts, I've been pleased. I was more worried with the play of some of our veterans the first few weeks, but it looks like they've all shaken that off these past two weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green DNA Posted October 4, 2010 Share Posted October 4, 2010 The Cards gave up 9 sacks yesterday. I'm sure that Faneca played no part in any of that boondoggle though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JiF Posted October 4, 2010 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Why can't they both suck? Well because one was a 10 time probowler that the Jets let go...so he's got to be good. And the other plays for the Jets currently...so he's got to be great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMC Posted October 4, 2010 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Teams can't have stars at every position. They need their fair share of JAGs to compliment the stars. The Jets have stars, so there is nothing wrong with having a JAG at LG. The problem with Faneca on the field was that he was treated as a star but played no better than a JAG. If that's the case, let the young JAG (Slauson) play instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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