Thursday, September 2, 2010
Over to TheJetsBlog.com
I thought I updated this. Cleary I did not. The reason this is so out of date is that I am now writing for SNY's TheJetsBlog.com so check me out there!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Training Camp Schedule...And Some Other Stuff
The Jets have released their schedule for training camp, which will take place for the second consecutive year at SUNY Cortland in Cortland, NY, with three days at home at the end.
Players report on Sunday, August 1st and the schedule will then be as follows:
There are a lot of questions looking toward the 2010 season with the team coming off a successful run in 2009 and having acquired some high-profile players - some of whom come with questions. Cornerback Antonio Cromartie, wide receiver Santonio Holmes and kicker Nick Folk are just a few who bring various types of baggage with them. LaDainian Tomlinson has no such baggage but his injuries and age will be something to watch.
In the next week or so, we're also going to see the quarterback situation shake out. Rumors have swirled that veteran Mark Brunell will be signed. My sources indicate that when this happens the team will likely let go not one, but two the other backup quarterbacks currently on the team - Kellen Clemens, Erik Ainge and Kevin O'Connell.
From what I've been told, neither Ainge nor O'Connell significantly outperformed the other during this past off-season's activities and mini-camps. One would also think that the team can get more for Clemens than either of the other two, but it sounds like one of them will be gone, regardless.
Brunell would provide a decent back-up solution and, having played in the league recently, could also help tutor Mark Sanchez as he continues to grow in the position. One way or the other, I think you're going to see Brunell in a Jets uniform.
The team has signed D'Brickashaw Ferguson to a contract extension so that's one down and three to go. Thus far, nothing new on contracts for Darrelle Revis, Nick Mangold or David Harris. While each of these player's situations is slightly different, all are made much more complicated by the impending uncapped season and lack of a new collective bargaining agreement.
Revis has been non-committal about whether he will hold out of training camp, but if he does it brings with it serious ramifications, among them he risks losing $20 million in future, guaranteed money.
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The Jets have announced something new, the Junior Flight Crew cheerleaders program. This is a camp that will take place in August for girls ages 7-14 who will then get to perform during halftime of the Jets preseason game on August 27th vs. the Washington Redskins. The deadline to apply is July 30th. The camp costs $295 and is limited to 150 people. For more information or to register, go to www.newyorkjets.com.
Players report on Sunday, August 1st and the schedule will then be as follows:
8/2 8:20 a.m. (closed to public) and 4:20 p.m.
8/3 8:20 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. (ST)
8/4 8:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m.
8/5 8:50 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. (ST)
8/6 8:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m.
8/7 Green and White Scrimmage: 6 p.m.
8/8 NO PRACTICE
8/8 NO PRACTICE
8/9 8:20 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. (ST)
8/10 8:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m.
8/11 8:20 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. (ST)
8/12 8:50 a.m. and 4:20 p.m.
8/13 8:20 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. (ST)
8/14 8:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m.
8/15 8:50 a.m.
8/16 Preseason Game against the New York Giants: 8 p.m.
8/17 NO PRACTICE
8/17 NO PRACTICE
8/18 8:20 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. (ST)
8/19 8:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m.
8/20 NO PRACTICE
8/20 NO PRACTICE
8/21 Preseason Game at the Carolina Panthers: 8 p.m.
8/22 NO PRACTICE
8/22 NO PRACTICE
8/23 Practice at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center (NJ)
8/24 Practice at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center (NJ)
8/25 Practice at Hofstra University: 6 p.m. (Long Island)
8/27 Preseason Game against the Washington Redskins: 7:00 p.m.
9/2 Preseason Game at the Philadelphia Eagles: 7:30 p.m.
(ST – Special Teams practice)
There are a lot of questions looking toward the 2010 season with the team coming off a successful run in 2009 and having acquired some high-profile players - some of whom come with questions. Cornerback Antonio Cromartie, wide receiver Santonio Holmes and kicker Nick Folk are just a few who bring various types of baggage with them. LaDainian Tomlinson has no such baggage but his injuries and age will be something to watch.
In the next week or so, we're also going to see the quarterback situation shake out. Rumors have swirled that veteran Mark Brunell will be signed. My sources indicate that when this happens the team will likely let go not one, but two the other backup quarterbacks currently on the team - Kellen Clemens, Erik Ainge and Kevin O'Connell.
From what I've been told, neither Ainge nor O'Connell significantly outperformed the other during this past off-season's activities and mini-camps. One would also think that the team can get more for Clemens than either of the other two, but it sounds like one of them will be gone, regardless.
Brunell would provide a decent back-up solution and, having played in the league recently, could also help tutor Mark Sanchez as he continues to grow in the position. One way or the other, I think you're going to see Brunell in a Jets uniform.
The team has signed D'Brickashaw Ferguson to a contract extension so that's one down and three to go. Thus far, nothing new on contracts for Darrelle Revis, Nick Mangold or David Harris. While each of these player's situations is slightly different, all are made much more complicated by the impending uncapped season and lack of a new collective bargaining agreement.
Revis has been non-committal about whether he will hold out of training camp, but if he does it brings with it serious ramifications, among them he risks losing $20 million in future, guaranteed money.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Jets have announced something new, the Junior Flight Crew cheerleaders program. This is a camp that will take place in August for girls ages 7-14 who will then get to perform during halftime of the Jets preseason game on August 27th vs. the Washington Redskins. The deadline to apply is July 30th. The camp costs $295 and is limited to 150 people. For more information or to register, go to www.newyorkjets.com.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Odds and ends from mini-camp
Mini-camp is rolling along. Yesterday's camp had a few interesting moments when Darrelle Revis was standing around on the sideline not doing anything. Lots of speculation and then he confirmed that he had basically taken himself out for a few plays to make a "statement."
Unfortunately, when he told his coach that he was "lightheaded" and the coach told Rex Ryan, Ryan believed him. Upon finding out that it may have all been a ploy, Ryan was not happy. The two plan to talk today to straighten everything out.
"It's so not him," Ryan said. "So uncharacteristic to try to get out of anything. He knows that's not right."
Revis backtracked a little bit today saying that he was truly a little lightheaded from not eating. However, clearly sitting out might not have been something he would have done other other circumstances. Trainers have plenty of protein bars and the like to give players if they need it.
Nick Mangold, the other disgruntled Jet, said today that he is "deeply disappointed" at the state of his contract negotiations but felt it was in his best interest to attend mini-camp.
While he did not rule out holding out in training camp, he was also very clear that he wants his career to continue only with the Jets.
In more mundane news, the defense came out firing today - especially the defensive backs. This was likely an attempt to make up for a more anemic outing yesterday, when the only events of note were two INTs by Dwight Lowery.
Today was Brodney Pool's turn. He had two picks in the morning, while the rest of his unit was all over the place knocking down passes and just getting in the offense's way any way they could. Revis got his first official interception in the afternoon practice off a pass to Jerricho Cotchery.
Mark Sanchez looked fine after a little breather in yesterday afternoon's practice when he spent most of his time taking over the play calling duties from Brian Schottenheimer in order not to overdo the physical work quite yet. He also stayed out of live, 11-on-11s this afternoon as well.
The person who may be overdoing it is Brad Smith. Currently playing almost all the offensive positions except the o-line, not to mention his special teams job, he's one busy guy. However, in typical fashion he is taking it all in very good humor. The biggest challenge for him is to balance the mental side of going back and forth from wide receiver to quarterback.
"Going for a 20 yard out route and then right to a five-step drop in a few seconds...I'm a little tired," he said laughing.
Rookie cornerback Kyle Wilson, has by all accounts, looked great both at nickel and returning punts. He also couldn't be nicer or easier to deal with and is obviously already very comfortable with his new teammates. I saw him teasing Kris Jenkins about something, which is pretty brave not only because he's a rookie but especially since Jenkins has seven years, six inches and about 180 pounds on him. Fortunately for Wilson, whatever it was, Jenkins just laughed.
Funniest moment in practice thus far, was this afternoon when Kyle Wilson lying flat on his back on the ground having run into another player, went to sit up and as he did Kellen Clemens fired the ball trying to throw it away hitting Wilson squarely in the face. The sound it made could be heard across the entire field. He was fine, the laughter was prolonged.
Santonio Holmes continues to try to get in the groove of the new offense. He said he's trying to study a lot to get up to speed. He has made a few nice plays. Ryan said today that as they did last year with Calvin Pace, they will try to get Holmes as much extra work as possible now and in training camp in preparation for his four-game suspension.
Quick off-the-field note. If you're in anywhere in the vicinity of Dearborn, Michigan this Saturday, Braylon Edwards is hosting a brunch in conjunction with his foundation. Check out www.braylonedwardsfoundation.org. It's looks to be a great event and supports a great cause - ThinkDetroitPAL.
Unfortunately, when he told his coach that he was "lightheaded" and the coach told Rex Ryan, Ryan believed him. Upon finding out that it may have all been a ploy, Ryan was not happy. The two plan to talk today to straighten everything out.
"It's so not him," Ryan said. "So uncharacteristic to try to get out of anything. He knows that's not right."
Revis backtracked a little bit today saying that he was truly a little lightheaded from not eating. However, clearly sitting out might not have been something he would have done other other circumstances. Trainers have plenty of protein bars and the like to give players if they need it.
Nick Mangold, the other disgruntled Jet, said today that he is "deeply disappointed" at the state of his contract negotiations but felt it was in his best interest to attend mini-camp.
While he did not rule out holding out in training camp, he was also very clear that he wants his career to continue only with the Jets.
In more mundane news, the defense came out firing today - especially the defensive backs. This was likely an attempt to make up for a more anemic outing yesterday, when the only events of note were two INTs by Dwight Lowery.
Today was Brodney Pool's turn. He had two picks in the morning, while the rest of his unit was all over the place knocking down passes and just getting in the offense's way any way they could. Revis got his first official interception in the afternoon practice off a pass to Jerricho Cotchery.
Mark Sanchez looked fine after a little breather in yesterday afternoon's practice when he spent most of his time taking over the play calling duties from Brian Schottenheimer in order not to overdo the physical work quite yet. He also stayed out of live, 11-on-11s this afternoon as well.
The person who may be overdoing it is Brad Smith. Currently playing almost all the offensive positions except the o-line, not to mention his special teams job, he's one busy guy. However, in typical fashion he is taking it all in very good humor. The biggest challenge for him is to balance the mental side of going back and forth from wide receiver to quarterback.
"Going for a 20 yard out route and then right to a five-step drop in a few seconds...I'm a little tired," he said laughing.
Rookie cornerback Kyle Wilson, has by all accounts, looked great both at nickel and returning punts. He also couldn't be nicer or easier to deal with and is obviously already very comfortable with his new teammates. I saw him teasing Kris Jenkins about something, which is pretty brave not only because he's a rookie but especially since Jenkins has seven years, six inches and about 180 pounds on him. Fortunately for Wilson, whatever it was, Jenkins just laughed.
Funniest moment in practice thus far, was this afternoon when Kyle Wilson lying flat on his back on the ground having run into another player, went to sit up and as he did Kellen Clemens fired the ball trying to throw it away hitting Wilson squarely in the face. The sound it made could be heard across the entire field. He was fine, the laughter was prolonged.
Santonio Holmes continues to try to get in the groove of the new offense. He said he's trying to study a lot to get up to speed. He has made a few nice plays. Ryan said today that as they did last year with Calvin Pace, they will try to get Holmes as much extra work as possible now and in training camp in preparation for his four-game suspension.
Quick off-the-field note. If you're in anywhere in the vicinity of Dearborn, Michigan this Saturday, Braylon Edwards is hosting a brunch in conjunction with his foundation. Check out www.braylonedwardsfoundation.org. It's looks to be a great event and supports a great cause - ThinkDetroitPAL.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
OTAs in the books, mini-camp next
2010 OTAs are in the books and mini-camp starts bright and early Monday morning. OTAs were the usual heartstopping, riveting events.
Probably the most noteworthy situation was Darrelle Revis skipping a day. (Don't forget, OTAs are, theoretically, completely voluntary. However, the Jets had 100% participation.) Revis of course is unhappy with the current state of his contract negotiations. The cornerback, who came in second in the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year voting, wants a longterm deal that is equivalent to what the Raiders gave Nnamdi Asomugha. That contract includes $16.5 million for 2010 alone. This was, frankly, irrational money, but then again...it's the Raiders.
Regardless, Revis and his team have used it to set the bar for what he wants. Revis confirmed that he would attend mini-camp this week, but is not stating one way or the other what his plans might be for training camp.
This situation underscores an issue other noteworthy players have had with the Jets over the past several years. Among them, Pete Kendall, Chris Baker and Leon Washington have all claimed that the team and GM Mike Tannenbaum in particular have made "promises" and then not backed them up.
What makes this all the more compelling is that there are four other marquee players who are up for new contracts: David Harris, Nick Mangold and D'Brickashaw Ferguson.
As of Thursday, Mangold said he was "50-50" on whether he would attend mini-camp. Although he speaks politely and is always business-like, it is clear when you listen to him that he is pretty angry. If he doesn't show, back-up Rob Turner will undoubtedly take first team reps.
In lighter news, Mark Sanchez has been at full go. Originally the hope was that he might be ready for mini-camp. He's been ready for the last week and looks pretty solid running around out there. Clearly new girl friend, actress Jamie-Lyn Siegler thinks so. She was on hand for practice on Thursday.
Tonight the two are hitting the red carpet at the Tony Awards where Sanchez will be a presenter, introducing Best Musical nominee "Memphis." I'm actually mildly surprised he agreed to this given that his beloved Lakers will be playing in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Celtics at the same time...
As for the rookies, they look like rookies so far, except for Kyle Wilson who is impressing everybody who sees him, including the coaching staff. I'll hold back further commentary on them until the week gets going.
I am also hoping for a weight-loss contest update from Kris Jenkins and Damien Woody. The excitement never ends.
Probably the most noteworthy situation was Darrelle Revis skipping a day. (Don't forget, OTAs are, theoretically, completely voluntary. However, the Jets had 100% participation.) Revis of course is unhappy with the current state of his contract negotiations. The cornerback, who came in second in the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year voting, wants a longterm deal that is equivalent to what the Raiders gave Nnamdi Asomugha. That contract includes $16.5 million for 2010 alone. This was, frankly, irrational money, but then again...it's the Raiders.
Regardless, Revis and his team have used it to set the bar for what he wants. Revis confirmed that he would attend mini-camp this week, but is not stating one way or the other what his plans might be for training camp.
This situation underscores an issue other noteworthy players have had with the Jets over the past several years. Among them, Pete Kendall, Chris Baker and Leon Washington have all claimed that the team and GM Mike Tannenbaum in particular have made "promises" and then not backed them up.
What makes this all the more compelling is that there are four other marquee players who are up for new contracts: David Harris, Nick Mangold and D'Brickashaw Ferguson.
As of Thursday, Mangold said he was "50-50" on whether he would attend mini-camp. Although he speaks politely and is always business-like, it is clear when you listen to him that he is pretty angry. If he doesn't show, back-up Rob Turner will undoubtedly take first team reps.
In lighter news, Mark Sanchez has been at full go. Originally the hope was that he might be ready for mini-camp. He's been ready for the last week and looks pretty solid running around out there. Clearly new girl friend, actress Jamie-Lyn Siegler thinks so. She was on hand for practice on Thursday.
Tonight the two are hitting the red carpet at the Tony Awards where Sanchez will be a presenter, introducing Best Musical nominee "Memphis." I'm actually mildly surprised he agreed to this given that his beloved Lakers will be playing in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Celtics at the same time...
As for the rookies, they look like rookies so far, except for Kyle Wilson who is impressing everybody who sees him, including the coaching staff. I'll hold back further commentary on them until the week gets going.
I am also hoping for a weight-loss contest update from Kris Jenkins and Damien Woody. The excitement never ends.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Get ready for Super Bowl XLVIII
Sanchez got to dine at the White House. Today, we got to mix and mingle with the Governors of New York and New Jersey. OK, so that's a wee bit of an exaggeration. However, I did attend the press conference discussing the successful bid for the 2014 Super Bowl and both David Paterson and Chris Christie were in attendance.
Random observation - Governor Paterson is not tall.
Anyway, there were beaming faces from one end of the podium to the other. Owner Woody Johnson, along with Rex Ryan were there representing the Jets alongside Giants owners John Mara, Jonathan Tisch and Steven Tisch and head coach Tom Coughlin.
One of the funniest quips came from Governor Paterson who said, "Another good fourth round pick," alluding to the number of rounds it took for NY/NJ to be selected and also the Jets history of success with Draft picks from that round.
The most awkward moment occurred when a reporter asked why the Mayor of East Rutherford (where the Meadowlands Stadium is officially based) was not in attendance. Crickets. Oops.
The weather was discussed and discussed. Apparently no one is the least bit concerned about this. Governor Christie assured everyone that the roads would be cleared as they normally would. When pressed by a reporter, who reminded him that during the Blizzard/Nor'easter/Storm From Hell thing we had this past February that he told people to stay off the roads, and asked what he would do in similar circumstances, Christie replied, "We said don't drive if you don't have to. Not, 'don't drive.' 82,000 people will have to drive." OK then. And, that's why he's a politician.
The interesting thing is that both teams and all politicians are visualizing a fairy-tale ending with the Jets and Giants playing each other in this Super Bowl. Now, not to be a wet blanket, but, while this would be great for all of the fans in the tri-state area - probably not so much for the businesses, especially the hotels and restaurants, which are of course counting on out-of-towners. If it's Jets vs. Giants that will certainly decrease hotel booking exponentially.
In the meantime, the committee now has to raise somewhere in the area of $40 million.
Random observation - Governor Paterson is not tall.
Anyway, there were beaming faces from one end of the podium to the other. Owner Woody Johnson, along with Rex Ryan were there representing the Jets alongside Giants owners John Mara, Jonathan Tisch and Steven Tisch and head coach Tom Coughlin.
One of the funniest quips came from Governor Paterson who said, "Another good fourth round pick," alluding to the number of rounds it took for NY/NJ to be selected and also the Jets history of success with Draft picks from that round.
The most awkward moment occurred when a reporter asked why the Mayor of East Rutherford (where the Meadowlands Stadium is officially based) was not in attendance. Crickets. Oops.
The weather was discussed and discussed. Apparently no one is the least bit concerned about this. Governor Christie assured everyone that the roads would be cleared as they normally would. When pressed by a reporter, who reminded him that during the Blizzard/Nor'easter/Storm From Hell thing we had this past February that he told people to stay off the roads, and asked what he would do in similar circumstances, Christie replied, "We said don't drive if you don't have to. Not, 'don't drive.' 82,000 people will have to drive." OK then. And, that's why he's a politician.
The interesting thing is that both teams and all politicians are visualizing a fairy-tale ending with the Jets and Giants playing each other in this Super Bowl. Now, not to be a wet blanket, but, while this would be great for all of the fans in the tri-state area - probably not so much for the businesses, especially the hotels and restaurants, which are of course counting on out-of-towners. If it's Jets vs. Giants that will certainly decrease hotel booking exponentially.
In the meantime, the committee now has to raise somewhere in the area of $40 million.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Sanchez and Ferguson dine at the White House
What are your plans for tonight? American Idol? Yankee game? Lakers-Suns? Well, Mark Sanchez for one is going to have to forego his beloved "Lake Show."While, it's not quite the trip that Rex Ryan has planned, but the Jets quarterback, along with his left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, will instead be attending a state dinner at the White House, hosted by the President of the United States for the Mexican President, Felipe Calderon Hinojosa. Yes, you read that correctly.
Among the luminaries the two will be hobnobbing with are, several of the Supreme Court justices, some U.S. Secretaries, senators, congressmen and...Whoopi Goldberg.
I'm sure this will be quite the topic of conversation at tomorrow's OTAs. And, tomorrow will be the media's first access since OTAs started on Monday. According to reports, Sanchez has been throwing so we'll get to see first hand what he actually looks like and how much he is participating.
Among the luminaries the two will be hobnobbing with are, several of the Supreme Court justices, some U.S. Secretaries, senators, congressmen and...Whoopi Goldberg.
I'm sure this will be quite the topic of conversation at tomorrow's OTAs. And, tomorrow will be the media's first access since OTAs started on Monday. According to reports, Sanchez has been throwing so we'll get to see first hand what he actually looks like and how much he is participating.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Get waited on by a Jets player
Like to eat at Applebees? Would you like to be waited on by one of the Jets? You're in luck. On Tuesday, May 18th from 6-10pm a bunch of New York Jets players will be filling in as waiters at the Applebees in East Hanover, NJ (240 Route 10 & Murray Road).
Why? It's a fundraising event for David Clowney's foundation to raise money for his humanitarian efforts in the West African nation of Ghana. Clowney will be going over there in July and all of the money raised at this event will go toward his efforts there.
You can purchase tickets online at davidclowneyfoundation.eventbrite.com or call 866-958-9991.
Why? It's a fundraising event for David Clowney's foundation to raise money for his humanitarian efforts in the West African nation of Ghana. Clowney will be going over there in July and all of the money raised at this event will go toward his efforts there.
You can purchase tickets online at davidclowneyfoundation.eventbrite.com or call 866-958-9991.
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