Let the quarterback controversy begin!

March 21, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / 1 Comment

Vick a backup or possible starter?

The second Michael Vick put his John Hancock on a Jets contract signaled the beginning of the next great quarterback race for Gang Green. Only this time around, Tim Tebow is nowhere in sight. While Geno Smith is the Jets future and should be the player the Jets should develop, the mere presence of Vick means that the Jets are looking to make the playoffs in 2014. While many believe Vick will accept the backup role and simply mentor the young signal caller, it is clear that he is here for one reason, the chance to start.

Michael Vick is a competitor. If he can beat out Geno Smith and be a starter in this league again he is bound to claim the starting job. While I was never a big fan of bring in Vick, there is no question he will bring significant competition to the Jets quarterback race. Could he start again or even play 16 games? I don’t see it. However, I can see him being a good relief quarterback for Smith or a guy that can make a spot start for the Jets. If anything, his knowledge of Marty Mornhinweg’s system will make Vick a great option should Geno Smith struggle. Can Vick be the quarterback to get the Jets back to the playoffs or will his presence help Geno Smith develop? Only time will tell.

New Flight Plan: Sanchez cut by the Jets

March 21, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Will a change of scenery help Sanchez rebound?

Jets fan rejoice! Mr. Butt fumble has gotten a one way ticket out of Metlife stadium as the Jets cut the incumbent Mark Sanchez. With the signing of Michael Vick, it was just the final nail in a bizarre career for the former USC Trojan. A career filled with highlights that include: two AFC Championship appearances, eating hot dogs on the sideline, GQ covers, hair bands, and of course butt fumbles. Despite his achievements, Jets fans will only remember the quarterbacks colossal failures and futility under center.

Did the Jets really give Sanchez a fair chance? Of course not. They never effectively developed him and put the pieces around him to be successful. While much of the blame still resides on Sanchez, he is not the only one to blame. Whether it was the lack of playmakers on offense, a effective offensive coordinator, or the Tim Tebow debacle. Either way, it is clear that the Jets hope to develop Geno Smith into the team’s first franchise quarterback since Joe Namath with Michael Vick as an insurance policy.

Will Sanchez succeed in the NFL? Only time will tell

Despite his lackluster career a change of scenery could be just the thing for Sanchez. Should he be a starter right away? Absolutely not. However, if he goes to a team and competes for a starting job, he could win a starting job. If that doesn’t work, he could be a solid backup and get the chance to start down the road. It won’t be easy, but Sanchez still could succeed in the NFL. It just won’t be for Gang Green in the Big Apple. What do you think will happen to the Sanchise? Comment below

New York Jets Mock Draft (2.0) Post Combine

February 27, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Round 1: Odell Beckham Jr. WR LSU

While I would like to see the Jets take Eric Ebron from North Carolina with the first pick, with his great combine it looks like he will be off the board as a top 15 pick. If Ebron is here, he should be the pick, but I don’t see that happening. I also don’t see the top three receivers on the board at this point either, but there is still some great receivers available. While he may lack great size, Beckham makes up for it with a great ability to get open and soft hands. He is a guy that can do a lot of damage in space and can stretch the field with a 4.43 40 that he ran at the combine. Think of him as a Cecil Shorts or Desean Jackson, not a big target, but a receiver that needs to get touches in a game. If Geno Smith is going to develop the Jets need to give him some play-making receivers and Beckham would be a nice fit.

Round 2: Allen Robinson WR Penn St.

Surprised the Jets would take back to back receivers? Don’t be. It’s no secret that this is a position the Jets need to upgrade either throughout the Draft or free agency. With the rumors of Holmes and Hill on the chopping block, The Jets will have holes to fill. After picking Beckham for his speed in round one, it’s time for the Jets to get a big bodied receiver in Robinson. While he had a lackluster combine running a 4.60 40, he would still be a great value pick in round 2. While he may not have great speed, he has great hands and would be a great possession receiver. His 6’2 size and 39 inch vertical make him a third and red zone threat the Jets have desperately been lacking.

Round 3: Troy Niklas TE Notre Dame

While the wide receivers had a great combine, tight ends not named Eric Ebron struggled. With the tight ends falling in this draft the Jets may luck out in the top of the third round by getting a second round tight end in Niklas. While he won’t be an explosive tight end, he is a guy that can run across the middle and make catches. What makes him really special is that he is one of if not the best blocking tight end in this class. Given that the Jets love to run the ball so much, a tight end that can catch and block only seems to good to be true.

Round 3: Terrence Brooks: FS Florida St.

While the offense could always use another weapon here, you know Rex Ryan will need some help on defense. Brooks ran a great 4.42 40 at the combine and shows very good range in the secondary. While he may not be one of the elite safeties in this draft, he projects as a player whose range and ability to play physical man coverage fits right into Rex Ryan’s defensive scheme. A starter from day one who could help the Jets woeful secondary.

Round 4: Ross Cockrell: CB Duke

It’s no secret Rex Ryan loves to collect cornerbacks in the Draft. With the Antonio Cromartie contract situation still up in the air, it would be wise to add some depth. While he may not have the best speed, Cockrell has that size at 6’0 that the NFL is looking for in cornerbacks. Idzik had success drafting big physical corners late in the Draft in Seattle, so maybe Cockrell will be on the radar. He may struggle in zone coverage, but he is very good in man to man coverage, which the Jets utilize the most. This could be an intriguing pick who could be a solid corner in the NFL one day.

Round 5: De’Anthony Thomas: OW Oregon

It’s no question that the Jets need offensive weapons and there maybe limitless possibilities in terms of utilizing De’Anthony Thomas. While his 40 was 4.50, there is no question no player in college football was more dangerous in space then Thomas. With X factors like Percy Harvin in the league, the Jets should take a shot on Thomas. Best case scenario is he becomes an offensive weapon that can lineup at running back or receiver and can break off big plays. Worst case scenario is he becomes an explosive return man, another position the Jets are looking to upgrade.

Round 6: Aaron Lynch DE USF

While the Jets certainly don’t need another defensive end, Lynch is too enticing to pass up. at 6-6 250, he could be a great piece on defensive being able to play the stand up 3-4 outside backer or with his hand in the dirt. While his motor is a question, at this point this kind of athlete is too good to pass up. With a similar build and style to Quinton Coples, and with Coples beginning to turn the corner at linebacker, the possibility of both these pass rushers opposite one another on the Jets defense could be a nightmare for opposing offenses. There are risks here, but this is one risk the Jets should take.

Round 7: Tyler Larsen C Utah St.

While Nick Mangold has been a great center for the Jets, last season he started to show some regression. The Jets should maybe start to groom a replacement for Mangold and Larsen is a perfect fit. He’s a versatile lineman that could provide depth at guard and center. A powerful blocker that can punish in the running game who is very comfortable snapping and pass blocking. While Mangold could rebound, this would be a smart investment to have a solid backup option just in case.

Do you agree you disagree? Who do you think the Jets should draft? Like and comment below.

Break Glass: The Jets Backup Plan

February 24, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

The Jets need a backup plan

It’s no question that the quarterback position is a question mark for the New York Jets heading into the 2014 season. With the draft and free agency fast approaching the Jets have numerous possibilities to give Geno Smith competition next season. While there is speculation that the Jets may draft a quarterback in the later rounds of the draft, their best option would be to bring in a solid veteran presence. There have ben rumors that the Jets would like to bring in Michael Vick, however that would be a disaster because of his rapid decline and health issues.

The best case scenario is to bring in a veteran presence who wouldn’t threaten Geno’s starting position but would be a great substitute in case he struggles. Don’t tell me Mark Sanchez is this option, Jets’ fans want to see him nowhere near the tri-state area next season. The best option for Gang Green would be to sign free agent quarterback Josh McCown to be Geno Smith’s backup.

Worst Case scenario is that Geno struggles, but with McCown Jets could remain competitive

After a solid season in Chicago, and already drawing interest from the Jets, McCown is a perfect fit. After 8 starts where he threw for 13 touchdowns and only 1 interception, the 34 year old McCown would be a great bullpen arm for New York in case Geno Smith struggles. While he may not be a threat to take Geno’s job at first, McCown might want to come to the Jets because he thinks he can beat out Geno Smith for the starting job. Last season McCown proved he could be more than a game manager and the controversial decision to sit him and start Jay Cutler at the end of the season still haunts many Bears’ fans. True he doesn’t have the track record that screams he could be a starting quarterback, especially at this point in his career. However, if the Jets need a veteran presence for a few late drives, or to take the helm at the end of the season if the team is in playoff contention, it would be a great signing for the Jets. Hey it could be worse. Mark Sanchez could be starting again! Take our poll what do you think the Jets should do?

New York Jets Full Mock Draft 2014 (1.0)

January 14, 2014January 14, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / 5 Comments

Round 1 pick #18 Eric Ebron TE UNC
Geno Smith needs a go to weapon, and Ebron could be the best TE in the draft

The Jets need play makers on offense, especially at tight end. Young quarterbacks need a great tight end in order to develop because they offer a big check down target in the middle of the field. Dustin Keller was Mark Sanchez’s security blanket, it’s time to get Geno Smith his own tight end. Eric Ebron is a great tight end who can easily get open despite his massive size. He works well in the middle with great hands and is an above average run blocker. While he is a versatile player and can line up in the slot, some of the knocks on him is that he still needs to get stronger and run better routes. He would be a great player for the Jets, who are desperate for a playmaking tight end.
Round 2 pick#17: Brandin Cooks WR Oregon St.
Time for some home cooking in the Big Apple

Another weapon for Geno Smith in round 2. With a deep receiver class, the Jets will get a late first round talent in the middle of the second round. Cooks maybe undersized and not a physical receiver, but he makes up for it with his athleticism. He is a great athlete who can make plays and gain multiple yards after the catch. With the Jets lacking explosive weapons in their receiving core, Cooks would give Smith a receiver who can finally stretch the field and make big plays.
Round 3 Pick # 5 Michael Sam DE Mizzou
The Jets need to get younger at outside linebacker

Now Rex Ryan gets to add to the defense. While the Jets front seven is formidable, it’s unlikely the will bring back Calvin Pace who is 33. Instead they will need to find another 3-4 outside linebacker. Sam played defensive end in college, but projects to be a stand up linebacker in the pros. He’s a good pass rusher that plays the run extremely well. While he maybe raw rushing the passer and a bit undersized, he’s a ball hawk with a great motor. Don’t forget the Jets took Sheldon Richardson from Mizzou last year and look how that turned out. The Jets might want to bring in Richardson’s former teammate to help bolster their defense.

Round 3 pick #16 Donte Moncrief WR Ole Miss
Another building block at receiver

In the second round the Jets got Geno Smith a playmaker, now in round three they get him a go to receiver. While Moncrief ‘s speed keeps him from being a first round pick, he would be a steal in round three. He’s a huge receiver who is a matchup nightmare physically for corners. He has great hands and can catch well in traffic. While he may not stretch the field, he could become Geno’s go to target on third down and in the red zone. He would be a nice value pick here.
Round 4 pick # 15 Chris Davis CB Auburn
The Jets finally address the secondary

With the Jets probably releasing Antonio Cromartie, there going to need a late round cornerback. Even if Cro is back for the Jets, there are still many questions about the Jets corners. While Davis may not have the best size or speed, he is a tough football player. He’s great physically in coverage and is a versatile player. He would be a great fit in Ryan’s defense because of his versatility and physicality. He could be a starter or a versatile role player despite being a mid round pick.
Round 5 pick #14 De’Anthony Thomas RB Oregon
Speed kills

Thomas might not be an every down running back in the NFL, but used effectively he could be a great playmaker. He is the most explosive player in terms of raw speed in this class, and could be a huge difference maker. If the Jets use him on screens, special running plays, or as a receiver in space, Thomas could be another weapon for Geno Smith. Worst case scenario he could be a dynamic kick and punt returner for the Jets and give them a deadly special teams weapon.
Round 6 pick# 19 Crockett Gillmore TE Colorado St
The Jets need to add depth to a position with no depth

Many people may ask why would the Jets draft two tight ends? The Jets had no tight end depth last year and need a solid backup for Ebron. While Cumberland is a decent tight end, the Jets should give him some competition. Gillmore is a huge target at 6’6 and could be a big threat in the red zone. While he is a raw prospect that needs to improve his catching and run blocking, Gillmore has rare size for a tight end. If he can develop he could be a good second string tight end who could be a good red zone target.
Round 7 pick #18 Spencer Long OG Nebraska
A diamond in the rough?

Long missed the entire 2013 season with a one injury. Had he been healthy he would have been one of the highest rated guards in this years draft. While there red flags about his durability, the Jets need to address the mess at left guard. If he can get healthy, Long could be a decent guard as he was a solid all around offensive lineman in college. If he can return to form, he could be a dark horse to start at guard or at least be a good backup for Gang Green in 2014. Do you agree with these picks? Who do you think the Jets should draft in 2014? Like and comment below.

Grading the Jets Rookies in 2013

January 4, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

The 2013 season may be over for the New York Jets, but there is reason to be optimistic. With a young roster and the return of Rex Ryan for 2014, it looks like the Jets are posed for a playoff push next season. This year was a crucial year for the New York Jets to develop the young talent from the 2013 NFL Draft. After sixteen games we have seen what these players can do and what they maybe capable of in the future. For this list, we will focus on both production, and potential when evaluating the Jets rookie class. First up we have….

Dee Milliner: B –
After an up and down start, Milliner finished the year on a high note

Well someone had some big shoes to fill. After the Jets traded cornerback Darrelle Revis before the draft, they selected the best cornerback prospect in the draft, Alabama’s Dee Milliner to replace him. Of course asking a rookie to fill the shoes of the best cover corner in the NFL is putting too much pressure on a young player. After an offseason surgery and missing most of the preseason, it was apparent that Milliner was struggling from missing those important workouts. Despite three benchings this season, over the past month Milliner has looked like a first round corner and finished the season being named the AFC Defensive player of the week in week 17. Some Jets fans maybe wondering why this grade is so high? The reason is because Milliner finished the season strong and is beginning to look like a very good corner. With a full offseason now to learn the defense, 2014 could be the year the Milliner turns into a great NFL corner. Despite the shaky season Milliner still finished with 45 tackles, 3 picks, and 17 passes defended. While he may not have been the impact player the Jets were looking for this year, he still has the upside to be a great corner in this league.
Sheldon Richardson: A+
From unknown pick to possible defensive rookie of the year

And with the 13th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft the New York Jets select Sheldon Richardson! Like most Jets fans my reaction to this pick was huh? Why are we taking another defensive lineman? Who is this guy? Really this is what we got for Revis? My how a season can change a perspective. Sheldon Richardson looks like a steal from the Revis trade as he helped to make the Jets defensive line one of the most ferocious lines in football. In his rookie season only J.J. Watt was a better defensive end when it came to stopping the run for a defensive end. Richardson dominated with 77 tackles (15.5 for a loss), 3.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Not to mention he became the first defensive player since William “The Refrigerator” Perry to score two touchdowns as a defensive player playing on offense. From run stuffer, to new goal line weapon, Richardson had an incredible 2013. If he can continue to work on his pass rushing and improve that aspect of his game, he could become one of the best defensive ends in football before we know it.
Geno Smith: B
With some help Smith could be the franchise quarterback of the future

It was a roller coaster of a season for Geno Smith there were up and downs, but in the end Geno has shown flashes that he can be the franchise quarterback. Despite throwing for 3,046 yards and throwing 12 touchdowns, Smith also has the lowest quarterback rating in the league and 21 interceptions. Despite these lackluster passing stats, Geno also used his legs to rack up 366 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns. The reason he gets a B instead of a C is because of two reasons. First he has shown great poise and a strong-arm he will hopefully learn to control. Second, and most importantly is that he was an 8-8 quarterback with arguably the worst offensive personnel in the NFL. With a horrible receiving core, at best average running backs, and no tight end for a security blanket, it’s a miracle in itself that Geno had this team even competing for a playoff spot. If the Jets can give him some weapons in 2014, we may see Geno take the next step in his development and become a great quarterback. Not to bad considering the Jets stole him in the second round.
Brian winters D+
Like Game of Thrones hopefully Winters is coming

Here is where it starts to go down hill for the Jets. In the third round the Jets selected Brian Winters. While the guard did have some flashes, he mostly struggled. With inconsistent run blocking and struggles in pass protection, instead of being the answer at guard, Winters has only raised more questions. While he still is young and could develop into a solid starting guard this grade goes beyond Winters. I would have given him a C grade, but with the players the Jets passed on, only make this pick look worse. The Jets passed on a receiver I was praying for them to draft, Keenan Allen. He became one of the best rookie receivers along with Terrance Williams, who was also available along with tight end Jordan Reed. With the lack of weapons on the Jets offensive, one of these players could have helped Geno Smith develop quicker. The Jets would have been better of with a playmaker rather than Winters inconsistent guard play.
Oday Aboushi D
Not a bright future, but might be a good backup

Aboushi didn’t do too much in 2013. He was basically on the practice squad the entire year. While he may eventually develop into a starting tackle or guard for the Jets, it looks like he will be no more than a backup for Gang Green. While he could be a versatile backup for the Jets, it may take time for him to become a future starter. Overall not a terrible pick, but a pick that was used for just improving the team’s depth and a possible offensive line project. With no NFL starters around this pick, it doesn’t look like the Jets missed out on too much here. If D’Brickashaw Ferguson continues to regress, maybe Aboushi could be his replacement one day. It’s along shot, but stranger things have happened
William Campbell: F
Third time not the charm

I still don’t get this pick. Three offensive linemen in a row? You don’t think you could spread the wealth to other parts of your team? While I do think Campbell could be a solid backup in the NFL, he is a huge work in progress. I’m never a big fan of switching positions in the NFL. Tight end to a receiver or a defensive end to stand up linebacker, sure. Defensive tackle to offensive guard, bad idea. While Campbell has impressed more than Aboushi, the Jets could have used this pick from some much-needed depth in their lineup.

Tommy Bohanon: A –
The Bohanon Canon

Talk about finding value late in the draft. Bohanon has been the Jets starting fullback since week one. He’s an A minus because he was unpolished as a run blocker, but continued to develop as the season progressed. He can run the ball well between the tackles in start yardage situations and displayed great hands out of the backfield. While his blocking needs works, the Jets may utilize him more in the playbook next year by throwing him the ball more and allowing him to get more carries in short yardage situations.
Overall: B –
While Richardson is a star, Milliner and Smith will have to continue their strong late season campaigns and show improvement in 2014. The good news is they both have tremendous upside and now experience from 2013. The middle rounds were a mess with three offensive linemen who instead of answers to a struggling offensive line have only created more questions. The Jets also passed on playmaking offensive weapons that could have helped Geno Smith’s development. Their final pick, Bohanon, was a steal considering the found a versatile starting fullback in the seventh round. While the draft could have been better, the Jets found talented players and could have done much worse. Hopefully the Jets can continue to build a playoff caliber team in the upcoming NFL Draft. Do you agree? What grades would you give the Jets? Comment below.

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