Colts Will Be Better Off After Critism

They know all about the uproar and the anger.

They can hear the booing that echoed inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 16. They also expect that the next two weeks will be filled with speculation about how one unpopular decision will affect their future. But here’s what you should realize about the Indianapolis Colts: One week of controversy might be the best thing that ever happened to this team.

We all know the story by now. The Colts had a chance to improve their record to 15-0 against the New York Jets and opted to rest their starters for most of the second half. It was a decision that didn’t merely lead to the Colts’ first loss of the season and the end of their NFL-record 23-game regular-season winning streak. It also turned team president Bill Polian and head coach Jim Caldwell into unlikely villains.

Colts fans blasted the move for days. Many ripped into Polian on his weekly radio show. The vibe inside the Colts’ locker room, however, was far more predictable Wednesday afternoon. Those same players who felt frustrated by having to sit were concerned only with what lies ahead.

“I’ll admit it wasn’t a pleasant experience, but we can be better for it,” quarterback Peyton Manning said. “There can be an edge [to the team]. We can have a chip [on our shoulder]. But we do need to move forward.”

Manning’s comments speak to a critical dynamic that average fans sometimes miss about football teams. Players often benefit from unforeseeable situations. They can take negative experiences and use them as fuel for whatever goals they’re about to pursue.

Even in a moment like Sunday—when a previously undefeated team turned into a target of discontent—a spark may have been lit under the Colts, one that could take them all the way to the Super Bowl in Miami.

What the Colts players had to realize after the loss is that they have more reasons than ever to stay focused on winning a championship. They can’t get caught up in the white noise around them. They can’t be deflated by what could have been a shot at joining the Miami Dolphins as the only undefeated teams in league history. All they can do is steady themselves and figure out how to be at their best when the postseason begins.

As much as people harp on how the Colts threw away an opportunity to make history, the only history that truly matters is who ends up hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in February.

They don’t give out rings for records. And as much as people lament the dangers of losing momentum at this time of year by “laying off the gas,” there is no guarantee that keeping players in meaningless games leads to more success in the postseason. If that were the case, we wouldn’t be seeing so many teams resting starters this week.

Momentum actually is a vastly overrated predictor of how a team will do in the postseason.

The Arizona Cardinals didn’t have it when they entered last year’s playoffs, and they eventually won the NFC title. The New York Giants weren’t exciting anybody at the end of the 2007 regular season, but they ultimately stormed to a title. Even the 2006 Colts surprised some people.

That year’s Super Bowl champions lost four of their last seven games before taking off in the postseason.

If you want to get a better feel for which teams have a shot at advancing in the postseason, think about the ones that have gone through some adversity. When you look at the teams just mentioned—or other Super Bowl champions such as the 2000 Baltimore Ravens or the 2001 New England Patriots—you see squads that had to fight through something to fulfill their dreams.

The Colts already had key injuries to deal with, including the season-ending loss of the Pro Bowl safety Bob Sanders. But this latest controversy could be added incentive for them to sharpen their focus.

Now that doesn’t mean Caldwell and Polian saw this as a potential benefit of their decision. It does mean that a team that already had outstanding chemistry should have even more resolve moving forward.

“We haven’t had a lot of tough Mondays or Wednesdays around here, but it’s all about how you respond to it,” Manning said. “It’s about channeling that frustration into a better place so we can be a better team.”

That, ultimately, is what every championship contender has to do. Though the Colts aren’t saying it, they know their fans will be with them. They’ve given the people of Indianapolis too many reasons to be happy over the last decade. In fact, the mere notion that fans would be so outraged by a decision that had plenty of merit still defies logic. It’s as if they’ve forgotten what it was like when that team stank.

Those same fans need to remember that a 14-1 team would be treasured in places like Detroit and St. Louis. They also have to understand that championships can be attained through all types of routes. For the first 14 weeks of the season, the Colts were a team that found all sorts of ways to stay perfect. But now that they’ve chosen a path of imperfection—and dealt with a week as strange as this—they seem more dangerous than ever as the regular season winds to a close.

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Jet-Setting: An Offseason To-Do List for the New York Jets

The Jets roster is currently oozing in talent and features several veteran players in their prime. The Jets’ personnel has them poised to make a title run now, but it’s clear this isn’t their season.

New York got off to a flying start in 2009, but a major slide has the team in the cellar of the wild card picture, thanks to an erratic Mark Sanchez and a few defensive and special teams meltdowns. 

The Jets have an offensive line that has paved the way for the top rushing attack in the league, led by Thomas Jones. There hasn’t been much talk of his future in a Jet uniform considering the career year he’s having, but the Jets will likely swallow his roster bonus in March to retain him for the last year of his contract. 

Leon Washington has a knack for making big plays and has been sorely missed along with mammoth nose tackle Kris Jenkins, the best in the business. The Jets will get an enormous boost when Washington and Jenkins are on the field next season. 

The receiving corps is solid. Braylon Edwards will most likely return, but he may not cash in on a long-term deal just yet. Jerricho Cotchery has been stellar, and tight end Dustin Keller could prove to be a major asset to the passing game once Sanchez learns which team to throw the ball to. 

The offense could be winning games for the team, not the defense, once Sanchez comes to the party and the team is clicking on all cylinders. By then, Sanchez will be handing the ball off to bulldozer Shonn Greene. The Jets have a bright future on that side of the ball.

Defensively, there is an overflow of talent and Rex Ryan at the helm. Do the math. There is an elite group of linebackers, a shutdown corner, and solid bunch up front. The loss of Jenkins, however, highlights the need to groom a successor on the defensive line. 

Mike DeVito and Sione Pouha have done respectable jobs replacing Jenkins and will remain parts of the rotation. DeVito was a favorite of Ryan from the start and the Jets extended his contract, while Pouha has been getting exposure and making the most of it. 

But Rex Ryan has to employ his exotic blitz packages to pressure the passer and the Jets are having difficult putting together a pass rush. The loss of Jenkins didn’t help the cause but even then the Jets weren’t racking up sacks. Vernon Gholston is a bust and Jamaal Westerman has potential.

The Jets are set at most places on the roster but still have areas to polish. Mike Tannenbaum has a penchant for making big splashes in free agency and has done an excellent job assembling the core of this team, through the draft as well. Woody Johnson has given him the green light to break bank if it means winning games.

And that was when there was a salary cap. 

Here’s some advice for Tannenbaum:

 

1. Sign a premier pass-rusher

Elvis Dumervil, a sack sensation, will most likely remain in Denver, but there is a strong possibility that Shawne Merriman could hit the market. The Chargers have their work cut out for them locking up players and could let Merriman, crawling back into form after major knee surgery, walk. 

The Jets can’t wait for Westerman or Gholston to develop, Gholston if at all. Marques Douglas is a stopgap solution. The Jets should take a hard look at versatile Richard Seymour. Seymour, like Jenkins, will be 31 by midseason and can give the Jets a few years, maybe more. When the Jets go to four down lineman he can also play inside.

Gholston is more comfortable playing defensive end and the Jets aren’t always working out of the 3-4, but when they are and Gholston isn’t effective as a stand up linebacker Merriman is the solution.

 

2. Sign a cornerback

Next to the shutdown corner Revis there isn’t a bona fide starter. Donald Strickland makes plays when he finds the field but he is often banged up. Dwight Lowery isn’t ready yet which is why the Jets made a trade for Lito Sheppard. Sheppard won’t make it to his roster bonus in March, in fact he isn’t make the roster because of injuries. Dunta Robinson could use a change of scenery.

 

3. Sign/draft a free safety

If Kerry Rhodes doesn’t regain his starting spot the Jets would most likely trade him. They could stick with Eric Smith if he plays well as a starter, make a move to draft Eric Berry but the most appealing option is current Rams free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe. Atogwe is a true, playmaking free safety.

Atogwe, in his prime, is also a tackling machine. Like Seymour he’s looking to play for a contender and the Jets would be a perfect fit. 

 

4. Draft Terrence Cody

The mammoth lineman is tailor made for the 3-4 defense and the Jets must draft Cody as the eventual successor to Jenkins at nose tackle.

 

5. Sign/draft a slot receiver

A minor need but the Jets should think about developing a slot receiver, maybe a late round draft pick. David Clowney has blazing speed but that is about it, and Brad Smith has been a failure. 

These are all suggestions, most of which the Jets may not look into. Finding a slot receiver isn’t a glaring need, and the Jets may not end up looking for a free safety if Rhodes can win back his starting job or if Eric Smith impresses. 

 

Improving the pass rush and drafting Terrence Cody are musts. The front seven of the Jets would be the best in the league if they could ink Merriman and Seymour, and you can bet they’ll capitalize on an uncapped year. To what extent, we’ll have to wait and find out.

Merriman should hit the open market as the Chargers have Larry English behind him to take over. The more the Raiders lose, the more discouraged Seymour will be to return to the AFC East, as if he wasn’t upset enough already when he found out he was traded to the Raiders.

Mike Tannenbaum has done a great job, but it hasn’t translated to wins. The Jets are hungry for a playoff berth, and, since it looks like they’ll have to wait another year, they can’t let the opportunity to significantly improve their defense pass—especially in an uncapped year. 

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Time Will Tell Which Jets These Are

“We’ve gotta find ways to win, instead of finding ways to lose.”

Beating a dead horse, a broken record for the faithful of the beleaguered Jets franchise, possibly the cream of the crop in, not winning, but coming agonizingly close, making for a good game and an exciting finish whenever they have a chance to make something happen. 

Rex Ryan’s oozing confidence, like the Jets roster oozing with talent, cannot clinch victories for the team. Despite injury setbacks, Kris Jenkins and Leon Washington cemented to the injured reserve for the rest of the season, the Jets have soldiered on.

They’re a few plays short of a 6-2, perhaps even 7-1 record. A botched snap, a defensive stop, and a clutch play shy. Prior to those plays, earlier in those particular sequences the undisciplined Jets shot themselves in the foot with penalties that significantly altered the result of the game.

Superiority on paper evidently doesn’t translate to superiority in the standings and the Jets can talk a good game but apparently can’t manage to win under difficult circumstances. The frustrating factor about these implosions is the amount of talent on the roster and the potential this team has.

The Jets have a relatively soft segment of their schedule on horizon following the bye week.

Peeking around the rest of the AFC, it is becoming clear that a wild card berth would be extremely difficult with the success of the Texans and Colts in the AFC South, Steelers, Bengals and Ravens in the AFC North, and Broncos and Chargers in the AFC West.

Rex Ryan pointed out that a positive going forward is that the Jets are in control of their own fate, although they’ll have to win a few games people would’ve thought wouldn’t have been necessary a month before.

Namely, on the road against the Patriots and Colts. The Colts matchup comes late in December by when Peyton Manning and company could have not just a postseason berth, but the division and home field advantage in their back pocket.

Regardless, it’ll be a stiff challenge and the Colts will be looking to muster up momentum against a celebrated Jets defense. The crunch clash against the Patriots, however, which is in the heart of a tough stretch for New England, featuring the Dolphins, Colts and Saints as well, is critical for the Jets’ postseason aspirations.

Hopefully, the Jets can get back on track by then, or rather on the same page. Each phase has had its fair share of peaks and valleys, and each phase has single-handedly lost at least a game for the Jets while the other phases have been unable to pick up all the slack.

Until the final whistle blows, these aren’t the same old Jets and they’ll have plenty of time to respond to the typical New York adversity surrounding the typical New York Jets. 

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Jets Need to Swing Trade for Brandon Marshall

The Jets defense is on a crash course to capsize the consensus that the division belongs to the Patriots, a foregone conclusion with the return of Tom Brady. They’ve spent enough time in the shadows of their rivals and Rex Ryan is determined to change that. 

The Jets have a premier offensive line to pave the way for their balanced, bruising backfield and a franchise gunslinger. The uncertainty lies in the receiving corps where there is raw talent and potential but little experience behind Jerricho Cotchery. Cotchery himself fits the No. 2 slot better although he’s atop the depth chart there for now.

Ryan will install his winning formula but if there’s an aspect of the game his blueprint least pertains to, it will certainly be the passing game. However, after watching the Jets bank on Brett Favre’s battered up bazooka down the stretch to carry them to the promise land you can bet Brian Schottenheimer will go to the air plenty of times. 

You can bet Mark Sanchez will be starting and opponents will be licking their chops when they see fresh meat under center, and will be bent on bringing the the blitz to restrict the Jets rushing attack. Having another big name in the receiver ranks would keep defenses on their heels and stretch the field, opening up the passing game.

John Clayton of ESPN recently reported that the Broncos would oblige disgruntled WR Brandon Marshall and trade him if a team was willing to step up to the plate and offer first and fourth round draft picks. The front office will be hesitant to give up a first round pick but the prospect of Marshall a Jet and the potential of the team is mouthwatering.

The Jets will retain the offensive line that cleared the way for Thomas Jones to lead the AFC in rushing and the addition of quick bulldozer ShonnGreene plus more carries for the electric Leon Washington will improve the running back unit even more. 

The defense featured Kris Jenkins, Shaun Ellis, David Harris, Calvin Pace, Kerry Rhodes, Darrelle Revis. And Vernon Gholston, if ever he decides to join the party.

Throw in violent Bart Scott, Marques Douglas who over the course of his career has made a living in the backfield, and pocket rocket Jim Leonhard who will throw himself into every play, Lito Sheppard, and defensive czar Rex Ryan. 

What do you get? We’re about to find out, but Rex’s crew is primed for a big year and are looking to make a name for themselves as a physical bunch, cream of the crop, and they certainly can be. 

The absent of element of success is a formidable tandem in the passing game, and the Jets made strides to fulfill that by moving up and selecting Mark Sanchez but they need a pure No. 1 target for the rookie to complete the passing game. 

They have sheer speed in David Clowney and Aundrae Allison, an athletic Brad Smith, Chansi Stuckey who has a bright future ahead but with his route running abilities is more of a threat in the slot, and Jerricho Cotchery who has been extremely successful alongside Laveranues Coles, but is yet to prove he can shine alone in the spotlight. 

This group has monumental potential but they shouldn’t wait for that to be fulfilled. The Jets have to come to their senses and realize having the passing game a question mark when you can land a prolific playmaker who will instantly transform this team into a contender isn’t logical. 

The price isn’t too demanding and if the situation in Denver escalates to a point where the Broncos decide they want to unload Marshall the Jets will have leverage, but having said that it is imperative they acquire Marshall as soon as possible if they want him on board by the start of the season.

After watching Joe Flacco pick apart the Jets defense it became clear to me that this team will rely on their defense but to win will need production from their offense.

Thomas Jones and Leon Washington continue to work superb together, and throw Shonn Greene in the mix plus the offensive line on the mend and the rushing attack is a well oiled machine.

Aside from David Clowney and perhaps Dustin Keller the receivers who the Jets hope they can survive with have been virtually absent and have failed to make an impact in their brief cameos thus far. 

The secondary looks like the sloppy bunch that imploded last season and has failed to play their part in supporting the pass rush, while the pass rush has shown signs of life, and both will be given major boosts with the returns of Darrelle Revis and a fresh Kris Jenkins. 

Rex Ryan’s unit will be undermanned for the opener against the high octane offense of Houston due to suspensions of Shaun Ellis and Calvin Pace. Pace will miss the first four games and Vernon Gholston will be thrown into the fire. Gholston hasn’t been lighting it up on paper but at least he’s on the field. 

The Jets are expecting to win with their defense, but adding Brandon Marshall and they could even win with their offense. A healthy troop in the trenches, a Pro Bowl backfield and a razing rookie, and a formidable tandem of Sanchez and Marshall plus Jerricho Cotchery, Dustin Keller and Chansi Stuckey in the slot. Drooling already?

The Jets absolutely have to make this move. Parting with your No. 1 pick for a proven wideout and budding superstar sounds appealing and worth it, doesn’t it?

Marshall brings baggage and a history of ‘domestic disputes’ but none of that has been detrimental to his team and the possibilities of Marshall a Jet overshadows his past, but rolls out the red carpet for his future and for his team, if it happens to be the Jets.

Woody and Mike Tannenbaum, the price is right, Brandon Marshall paired with Mark Sanchez is the cash cow for years to come and on the field, add the defense, offensive line and running backs to the equation and the Jets will establish themselves as one of the best and contend for a Super Bowl. 

 

 

 

Roll Out The Red Carpet for Plaxico in Florham Park

 

The trial date of Plaxico Burress is rapidly approaching and it is time to deliberate whether the Jets should pounce on Burress should he find himself playing this upcoming season.

There are a variety of opinions on Burress and his “baggage” that he’ll drag with him to the Jets and whether it is worth it. The public perception of Burress seems to be very precarious and the prospect of Burress with the Jets is adamantly opposed by many after witnessing how his irresponsible nightclub incident crippled the Giants.

Burress was deemed a distraction, thug, and dilemma for the Giants who would deactivate Burress. Several factors contributed to his release after his court date was delayed. The Giants management obviously wasn’t on the same page as the Giants players regarding their teammate, who chorused their approval of Plaxico and a return to the team.

Brandon Jacobs, Osi Umenyiora, and Justin Tuck were among several who lobbied for the Giants to retain Burress while he remained on the team. The Jets locker room isn’t hesitant in expressing their opinion regarding Plaxico. 

“I’d open my arms wide if he’s able to come here. I think the rest of the team would, too. That’s a special talent. I only see upside if we’re able to get him. That could definetely put us a lot closer to our goal,” said Lito Sheppard. 

“Plax was a great teammate,” said Alan Faneca. Faneca added that Plaxico did brew some controversy, but that wasn’t unusual for Plaxico. Jerricho Cotchery noted Plaxico is a gem of a talent you don’t find on the market too often and “any team would find a way to welcome him.” Cotchery and Faneca have embraced the prospect of Plaxico as Jet. 

“From being around him, I think he’d be a real good fit here,” says Faneca. “He’d be welcome.” The perennial Pro Bowl left guard spent the bulk of his career with the Steelers and some of it with Burress. “He’d be welcome here.”

Cotchery, cemented as the No. 1 receiver on the depth chart for the time being, benefited from having Laveranues Coles around to divert the attention of opposing defenses, and while you’d think he’d be ready to absorb the spotlight, perhaps even he understands Burress would do wonders for the offense as a whole but also allow himself to flourish the way he has been doing. 

Entertaining the idea of Burress is an “insult” to the relative minnows of the receiving corps, according to Wallace Wright.

Wright is practicing impressively and has caught the attention of Rex Ryan while utility player Brad Smith is making a case for the vacant starting slot. David Clowney is in the mix, although he hasn’t been at his best lately. I’d say Chansi Stuckey is leading the pack at the moment.

Rex mentioned Wayne Chrebet and Wes Welker while describing how potentially productive Stuckey can be in the slot, and he could be a sleeper especially if the Jets do manage to ink Burress.

The aerial attack would look a lot more menacing with the addition of Burress, opening things up for Cotchery as well as Stuckey. Brad Smith also thrives in packages with multiple wideouts, and if Wallace Wright continues to progress he could be a factor as well. Hopefully the Jets can wrench out something in the towering Marcus Henry. 

The passing game as a whole would improve drastically if Burress were to be reeled on board. Stuckey is a stellar guy who can make plays out of the slot and David Clowney can hit the home run with his speed, and even if Brad Smith and company can’t chip the Jets would be a lot more comfortable putting the ball in the hands of rookie Sanchez with Burress out there. 

Sanchez, after getting a record deal, has a clear way to the starting spot and has shown promise as of late in practice. He wrapped up minicamp with a string of completions on a scoring drive, finishing on a high note while a fierce battle with Kellen Clemens in training camp ensues. 

Back to Burress. Plaxico is already popular in the locker room for the Jets, or at least with those whose vote counts. It boils down to Mike Tannenbaum and Rex Ryan’s decision but all indications are that they’ll pursue the star. They’ve had several opportunities to quell the rumors they’re very well aware of, and have helped fuel by talking about Plaxico from a ‘positive’ perspective.

In other words, they’re going to play it by ear but are interested and will try and bring in Burress. The votes of confidence from guys like Cotchery and Faneca that have been signed, sealed, and delivered in favor of Burress should be echoing in the back of Tannenbaum’s mind.

It helps to know your players would roll out the red carpet for a guy like Burress who the media in New York has already been crucified.  

The way players view Burress indicates he doesn’t disrupt the fabric of a team and its chemistry and that his behavior and conduct fly fine with everyone in the clubhouse.

On the field he’s capable of doing many things, and one of those was accelerating the development of a young gun under center with Eli Manning. They ended up winning a Super Bowl together, and I’m sure the Jets wouldn’t mind Burress to unleash money man Sanchez and vice versa.

Henry Ellard sums it up pretty well:

“He makes plays. He made a mistake. Everybody makes mistakes. We would love to have him because he adds to what we already have.”

 

 

Five Guys: Receivers Who Should Be On The Jets Radar

The Jets’ front office recites its content with the receiving corps, just like they said they were set under center only to swing a draft-day blockbuster trade and land a future face of the franchise in Mark Sanchez. 

Pundits have proclaimed the Jets lacking of a No. 1 receiver as their potential downfall.

While many of us pay little mind to their rants and raves, the fact of the matter is the Jets have a batch of amateur wideouts and are anointing their top receiver as a guy who isn’t a pure No. 1. 

Jerricho Cotchery will try and prove us wrong. The personnel on both sides of the ball—including the offense with a high-caliber line and a pair of Pro Bowl running backs— will have the Jets poised for success this season. They shouldn’t experiment, but go out and get guys they know can get the job done.

That in mind, Rex Ryan made a good point when he was hired that the gunslingers he inherited and whoever would suit up under center come September wouldn’t have to be the solution, just part of it. That pertains to this wide-receiver dilemma as well and how Mike Tannenbaum plans to address it.

Regardless of what the management plans to do and what they feel is necessary, expect Tannenbaum to make a move before training camp so whoever they lasso in would have adequate time to digest the terminology. 

The Jets should take a long hard look at some of these guys:

The legal team of free agent Plaxico Burress is working in accordance with his desire to play football next season and avoid jail time after his nightclub incident. Burress is facing potential time behind bars after accidentally shooting himself with an unlicensed gun this past winter.

Burress would be a perfect fit for the Jets—bringing size, speed and a great pair of hands. He is a stellar receiver and would be a key cog in any lineup. His special talent could fall into the lap of the Jets, who are one of three teams interested in Plaxico.

John Clayton said the Jets are the “main team” in the Plaxico sweepstakes. 

In terms of baggage, Burress is neither a Terrell Owens nor a Pacman Jones, and it irks me as to how people stereotype Burress as a guy who would cripple chemistry. In fact, many of his influential Giants’ teammates expressed their intent on having Burress back throughout the aftermath of his episode, saying his return could propel them back to the Super Bowl. 

Even guys in Florham Park, namely Jerricho Cotchery and veteran Alan Faneca, who played alongside Burress in Pittsburgh, would welcome having Burress around. 

Mike Tannenbaum, Rex Ryan, and Woody Johnson wouldn’t shoot down the idea. In fact, they kind of did the opposite by uncharacteristically saying they’d wait and see and play it by ear.

Woody Johnson, when asked about the topic, seemed very open to the idea of having Burress around, as long as he’d help the team win. Apparently, the Jets are closely monitoring the situation. 

If Burress can weave his way out of trouble and avoid harsh discipline from the league, he could very well find himself playing football again in a Jets uniform. After having his court date delayed, things will begin to take shape exactly a week from now at his trial. 

Brandon Marshall is another star wide receiver entangled in a legal mess that comprises of a series of events, many involving a former girlfriend and the latest of which includes his fiancee. His court date was pushed to August, so he’s clear sailing for the time being. 

The league will not suspend Marshall for his latest “domestic dispute,” although he was suspended for last year’s season opener due to the chain of issues with his former girlfriend.

Marshall now admits he made mistakes in the past. Mike Shanahan acknowledged that as well, but went on to note Marshall is a “good kid.” 

Personal life and issues aside, Marshall has been a key contributor on the field and was a favorite target of former teammate Jay Cutler. 

Marshall put up big numbers last season, recording slightly more than 100 receptions and a whopping 1,265 yards.

While the Broncos were a pass happy team with a batch of battered-up backs and Cutler under center, Marshall wasn’t the only receiver on the team. Cutler frequently went to other targets, like tight end Tony Scheffler and receivers Eddie Royal and Brandon Stokley. 

The Broncos are trying to pull of a smooth transition to the 3-4 after relying heavily on Cutler, Marshall, and the offense last season.

The Jets do have plenty of linebackers. However, Rex Ryan shied away from dangling any of his defensive cornerstones like David Harris or Darrelle Revis, but a guy like Bryan Thomas could become expendable if Vernon Gholston steps up to the plate. 

Either way, the Jets have many young guns there, like Rutgers’ Jamaal Westerman. Westerman has been turning heads and could have a future with the club. Ryan won’t be afraid to throw Gholston fire after declaring he will be a major contributor. 

Financially, there shouldn’t be any cap problems as the Jets will have enough to maybe even extend Marshall. Even then, an upgrade from his current modest salary would be much more of a bargain than signing Anquan Boldin, especially if Marshall continues to progress and blossoms into a superstar.

Marshall is rehabbing from an injury and training in Orlando, therefore not present in Dove Valley to get acclimated with the new regime and absorb the playbook, and is seeking a new contract with a year left on his current pact.

If and when the Jets extend Leon Washington, they should still have some room left to sign Marshall to a long-term deal should they acquire him.

All in all, while Marshall does have some things to sort out, he seems to be responding to it all very professionally like the “good kid” Shanahan dubbed him as. He is developing into a superstar and is lethal with the ball in his hands and out in the open getting downfield. 

Breezing through Boldin and Braylon Edwards: Boldin is tough as nails and will get yards after the catch rather than taking chances downfield. That could help if you have a rookie quarterback or Kellen Clemens, who’s been around but hasn’t played. 

Edwards was in fantastic form in 2007, but last season his success was scarred by hands of stone. He dropped many crucial passes as questions were raised about his focus and work ethic. Bring him to the spotlight in the Big Apple and I’m sure he’ll do his best to deliver. 

Lastly, Amani Toomer is a low-key signing I think would be very low risk, high reward for the Jets.

The veteran, famous for his days piling up receptions as a Giant, would bring experience and production to a fountain of youth the Jets have for receivers.

Toomer is tough and his presence would alleviate pressure on Jerricho Cotchery. He would also come cheaper than Edwards, Boldin, etc. 

The Jets gush about their current group of receivers, but they’re more likely than not to pull off some sort of transaction to improve in that department.

One of these five receivers could do the trick.

 

 

 

 

A Cardinal Who Should Be on Tanny’s Radar (and He Isn’t Anquan Boldin)

Anquan Boldin and Braylon Edwards have been hogging headlines and sparking speculation of potential trades, with the New York Jets discussed as a possible beneficiary in a transaction to land one or the other to solidify their receiving corps and bolster their aerial attack.

After the selection of former USC QB Mark Sanchez the Jets are top receiver away from a playoff berth, and perhaps even title run. After collapsing down the stretch only a couple of months back, fans should have reason to be comfortable with the new regime and the state of the franchise.

Woody Johnson seems intent on winning now and isn’t afraid to break bank to land guys the front office covets, dismissing Eric Mangini in the aftermath of a disappointing season finale and with general Mike Tannenbaum reeling in defense czar Rex Ryan to replace Mangini. 

Ryan would lasso in free agents Bart Scott, Jim Leonhard and Marques Douglas and trade for Lito Sheppard to revamp the defense and from that point it seemed the draft was going to be utilized to improve the offense, which it was.

The Jets hauled in their face of the franchise, future replacement for disgruntled Thomas Jones (Shonn Greene, Iowa) and added some offensive line depth after escaping the past season with no casualties up front (Matt Slauson, Nebraska).

The consensus opinion is the Jets are a piece away from the playoffs, and that the glaring need is a big target out wide for Sanchez going forward, a la Edwards or Anquan Boldin, while diverting attention from Jerricho Cotchery so he can do his thing.

I beg to differ, and I’m not implying that the Jets are safe and secure where they are right now and with who they have on the roster in terms of receiver, or that Jerricho Cotchery is the solution, because he’s not a true No. 1, but that the Jets could use an upgrade at defensive end, and not receiver, to have a good shot at a playoff run. 

You’d think a more feasible transaction that would occur in the near future would involve receiver for the Jets, who haven’t even ruled out making a play for Plaxico Burress, even while Burress is in the thick of a legal mess that ultimately led to his release from the Giants (not too long after signing an extension).

Personally, I think a trade for Braylon Edwards would be a mistake for a combination of things, and it wouldn’t quite describe it as character issues but more of a focus, concentration type of problem and literally turning his back on the Browns (failing to join the huddle) last season in the dead rubber (I do recall that happening). 

Edwards also inquired about modelling and acting with defensive back Will Demps during a game and wanted to meet up after the game to chat.

While I wouldn’t be opposed to a deal for Anquan Boldin and like what he brings to the table, similar playing qualities to Cotchery, I think the Jets would be more successful next year if they acquired a defensive end to complement the aging Shaun Ellis as a potential anchor for the line.

Apparently Shaun Rogers and Mangini have worked things out, after Rogers was angry that Mangini failed to acknowledge him at a public function (Mangini claimed he didn’t notice; boy I’m glad we have motivator and genius like Rex Ryan as coach).

Mike Tannenbaum doesn’t leave any stones unturned and the Browns could’ve selected B.J. Raji from Boston College, in which case Rogers would’ve been shifted over to end. He and Jenkins would be a formidable force and run clogging duo. 

However, a more intriguing option to fill the void left by Kenyon Coleman who was part of the deal to move up and take Mark Sanchez, would be Arizona’s Darnell Dockett. 

Another Drew Rosenhaus client, who also represents not only Plaxico Burress but the unhappy Thomas Jones (and Anquan Boldin), didn’t seem intent on participating in minicamp citing a hamstring injury (as did Anquan Boldin), and Ken Whisenhunt admitted he knew the reason, like most of us do, the pair sat out practices.

Dockett followed suite of Anquan Boldin not too long after sitting out minicamp in requesting a trade, evidently upset with his contract which he feels, like many other Cardinals, he has outplayed. Dockett, however, is at the cellar of the Cardinals’ contract agenda that includes Adrian Wilson, Karlos Dansby, and Boldin (and Dockett).

In that order. More likely than not Dockett won’t get his wish of a new contract, in Arizona at least, and the Jets future beyond the next few years, especially defensive end, looks foggy. Dockett, on the brink of his prime, could apply lots of pressure coming off the edge and slid inside to give Jenkins a breather when necessary. 

Getting a trade done is easier said than done, but the Jets may have some blue chips that would entice the Cardinals. How far Thomas Jones is willing to go with this contract issue remains unclear, but while it hasn’t escalated Jones’ value coming a Pro Bowl year, leading the AFC in rushing, is higher than ever.

The Cardinals just drafted Beanie Wells and while he could take some time to get the ball rolling, the Cardinals are at a point where they can still contend with Kurt Warner under center for at least another year and the pass blocking of Jones and ability to open up the field for the passing game is mouthwatering for the Cards, his first team.

Dockett is a stud and if the Jets can reel him in for Jones, and insurance for Boldin and Adrian Wilson like Eric Smith and Brad Smith, plus if and Tannenbaum can trim the roster and give the Jets some monetary breathing space, a long term deal for Dockett could get done.

I wouldn’t be surprised if, assuming the Jets do pursue Dockett (which I hope they do), Shaun Ellis could be thrown into the mix as compensation for the Cards to give them some short term beef on the line and do some shuffling to make up for a potential loss of Dockett. 

That way Marques Douglas would get bumped up to start, and it was not too long ago Douglas made a living in the backfield and was thriving in his prime with San Francisco. If Ryan, who has worked with Douglas before, can get something out of him and backup Mike DeVito, who Rex is high on, the defensive line rotation would be phenomenal.

Just my opinion, could be a little far fetched, but looking into it I think it could happen and would be a great move for the Jets if it did. Hopefully Mike Tannenbaum has looked into it as well and is trying to whip something up for Dockett. 

And from a fantasy football standpoint, why not look into a deal for Dockett and Shaun Rogers? Jenkins, Dockett and Rogers would be an ideal crew of chaos

Somewhere along the line Shaun Ellis would have to be shipped, as well as Thomas Jones and perhaps some draft picks, but it would be worth it. The Jets certainly have the bargaining tools and a shrewd brass spearheaded by Tannenbaum and his wits. Food for thought, there are many possibilities to play with. 

But the main point being, with a beast like Dockett disgruntled and seeking a trade Mike Tannenbaum should do more than his “due diligence” and go out and get Dockett. The versatile Dockettwould thrive in Ryan’s schemes and the Jets should definitely try hard to acquire this playmaker.

Feel free to comment below and share your opinion on where Gang Green should go from here and what the next move should be.

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