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New Jersey – A few important items to get into as the Jets prepare for their huge game in Arizona, a game they need to stay viable.
One thing that might help the Jets’ struggling pass defense is Carson Palmer seems to have lost a little arm strength. There have been some under-throws down field this season. He has just six touchdown passes on the season and five picks.
And not helping matters is both his starting guards are hurt – Evan Mathis (just put on IR) and Mike Iupati is iffy for this game.
But considering the Jets failed to take advantage of a third-string right tackle in Pittsburgh last week, a patchwork Seattle line and a KC line with two backup guards, it’s hard to make too big a deal about the Cardinals guard issues.
However, having a quarterback who seems to have lost some arm strength to strike down field with regularity, is something that should help a Jets secondary that struggles against deep balls . . .
Friday headline – “Jets’ Revis returns to practice, might play vs. Cardinals.”
“Revis was a limited participant Friday after doing just individual drills Thursday,” wrote a wire service. “He says his hamstring is feeling good, and he is running at top speed without limitations.”
So?
Is this a big deal?
I’m sorry, I’m not going to sit here and sugarcoat this.
If he doesn’t play, it’s not a big deal.
Darryl Roberts started for Revis last week and the speedster made more plays on the ball than we have seen for a Jets corner all year.
Look, I’m not looking to disrespect anybody. As I said before in this space, I hate covering this Revis story.
A top player at his position in the past, is now a shell of his former self, and is taking a lot of heat from critics. It’s painful to attend his press briefings with all the negative questions he has to answer about his play.
He’s making $17 freaking million dollar guaranteed this year. That is insane for his current skill set. He is playing like a journeyman.
I know it might seem like sacrilege, but to me, it really doesn’t matter if he misses the game.
That is where this situation is at right now.
He’s lost a step and doesn’t have ideal short-area quickness to cut with fast, quick receivers. It is what it is.
Do you think I enjoy sitting here and ripping this guy all the time? He was a great player.
But what a bad way to come down the homestretch of your career.
And this all could have been avoided.
Instead of trying to make up for letting him go in the past, perhaps the Jets should have taken a pass this time around.
Or offered him way less than a five-year deal for $70 million.
Wow, was this a miscalculation, perhaps done for the wrong reasons.
This is about winning football games, not offering mea culpas to fans for past moves that the owner got ripped for.
Sentimentality should never enter into any personnel move. Bill Belichick eschews sentimental personnel moves.
The Jets signed CB Nick Marshall off the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad this week.
They realize they need more athletic, speedy corners, like Roberts and now Marshall.
Revis and Marcus Williams just don’t run that well . . .
Pictured above – Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg stretching together. Geno Smith not in the area, as I mentioned recently. Strange QB room dynamic right now in Florham Park.
October 14, 2016
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