Burress, Sanchez, and Jones: Three Myths of the ’09 New York Jets

As New Yorkers, we try not to let facts get in the way of a good story. When Brett Favre became available last summer, it seemed the Jets had found the answer to their prayers. Favre was the smiling, gunslinger that would lead the men in green to the Super Bowl. He was the people’s quarterback.

The feeling was so electric we took the bait and ignored the warning signs:

Outside of his resurgent 2007, it had been two seasons since Favre had thrown more touchdowns than interceptions. In fact, the Packer QB saw his average completion fall under 6.5 yards during the 2005 and 2006 seasons.

According to FootballOutsiders.com, Favre’s Defense-adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA) fell below zero in 2006—a highbrow way of saying Favre performed below the average NFL quarterback in the same situations.

Favre’s DVOA shot up to third in the NFL in 2007, but the overall trend was pretty obvious. He simply wasn’t producing enough to make up for his poor decision-making.

The results were promising at the beginning of 2008, but ended up being disastrous as Favre led the league in interceptions and the Jets fell out of the playoff race.

Unfortunately, some things never change. Even this year there are still misconceptions and pipe dreams floating around Jets Nation.

They started innocently enough: high expectations for a young quarterback; big-name local receiver on the free agent market; Thomas Jones seemingly ending his holdout to return to voluntary workouts.

The conclusions seemed obvious. The stories wrote themselves. How can any of this be wrong?

Well, it’s because as New Yorkers, we overlook things like resources and time. The NFL isn’t Major League Baseball and the Jets aren’t the Yankees. Buying a team doesn’t happen in this league and developing players takes time. This isn’t the Make-A-Wish foundation. It’s the real world and New York is on a level playing field with everyone else.

In hopes of avoiding that same path this season, here are three myths the 2009 Jets are sure to disprove:

Mark Sanchez is the Next “Broadway Joe”

Sanchez’s GQ spread reminded the entire city of Broadway Joe’s most embarrassing moment. Yes, the Jets’ first round pick did do a pictorial piece for a trendy magazine, but it is unbelievably unfair to Sanchez to compare him to Joe Namath—the only Super Bowl-winning quarterback in team history—because he also happens to be handsome and outgoing.

It takes more to play quarterback than a good tan and dimples (although A.C. Slater might disagree). Sanchez’s charisma and charm certainly aren’t negatives, but they also don’t suggest he can produce like Namath did before being overcome by injuries.

This is nothing against Sanchez. The Jets traded up to the fifth pick in the 2009 NFL Draft for a reason. But hyperbole and headlines get the best of us once in awhile, so many of us chose to think of him as Joe Jr. rather than focusing on what makes Sanchez special.

The things we should be noticing are Sanchez’s strong footwork, mechanics, and football education.

“It’s about being quick, not fast, and moving in that five- to ten-yard box in the pocket,” Sanchez told Doug Farrar of Washingtonpost.com. “Your feet are really your base in whatever you’re doing, and they set you up for the rest of the throw and the rest of the play.

“It’s something I have worked on for years with (Mission Viejo High) Coach (Bob) Johnson, and he’s helped me fine-tune that. You put that together with a strong arm, and some mobility, and a really good knowledge of the offense, you get a season like last year with a lot of help from the other players on the team.”

Truthfully, Sanchez’s football pedigree may rival that of Namath. After working with the famed Coach Johnson (the father of Rob and private QB tutor of Carson Palmer) in high school, Sanchez moved on to thrive in USC’s pro-style offense over the course of his 16 starts.

Sanchez has a small sample-size of work to peruse, but he does have an impressive background—the only thing that he should be judged by at this point. It may be fun to draw comparison’s to Namath, but we should try and restrict the chatter to the football field and stay away from tawdry comparisons.

Plaxico Burress will save the Jets

Yes, we’ve all heard the rumor—the one about the former Super Bowl hero, Burress, coming to the Jets after being released by the Giants.

It made too much sense. The Jets need someone to replace Laveranues Coles. Burress needs a home.

The only thing disrupting this rumor is the thing that got it started in the first place: Burress is facing gun charges in a city with some of America’s harshest gun laws.

Burress could face up to three and a half years in jail for shooting himself in the leg at a Manhattan Club last November.

And even if he can reach a deal with prosecutors—as his defense is currently attempting—he still has the iron fist of Commissioner Roger Goodell to deal with. 

Goodell has made a name for himself with lengthy suspensions (see: Jones, Pacman) and will certainly be taking Burress’ previous transgressions into account when handing down his punishment.

That, of course, won’t be happening until the legal process has taken its course. In other words, hold off on buying a green “Burress” jersey until at least next season.

Even if Burress does return to football in 2010, he will be 32-years-old and out of football for more than a season.

Thomas Jones and agent Drew Rosenhaus are done holding out

Jones is coming off of arguably his best season as a professional and is set to make less than $1 million. A holdout was inevitable.

But when Rosenhaus predicted last week that Jones would be returning to voluntary workouts (a prediction Jones proved correct this week), many felt like the storm had blown over.

That feeling subsided, however, once Jones took off without answering any of the media’s questions.

The issue is really one of front-loaded contracts. When Thomas was averaging 3.6 yards per carry in 2007, he was making around $4.5 million. Now, when his production has increased, he believes that his yearly salary should reflect his most recent performance.

This has all the makings of something that could be dragged out. There is no guarantee as of yet that Jones will be back in for the next set of voluntary workouts and he is on the wrong side of 30. The Jets don’t seem eager to give in to his demands, but if they can keep him under salary this year, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

If the Jets cut Jones next season, they will forfeit only $1.5 million and cut nearly $6 million from their cap figure.

Don’t be surprised to see Jones in green this season, only to be jettisoned next year. In other words, this ain’t over until someone signs on the dotted line.

Brad Smith: The Use and Misuse of a Project Quarterback

Admit it. You were pumped when the New York Jets drafted Quarterback Brad Smith out of Missouri with the 103rd pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.

His 40-yard dash time was under 4.5 seconds; he could jump nearly 40 inches; and all of his agility drills were comparable to the top wideouts in his class. A move to receiver looked promising.

Miami’s adoption of the Wildcat formation only whetted New York’s appetite for a part-time quarterback to add an exotic flare to the Jets’ offense.

There has been only one major problem with Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer’s use of the formation: It rarely works.

For that matter, not much has worked between Schottenheimer and Smith during their three seasons together. With all of the gadgetry the team has used to get Smith the ball, he’s managed only a handful of large gains and spent the rest of the time turning the ball over or struggling to get back to the line of scrimmage.

That didn’t stop new coach Rex Ryan from referring to Smith as, “one of the scariest athletes in this league,” at mini-camp.

Nobody is positive what Ryan meant by “scariest” but it’s safe to assume that the fourth-year wide receiver/running back/quarterback will be featured in this year’s playbook. So, Coach Ryan, if you are going to use Brad Smith, please learn the lessons of those that came before you:

Rex Ryan’s Coaching Staff: One Part Baltimore, One Part New York

The son of legendary (and former Jets) defensive coordinator, Buddy, Rex Ryan is finally getting his chance to make a name for himself as a head coach.

New York’s defense wasn’t awful last season (ranked seventh in run defense, 29th in pass defense and 16th overall), but Ryan’s Baltimore Raven defense never ranked lower than sixth overall during his tenure as coordinator.

The new man under the headset has made a name for himself as one of the premiere defensive minds in the NFL by mixing a traditional 3-4 with the 46 defense his father popularized. Seeing as Ryan inherited the personnel from Eric Mangini’s 3-4 defense, Jets fans can rest assured that there won’t be a lot of roster upheaval.

“We’ve got the man in the middle there in (nose tackle) Kris Jenkins,” Ryan said when being introduced as Head Coach back in January.

“We’ve got some linebackers, got a free safety (Kerry Rhodes) that’s a ball hawk, and to me the best corner in football (Darrelle Revis). That’s a pretty good starting point.”

The real reason Ryan was brought in had less to do with strategy and personnel, and more to do with communication and attitude. Many within the organization felt that Mangini had alienated players, wrongly imposed his will on the offensive side of the ball and may have poisoned the waters throughout the locker room.

“He needed to sit us down, correct the mistakes and get more in-depth in terms of what we need to do,” Revis complained to WFAN’s Mike Francesa.

But Ryan isn’t in New York solely because some players disliked Mangini. He’s here to fix the issues that caused the Jets to lose four of their last five and fall short of the playoffs in 2008.

With a mixture of imports from Baltimore and survivors of the previous regime, the Jets are hoping their new cocktail of coaches have what it takes to join the NFL’s elite. Here are a few key coaches on Ryan’s staff and some of the challenges they will face:

Mike Pettine

Defensive Coordinator

Under legendary Virginia Head Coach George Welsh, Pettine played free safety for the Cavaliers after earning All-Pennsylvania honors as a high school quarterback. Now that he’s stepped into a role once manned by defensive legends Buddy Ryan and Bill Belichick, Pettine has turned his focus to punishing those under center.

He must be pretty good at it. After all, his group of pupils in Baltimore consisted of Adalius Thomas, Terrell Suggs and Jarret Johnson. His presence will be felt over the entire defense, but Pettine still has to spend most of his time with the linebackers.

Pettine has his hands full with former first-rounder Vernon Gholston. Despite legendary physical skills, Gholston failed to start or register a sack as a rookie in 2008. Bryan Thomas may have played admirably (5.5 sacks), but the Jets have the opportunity to turn a good pass-rush into a great one if Gholston can reach his potential.

The best way to ignite Gholston might be to disguise him. As a defensive end at Ohio State the Michigan-native never had to worry about pass coverage. Naturally, when No. 56 stepped on an NFL field, it was predictable that he would make a bee-line to the quarterback.

But if Pettine can get Gholston acclimated to covering the occasional tight end or running back in pass coverage, then they may regain the element of surprise. The good news is that offenses have a lot to consider when trying to block David Harris, Bart Scott and Calvin Pace so Gholston will get more opportunities this season.

Besides the issues with Gholston, the Jets failed to stop 13 of 18 fourth-down conversions last season and picked off only three passes.

Dennis Thurman

Defensive Backs Coach

Another import from Baltimore, Thurman was an All-American safety at USC and has played in a Super Bowl for the Cowboys. He’s been coaching defensive backs in the NFL since 1988 and has had the likes of Ed Reed, Chris McAlister, Samari Rolle and Deion Sanders play under him in Baltimore.

The biggest challenge for Thurman will be covering third, fourth and fifth options.

According to FootballOutsiders.com, the Jets ranked 10th overall last season in defending No. 1 receivers—understandable, considering Revis is an elite corner. New York did similarly well against No. 2 receivers—something that should continue with the addition of Lito Sheppard.

However, it was their opponents’ other options that caused the Jets to rank among the worst in football in pass defense. F.O. ranked the Jets as being 25th in the NFL when it came to defending third, fourth and fifth receivers. New York didn’t do well defending passes to tight ends or running backs either, ranking 29th and 21st respectively.

New York already has a premiere safety in Rhodes; the addition of Sheppard gives New York a solid, savvy veteran to play across from Revis; and Dwight Lowery should handle the nickel responsibilities. That means the Jets’ free safety, dime back and linebackers will be looked upon to fix the situation.

The first of those three issues should be under control. In addition to schlepping Pettine and Thurman from Baltimore, Ryan also grabbed safety Jim Leonhard on the way out the door.

After playing next to an instinctive presence like Reed in Baltimore, Leonhard is familiar with the “centerfield” duties expected of free safeties in Ryan’s system. Leonhard isn’t going to gamble, miss assignments or whiff on tackles. He will, however, have to beat out last year’s starter, Eric Smith, for the job.

Tyrone Brackenridge, Donald Strickland, Drew Coleman, and Marquice Cole will all compete for the dime spot. All of these guys can stand to benefit from Thurman’s reputation as a black belt in bump-and-run coverage.

There is one more way that Ryan, Pettine and Thurman can stem the onslaught of opposing tight ends and running backs. While with the Ravens, Ryan frequently dropped interior lineman into coverage leaving the opposing offensive line without anyone to block. This type of confusion should help New York defend against third, fourth and fifth options.

Brian Schottenheimer

Offensive Coordinator

When Mangini was fired, the onus of New York’s 16th ranked defense was lifted off of Schottenheimer. The fact that the Jets’ offensive staff remains largely intact from a season ago suggests the front office was more critical of Mangini’s tampering on that side of the ball than Schottenheimer’s ability as a coach.

With Ryan expected to be less hands-on, this is Schottenheimer’s chance to prove he can get the job done. To do that he will have to find a way to get rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez into the mix.

Thankfully for Sanchez, he is coming to a team that already knows how to run the football. Even with Favre under center, the Jets’ bread and butter on offense was the running game. Thomas Jones and Leon Washington helped New York gain over 2,000 yards on the ground in 2008.

With a young quarterback and zero depth at receiver behind Jerricho Cotchery this season, it’s to be expected that the Jets will use plenty of play action fakes to gain separation downfield. However, history suggests Schottenheimer doesn’t use it often enough.

Two years ago, with Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens at quarterback, the Jets called play action less than any team except Cincinnati. According to FootballOutsiders.com, when they did use a fake in 2007, the Jets averaged 10.3 yards per play as compared with five yards the rest of the time.

But even with great results from the play action, Schottenheimer is still down on the technique.

Clemens and Sanchez may not get much of a chance to use it, but the threat of a run is the best chance they’ll have at seeing open receivers. Cotchery is widely considered miscast as a top wideout and without any major threats behind him on the depth chart, defenses will be able to cover New York’s targets without sacrificing their pass rush.

For this offense to have any success, Schottenheimer will have to devise a way for a passing game in its infancy to benefit from the prolific running game.

If he can’t get the job done, Ryan brought former Baltimore Offensive Coordinator (1999-2004), Matt Cavanaugh, in as quarterbacks coach. Don’t be surprised if a sputtering offense puts Schottenheimer out of a job and Cavanaugh into the driver’s seat.

 

Matt Cavanaugh

Quarterbacks Coach

As Baltimore’s offensive coordinator from 1999-2004, Cavanaugh worked with Tony Banks, Elvis Grbac, Trent Dilfer, Jeff Blake, Anthony Wright and Kyle Boller. None of them lasted in Baltimore, but Cavanaugh did earn a Super Bowl ring and eventually became one of college football’s premiere offensive coordinator’s while at Pittsburgh.

Cavanaugh will have his work cut out for him in New York though. 

Clemens, who briefly started in 2007, may bite off a piece of the top QB job early in the season, but in three years in this offense, his rating has yet to break 60. That suggests that Sanchez will get his shot sooner rather than later.

When that time does come, expect Cavanaugh to emphasize low-risk passes that could potentially hurt Sanchez’s completion percentage. As Sanchez does learn more of Schottenheimer’s playbook, he will be given the freedom to make plays downfield.

In the meantime, Cavanaugh’s job is to limit interceptions while keeping the rookie’s confidence up. Mechanics aren’t a huge concern for Sanchez seeing as he learned the position from legendary QB coach Bob Johnson. However, Cavanaugh will have to focus on decision-making for Sanchez to become a success.

 

Bill Callahan

Offensive Line Coach

After coaching the Raiders to the Super Bowl, Callahan moved on to a failed stint as Nebraska’s head coach. Before he left Lincoln though, he recruited a guard from Colorado named Matt Slauson.

A few year’s later, the pair have been reunited in New York. Slauson is a versatile specimen who is capable of backing-up both tackles and guards.

Callahan’s goal will be to have him ready if either of the right side’s veterans (Brandon Moore and Damien Woody) should falter.

Callahan also has to shore-up the team’s run blocking on the outside. New York went up the middle on 59 percent of their running plays in 2008—fifth highest in the NFL. Something doesn’t seem right when the team is running off of high-priced LT D’Brickashaw Ferguson on only eight percent of its running plays.

30 Questions for Vernon Gholston

Vernon Gholston
New York Jets
Outside Linebacker
Height: 6-3
Weight: 264
Opening Day Age: 24 (3/28/85)
College: Ohio State
Experience: Second Season

1. Was the transition from defensive end to a outside linebacker harder than you anticipated?
2. You were reportedly reluctant to make the switch at first. Is that accurate?
3. In a perfect world, would you be a defensive end in a 4-3 or an outside linebacker in a 3-4?
4. What is the most appealing thing about Rex Ryan’s arrival?
5. Do you see his work with Terrell Suggs as a model that you would like to follow?
6. What are your biggest regrets from your rookie season?
7. Have you made any changes this offseason?
8. After starting in front of nearly 100,000 fans at the Horseshoe, was it difficult to come off the bench for 16 games last season?
9. Do you have any advice for the Jets newest first-round pick, Mark Sanchez?
10. What is the biggest difference in being a second-year player as opposed to a rookie?
11. What was the biggest surprise about the NFL in your first season?
12. Is there anyone in the game today that you look up to?
13. How did you take Eric Mangini’s exit from New York?
14. Did he have any parting words for you?
15. What was your toughest assignment as a rookie?
16. Who are the leaders on the Jets’ defense?
17. Is that a role you see yourself in someday?
18. Are the Jets better this season?
19. What is the best thing about playing in the Big Apple?
20. What is the worst thing?
21. You sacked the quarterback three times in a single game against the Wolverines. As a native of Michigan, how did it feel to have that kind of an impact against your home state school?
22. Is it true that you’ve been working with Lawrence Taylor?
23. What has he taught you?
24. At the combine you did 37 bench press repetitions of 225 pounds and ran a 4.58 in the 40-yard dash. Is there any linebacker that can match your physical skills?
25. How will you translate those abilities onto the field this season?
26. Have you thought about what your first sack in the NFL will feel like?
27. What are the most important things that Coach Jim Tressel and Defensive Coordinator Jim Heacock taught you at Ohio State?
28. Have they given you any advice during your NFL career?
29. Who is the quarterback you would most like to sack?
30. Who is the offensive lineman you would most like to beat for a sack?

Could Drew Bennett Replace Laveranues Coles on Jets Roster?

To no one’s surprise, the three draft picks the Jets made last month did not come close to filling the holes that are sprinkled throughout the roster.

Lito Sheppard’s arrival is a stopgap solution for the team at cornerback opposite Darrelle Revis; but Rex Ryan still has to find the right personnel for nickel and dime situations. Depth along the offensive line, at safety, and at tight end may be a concern, but no position seems more barren than wide receiver.

Here are some of the donuts on New York’s roster and some possible munchkins to fill them:

Wide Receiver

Please don’t read the Jets depth chart at wide receiver while eating. After Jerricho Cotchery, things start looking pretty heinous.

Brad Smith caught a pass in only six games last season and for someone known for his athleticism, he has yet to prove that he can distance himself from any cornerback. It isn’t crazy to assume that undrafted free agent Britt Davis from Northern Illinois is the second-best receiver on the team. 

Options: There are many wide receivers remaining in free agency to replace Laveranues Coles but all come with serious questions (mostly age and legal issues) attached.

Plaxico Burress has about as much chance of playing in the New York penal system next season as he does in the NFL and the Marvin Harrison luster has worn off in the last year. The best bet may be someone like Drew Bennett, who combines good hands, route-running ability, and a 6’5″ frame.

Kellen Clemens and rookie Mark Sanchez probably won’t be stretching the field on offense this season, so speed isn’t a big concern for the position.

Brandon Lloyd, Koren Robinson, Joe Jurevicius, Ike Hilliard, Amani Toomer, Ashley Lelie, Dane Looker, Reggie Williams and another former Northern Illinois receiver, Justin McCareins, are also available for a football team on a budget.

Outside Linebacker

Vernon Gholston failed to start a game or register a sack as a rookie and stands as the only question mark in a unit that features Bart Scott, David Harris, and Calvin Pace. The Jets still have Bryan Thomas to start in front of Gholston, but the former Buckeye needs to claim that position for the team to generate more than Thomas’ 5.5 sacks from that side of the field.

Options: Jason Babin is available but I would suspect that coach Rex Ryan might stick with the hand he’s been dealt. Kenwin Cummings is currently on New York’s roster and could help to push Gholston.

Strong Safety

Last year’s starter, Eric Smith, and former Raven Jim Leonhard expect to compete for the job opposite Kerry Rhodes, but if either falters, there could be a major gap without a proven starter. Leonhard made 13 starts a season ago and is a decent bet to get the nod.

Options: The team signed Emanuel Cook out of South Carolina as an undrafted free agent, but there are a few names in the scarp heap. Terrance Holt, Mike Brown, and Michael Boulware could all add depth while making contributions on special teams.

Cornerback

Sheppard does make a solid pairing with Revis, but Dwight Lowery is the only corner with any potential after that. Lowery looks like a good bet to grab the nickel job because he is as good as any of the veterans that still reside on the open market.

Options: If Ryan wants to add depth, the usual suspects are available. Deltha O’Neal, Aaron Glenn, Ricky Manning Jr., and Jamar Fletcher are there for the taking, but spending money on any of them might be less attractive than sticking with the guys they have (Tyron Brackenridge, Ahmad Carroll, and Donald Strickland).

Tight End

When the team re-signed Bubba Franks, the need for a strong second option at tight end may have evaporated. Robert Simmons, J’Nathan Bullock, and Jack Myers are all rookie options for the team, but none possess elite blocking skills.

Options: Mark Bruener—arguably one of the greatest blocking tight ends of all time—could give himself a chance for a 16th season, but a better bet might be former Raven Quinn Sypniewski. He’s dealt with major injuries but would barely cost anything and could provide the blocking New York needs.

Offensive Line

I hesitate to pinpoint a specific position for the Jets to add to. Suffice to say, there could be issues at multiple spots, but with versatile players like veteran Damien Woody and rookie Matt Slauson around, it makes sense for the Jets to add the best player available.

Options: Former Jet Jason Fabini could backup Woody at right tackle and Mark Tauscher is another popular option on the outside. However, if the team wants to add depth for cheap, they could give Jonas Jennings a chance. Charles Spencer is a native of Poughkeepsie and should also be relatively inexpensive. 

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