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Morris County – Very interesting week at Jets camp as they prepare for New England. A couple of things we want to get into today. Let’s get this started . . .
Will Nick Mangold return this week?
That is a little bit of a mystery right now.
But I can tell you this. When the Jets were practiced special teams today, their quarterbacks were taking snaps from centers on a distant field. Ryan Fitzpatrick, the team’s starting quarterback this week, was taking snaps from Wesley Johnson. #2 quarterback Bryce Petty was taking snaps from backup center Dakota Dozier, and Mangold was snapping to #3 QB Christian Hackenberg.
If Mangold was starting, why would he be the one snapping to Fitzpatrick? And the fact that he wasn’t even snapping to Petty, and was actually snapping to a guy who is going to be inactive, probably says something.
On top of this, the Jets would be foolish to make this switch right now. Something that has kind gone under the radar is how well Johnson is playing.
The Jets have run the ball really well in recent weeks, and honestly, there hasn’t been a lot of pressure up the middle.
I think Johnson is a keeper. He’s got good size for center (6-5, 305), mobility (gets to the second level with ease pulling on running plays) and is extremely bright (good at line calls). If Mangold retires or is released after the year, the Jets have his replacement all set.
The Jets would save $9.1 million in cap space if they release Mangold.
I could see Mangold just walking away after this season. He’s clearly starting to break down physically. It’s not his fault, but he’s had a lot of injuries the last few years. And I think the neck injuries he’s suffered would likely be the driving force that leads him to hang up the cleats. I could see him following his good friend D’Brickashaw Ferguson in leaving the sport in relatively good shape, and not pushing the envelope too far.
John Idzik doesn’t get much credit for anything, but signing Johnson off the Steelers’ practice squad was a terrific move.
Good football player . . .
I could be wrong, but I think this is going to be a close game.
First off, the Jets are much fresher physically than New England. The Patriots are coming off a cross-country trip. The Jets are coming off a bye-week. And obviously the Jets are at home, and the Patriots have to travel again.
I mentioned the Jets the Mangold injury situation. Aside from that, the Jets really only have two other injuries of note, cornerbacks Marcus Williams and Nick Marshall with high ankle sprains. Marshall almost never plays at corner. As for Williams, the guy who replaces him, Daryl Roberts, brings some much-needed speed to the Jets’ cornerback position. Also, this is a good game for Roberts to be playing for Williams. Remember, Roberts came to the Jets from New England, where he spent 2015 and the 2016 off-season and training camp. He has a lot of experience practicing against Tom Brady and these Patriots receivers. He has a good feel for what they do. Good guy to have involved this week.
And obviously two key injuries for New England – Brady (knee) and Rob Gronkowski (lung). Brady missed two days of practice this week. He hates missing practice. Most people assume he’s a lock to play, but with New England you never know. They are so secretive. Gronkowski is a long shot to play. Which is a big deal. He’s such a huge weapon. When he’s out, it certainly changes the complexion of the Pats offense.
I’m not predicting a Jets win, but I think they can keep this close.
November 25, 2016
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