Before we begin, anyone else notice a half-empty stadium for the Giants/Browns game last night? An embarrassing lack of fan support for the boys in blue, the DEFENDING Super Bowl champs no less. No excuses, Giants fans, for missing out on a preseason game and all of its inherent passion and excitement. Shameful.
And now to today’s practice report [yes, that was a joke, sarcasm, etc. in the above sentence]:
* Brett Favre, though not particularly sharp overall, had a couple of nice throws today; an 18-yarder to Jerricho Cotchery and a 25-yarder, again to Cotchery, on a cross. During his first 11-on-11 Favre threw a 12-yard dart to Bubba Franks, who was immediately upended by Kerry Rhodes. The day ended with Favre running the two-minute offense – he hasn’t done much of that so far – and there were mixed results. The situation was the offense down 24-21 with two minutes left. The drive started with Favre delivering a nice ball to Chansi Stuckey on the left sideline for 18 yards. After Darrelle Revis knocked down a pass for Brad Smith, Favre connected with Stuckey on the right side – beating Revis and Hank Poteat with a strong throw – for 13 yards. On second-and-9 from midfield, Favre again hit Stuckey, this time near the left sideline (he had gotten away from Poteat) for 19 yards. After Favre spiked the ball, he threw behind Smith where Revis intercepted. BUT, a penalty negated the pick and Mike Nugent eventually kicked a 54-yard field goal to tie it at 24.
* Kellen Clemens, in his two-minute opportunity, had an interception by Dwight Lowery wiped out by penalty. Clemens threw several good passes to Chris Baker in moving the offense to the 35 but Nugent was wide right on a 53-yarder that would have tied it. No, for those who have asked, there wasn’t another kicker in today.
* Erik Ainge threw his best ball of camp, a 40-yarder into the seam to Dustin Keller – who else – with the ball dropping between linebacker Cody Spencer and David Barrett (dmb, I always think of you when I write about No. 36).
Unfortunately, Ainge threw just a horrible looking interception to Dwight Lowery on the left sideline, a ball intended for Jason Pociask, A second pick came later in practice as Ainge threw to the right side, intending the pass for Brad Smith I believe, where Drew Coleman cut in to make the interception. I just can’t see how Ainge doesn’t end up on the practice squad.
* Brett Ratliff hit Wallace Wright on a cross in an early 11-on-11 for a 20-yard gain. Marcus Henry, the most obvious beneficiary of David Clowney’s injury [at least today based on reps], caught a 31-yarder down the left sideline from Ratliff. The rookie made a nice adjustment on a poorly thrown ball that did everything but quack.
* Rookie cornerback Dwight Lowery was in at right corner with the 1’s on the defense’s third series. Coach Eric Mangini said to get used to it.
“We worked him with the ones some of this past weekend and he did a pretty good job with that group,” Mangini said. “So he’ll get some more work with the ones and twos to see how he keeps progressing.”
* Both Laveranues Coles and Shaun Ellis were back. Coles, however, did not participate in any 11-on-11s so call him limited for the day. Coles did not speak with the media, which other than losing a good quote, I don’t particularly care about. This is one of those instances were the media makes itself the story when it’s inconsequential in the bigger picture. Now, if Coles was refusing to speak to Favre, then that would be a story. But that’s not the case. I’d like to hear from Coles because he’s intelligent and typically has something interesting to say and I do think he’s carrying on a bit much here, but because he’s not talking to us doesn’t mean there some kind of internal dissent going on.
* The Jets signed 6-4, 225-pound receiver Larry Brackins, who spent the previous two seasons with the Philadelphia Soul of the AFL. Brackins, out of Pearl River CC (Miss.), was selected in the fifth round by the Buccaneers in 2005.
Comments (16)
From thejetsblog.com I hope they don't get mad for re posting their fine work
Keeping Clowney
Posted on August 19th, 2008 by Andrew Weiss
For those of you who are apprehensive about David Clowney making the club, here is a summary of the NFL rules:
By August 30, at 4:00 pm New York time, the clubs must cut down to 53 players. All players not on the 53 man roster must be irrevocably cut. There is no PUP list or short-term injury list, it’s either on the club or off. Injured-Reserve is a full season deal, there’s no four-week or eight-week option. The practice squad consists of formerly cut players.
Before each game, 45 players are listed as active, while 8 remain inactive. The 53-man roster remains the same.
For David Clowney, assuming the club wants to keep him (and they’d be nuts not to considering his pre-season showing), the practice squad is not an option. He would have to be cut first. Any other club could offer him a practice squad contract and he would be free to accept. Even if he was signed to the Jets practice squad, he could be signed off of it by any club during the season as long as they kept him on their roster for the full season. That’s how we got him, from the Green Bay practice squad. It’s likely that teams hungry for wide receiver talent are watching the Jets very carefully to see what they do with Clowney. If we know about him, so do they. It’s a cheap way to get a talented player.
The good news is, the limit, 45 (and 49) players only a few seasons ago, is now 53. This means he could remain on the roster and simply be inactive until he healed. This is probably what the Jets have in mind.
Nice opening Erik. Did you get a chance to read Peter's MMQB Tuesday edition? He tries to explain himself, but its clear he just doesn't get it. I can imagine all the colorful comments he must have received from the Jets fans that "don't care about their team." I sent him a few of your key points yesterday to his mailbag, but he only chooses to reply to the comments that he can refute. Anyway keep up the good work, you've quickly become the best beat writer in town.
I can really appreciate the defense stepping up and showing that their not gonna bend over just b/c its Favre @ QB. Those other 16 teams aren't gonna lets win b/c its Favre. Now don't get me wrong to read that Brett threw a 60yd rope on the right sideline that probably travled 70yds, but its a little refreshing to know that our DB's are up to the challenge. Now please no one report that one of Favre's passes had got intercepted to the "CURLY HAIRED FAT (SI) GUY", for the love of Satan we'll all be comended in "INTERNAL DAMNNATION" for that. I'm betting w/ some of my buddies that he's probably taking some credit for his new BF...BF for donning that Green&White. Don't know if you guys read it, but their was a article on SI.com on how "King of Favre" fan club travled to Hattiesburg and made a sales pitch on how he would be the Jets savior, Florham Park and how he could get his own hunting show on ESPN Sunday Mornings. (Dick Head).......
I looked up this Brackins guy on NFLdraftscout.com and he ran a high 4.5 in 40
Hey Boland I heard that its possible to stash Clowney on the 53 man roster what are your thoughts?????
I feel they will put Clowney on the PUP list. This way they don't have to activate him until 6 weeks into the season. At that point if he is not ready to play he gets put on IR. That is the way to go.I am sure the players are so tied of this camp scene. Thye probably can't wait to get into their regular practice schedule.
Ira that was brought up in the discussion and Andrew Weiss replied to the PUP list saying.
"According to my source at the NFL, once a player participates in a practice, he is not eligible for the PUP list. Players may arrive after practice begins, but they must be immediately put on the active roster or on the PUP list."
I do not know the rules concerning roster moves so I can not say if this is correct or not. Maybe when Erik finishes reading Jenn's blog he can set the record straight :)
JayM, I'm telling you, I sweat bullets when I read her blog...anyway, they could put Clowney on the PUP list. He can stay there, as Ira said, for six weeks into the season, but there's a caveat: they have a three week window in which he can practice withouth being on the active roster. That three-week practice window allows the team - in this case the Jets - to determine if the player is indeed healthy enough to resume playing and be put on the active roster.
I might be wrong, but I think we have another one of those pre-season games on Saturday. Also, my impression is that this game is with our landlord, the NYG.
For those of you who might have been swigging homebrew for the evening, last night was Monday and the Gints played the same Cleveland Browns that we did not too many days ago.
There was a major difference however. The NYGs kicked their ass, knocked out a couple of their guys with concussions (I think that one of those was their 1st QB), and limited their offensive output to about 1 yard each for the first 23 plays. The score was 30-3 by the thankful end of the first half. Then Coughlin took out the 1's and the scrubs messed around for the rest of the game.
Gentlemen, now we get to stop pulling on our pud and see what it is that we are made of this Sat.nite.
I suspect that some of the Gints are hurt, but I also understand from my friend, Nick, who's a Meadowlands season ticket holder for the Landlord's games, that Coughlin et al were mighty displeased with the non-performance of the 2's and 3's after the 30-3 first qtr.
The final score, he said, was around 37-34. Hardly a rout.
Now perhaps you will notice that we did not overrun the Cleveland Brownies when we played them a few days ago.
In their after game remarks, two of the Gints indicated that they were mighty pissed off that they did not prevent their opponent from scoring on the first series (a 3 pt field goal was the result), and there were many disappointed fellas on the 1st team defense the next time they went back in.
One of the results was that an OL tackle was flung back into the punter who was trying to kick out from the 1 yard line of scrimmage, which caused a safety and resulted in an 82 return for a touchdown from an aroused group of NYGs.
Now one of things that resulted from this was a lot of goddamned snickering, and some untoward remarks by the assholes on Monday Night Football about Brett Favre and the very expensive NYJ offensive line. It was suggested that those boys on the NYJ OL had better stick to the running game and show that they belong in an NFL uniform. Otherwise, Mr. Favre might not have a very clean uniform after the first series of plays this comiing Sat. nite.
Last night was an NFL ass whupping, Gentlemen.
I hope we are ready and able to reply in kind when it becomes our turn at the Meadowlands with the Gints next Sat. nite.
"Coles did not speak with the media, which other than losing a good quote, I don’t particularly care about. This is one of those instances were the media makes itself the story when it’s inconsequential in the bigger picture. Now, if Coles was refusing to speak to Favre, then that would be a story. But that’s not the case. I’d like to hear from Coles because he’s intelligent and typically has something interesting to say and I do think he’s carrying on a bit much here, but because he’s not talking to us doesn’t mean there some kind of internal dissent going on."
Erik, this is why you are currently the most respected beat writer among Jet fans. Don't let success spoil you!
Boland, I give you a lot of crap, but you're alright. Peter King can kiss my Green-n-White behind. Thanks for not giving into the easy "Coles is unhappy" storyline that every other lazy Jets-beat reporter grabs onto. Like Drew Carey says, Cleveland Rocks! : P
Erik - - I'd watch your back, if I were you.
Comments like, "Coles did not speak with the media, which other than losing a good quote, I don’t particularly care about. This is one of those instances were the media makes itself the story..." is what makes you the best beat reporter, since Randy moseyed to Jetsland.
I'm sure you're noticing more & more people partaking of yer blog.
Eventually, Cimini is going to try to take you down, since you're making waves on his turf, and showing an honest Journalist, doesn't need to make up stories...
Thanks for reminding me, why I used to respect Journalists.
You are a pro, bro ;)
You means Coles isn't unhappy??
Erik: Great job, thanks. I'm not sure how others feel and perhaps you'd only be feeding my interest, but I think most intriguing story in camp is this kid Ratliff. I'm not sure how others feel but I'll take all the information you can feed me. Does he pass Clemens before camp ends? He's impressed me so far. It won't happen but I hope he gets a shot with the ones. Maybe against Philly?
--J.
Erik, glad to see you call out Peter King in a tactful way. His flaccid "reporting" needed to be exposed and we needed the opportunity to fire back at your colleague's lazy thoughtless work.
Bo-Man Rocks--but, after Monday I'd have to say that Cleveland pebbles.
Thanks for a straight dope blog, Eric. If you'll just stick to reporting what you see and never become a drama queen like so many of the other "reporters" who cover the Jets, you will be THE must read daily blog on this new Green Machine.
You've done a great job in covering the Offensive side of the ball. Thanks. Now I'd like to hear your hard look take on how the Defense and Special Teams are doing.
Who's doing what on the line? How close do they get to "sacking" Favre. Do we have a legit pass rushing D-end? LB? Does Keller ALWAYS beat a linebacker? One a scale of one to five, what are the chances that Lowery starts? Do Wright, Stuckey and Smith all make the team on the strength of their ST play alone?
Lots of questions, but I'm sure you're up to it. ;)
Wayne80, when have you ever known Coles to ever BE happy?
I appreciate the comments about Coles. Some people think that his not talking is his way of throwing a tantrum, but when people are upset they tend to say stupid things. Sometimes the media feels that part of the job of athletes and coaches is to make it easy to write stories, but it's not - its to win games.