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New Jersey – Dan checks in from behind the scenes at Jets camp with some notes and nuggets on Gang Green, heading into their important game against the Dolphins . . .
Jeremy Kerley was practicing today with a bulky elbow brace.
Last week, he was practicing on a limited basis with this contraption, but was just making one-handed catches (with the healthy arm).
Today, he was making two-handed grabs, but I saw him drop one. He was clearly bothered by the elbow brace.
It will be interesting to see if he can get comfortable enough with the brace over the course of the week to be able to play effectively with it on Sunday.
Practice is closed to the media for Thanksgiving, so I will give y’all an update on Friday after seeing him in practice again . . .
Speaking of receivers, the Jets brought Michael Campbell back to the practice squad, and that brought a big smile to the face of Mo Wilkerson when he saw the wide out in the locker room today. They are former teammates at Temple . . .
Konrad Reuland is facing a six-month rehab for a torn ACL and meniscus. The surgery will be next Wednesday performed by Dr. Elliott Hershman . . .
The Jets promoted tight end Chris Pantale to the regular roster from the practice squad.
Some might wonder why they needed Pantale when they have three tight ends, even with our Reuland, in Jeff Cumberland, Zach Sudfeld and Kellen Winslow.
It’s quite possible another team tried to steal Pantale from the Jets practice squad. I will find out on Friday.
But even with three other tight ends around, there are two roles for him.
First off, he a perfect candidate for the kickoff wedge, which hasn’t been very good. Tight ends are perfect for this spot because obviously they know how to block, and are generally pretty athletic to handle blocking in the open field.
The other role for Pantale could be spelling Tommy Bohanon some at fullback.
Bohanon is still a major work-in-progress as a blocking fullback, and Pantale is a very good blocker, and is capable of flexing to the fullback spot. Remember, the Jets used to do this with Reuland quite a bit . . .
Speaking of blocking, the Dolphins losing Daniel Thomas to an ankle injury is definitely going to hurt Miami’s blitz pickup. He’s their best blocking tailback, and not having him, will hurt the Dolphins blitz pickup, and we know the Jets are going to blitz a ton.
This is more bad news for Ryan Tannehill, who is going to be under siege this Sunday with his patchwork offensive line facing Mo Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, Damon Harrison and company . . .
A big challenge for the Jets this week is going to be Dolphins FB/TE Charles Clay. He’s a mismatch for most linebackers as a receiver, and the Jets tight end coverage really hasn’t improved this year.
True DeMario Davis has 4.5 speed, but his instincts still need work, and he hasn’t had the big impact on the Jets’ tight end coverage people thought he would have this year, taking over for Bart Scott.
Expect a heavy dose of Clay on Sunday . . .
Austin Howard was having a very good year, but has struggled the last two games. He’s having some issues with inside moves, perhaps overplaying the edge.
Look for the Dolphins to line up Cameron Wake over Howard quite a bit . . .
November 27, 2013
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