I know. These practice reports don’t read the way they used to. I’ll have to talk to Eric Mangini allowing me to document these regular season practices as thoroughly as those in training camp. I’m sure we can work something out.
So today we saw 45 minutes of practice with none of that time seeing the Jets do any 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 drills. It was stretching, special teams and individual position drills. Still, there’s always something:
* Both Laveranues Coles and Shaun Ellis went through the full practice, or at least the time we watched. Neither appeared to be limited in either way, which is a good sign. Justin Miller spent the practice on a hand bike on the sideline.
* While the defensive backs worked together, rookie Dwight Lowery worked almost exclusively as the starting corner opposite Darrelle Revis. Mangini, earlier in the morning, was asked about the Jets plans there.
“Well, Dwight has worked with the first team, David Barrett has worked with the first team, Hank was worked with the first team, and that’s part of the thought process there is to have multiple guys that can fill in,” Mangini said. “You saw last week we worked a lot of guys in a lot of different spots [including Barrett at safety] in the secondary to build that flexibility.”
I’ve commented before about how Lowery carries himself and here’s another example: before practice Lowery was asked if the prospect of starting in Miami for the opener was “daunting.”
“It’s not a daunting thing,” Lowery said. “Your teammates depend on you, regardless of who is in there they expect you to contribute as if no one ever went down. I think that is the biggest thing I place upon myself. I don’t want to let my teammates down.”
* The first 11-on-11 situation we saw was the Favre-led offense against the “show” defense [in this case, impersonating the Eagles]. The only plays run, however, were rushes by Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. Yes, Jones got a couple more carries.
* Mangini commented on the lack of running game thus far in the preseason this morning.
“I really think that it’s not something that is inherently flawed in terms of the way that we’re approaching it,” Mangini said. “I don’t think that the blocking has been poor. I think it’s been a function of some individual breakdowns. And we have transitioned over the last two weeks to radically different fronts than what we’ve seen, and very stylistically different.”
Mangini did mention – as some blog readers pointed out – playing against some 4-3 fronts has been the cause of the run game’s struggles, but here’s some more of the full text on what he said:
“That’s not in any way an excuse for the numbers that we’ve had,” Mangini said. “It’s got to be better. We’re going to face 4-3 teams and we’ve got to do a better job of understanding how we fit, how the linebackers are going to throw, where the hole is and prevent the negative plays. “
After Favre slung a 12-yarder over the middle to Chansi Stuckey (Revis was in coverage), a horn went off and an assistant coach said, “7-on-7s!” And with that, our time watching practice was done.
Same schedule tomorrow as today: Eric Mangini’s press conference at 10:15 a.m. followed by locker room access. While headed for that locker room access today, Dave Hutchinson of the Star Ledger offered this on the exceedingly quotable Favre, to whom we had just spoken to.
“You ask him what time it is and you can write 15 inches,” said Hutch, not a bad quote himself, of what would be a medium-length newspaper story.
Anyway, back to tomorrow: open practice follows locker room access from 11:40-12:25. OK, time to write newspaper things and I look forward to watching Seahawks/Chargers along with Democratic National Convention coverage tonight. Don’t judge my hobbies.
Comments (35)
I can't wait to see what it's like to have both Coles and Cotchery on the receiving end of Favre's passes. Should be real intersting this season! Hopefully we get a peak for one series in the last Preseason game against Philly.
I can't wait to see what it's like to have both Coles and Cotchery on the receiving end of Favre's passes. Should be real intersting this season! Hopefully we get a peak for one series in the last Preseason game against Philly.
I can't wait to see what it's like to have both Coles and Cotchery on the receiving end of Favre's passes. Should be real intersting this season! Hopefully we get a peak for one series in the last Preseason game against Philly.
I agree with Mangini, the running game will be fine when the passing game has another couple of weeks of practice. I would love to see more Leon Washington in the running and screens.
Eric quick question...what do you think the impact of Tony Richardson will have on the running game?
so erik the jets are doing nothing special for hofstra tomorrow?
are these practices outside or in the bubble?
Mike, Richardson should have a big impact. He's been the lead blocker for six 1,000-yard backs in his career for a reason [which has led to three Pro Bowls]. He's a totally selfless player in that regard, too, which automatically makes him a favorite of Mangini.
Tom, the Jets haven't confirmed that but it would make sense that after a couple days off after the Philly game that they'll practice Sunday/Monday at the new facility in Florham Park. Nothing special is going to happen at Hofstra. That came, whatever "that" was, with the last practice that was open to the public last Wednesday.
Jake, these practices are outside, but on the fields enclosed within the Jets facility at Hofstra. They're not open to the public.
Erik,
I can tell you now, it will be Obama and Biden leading the Blue team. They're promising to give us a new look. The QB may need more experience, but he has shown some athletic talent on the basketball court. So far he has displayed intelligence and doesn't make many mistakes. The leader of the defense, Biden, likes to talk a little trash but he brings savvy to the game. The oddsmakers have made them a slight favorite--but a lot can happen between now and the November Super Bowl.
Hey E.Bola,
For some reason, you struck me as a McCain kinda guy, but whatever.
Alright, I like the Favre-Cotchery connection and I like Favre-Keller hookup. Favre-Coles is an unknown, but I think things are promising. Having had 2 weeks to absorb "The Trade," here's where I stand, if there are no playoffs this year or at least one playoff win, "The Trade" was a failure.
Clemens showed good stuff against the G-men, as did Ratliff. Sitting Clemens for another season equals loss of real-time developing & learning, which brings me back to the conditions needed to make "The Trade" a success. If "The Trade" is a failure, you've now accomplished nothing but wasting a valuable year of development for Clemens as QB of the NYJ.
In short, still against "The Trade," and only a playoff win will change my mind.
RC Meany, to quote the oft-quoted Suzyn Waldman, "Oh my goodness gracious."
Erik, as a proffesional kitten juggler and NY Jets fan, I don't judge anybodies hobbies. As far as your non-football watching tonight, I always prefer a little HST campaign reading primer. It keeps the mind limber.
Hey maybe next week at the Republican rally, Tom Brady gets injured a three-way fist fight with Chuck Norris and Ann Coulter. One could dream.
You guys better watch or you're going to set Cliff off into one of his Black is White, Republican Newspeak tirades.
And, by the way, Tony Sparano just named Pennington his starter for the regular season.
Did anyone see highlights of the MIA-KC game? I was wondering why the score was so lop-sided. Other than Lying Herm and Father Time's systematic destruction of KC's offense.
Hey Boland,
I know you covered the Giants. What are your thoughts of the Giants bringing Strahan back to replace Osi? I am a Jets fan, so really do not care what the Giants do. But might affect my Fantasy Football defense.
Roger I agree with 1/2 of what you said. No playoff win and the season with or without Favre is a failure. Clemens probably still would have been #2 anyway, so to me that is a wash. After Favre is done, the JETS are going to look at FA for a QB anyway.
Boland, Cimini says that Barrett playing safety means he's more likely to be cut, I can see that or I can see it meaning he has less of a chance of being cut. Also what are the chances they cut him AFTER asking him to take a pay cut. Is that a possibility?
Roger, I set the bar a bit higher than one playoff win.
One win, why bother, in the big picture who cares and who will remember? Been there done that.
Need to make the AFC championship for it to begin to be worth it.
Actually one playoff win is close to my biggest nightmare regarding the trade, make the playoffs barely, one and done, lose a second round pick, Favre retires.
Like you I was against the trade at the time, but now have come around to the concept, especially with Brady, Peyton and Merriman hurting, who knows? Miracles do happen.
Maybe the Joe Willie curse has been reversed now that they have moved from Hofstra?
Haha, John, I was going to leave that one alone. I always knew Boland was a commi.
Probably wanted pant-suit to win too.
EB - Would be excellent this week if you could sacrifice a boring Newsday Nazi-Editor question and ask Eric/Brian if they have been watching how the Eagles use Westbrook in an effort to put some more effective plays in for Leon Washington - very similar players in stature and skills.
Also - 20 bucks says we'll see Warren Sapp in an Obama sponsored Buccaneers Singlet with sequins on Dancing with the stars this season.
Wow, Cliff, of all the nasty things you've said to me, that's the worst. I'm proudly registered as an independent and enjoy both conventions for their entertainment and occasional news value. But calling me a HRC supporter crosses the line...
Roger, I liked McCain much better in 2000. Still undecided on this one if you must know. I want to live-blog the debates.
dmb, I'm with you on it being unlikely they would cut him after the pay cut thing. And now with Miller being hurt, they're not going to want to lose that depth, bad as it might be. If I had more promising news to share on that front, I'd do so. But, hey, I thought there was no way in heck Favre would end up in NY so maybe you'll get surprised again.
James, all I know is our NFL guy Bob Glauber reported this earlier: "The Giants and Michael Strahan have had preliminary discussions about a potential return to the team, although it's premature to say whether Strahan would be willing to come back. It depends on whether he wants to actually play, and how much he's willing to play for."
My initial thought is Strahan convinced himself he was done after last season and someone getting injured won't changed that. But we should know by now these things can't be predicted.
Mr. Green T, professional kitten juggler...priceless once again.
Haha, Boland I jest and I jest and I finally hit a nerve. Sorry for crossing the line, I didn't know you hated our fearless Commi Comrade Clinton (alliteration, chyee) too. Hell, how'd she last so long if everybody hates her?
I agree...even though watching the DNC at my house will result in a serious of events unfolding 1) Cursing 2) Remote, Bottle and dog thrown at the TV 3) My dad ripping the cord out of the wall. Merely mentioning the word pant-suit in the house results in a vicious tirade. Needless to say, John, he's much worse than I am since I consider myself more inclined to vote for someone in the middle.
And I must say. RC and Green...you guys crack me up.
Noted Barrett at safety after replay on SNY....sorry for mistake...ty for updates
Wayne,
This team was 4-12 last season. I'm not looking for miracles here, just wins. I'd suspect that if they do make it to the playoffs and they win at least one, then Favre is more likely to stick around for a 2nd year making the trade worth it. If they lose, they basically lost the opportunity to test Clemens with a full season of work and are left guessing as to whether he or Ratliff can handle the starting duties.
E.Bola,
Independent? Guess we've got more in common than I thought. Now if you'd just drop that Cleveland thing....
Independent works but I'm leaning towards apathetic. We just lived through the WORST Presidency in nearly 100 years but my life has barely changed. We did something right when we structured government in order to limit the damage these guys can do. Personally, I prefer Obama but I'm not going to get all worked up if he loses. Let's face it, the South has a LOT of electoral votes but whatever....
Erik, you do the live blog and i'll be there. I just hope my pantsuit doesn't ride up again, it itches so.
Guys, I'm conducting a poll. Three questions:
Who is more insincere--- John Edwards or Woody Johnson?
Who would you rather have in a foxhole--- George W. Bush or Hillary Clinton?
Is David Barrett our best CB since Aaron Beasley--- Yes or No?
This year will the Jets break their team record for interceptions (34 in 1964) in a season?
[I know. That's 4 questions.]
RC,
34 is a lot of INT's. I will go with the under and say 26 which is still good. Wow the Chargers and Seahawks had no problems running the ball against a 3-4 or a 4-3.
Definitely John Edwards.(PSLs)
Hillary Clinton would scare anyone off.
Barrett is better than Miss Beasley but I don't think he's the best.
40 INTs this year!
1. Woody Johnson - John Edwards had two "wives" to go with his "Two Americas" I fail to find the insincerity...
2. Hillary Klinton - Personally, I'm not a fan but is there anything George W. Bush hasn't screwed up? It'll take this dorkus two seconds to reveal your position to the enemy. Plus, if given a choice, I'd rather share a small space with the ugliest woman than any man but that's just me...
3. I'd rather choose between Browning Nagel and Rick Mirer than Missus Beasley and David Barrett...
4. I'll go with 20 INTs.
1) I'm fairly certain that's a lose lose. I'm going with Edwards because I think he's done it more than once.
2) I've read the fury of the Communist Comrades in WWII. Clinton in the hole with me.
3) False. Justin Miller.
4) I'm guessing Rhodes gets 8 this year (4 from penny). Revis gets 6. Lowery a handful. Maybe mid 20's...but we'd need another pro bowl corner to get us to 36. BRING US LITO.
1) Why don't those two have to share a foxhole? That way the dirt could be thrown over the both of 'em.
2) Clinton, for all the reasons J gave. Plus she's meaner.
3) Throw 'em in the foxhole.
4) Mid-thirties, as long as they don't fall in the foxhole and tear a Hibiscus.
I was getting worried--couldn't get on Erik's blog. Kept getting those submission error messages. I was starting to think he should call this thing Boland's Blogjam.
You guys are great. Your answers are better than the questions.
Keep them coming.
I think the INT predictions are high but I'm not ripping the Jets. If the Jets front seven performs like it did on Saturday night, opposition QBs won't have time to throw them...
Mr Green T,
Try wearing panty hose under that pant suit, or switch to natural fabrics.
Up here in Patriots country it seems the sky is falling. Cassell is a dissapointment. I heard one comment about how bad the offensive line is and how Brady is likely to get hurt this season...I don't belive a word of it. Belichick has a way...
I can't wait to see the Miami rivalry heat up again. these Pats fans think they're our only rival...they're just the new guys in town...Miami is much longer, and deeper.
I'm not sure that only making it to the AFC championship game must be the goal for it to be a successful year. The only saving grace to me is that Penny is out of the way for KC to develop. I dont think that would have happened even if he got the initial starting role. Also, you might have noticed that last year the receivers dropped many of KC's passes as they were more accustomed to Penny's softballs. I recall 3 of his 10 INT's were on balls that hit Jets in the hands, chest, then popped up for picks.
This year, even in the Cleveland game, he was victimized by drops. As soon as Favre showed up in practice, these guys set their minds to catching NFL QB throws, and KC looks a lot better. In fact, last year, I thought he played very much like a young Favre with his less than nimble scrambling and forcing throws.
I don't think a quick exit in the playoffs is a good year, because we lose a 2nd rounder and drop our draft position. Short term, this team is much better without CP but we've been through dozens of short term solutions in the past 40 years. I would like to enter 3 or four straight seasons as "the team to beat" in the east.
Favre can't offer that and that's why I'm against this trade.