The Jets were
coming off the biggest game in NFL history seven and half months earlier. The
nation was split with the Vietnam War going on. Hundreds of thousands of kids
were gathering in upstate New York to witness the most famous rock concert in
history. It was August 17, 1969 and the upstart New York Jets were meeting
their cross town rivals, the New York Giants for the first time. Weeb Ewbank
used the terminology: “battle for the braggin’ rights” which has stuck all these
years. The Jets won the first game 37-14. This Saturday night (7:30 PM CBS)
both teams will take the field in Met Life Stadium. Though much of the luster
of the game has disappeared, both coaches would like to win. Usually the third
exhibition game is noted for the extended play of the starters who may play
into the third quarter.
Here are some
things I’d like to see in this third exhibition game:
1)
I want to see Muhammad Wilkerson play. Ideally I’d like to see
him get anywhere from 10-15 snaps.
2)
Ditto for Matt Forte. I’d like to see him carry the ball 4-8
times and catch 1-3 passes out of the backfield.
3)
Stop the opposition on their first possession. Even though it
is only an exhibition game, the first two drives of each previous game were way
too easy.
4)
I want punter Lachlan Edwards to continue his fine punting.
When he punts, don’t just look at his yardage. His punts have outstanding hang
time making it much easier for our ST (Special Teams) to cover the return.
5)
How about 5+ completions to our tight end position? I know
Chan Gailey doesn’t utilize tight ends much in his offense but let’s show the
opposition there is a possible threat.
6)
Let’s start Darron Lee and see how he does on some running
plays. Just as the team gets in shape for stamina, they also need to experience
contact. Lee has looked great going end to end on the field. Let’s see if he
can play the run against the Giants first team.
7)
Ryan Fitzpatrick needs to take his team down the field for a
score on a drive with 10 or 12 plays, 80 yards mixing up the run and pass.
8)
Love to see some time management expertise from Todd Bowles.
Tough to do it in pre-season and I’m not 100% sure he has mastered this tough
coaching skill.
There was an excellent article this week in the Wall Street
Journal about the Jets second round draft picks. Here they are for the past 7 years:
2016 Christian Hackenberg
2015 Devin Smith
2014 Jace Amaro
2013 Geno Smith
2012 Stephen Hill
2011 No Pick
2010 Vladimir Ducasse
Some others: Mike Nugent, Justin Miller both 2005, Jon
McGraw 2002, Dorian Boose 1998, Rick Terry 1997. Let me stop it here so we all
don’t throw up. Seriously it has been tough for the Jets in the 2nd
round. Everyone knows you can do all your homework and still have misses.
Speaking of the draft, here’s a scary thought. Next year the
Jets may need 3 new quarterbacks. Geno Smith will be gone and Ryan Fitzpatrick
has a one-year contract so he can go also. And if Christian Hackenberg turns
out to be a bust, it can be a busy off season for our GM.
Deon Simon
(#93) has impressed during pre-season. This second year nose tackle from
Northwestern State-Louisiana has shown in practice he wants
to play and against the Redskins he showed he can play-at least against the
second team. Let’s keep on eye on this former 7th round pick. If he
is a player, he will get reps this year.
(See his draft profile below)
Green Tidbits:
….Manish
Mehta beat me to it with his Wednesday article insinuating Christain Hackenberg
may “develop” an injury and go on the IR for the season….Speaking of
Hackenberg-former Bears college scouting director Greg Gabriel tweeted
Saturday.”Hardly a surprise. #wasted pick.” “The Jets are finding out
Hackenberg can’t play,”….Speaking of second rounders, Mark Gastineau (’79) was
probably the Jets best pick in that round….Anxious to see if Robby Anderson can
have a good follow-up game. He leads NFL receivers in yardage in pre-season….Lorenzo
Mauldin (LB-#55) needs to continue to improve. It would be nice if his 4 sacks
last year doubled to 8….Speaking of linebackers, “younger & quicker” was
what GM Mike Maccagnan wanted to accomplish and he is on the right track adding
Darron Lee & Jordan Jenkins….Greg Buttle was on WABC radio this week
talking politics. He did a fine job….Former Jets (and Oakland Raider) safety
Burgess Owens has been making the airwaves also promoting his book, Liberalism
or How to Turn Good Men into Whiners, Weenies and Wimps. Burgess is very
articulate and does his homework. Just like when he played….In 1965 the St.
Louis Cardinals selected Joe Namath twelfth overall in the NFL draft, while the
Jets selected him with the first overall pick of the AFL draft.
Deon Simon, 6’4” 321lbs.
STRENGTHS Imposing, wide frame. Displays powerful upper half
with ability to manhandle centers or undersized guards. Can eat blocks and
command his spot. Uses his hands well down the line of scrimmage against the
run and has the tools to become a factor against the run as a pro.
WEAKNESSES Fails to fire off the ball with quickness or
explosion. Plays with straight legs, leading to inconsistency in his forward
charge after contact. Motor runs hot and cold depending on game he's having.
Turns into bored pass rusher if initial pass rush is quelled. Still learning to
use strength to be more effective bull rusher. Has limited play radius against
the run.
DRAFT PROJECTION Round 7 or priority free agent
BOTTOM LINE Big-bodied defensive tackle who could find a
home as a two-gapping nose guard in a 3-4. Simon is 24 years old and is coming
off of a knee injury, but he has noticeable power and shows potential to slow
the run in the middle of a defense. He needs much better pad level and plenty
of coaching for his potential to be unlocked.
This weeks newsletter is sponsored by Amazon Prime Instant video and Marty Schupak's sports instructional videos. Always free on Amazon Prime!
This weeks newsletter is sponsored by Amazon Prime Instant video and Marty Schupak's sports instructional videos. Always free on Amazon Prime!
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