JETS FLY TO RAVENS ON BROKEN WINGS
By: Mike Mitolo
GM. Mike Tannenbaum, one of the best executives
in the league, has his finger close to the pulse of everything NFL.
One would think he’s been kicking himself watching the last
3 Eagle games wondering why he held out so long for Nnamdi Asomugha.
Unlike some Jet fans, I did not want the overrated Asomugha
on this team and thought it was a mistake
to wait.
Was it worth losing Braylon Edwards, Cotchery and Brad
Smith?
In Braylon’s case the Jets lucked out.
Jerricho Cotchery, for the type of player he is and the
amount of money in question, should have been retained.
But, New York sure could have used Brad Smith against
Oakland to help out in the running game. (Career-high 299 yards on his 38
carries last year)
Whether on specials, behind center, or blocking, Smith’s
loss is a big one.
Rewind to Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum last Sunday where
the Green & White got black & blue from the Silver & Black.
Brian Schottenheimer needs to remember Santonio Holmes and
Plaxico Burress, are on this team.
I’m still scratching my head, trying to figure out why a
playmaker like Burress was hardly included in 3rd down packages the
whole game.
Despite his 1 touchdown catch, Burress was underutilized.
Take a look at the highlight of the Sanchez touchdown
attempt where he falls short, Holmes is clearly seen standing wide open in the
end zone. Again!
How about dialing up an unproven Jeff Cumberland for a
touchdown when you have a Super Bowl champion tandem at your wide out spots?
When bringing up the subject of extra Tight Ends last week,
it seemed as though someone from the organization actually read what I wrote.
(Probably not)
I should’ve included that they need to be able to catch,
block and know the actual calls on the field.
There seemed to be a lot of confusion and missed assignments
in that area last week.
The same confusion and missed assignments that plagued the
“D” all day.
A beaten up defense which was clearly overpowered by the
Raiders.
A unit that was publicly criticized this week by the
coaching staff, for the first time ever under the Ryan Regime.
Which could mean the Jets are panicking right now.
Maybe the return of former first round pick Aaron Maybin may
help with the pass rush.
Mike Pettine should also start considering giving Donald
Strickland a
lot more playing time.
Strickland is a solid player, who performed well in
Cromartie’s absence.
Certainly there’s enough to think about before the Sunday
night showdown.
In what many consider a revenge game, where Rex Ryan has a
perfect record.
This game will not be a low scoring affair as many are
painting it to be.
Baltimore’s passing game has been more explosive as of late
with the addition of explosive rookie Torrey Smith alongside the tough, sure
handed Anquan Boldin.
Look for both offenses, to pass the ball a lot, which could
spell disaster for Sanchez.
If they have the same protection problems this week with a
now healthy, ball hawking Ed Reed roaming the middle, you can fast forward to
Foxboro.
This will be a rough go for the Jets offense. The Ravens
have the best scoring defense in the league at 13.3 points per game.
Sanchez and the offense must start the game with purpose and
avoid
a sluggish start.
REX!!!!... Do not defer the ball in the first half if you
get it.
Take it and score first, if you get just a little behind on
Baltimore it might make for a long night.
Look for heavy use of Dustin Keller in the slot trying to
soften the underneath coverage.
Nick Mangold, a game time decision, will be huge.
He will be needed to go up against the best Nose Tackle in
the game,
Haloti Ngata
Jim Leonhard and the Jet defense must make a stand against
Baltimore.
For a repeat performance of last week will have offensive
coordinators on the schedule salivating.
And could set a bad tone for NY in the AFC for the rest of
the year.
They will have to deal with Ray Rice not only in the run
game but catching out of the backfield as well.
Setting up some edges this week would help.
Stopping Baltimore’s wide receivers will not be an easy
task, Antonio Cromartie may be in for another bad game.
If not fully healthy, Cromartie may be exposed by the
speedster Torrey Smith, so keep an eye on that match up. (See above D.
Strickland)
And let me end with this. . . .
Despite the OBVIOUS jaded opinions of a pompous ass on WFAN
radio, not everyone has to agree with Joe Namath.
This should be a win boys, it’s not impossible. GO GET IT
DONE!