Content available exclusively for subscribers
Rex Ryan said that as many as five roster spots could be on the line at “The Linc.” Dan looks at the roster battles . . . become an insider for just $7.95.
A real heated battle is between David Clowney and Danny Woodhead for probably one spot.
The fact that Woodhead is once against taking reps at wide receiver, leads you to believe that he could make the roster as a running back/wide receiver. Remember last year, the Jets had visions of making him into a slot receiver.
Woodhead might have the the best hands on the team. He’s Cotchery-like. Woodhead catches the ball effortlessly. He’s a natural pass catcher.
Clowney had a non-decript summer, and really needs to show a spark against Philly, especially on special teams as a gunner. He needs to make a tackle or two, show he can do it.
I personally think Marquice Cole is a better candidate for the gunner role. In fact, I think could turn into one of the best gunners in the league.
Personally, I think Chauncey Washington end up getting both Clowney and Woodhead cut after his outstanding special team’s performance in Carolina.
As for the offensive line, while we are going to see the backups extensively throughout the Eagles game, I think these decisions are done.
Aside from the starters (with Matt Slauson at left guard), the Jets will keep Rob Turner as the backup center and right guard (and key special teamer), Vlad Ducasse as the backup left guard and Wayne Hunter as the backup swing tackle. That is it.
Perhaps center Rob Felix and either Dan Gay or Mike Turkovich end up on the practice squad. The performances of these three could determine who ends up on the PS.
On the defensive line, this game could help decide whether the Jets keep Matt “Don’t be” Kroul or Ty Steinkuhler as the sixth defensive lineman. They both had good summers. Whoever gets cut, will end up on the practice squad, unless they get claimed.
At linebacker, this game could help decide if the Jets keep an eighth linebacker, and who it might be. The first seven spots are set with Calvin Pace, Bryan Thomas, Bart Scott, David Harris, Jason Taylor, Jamaal Westerman and Kenwin Cummings. Lance Laury needs to have a big game at linebacker and special teams to lock up the eighth spot.
It’s also a huge game for Ricky Foley, who was just claimed on waivers. He’s going to play a ton. The Jets still need to find a young OLB prospect with special pass rush skills. Foley showed this in the CFL. He doesn’t know the system, but all they are going to ask Foley to do is get after the quarterback in Philly.
Another player who needs a huge game to grab a practice squad spot is OLB Tim “New York” Knicky.
Getting back to the defense, the Jets have some tough decisions to make in the secondary. The holdout of Darrelle Revis certainly complicates matters.
The Jets have tough decisions to make on Donovan Warren and Brian Jackson. Ideally, they would like to put both of them on the practice squad, but are they safe on there? There are so many teams in dire need of secondary help, including the Jets first two opponents – Baltimore and New England. It’s unclear whether Warren will even play in this game because of a concussion. Maybe the Jets could put Warren on season-ending IR, but considering the economy, Woody might not want to pay this full salary. The practice squad is a lot cheaper.
The Jets could role the dice on these two and put them on the practice squad. But anyway you look at it,
this is a big game for Warren (if he plays) and Jackson.