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New Jersey – The New York Jets aren’t the only NFL team that has cornerback injuries to deal with. So does the team that they face on Sunday, and a lot of other teams around the league.
The Chiefs are also banged up at corner – they have two players out – starter Jamell Fleming (hamstring), and key backup, Christopher Owens (knee).
People are so focused on the Jets’ injuries at corner, but I’m telling you, cornerback injuries are league-wide problem.
When I prepare for my Saturday radio show on SiriusXM NFL Radio, I go over the injury report with a fine tooth comb, and man alive (to use a Marty expression) there are so many cornerback injuries.
I will just spin the wheel and give you an example – the Jacksonville Jaguars lost starting cornerback Alan Ball for the season this week to a biceps injury, and key reserve Will Blackmon is out with a finger injury.
Cornerbacks get hurt a lot. That is the nature of the business. Think about it, they small men in a big man’s game. Think about it from a Jets’ standpoint for a second. If you are an opposing defensive back trying to tackle Chris Ivory – that can be a recipe for disaster. He will run over you like a Freightliner truck. Aside from taking on bigger players all the time in run support, cornerback do a ton of running, and suffer a lot of pulled muscles, like Fleming’s hamstring injury, and Phillip Adams groin problem (he should be able to return this week).
Look, I know the Jets’ cornerback situation is bad, but I’m telling you there is an epidemic of cornerback injuries around the league, which is compounded by the lack of good street free agents to pick up to fill the void . . .
Remember we were talking the other day about injured players being overly-optimistic about their ability to play on Sunday?
Well it turns out Darrin Walls was a perfect example of that. He’s doubtful for this game, and Jets doubtful players never play.
The Jets do get Adams back for this game, so it will likely be Adams and Antonio Allen who will start this game.
One thing that helps the Jets deal with their cornerback situation is that the Chiefs take a very conservative passing game approach. Alex Smith has just nine touchdown passes in seven games. They almost never throws down field. Also, the Chiefs will be without one of their starting receivers – Donnie Avery – due to an injury. Not only is he a starter, but he is the Chiefs’ best deep threat. So not having that kind of speed merchant on the field will help the Jets struggles against the deep ball.
I really think this is going to be a close game.
The Chiefs are a solid team, but certainly not a juggernaut.
And as I mentioned yesterday, I think Sheldon Richardson and Mo Wilkerson are going to eat up the Chiefs’ guards – Zach Fulton and Mike McGlynn . . .
Usually when I ask Rex this kind of question about a player, he totally avoids it, and defends the player to the nth degree.
But when I asked him about Chris Johnson saying to ESPN, “If it’s going like it’s been going, there’s nothing to be excited about or look forward to. I don’t know what’s really going to change,” he gave pretty blunt, candid answer.
I think Rex knew he had to deal with this Johnson statement, because it’s such a bad message to send to young players.
“You’re a professional football player and there’s a lot to get excited about in my opinion,” Ryan said. “We’ve got half a season in front of us. You’re a rare guy to be able to play at this level and to be chosen to play at this level. So, I think to put your physical skillset out there each week I think’s an honor.”
I don’t think Johnson is a bad guy. But I don’t think he’s a great communicator, and can be taken advantage of, which has happened over and over again. He falls for “gotcha questions.”
October 31, 2104
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