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Philadelphia – I’m going to get into a few things coming out of this game including Bryce Petty, the O-Line, punt returning and tight ends . . .
As you know by now. Bryce Petty hurt his shoulder in the first quarter on his 44-yard touchdown to pass Robby Anderson.
It’s unclear how serious the injury is, but it definitely gives the Jets an excuse to put him on IR, and go with three quarterbacks.
I’m going to say something about what happened that is way different than you will hear or read elsewhere.
I don’t want this to sound insensitive, or disrespectful, but I think this injury could have been prevented.
This isn’t second-guessing because I wrote it all summer, on the website and in the last issue: Brandon Shell isn’t a left tackle.
And I’m not sure why the Jets are playing him there.
He doesn’t have the foot quickness for the left side.
I thought when the Jets drafted him, it was to play right tackle. I think a lot of people did.
But all summer he’s been on the left side, and it hasn’t been pretty.
And for those who don’t know, Shell was beat by Brian Braman who hit Hackenberg and drove him into the ground.
And this wasn’t his only bad play. He struggled all night.
If I were the Jets, I would have made a sight adjustment and put Ben Ijalana, a natural left tackle, on the left side and used Brent Qvale at right tackle. Forget the right tackle competition. If you don’t know after a whole camp and three preseason games who is best guy to fill in for Breno Giacomini, come on already.
Look, I don’t want to act like I’m blaming somebody for an injury. That is insensitive.
I’m just saying a decision should have been made a while back that Shell isn’t a left tackle.
Stop trying to will him into something he’s not . . .
One thing is pretty clear coming out of this game – Jeremy Ross is going to be the Jets’ returner.
Jalin Marshall has a world of potential as a returner, but it’s hard to trust his ball security. He misjudged a punt tonight, and has had that issue through the spring and summer.
The Jets margin of error this year could be small, and they can’t risk going with an inconsistent catcher as a returner.
Ross catches everything in sight. As he told me in minicamp, he’s seen it all – wind, snow, rain, lefty punters, righty punters, Aussie punter – the guy is well-season.
Ross had a terrific summer, not just as a returner, but as a receiver.
He should be on this team . . .
Jace Amaro is clearly on the bubble.
He had a rough game tonight.
His problem is simple, and it has nothing to do with will or toughness – he has small hands.
And it often leads to ball security issues – whether it’s dropping the ball or coughing it up after the catch.
I’d go with Kellen Davis, Brandon Bostick and Wes Saxton.
And a change of scenery might be good for Amaro.
September 2, 2016
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