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Florham Park – While the Jets are out of the playoff picture, there last two games bring intrigue as the Jets’ Nation gets to see what Greg McElroy brings to the table.
Greg McElroy is smart enough to be an NFL starting quarterback and seems to have the requisite pocket presence and field vision for the job. The big question that remains involves his arm strength.
While he seems to have improved it a little through diligent off-season work, let’s be honest, there is only so much you can do.
For instance in baseball, an 85 MPH fastball thrower can’t transform into a 95 MPH flame-thrower.
I was standing on the sideline during a practice earlier this week, and both McElroy and Mark Sanchez threw out-routes to the right sideline, where I was standing with the other reporters.
The Sanchez ball definitely got there faster – had more velocity.
I’m not saying Greg can’t do the job, but I think his arm strength is definitely going to be under the microscope of the Jets brass, and scouts around the NFL, the next two weeks.
And his arm is going to have quite a challenge the next two contests– a late December game in the windy Meadowlands and a trip to wintry Buffalo, next week.
But it’s important to point out – arm strength was considered overrated by the late, great QB guru Bill Walsh, the long-time San Francisco 49ers head coach. I ran the following quote in a recent issue of JC Magazine.
“To become a great quarterback, there must be instincts and intuition,’ Walsh told the Pro Sports Exchange many years ago. “This is the area that can be the difference between a very solid quarterback and a great quarterback.
“If throwing a ball were the only aspect of playing quarterback, then this would be an easy position to evaluate. Arm strength is somewhat misleading. Some players can throw 80 yards, but they aren’t good passers. Good passing has to do with accuracy, timing, and throwing a ball with touch so it is catchable.”
McElroy has instincts and intuition and is pretty good with accuracy, timing and throwing catchable passes. So he has a fighting chance.
It will be interesting to see what he does the next two weeks . . .
Manish Mehta had a story today regarding Mike Pettine’s future.
Headline – “Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine turns down contract extension, according to source.”
If Mehta has something on Pettine, you can put it in the bank. He’s very plugged in to the Pettine camp. They are both from Bucks County, PA.
“The Jets may lose one of the key cogs that helped them find so much defensive success in recent years,” wrote Mehta. “The Daily News has learned that defensive coordinator Mike Pettine has turned down a contract extension offer that would keep him with the team beyond this season.”
So Pettine is likely out of here after this year.
This isn’t a huge loss for the Jets because Rex Ryan is essential the defensive coordinator. Pettine is the coordinator in name only.
Clearly Pettine, who desperately wants to be a head coach, feels he needs to get out of here, and truly run his own defense, so he can make more of a name for himself.
Most people consider the Jets’ defense, Rex’s defense.
And Pettine clearly wanted to let the football world, and potential NFL coaches out there looking at staff possibilities, that he would be available to join them.
If you are looking at guys like Jon Gruden, Chip Kelly or whoever, if they are thinking about taking a new head coaching job, they are always thinking of what they staff might look like, and who is available.
For instance, if Gruden took an NFL job, it well known in NFL circles, he’d like to have former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Juan Castillo on his staff.
So for any coach looking for a defensive coordinator for his staff, Pettine will be on the hot-list.
And he clearly wanted it known, he will be available . . .
Even with the team being 6-8, this is a much better locker room than last year.
They seem to enjoy each other, and the vibe is a lot better in the room . . .
December 21, 2012
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