For more on that Plumber Joe guy...
don't ask Eric Mangini. The poly sci major was otherwise occupied during Wednesday night's debate. He said politics aren't forbidden fruit around here in terms of discussion topics, though he implied those discussions might not make for great programming.
"We talked a little bit in one captain's meeting about the election," Mangini said. "I don't think they'd want to broadcast it, our debate on politics Sunday morning, whatever. Round tables with the captains of the Jets and Eric Mangini..."
I'd watch.
Anyway, to the day at hand.
After today, now I’m thinking David Clowney has a better chance to play on Sunday than Justin Miller, even though Miller looked to have a second straight day of full participation in practice. I say what I say about Clowney because today, for the first time, he wasn't wearing the red no-contact jersey. At least in the 35 minutes we were outside at practice.
“We will have to see,” Mangini said, asked about Miller. “It will come down to special teams decisions.”
Asked if Miller were to be held out Sunday it would be because of a physical issue, Mangini said no.
“At this point it will come down to more of a coaching decision,” Mangini said.
* On a semi-related note in the secondary, it looks like Eric Smith will be back as the starter at safety, replacing Abram Elam, who played very well last week. Based on what we've seen thus far, however, not well enough.
* Smith talked extensively today about his one-game suspension for the hit on Anquan Boldin and his subsequent appeal.
“If you compare it to other fines…I definitely feel that I may have been made an example of,” Smith said. “It was a first offense this year and there’s a couple second offenses that haven’t been as severe as mine.”
Smith, his agent, Buddy Baker, and general manager Mike Tannenbaum went to the league offices in Manhattan to appeal the $50,000 fine and suspension, and Smith said the group was perplexed to hear the following:
“They told me intent wasn’t looked at,” Smith said. “I tried to tell them my intentions weren’t to hit him like that but they told me intent wasn’t looked at. But if intent isn’t involved, then why isn’t every fine the same?”
Asked if he felt the decision on the appeal had been made even before it was made, Smith smiled.
“A little bit,” he said.
* Calvin Pace on the Raiders’ running game and their possible use of a now-healed Darren McFadden in the “Wildcat offense,” which the Dolphins have made all the rage in recent weeks.
“It’s one of those things, if they get it rolling, they’re going to stick with it,” Pace said. “But if we go out there and shut it down, hopefully they’ll shy away from it.”
I will not be here at the Fort tomorrow but, as always, I'll check in later in the afteroon/early evening with my Friday picks post, a true tradition unlike any other.
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Comments (18)
E-Bol,
Thanks for answering my barrage of questions in your live chat Tuesday. I had 3 in a row to start it. Anyways, any news on that Primetime live chat?? Also, has anyone talked to Mangini about the wildcat? Not necessarily using it, but how he would defend it? I know we aren't playing the Dolphins until 12/28, but I'm just curious. Also, has Miller's stock fallen in the eyes of the staff? Thanks!
UGH!!!! Why in the world we he even consider starting Smith over Elam. It made no sense weeks ago, and it certainly makes no sense now. Smith has never displayed anything but terrible play, at least Elam has been solid if unspectacular in his starts with the Jets.
I'm wondering if Elam is like Victor Green under Kotite. Green would do well, but then they'd bring in guys because they weren't comfortable in his style, he was thought of as a pure backup. Yet when he played he excelled. It wasn't until guys were hurt that Victor got extended time and coaches were almost forced to realize how solid a player he was at safety.
I think Smith must practice well, and "understand the defense" better than Elam. If I remember right, and I may not, Elam cost us a few big penalties last season for aggressive play...but that was last season, and I like his upside. Victor Green is a good analogy, jay.
Hey Mike in Bumpass, do you ever make it in to Richmond (aka the RIC) to watch games?
Erik, as this point it's beyond repetitive, but love the blog
Ranks right up there with Thanksgiving day football and New Year's day college bowl games as far as my favorite traditions go. Working on some real winners for my games of the "weak".
Smith was a third round pick, so he remains ahead of Elam on the depth chart.
Same reason The Ghost is first in line to replace BT if he is unable to go as opposed to Murrel who is the better player right now.
Erik, please dont mention the Wildcat to Mangini, don't put the idea in his head. Next thing you know Brad Smith will be under center again.
Wayne 80 -- based on your logic, Ainge should be dressing every week as the 3rd QB over undrafted Ratliffe.
Last night, as I watched the debate at Hofstra, was that the ghost of Red (state) Grange being outrun by the smoothest runner of all time--Chicago Bear Gayle Sayers?
NYJfan4life, hey, I didn't have a choice BUT to answer your questions:). No word on the prime timer but hopefully it's something that will work out. We asked Mangini, and some of the players, about the wildcat [I wrote a little about it for tomorrow's paper] and they are indeed prepping for it. Not saying they're going to stop it, but they won't be surprised by it. As for Miller, the fact Mangini today said that "it would be a coaching decision" if Miller wasn't active Sunday kind of backs up that his stock has fallen.
Mike in the RIC, I as always appreciate you coming back!
Squishthefish...can't wait to see what you come up with.
And RC Meany, I had to read that three times before getting it. Strangely, I laughed all three times though.
Obscurity at its best; the Erik Boland Project.
Cliff, let's do it. I'll even cooperate.
The 3-4 defense was built to stop schemes like the "Wildcat" by adding speed to the defensive line, allowing the defense to string out the outside runs. If the Raiders make it an integral part of their game plan vs. the Jets, not only will we stuff it but the Raiders will turn the ball over at least once from that formation, IMO.
I am more concerned about us being able to consistently stop the run from a conventional formation. If we can't it opens up the play action and short, underneath passing game, which we have not stopped consistently this season.
I expect the Raiders to have some success running the ball on Sunday, but if we force turnovers and/or play strong in the red zone, we win this game handily. I think this is a good matchup for us and feel good about our chances.
One other point: when using our history playing on the road vs. the Raiders, it has very little relevance, IMO, to how this year's team can be expected to perform in the same circumstances. This is a completely different team than the last one that lost in Oakland, so how can our history in Oakland have any relevance? If, on the other hand, Oakland was undefeated at home this season and/or the Jets were winless on the road this season, it should be taken into account regarding expectations for Sunday.
Clearly, the Black Hole is a difficult place to play for any team in any year. But that is no more true for the Jets than for any other team. And that is less of a factor this seaon than in years past.
The Patriots use a 3-4 defense and Miami beat them using the wildcat. I think its more a matter of being prepared for it. If a team is properly prepared to face the wild cat, or similar offenses, then they will be less affective then conventional offenses
Good point, chip. The wildcat offense, in the end, is just a gimmick. I expect the Jets will be prepared, and the 3-4 should help them contain the outside, at least.
Jets have not won a road game, except in MIA which is very kind to us, since late 2006 ( I think).
And they got crushed in the last west coast trip.
Agree their lifetime record in OAK is irrelevant, not the same team, but think you have to at least be concerned with the first two issues.
Agree on paper Jets are a much better team, and I do believe they will prevail, but the achilles heal is the coaching staff, not as sure as everyone else they will be ready for the Wild Hog or anything else the desperate Raiders throw at them.
Jets 24-22 on a last minute FG.
w80,
close -- a year off:
Sunday, December 2, 2007
New York Jets 40 at Miami Dolphins 13
CG, "except in MIA, which is very kind to us". :)
ebo
that loss and sitting around sf airport inspired some good writing
how is vernon the ghost
the 3rd coming of jeff lageman and bryan thomas
keep these guys fired up 3-3 beats 0-6
watching and reading from moscow