The Jets signed former Ravens running back Musa Smith late Tuesday afternoon to an undisclosed deal, another move indicative of a team transitioning toward a power ground game. The 6-0, 232-pound Smith, an unrestricted free agent whom the Jets worked out last week, played in 49 games the last five years with the Ravens, rushing for a career-best 264 yards (75 attempts) and catching 27 passes for 192 yards in 2007. Overall, in his five-year career with Baltimore, Smith had 496 yards and four touchdowns on 132 carries. He was taken in the third round by the Ravens (77th overall) in the 2003 draft.
Much more to come Wednesday and Thursday from the OTAs...
Comments (11)
Erik, do you think the Jets are making the right move by going to a power running game? I personally like the moves they've made with the offensive line, and other places where they have gotten bigger. Do you see any negatives that we fans might be missing?
That was my question exactly...the Jets have always been this first down after first down team, but that's killed us when we're down. The Giants were the same way until they started utilizing Plaxico; we really need to emphasize a big play potential if we're going to have a shot...its hard to do anything when teams know that our running game doesn't have the ability to break long runs or our passing game can't threaten outside of 15-30 yards...just say it ain't so...I'm tired of watching us go down and then just flounder continuously.
Wouldn't it be nice for once, to have the Jets dominate the line of scrimmage. I mean dominate, bring the fear.
Mr. Green T, I know exactly what you mean...and we finally seem to be headed in the right direction.
Maybe there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel. This season hopefully will say a lot about where we will be for years to come. I'm hoping we have put "blow outs" and "put away teams" success. Go Jets!!
Hey Erik, you're getting props around "town". Just don't let it get to your head. lol Looking forward to today's report.
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/jets/2008/05/jets-add-musa-smith.html#comments
Erik: I'd like to hear more about Bryan Thomas. Mostly I hope to hear he's not a waste of space and cap money but reality has a nasty way of stomping hope.
Good job on the blog Erik. I wouldn't mind hearing about BT and for that matter C. Pace. He's a big investment on a guy with a limited resume. But regardless of what he shows in camp, the big tell will be on Sundays.
And for the RB position you do need the bodies to take the beatings in camp. Can't hurt and I like the big power backs. They may not hit the home runs but they convert those 3rd and short and wear down the defense. Enough of the fade on a 3rd and 2, smash it down their throats with Faneca, Mangold...
Big A, one drawback to a power running game is implementing that kind offense with players ill-suited to do so. I think Mangini has always favored that type of offense but didn't, until this year, feel comfortable dedicating himself to it. As Jetvet pointed out, how many times last year did the Jets fail on third-and-2s? Plenty and the advantage is obvious to being able to just had the ball off in those situations. The other drawback, of course, with the "power" offense is becoming too predictable. Even though third-and-2 might become a running play now, a guy like Keller, in theory, gives yet another option to whomever wins the quarterback job. And don't forget the effect Bill Callahan, with his experience in the West Coast offense, will have. So while the Jets are moving toward a power attack, I don't think that's what they'll solely be, if that makes sense. That's a very short answer to the question, one obviously we'll wade deeper into in the coming weeks and months.
Erik, how are the running backs getting their reps? Anyone getting more touches or standing out? And don't forget a little update on my beloved punters...if you please.
Thanks for the comments, Erik. I see your points. I was very frustrated with their inability to make first downs on 3rd and short. I'm fully behind the Jets FO in changing to a bigger OL and power run offense. I guess the next step is how well the coaches can meld the players they now have with the new scheme and how creative they can be out of these formations. I agree about Keller. It will certainly be a lot of fun to see him cause all sorts of matchup problems with a defense trying to stop the run. Thanks.