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New Jersey – The Jets have some issues now. But most teams do. However one has caused them the most concern, but if you really look closely, the should be able to overcome.
Eric Decker has a partially torn rotator cuff and will not play this week.
Is his season over?
It really is too early to tell that.
I know it sounds like there is a good chance he’s done. We all know how debilitating rotator cuff injuries can be.
But it’s not over yet.
Since it’s partial tear, it is possible, after a few weeks of physical therapy and treatment, Decker and the trainers can get the shoulder to the point where he can function.
Honestly, so many NFL players play with shoulder problems. It’s more than you know. It’s a lot more than that are listed on the injury report. Obviously, the nature of this sport really beats up your shoulders.
So honestly, there are guys out there playing with shoulder tears.
So Decker returning isn’t out of the question if a few weeks of PT go well.
As Decker said today, the biggest issue is range of motion. Decker is tough. He can deal with the pain, but as he pointed out today, as an NFL wide receiver, you need to go up and grab footballs with your arms at all kind of different ankles. So if a shoulder injury doesn’t allow you to reach out for certain balls, it’s a very bad thing for an NFL receiver.
However, I will say this – if Decker can’t return, the Jets will live to see another day.
Decker is a heck of a receiver, but the Jets have some guys who can help fill the void nicely.
We all know how much Quincy Enunwa has stepped up this year. If he moves in for Decker, the Jets could do a lot worse.
To me Robby Anderson is very underrated. From what I saw in the spring, summer and preseason (and a little in Kansas City), this is a second-round receiving talent.
And he brings something to the Jets offensive they desperately need at wide receiver – speed.
Brandon Marshall, Decker, Enunwa and Jalin Marshall are all guys with good, not great speed – all in the 4.5-4.6 area.
Anderson ran a 4.34 forty at Temple’s Pro Day. He constantly gains separation with his great speed and loose hips (to transition with ease). He can blow the top off a defense. The Jets could use a receiver in the mix who can do that.
Also back on board for Gang Green at receiver is Jeremy Ross – a smart, savvy Cal-Berkeley graduate who knows what he’s doing out there. He’s a good route-runner, and has terrific hands. Obviously his meal ticket to make it in training camp was as a returner, but if you watched him at receiver, he was very good. Don’t pigeon-hole him as just a returner. He’s good receiver and will help the Jets if called upon.
And lest we forget that Devin Smith is set to come up off the PUP List shortly.
And once Austin Seferian-Jenkins gets up to speed, obviously, the Jets will start to incorporate the tight end position more into their passing attack. They didn’t claim him to use him like Kellen Davis.
So, to me, if Decker can’t come back, I think the Jets can survive this blow.
September 30, 2016
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