NFL Copycats: Adoption of the Wildcat Is Only Domesticating the Offense

I’m sorry, I-formation, but we no longer have anything in common. We had some great times, but sadly…the thrill is gone.

The element of surprise is critical to maintaining a healthy relationship in the NFL, and the base offensive packages that once dictated the pace of the game are no longer doing the trick.

And so, the Wildcat offense has captivated the league, emerging as every team’s latest method of trickery.

It’s the offensive flavor of the month.

The Miami Dolphins piqued everyone’s interest in 2008 after using the formation to perfection against the New England Patriots.

Therefore, it’s only natural for every other team to want to employ its own variations in 2009.

 

If Lightning Strikes Twice…

The Oakland Raiders stand out immediately as a team with enough speed to make the offense work. Al Davis’ commitment to making the fastest team in the NFL looks like the best attempt at creating a dangerous Wildcat team.

With three running backs on the roster and the addition of Darrius Heyward-Bey, a Raiders’ Wildcat offense would only need to find open space.

Darren McFadden proved he could take snaps in college, making him the ideal candidate to lead the formation in 2009.

Aside from the Raiders, the Minnesota Vikings drafted Percy Harvin for the versatility he displayed in college.

However, unless he can establish himself as a legitimate receiving threat in the NFL, his presence on the field will only be associated with some form of Wildcat trickery.

With Adrian Peterson being a one-man wrecking crew, running the Wildcat would be a step back for the Vikings offense.

Then again, this is the same team that’s courting a retired Brett Favre.

 

How the Wildcat is Stopping Itself

With the Dallas Cowboys developing the Razorback—another variation of the Wildcat offense—it has become even clearer that the NFL’s latest bright idea is en route to being driven directly into the ground.

New attempts at the offense will only succeed in rendering a creative formation completely useless. Thinking logically, the more common the formation becomes, the less impressive the results will ultimately be.

The writing is already on the wall for the Wildcat.

The death of the formation is imminent.

With most offensive coordinators having no flair and completely abandoning the concept of creativity, the Wildcat is being beaten into submission as they attempt to concoct their own cheap imitations.

PETA has yet to provide a statement.

Miami’s success with the formation has everyone fooled.

While the Wildcat was effective for the Dolphins, the formation is most useful for teams with weaknesses they’re hoping to mask.

Teams without strong offensive lines or game-changing receiving options rely heavily upon their speed at running back to make the offense work. It takes a unique blend of strengths and weaknesses to run a believable Wildcat.

On the flip side, the rampant incorporation of the Wildcat into offensive playbooks is only helping to familiarize defenses with the formation.

With more coordinators looking to utilize it, more defenses have opportunities to practice against it.

The success of the Wildcat is largely predicated on the ability to catch a defense completely off guard. But if a defense is prepared at the sight of the formation, then the offense has already been neutralized.

The element of surprise becomes commonplace.

Defensive coordinators can develop audible packages with altered assignments to neutralize any mismatches, and linebackers can instantly blitz to disrupt the blocking schemes that make the offense work.

There are a multitude of shifts and motions that can add more variety to the Wildcat, so the chances of the formation disappearing overnight are none.

But at some point, an offense is going to have to line up and play straight football, and if they can’t, their Wildcat illusion is going to lose its prestige sooner than expected.

Rex Ryan Will Have to Adjust More Than the New York Jets’ Attitude

The rest of the NFL is finally catching on. Rex Ryan’s bravado will not allow anyone to misinterpret his intentions with the New York Jets in 2009.

He’s in New York to change the culture.

In a league dominated by agent-prepared statements and predictable commentary, having a head coach who speaks from the heart should come as an electric shock to the bloodstream.

It should be a breath of fresh air—something he’s been pumping into the tri-state area since January.

Criticism of his confidence is premature. It should be clear that throwing caution to the wind was essential for Ryan as he lays the groundwork for the Jets’ new identity.

While the attitude is good for quotes and bulletin board material around the league, the most important adjustment Ryan has to make to Jets’ culture has to happen on the field.

Before all of his words are dismissed as steam from a first-time coach, Ryan’s first order of business has to revolve around helping his Jets unlearn the complacency Eric Mangini instilled during his three-year reign.

 

A Tale of Two Halves

The New York Jets were a Jekyll and Hyde of sorts under Mangini.

From 2006 through 2008, the first two quarters of Jets’ football were usually exciting to watch. The offense would execute and the defense made impressive stops when necessary.

In Mangini’s three seasons as head coach, the Jets held halftime leads on 23 different occasions. Of those 23 games, they only lost three times—all of them during the abysmal, injury-plagued 2007 campaign.

Of their 20 victories, the Jets led by 10 points or more at the half in nine games. The only time New York built upon their lead was in a 47-3 blowout victory over the St. Louis Rams in 2008.

Outside of that one game, the Jets were consistently outscored in the second half after holding substantial leads.

To hold a two-score lead over an opponent and allow them to dictate the pace of the game is unacceptable.

Unless a game was completely out of reach, Mangini was seemingly unprepared for his opponent’s halftime adjustments—adjustments that Mangini couldn’t counter.

Either he was too arrogant to deviate from his strategy, or he was naïve enough to assume that the gameplan would work as scripted.

The halftime woes also work in the opposite direction.

Under Eric Mangini, the Jets never won a game in the second half if they didn’t already hold the lead, regardless of the margin. If the Jets were losing at halftime, the game was essentially finished.

The Jets trailed at the half in 16 regular-season contests. Behind by a touchdown or more in 10 of those games, the Jets never came within more than seven points of victory.

The only two games where the Jets came close were in a 24-17 loss to the New England Patriots in 2006, and a 20-13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in 2007. They were down by 17 points and 14 points at the half, respectively.

Otherwise, the Jets would completely collapse and barrel down Mangini’s path of futile football. 

This cannot continue under Rex Ryan.

 

Adjusting From Mental to Physical

If you remember Steve Emtman’s words of wisdom in 1994’s Little Giants, then you should already know that football is 80 percent mental and 40 percent physical.

His math is only wrong to people who don’t understand the game. Winning is all about knowing how to use that extra 20 percent.

While Mangini was credited for his commitment to the mental aspect of the game, his issues as a head coach are proof-positive of his inability to balance the percentages.

“(Mangini) is very cerebral,” said special-teams coordinator Mike Westhoff on Michael Kay’s ESPN radio show in January.

“He’s very much a film coach. He studies it, he loves to watch the film, (and) he loves to teach off it. Sometimes there’s a little transition that gets lost between that and the field.”

The contrast to Rex Ryan is astounding.

In his introductory press conference, Ryan promised that his Jets will be more physical from the onset.

Now fans only have to hope that the Mad Scientist’s mental sacrifices will be what’s necessary for developing a winning formula.

While Mangini studied film, it’s Rex Ryan’s defense that focuses on what’s happening on the field. His organized chaos guarantees a fluid, ever-changing adjustment.

It’s a system that will allow players to succeed on their own terms while chasing one objective: pound the other team and make them want to quit.

That philosophy alone makes Ryan’s Jets superior to Mangini’s.

After three seasons of Jets’ football being all about the process, it’s exciting to know that the future is in the hands of a coach who flourishes with the unpredictable nature of the game.

One More Time: Nine NFL Players Who Need to Prove 2008 Was No Fluke

When it comes to reputations in the NFL, a player is only as good as his last season.

In 2008, a multitude of stocks rose as unknown commodities emerged on NFL highlight reels. Players became stars on a weekly basis, earned Pro Bowl votes, and sold a ton of replica jerseys when it was all said and done.

But what you done for me lately? Or perhaps, what will you do for me next year?

It can be argued that it’s easier to excel when no one is prepared for you.

Now that these players have lost the element of surprise and opposing coordinators can focus all their attention on neutralizing them, who still has what it takes to rise to the occasion?

Gotta Have Faith: Leon Washington Returns to New York Jets Practice

The New York Jets have returned to full offensive strength as Leon Washington’s “move of good faith” has restored the Pro-Bowl backfield.

Washington has avoided offseason workouts as a declaration of disappointment with his current contract. Still playing under his fourth-round rookie deal, he is scheduled to earn a meager $535,000 in 2009 before becoming a restricted free agent next March.

Agent Alvin Keels has been in negotiations with general manager Mike Tannenbaum to determine more adequate compensation for a player of Washington’s caliber.

The definition of a “slash” player, Washington’s market value is difficult to distinguish because of his various skill sets.

Dangerous as a kick-returner, receiver out of the backfield, and as a running back, No. 29 provides the Jets with a well-rounded offensive weapon. Therefore, his desire for a more well-rounded bank account is far from unreasonable.

A team captain and MVP, a Pro Bowl talent, and a nightmare for opposing coordinators, there should be no doubt that Washington is worthy of a new contract. In three seasons, Washington has amassed 2,289 yards from scrimmage, 3,184 return yards, and 19 touchdowns.

Unfortunately, the status of the collective bargaining agreement complicates his financial matters.

With the current CBA set to expire in 2009, the Jets are looking for the middle ground in a market with 116 players in the same contractual limbo as Washington.

Washington’s fear is that he will play 2009 without a new deal, and have a best-case scenario with a franchise tag in 2010. While the one-year salary for a tagged player is impressive, Washington wants the security a long-term contract provides before he gets ever closer to 30.

Now that Keels has stated his client’s return to practice is an act of “good faith” toward establishing a new deal, the hope is that Washington will be satisfied with a contract that also protects the Jets from any salary cap difficulties in 2010.

And it couldn’t have happened any sooner.

Having the entire offense on hand throughout the offseason is of the essence. If the Jets hope to hit a stride before starting the season in Houston, then they need to be at full capacity, without any disgruntled players.

With a quarterback competition looming, the only way for the coaching staff to properly evaluate Mark Sanchez and Kellen Clemens is with all of the team’s play-makers present.

A competition can’t be decided appropriately without Washington involved, mainly because the offense is a shadow of itself without him.

Of course, Sanchez has to have his rookie contract worked out before training camp, as well.

Now that Washington has formally placed his faith in the organization to do right by him, it’s time for the Jets to show their loyalty and reward him for being the premier player he is.

Mark Sanchez: The New York Jets’ Model Quarterback—Before GQ’s Help

A picture is supposed to tell a thousand words.

So when Mark Sanchez’s glamour shots from GQ were released, most people in the media decided to redefine the story of the New York Jets’ first overall draft pick.

All of the post-draft chatter had died down. The fact that he’s the son of a hard-working, blue-collar firefighter was no longer relevant. The football acumen he displayed that made him worthy of his draft selection became an afterthought.

In the eyes of the short-sighted, Mark Sanchez is now a Hollywood quarterback, more infatuated with individual fame than leading the Jets to a championship.

The media coverage can only be defined as excessive since the release of the photos. It’s been impossible to find someone willing to ignore their opportunity to pass judgment on Sanchez.

It’s irresponsible.

In the days leading up to rookie minicamps, the steps Sanchez took to establish himself in a new role were ignored. His effortless display of leadership disregarded.

With a training camp battle against four-year veteran Kellen Clemens looming, it was Sanchez who reached out to his teammates in an attempt to develop a rapport with the new offense.

Less than a month ago, Sanchez sent messages to his new receivers, hoping to connect with them away from the Jets’ facilities to practice routes and understand the playbook.

He did this without prompting, reported Eric Allen for newyorkjets.com.

And it’s something Clemens has never done in all his years with the Jets.

“I liked that being a rookie, he’s trying to get all the guys to come out and throw,” said second-year tight end Dustin Keller. “That says a lot about him and his leadership.”

It speaks volumes, Dustin. Those actions spoke louder than any words his GQ pictures told.

“We were out there for like 45 minutes to an hour, but he was throwing a really good ball,” added Keller. “He puts it right where it needs to be every time and he’s a real cool guy, a real likable guy.”

Unfortunately for Sanchez, none of that received the same attention as his airbrushed images.

Instead, Gary Myers of the New York Daily News advised the Jets to seek out Derek Jeter to “conduct a seminar” warning against the “temptation” of putting sports second.

Sanchez must go through the motions this summer before being named the Jets’ opening day starter. But until that decision is formally announced, he deserves the benefit of the doubt before being crucified.

The fact that there’s such fascination with Sanchez’s presumed celebrity only highlights the hypocrisy in the media coverage surrounding the Jets’ new quarterback.

He may have provided everyone with a very easy target, but now it’s up to the media to be responsible for their accuracy.

Redefining Toughness: New York Jets Will Not Fear the 2009 NFL Schedule

Alex Flanagan (from NFL Network): What are the expectations you have for (the New York Jets)?

Rex Ryan: Oh, I’ve got huge expectations for this football team. I’m not a guy (who) says, “Well, we’ve got a four-year plan because my contract is four years.” I expect to win this year. And I expect to win big.

Flanagan: How big?

Ryan: All the way. That’s the only goal we got; it’s to win the Super Bowl.

Flanagan: Any thought about not putting the pressure on yourself talking about a Super Bowl, and maybe starting a little bit smaller?

Ryan: Why?

 

The bravado is contagious.

When Rex Ryan accepted the job to coach the New York Jets, he understood that he would have to emerge as a destroyer of worlds. His role was not designed to be served as a one-dimensional leader of men, but to inspire the intangibles.

Rex Ryan was called upon to dismantle the walls of fear that surround New York—brick by brick.

Four decades of futility and seasons lost to missed opportunities have created a negative stigma around his team. The dark cloud hangs ominously overhead. 

With a new defense that promises to bring forth an apocalypse of offensive suffocation, hard hits, and swagger, Ryan has Jets’ fans finally asking, “Why not?”

He has inspired a sense of entitlement, made fans believe that this is their time, and convinced the world that the New York Jets will finally demand the respect they deserve—one bone-crushing tackle after the other.

And then the NFL released the 2009 schedule.

With games scheduled against the NFC and AFC South, the Rex Ryan era commences with games against two divisions that sent four teams to the postseason in 2008.

 

Separate the Weak from the Obsolete

Strength of schedule is unfortunately defined by the winning percentages of yesteryear. Far too much credit is given to standings that eventually become irrelevant.

The argument against the Jets in 2009 is largely predicated on what their opponents did in 2008, rather than what the Jets plan to do in the near future. While the AFC and NFC South ranked among the most competitive divisions in 2008, a closer look at their opponents provides a slightly skewed portrait.

The Tennessee Titans went on a 10-game win streak to start 2008 until they faced a team with a winning record of their own. The Jets ended the Titans’ run in dominant fashion.  

The Indianapolis Colts finished out their season on a nine-game streak, with their most notable victory coming over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

That streak took advantage of a favorable schedule with games against the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, and San Diego Chargers.

Sharing their division with the Texans and disappointing Jaguars surely contributed to a lighter load for the Colts and Titans.

While the competition had it’s moments of ferocity with games against the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, the majority of the AFC South’s pairings were less challenging.

The surprising Atlanta Falcons and the run-heavy Carolina Panthers led the way in the NFC South, but the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers kept the race for the division interesting. When it was all said and done, the division took advantage of less impressive opponents from the AFC West and NFC North en route to the postseason.

Both divisions they faced sent teams to the playoffs with 8-8 and 10-6 records, respectively.

Of the four teams to reach the postseason from the AFC South and NFC South, all four were immediately sent home, despite two of them having home-field advantage.

 

The Plans Revolve Around Confidence

None of this is to say that the New York Jets will have an easy trip as they navigate through these divisions. But any fear while looking down the schedule is premature.

The AFC East is a monster in it’s own right. In a league where a 9-7 team from the NFC can play in the Super Bowl, it hardly seems fair for the 9-7 Jets and 11-5 New England Patriots to have watched from home.

Such is life. And such is the disappointment that will inspire these Jets to play even harder.

Based on the Jets’ offseason transactions thus far and the seasons their 2009 opponents had in 2008, none of them stand out as being head-and-shoulders above New York.

If anything, the competition is more comparable.

The New York Jets—that Rex Ryan hopes to define—will be the team that their opponents should be concerned about. Not the other way around.

With personnel improvements to the defense, the handcuffs removed from the offense, and a staff that has all but guaranteed creativity, the focus should be on how many ways the Jets can surprise their opponents in 2009. 

“(Opponents) don’t know and we don’t know… and that’s the beauty of the whole thing,” said newly-acquired linebacker Bart Scott to Jane McManus. “We don’t know what the hell we’re doing, so how the hell (are) they going to know what the hell we’re doing?

We just make stuff up on the fly…it’s like it’s open to interpretation.”

The Jets’ pitfalls in 2008 revolved around placing too much focus on what the other team does well, rather than establishing their own identity.

In losses to the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos, Mangini concocted a pass-heavy offensive gameplan against teams that were susceptible to the run.

In a loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Mangini failed to blitz against a patchwork offensive line, backup quarterback, and backup running back.

Those New York Jets would hesitate with their current schedule. Rex Ryan’s Jets don’t care about the other team. As far as he’s concerned, they’re only in the way.

“How’re you going to inspire your football team?” asked Ryan in his interview with Flanagan. 

The same way he’s inspired the fans.

Contingency Plans: Four Wide Receivers the New York Jets Could Look to in 2009

If the New York Jets haven’t established that they will aggressively pursue the players they covet most by now, then you haven’t been watching closely enough.

Where there’s smoke, there’s usually been fire as far as the Jets have been concerned.

With inquiries into Plaxico Burress hitting the news wires and rumors of a trade for Braylon Edwards floating around, it’s clear that the Jets aren’t willing to leave their passing game to chance.

Finding a receiver may be a priority for most fans, but Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum is willing to see what David Clowney and Brad Smith can do before making another offseason splash.

But if neither receiver establishes himself as a quality starter, fans should know that Tannenbaum will not hesitate to acquire talent from elsewhere.

That means kicking over some rocks that would have been completely ignored by the previous regime.

With Terrell Owens and Randy Moss claiming residence in the AFC East, New York will need a dynamic receiver who can help close the gap.

 

How Would They Look in Green?

No Coke, Then a Smile — Could Matt Jones Fix Things in New York?

After being released by the Jacksonville Jaguars following drug-related incidents, Matt Jones failed to generate any interest in the offseason. And understandably so.

With the NFL taking a hard stance on off-field infractions, most teams are afraid of the risk Jones poses to their organization with bad press. But desperation could inspire leniency.

When reports surfaced regarding the Jets inquiries into Adam “Pacman” Jones, one thing became clear: New York ain’t scared.

At 6’6″, Jones is the tall receiver New York could utilize in the red zone. He has years of NFL experience and showed some positive upside in Jacksonville prior to his troubles with the law.

It’s up to the Jets to gauge the risk he presents. Signing Jones to a one-year, veteran minimum contract is probably a more generous offer than he’ll receive elsewhere.

Aside from that, there’s likely a four-game suspension in his future that’s keeping teams away.

 

More Cameras Than He Can Smile At; Braylon Edwards to New York

When he’s at his best, Braylon Edwards is a top receiver in the NFL.

He commands a double team and can score 16 times in a season. At his worst, he leads the NFL in drops and becomes a liability rather than a sure-handed receiver.

Which No. 17 would the Jets be getting if they managed a deal for him?

If the Jets believe he’s worth the gamble, then finding the right compensation to free from him Cleveland becomes a problem. They fleeced Eric Mangini in the NFL Draft, but the Browns didn’t want the commitment of a high draft pick anyway.

Since Cleveland has stockpiled receivers this offseason, it’s doubtful they’d request one from the Jets in a trade. Depending on how high they value Edwards, Cleveland could request a key defensive player (David Harris?) and a conditional pick.

The New York Giants did back down after the Browns requested Mathias Kiwanuka and their first round pick for Edwards.

fter the trade compensation is determined, the Jets have to work out a contract for him. Since the root of his unhappiness stems from a desire for a new contract, New York has to determine if they have enough money to pay him.

Then they have to make sure he’s more into football and not modeling deals.

 

Too Late to Reconcile, Anquan Boldin Flies the Coop

Reports from Arizona have been conflicting. Prior to the draft, Ken Whisenhunt told reporters that they would listen to offers for the disgruntled Anquan Boldin.

More recent reports say the Cardinals rejected two offers.

If the Jets can break through the Cardinals’ defenses and agree to compensation for Boldin, the new issue becomes signing him to a new contract. Much like Edwards, Anquan Boldin wants a new contract, and he wants a big one.

With Larry Fitzgerald’s contract paying him an average of $10 million a year, it’s expected that Boldin wants something comparable. Drew Rosenhaus has said Boldin could be re-signed for less, but how much less is unknown.

Despite the contract demands, Boldin may not be the best fit in New York anyway. He’s only played two full seasons in his career, and is a similar receiver to Jerricho Cotchery.

 

Only a Flesh Wound — Plaxico Burress Moves Down the Hall

Jerricho Cotchery and Alan Faneca, two well-respected Jets veterans, have said they would welcome Burress to the team on the merit of what he brings to the field alone. The significance of those words shouldn’t be overlooked.

Cotchery became the Jets new No. 1 receiver after Laveranues Coles was released, but he respects the dynamics of Burress’ game enough to put the team first.

Knowing what Burress brings to the field, the attention he receives every time he lines up, and his ability to be a trustworthy receiver, the Jets understand what Burress would mean to the offense and Mark Sanchez.

If celebrity justice (read: slap on the wrist) allows Burress to avoid prison, then a move to the other football locker room in the Meadowlands shouldn’t surprise anyone.

 

If the Jets Decide to Do Nothing

While the focus rests upon finding a traditional wide receiver to complement Jerricho Cotchery, the answer could rest with the untraditional player the Jets already have on the roster.

Despite being listed as a tight end, Dustin Keller established himself as a certifiable threat in the passing game with his versatility.

He emerged as one of Brett Favre’s favorite targets as a rookie, taking advantage of the mismatch he constantly presents. There are no defenders who stack up favorably against Keller.

Keller exploited the soft spots in zone coverages at all distances. He was a big target in underneath routes, and he was able to slip past the secondary to get down field.

If utilized more effectively in 2009, Keller has the potential to become the centerpiece of the offensive passing game.

With the NFL Salary Cap Increase, Can the New York Jets Pay Leon Washington Now?

The originally projected salary cap numbers have received a slight boost for this upcoming season, giving NFL teams a little more spending cash in their times of financial need.

Projections initially had the salary cap jumping $7 million in 2009 to $123 million. However, language in the collective bargaining agreement allowed for some additional dollars, bringing the final numbers to a little less than $128 million.

Understanding the mechanics of the CBA is an exact science of its own, but the detail that made this possible is quite simple. While signing players, teams spent less than 59.5 percent of the NFL’s total 2008 revenue, allowing for the adjustment.

After all of the math, every team ended up with $947,000 added to their salary cap.

It may not sound like much in these days of lucrative contracts, but it could afford the most savvy general managers a better opportunity to sign their disgruntled talent.

Enter Mike Tannenbaum and his well-publicized financial dilemma with the New York Jets’ two Pro Bowl running backs, Leon Washington and Thomas Jones.

With both men avoiding voluntary workouts this offseason, resolving Washington’s contract concerns should be Tannenbaum’s priority.

After outplaying his four-year/$2.06 million rookie contract, Washington is seeking a deal worth around $4 million a year, reported Rich Cimini of the New York Daily News.

It’s an extremely modest number for a man who the Jets rely upon so heavily on the field. With an estimated $13 million in cap space, accommodating Washington should have been done yesterday.

There could be a domino effect that would begin soon after Washington is signed and happy.

The sooner the Pro Bowl running back is taken care of, the sooner New York can focus all of their financial attention on getting Mark Sanchez signed, sealed, and delivered for the beginning of training camp.

No one wants to see Sanchez follow the same path as the Jets’ top selections in 2007 and 2008. Darrelle Revis and Vernon Gholston, respectively, were stuck in negotiation limbo through August in their rookie seasons.

With an open quarterback competition scheduled to take place this summer, getting Sanchez to report on time will be of the essence. If the Jets hope to evaluate their potential starters properly, Sanchez will have to be on the field immediately.

While one shouldn’t affect the other, the Jets must realize that it would be absolutely unreasonable to complete a deal with Sanchez before re-signing Washington.

As soon as both of their contracts are agreed upon, the Jets can then determine how much financial freedom they have before swinging a deal for another wide receiver.

Trades for Braylon Edwards or Anquan Boldin will require a significant financial commitment from New York. If it’s not financially feasible, looking to free agency for a less expensive option like Matt Jones might pique the Jets’ interest.

Thomas Jones was intentionally neglected.

Despite being the AFC’s leading rusher in 2008, a running back who will be 31 at the start of the season should never receive precedence.

Especially when he requested the Jets structure his deal to pay him a meager $900,000 in 2009.

Kellen Clemens Making the Mark Sanchez Decision Easier for New York Jets

For anyone expecting the first phase of the New York Jets’ open quarterback competition to swing in favor of the veteran, it might be best to step back for a moment and reevaluate the situation.

After all, the New York Jets did leap 12 spots in the NFL Draft to select Mark Sanchez for a reason.

Kellen Clemens, the fourth-year veteran expected to battle with Sanchez, has been less than stellar during organized team activities—a far cry from the Clemens that competed with Brett Ratliff prior to the draft.

Members of the media utilized Twitter to share their immediate observations, and there weren’t any glowing endorsements of Clemens written.

While the activities were only for the veterans, meaning no Sanchez & friends, Clemens was still engaged in competition with second-year quarterback Erik Ainge. And neither impressed.

The tweets were coming in fast, referencing interceptions, broken up passes, hesitation, and even a would-be Vernon Gholston sack.

Although the season is still over three months away, Clemens is in a situation where every opportunity matters.  

With four years in the offense and a much-anticipated rookie breathing down his neck, one has to wonder if Clemens can actually meet the challenge.

He’s said all the right things to the press and has been an absolute class act his entire time with the Jets. But if he wants to be the starting quarterback, he’s going to have to be absolutely stellar through training camp.

Comparable performances with Erik Ainge won’t be good enough. In fact, comparable performances with Mark Sanchez won’t be good enough, either.

In this situation, Clemens’ veteran experience works against him. He may be well-versed in the intricacies of the playbook, but if he can’t execute at an expert level then there will be no reason for Sanchez to sit behind him.

It may only be spring, and this may have only been a practice session, but Clemens has to do better if he wants to stand out in competition.

And then again, all of Clemens’ problems could have been caused by the complexity of Rex Ryan’s defense, already practicing as if they’ve been playing for months.

“They are doing what the other teams aren’t doing,” said Clemens of the defense. “I can’t even explain it. It’s so unique that it’s tough to really put it into a category.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun to watch on Sunday.”

New York Jets WR Battle: Step Up Now, or Forever Hold Your Peace

The time for evaluation is upon the New York Jets as they keep their watchful eyes on the looming wide receiver competition this summer. 

With a pressing need for another quality starter to play opposite Jerricho Cotchery, the Jets are allowing two men on their roster to state their cases for the rights to significant playing time opposite in 2009.

Cotchery received his well-deserved promotion after Laveranues Coles negotiated his release in February. Since then the Jets placed a premium on acquiring defensive help, and their quarterback of the future in the NFL Draft.

Now that Mark Sanchez is expected to lead the Jets in the near future, finding him the right weapons is absolutely critical towards establishing success.

This is where Brad Smith and David Clowney become a factor as both men seek leverage over one another before the Jets aim to execute an alternative plan.

 

The Thing About Brad Smith

Drafted in the fourth round out of Missouri, Brad Smith set all types of NCAA records as a quarterback. Despite succeeding at the position in college, most scouts determined his athleticism would suit him better as a wide receiver in the NFL.

The Jets took the bait as Eric Mangini was focused upon acquiring versatile players who can do multiple things at any given time.

Smith was supposed to be the Jets offensive Swiss army knife.

Understanding that there would be a steep learning curve for Smith to climb, he was given his opportunities as an offensive decoy.

Whenever No. 16 checked into the game, everyone was alert for trickery. Smith on the field usually meant an attempt at the Wildcat offense, a wide receiver reverse, or nothing at all.

But that learning curve Smith was granted is no longer a valid excuse in his fourth year as a pro. He’s had ample time to understand Brian Schottenheimer’s offense, so now it’s his time to execute it at a high level.

Unfortunately, he doesn’t inspire much confidence.

As a versatile player, Smith comes off as your typical jack of all trades, but master of none. There are many things he can do, but it’s unclear if he can do the one New York needs most at a high enough level to be named a starter.

Smith will need to showcase himself as a complete receiver if he ever wants to be considered as anything more than an alternative option in four receiver sets.

The time for trick plays is over.

 

Can David Become Goliath?

After incredible performances in the 2008 preseason, David Clowney emerged as the heir apparent to everything in the eyes of Jets’ fans.

Drafted in the fifth round by the Green Bay Packers, he was eventually released before latching onto the Jets’ practice squad.

Finally receiving an opportunity to showcase his skills, Clowney took advantage and caught two 70-yard passes for touchdowns in a preseason game against Cleveland.

When fans were ready to see more from him, he suffered a broken collarbone and was sidelined for the majority of the season. After returning to health, he still struggled to find the field again.

Clowney’s critics will be the first to point out that any excitement over him is premature. After all, his receptions did come in the preseason against other players who would struggle to make their team’s final roster.

What should be important is that David Clowney did prove himself. The preseason is supposed to be every player’s moment to seize the opportunity and stand out. Clowney did it twice.

That’s two more times than any other receiver on the roster. 

With elite speed, Clowney has fans excited that he could be the deep threat New York has never had. The excitement is understandable.

But Clowney needs to prove that he can do more than sprint down field. When he had an opportunity to catch a pass in traffic, he suffered a broke collarbone.

Clowney needs to prove that he can be more multi-faceted and threaten in the passing game as more than just a deep option. Otherwise, the offense will be right back where they started.

 

Stuckey Wasn’t Forgotten

Without analyzing too deeply, let it be known that Chansi Stuckey wasn’t ruled out of the debate without reason.

Despite showing great hands and an ability to find the soft spots in zone coverages, the concern with Stuckey revolves around his size.

Coming out of college, most scouting reports questioned his ability to make a clean break at the line of scrimmage. Given his size, it is a legitimate concern.

The things Stuckey does well on the field makes him more suitable as a slot receiver.

He has a great ability to find the open field after the catch, and has looked quick enough to make defenders miss.

But there are also health concerns. He fell to the seventh round because of a foot injury sustained in college and it nagged him enough as a rookie to place him on injured reserve.

Marcus Henry, on the other hand, was forgotten.

 

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