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Should the Jets be concerned about their wide receiver position right now? The narrative you hear all over is that they have a problem there. Let’s take a look . . .
What did Jets GM John Idzik think of the inconsistent wide receiver play in the spring?
“It was (a rough),” Idzik said. “There’s a couple factors there I think. One, we have a new offensive system, practically the entire side of the ball, (except for) the receivers coach, the new coaches on the staff. So there’s a lot of newness that way in just the installation. We’re relatively young.
“And, we had some soft tissues type stuff, some minor stuff, that kept guys out, so it limited their reps a little bit. I think all things considered, there’s a lot going on. Like I said, we’ve filled their heads to the brim with that and some [missed] a little time with a strain here or there, that factors in.
“But, is that a concern? That may be a little strong. It’s still early, we’re in the installation phases. There is an orientation of sort to our offense for the young guys, to the NFL. There’s a lot of factors going on and we’ll just keep pushing forward.”
You have to respect Idzik’s even-keeled nature on this issue.
It’s about time the Jets stopped being reactionary, making knee jerk decisions and caring what the media has to say.
This isn’t the time for the Jets to panic about their wide receiver position.
First of all, the Jets’ offense isn’t necessarily going to be WR-centric.
Marty Morhinweg is going to be dialing up a ton of pass plays to the running backs and tight ends.
Marty loves throwing to backs. Just look at his body of work in Philadelphia.
From 2004-2008, just check out Brian Westbrook’s receiving stats – 73, 61, 77, 90 and 54, respectively.
Then Shady McCoy took over in 2009, and hauled in 220 passes the last four years.
So expect the Jets to throwing a ton to Chris Ivory, Mike Goodson, Bilal Powell and Joe McKnight.
And in any West Coast offense, you know the right end is going to be a big part of the air-attack. Always has been, and always will be.
The Jets like #1 and #2 tight ends are likely going to be Kellen Winslow and Jeff Cumberland – two guys who run around 4.6.
This combination has the potential to be special.
And don’t forget Konrad Reuland, a very good blocker and underrated receiver in the short-to-intermediate passing game.
When it comes to the Jets’ wide receiver position, perhaps the Jets should add another receiver at some point, but it’s not like the cupboard is empty.
Santonio Holmes is expected back, perhaps sometime in late August, Jeremy Kerley is an underrated slot receiver, speedster Clyde Gates, Stephen Hill (who needs to be more consistent), and you have to figure one of the young receivers will emerge and grab the #5 spot – somebody like Zach Rogers, Jordan White, Marcus Davis.
And Idzik likes Ben Obamanu, who he was with in Seattle. He was injured last year, but the previous two years he had 30 and 37 catches, respectively. He’s underrated.
So I have no problem with Idzik taking it slow with the wide receiver situation.
It’s too early to panic.
Especially with the injuries in the spring, and the fact the Jets will be throwing to the running backs and tight ends as much as the wideouts . . .
June 25, 2012
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