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Dan checks in with another dose of Website Whispers – with the focus on things that matter, not bull. Check it out . . .
It was speculated that New England tight end Aaron Hernandez (knee) might return this week, but he wasn’t at practice on Wednesday, so it might take him another week to come back.
He did come back to practice on Thursday, but on a limited basis . . .
Why haven’t the Jets replaced Bryan Thomas on the roster yet (or put him in IR)? Perhaps it’s a cost-cutting measure. They have to pay Thomas anyway, so why not put off replacing him as long as you can . . .
Speaking of cost-cutting moves, the Jets refused to offer Shaun Ellis more than the league minimum, so he went to New England.
Considering they are using a five-man rotation on their three-man line right now, clearly they miss him. A six-man rotation is ideal in a 3-4.
Not bringing him back was a mistake . . .
New England inside linebacker Jarod Mayo will miss the Jets game with a knee, but while he’s very good, there isn’t a huge drop-off to his backup, Gary Guyton . . .
While the New England defense is banged up, let’s not forget they held Oakland to 19 points last week, in Oakland. That was a lot better than the Jets faired out there.
With injuries at corner, the Pats used a lot of zone last week in the Overstock.com Coliseum.
It worked, so expect a lot of the same this week.
“It’s definitely beneficial,” CB Kyle Arrington said. “When it comes to a zone, communication is better. You don’t have to worry as much about motion and the personnel the opposing team has in the game. I think it benefited us. The main thing is to keep your eye on the quarterback and on (Darren) McFadden.” . . .
I’m done writing that the opposing team has certain starting defensive backs out, and the Jets could take advantage of it.
That has been the case in ALL of the first four games.
But until Mark Sanchez he can take advantage of it, I’m staying away from that one for the time being . . .
The Jets offensive line is going to be fine.
With Nick Mangold back, and Wayne Hunter now settling down at right tackle, there is no reason to think this team can’t starting running the football more effectively.
But they do need some help from #2 blocking tight end Matthew Mulligan, who has been somewhat inconsistent.
Perhaps a return home to New England, for the Maine-native, will get him going in the right direction.
He also got a pretty strong message from Jets brass this week. They brought in a bunch of blocking tight ends for tryouts.
If Mulligan has another inconsistent outing, one of these guys might be signed . . .
The media is already turning on Shonn Greene, after just four games.
Two writers called for Joe McKnight to take his place.
Give me a break!
How about blocking better?
How did Ray Rice do last week with lousy blocking – 25 carries for 66 yards? Rice’s one big play was on a reception.
If the Jets block better, Greene should be fine.
McKnight has a lot of talent, but running between the tackles isn’t one of his strengths . . .