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East Rutherford – The Jets clearly had some protection issues and in Part I of Dan’s Game Review, he takes a look at what was going on . . .
The blocking was a problem in this game. That is an understatement.
There used to be an unwritten rule in the NFL to not blitz a lot in the preseason.
That is has clearly gone by the wayside in recent years.
Perhaps Roger Goodell needs to look into this issue.
Think about what is going on here, especially in the fourth preseason game.
You have line thrown together, with various combinations over the course of the game, and they have very little chemistry, and the opponent is sending the kitchen sink at them. What a disaster for the quarterbacks.
Nevin McCaskell played a lot for the Jets in the second half, and he was claimed a few days ago.
Matt Kroul, a guard for two weeks of his life, was moved to center late in the game.
And you wonder why it was so such a mess out there . . .
. . .
On the Jets first offensive series, Greg McElroy was sacked on the third play. What happened was LT Dennis Landolt was locked on a man, LG Zane Taylor was locked on man, and LB Brian Rolle just blitzed between the two of them . . .
Vlad Ducasse had two false starts late in the first half, and a hold in the third quarter, and was pulled from the game.
Not having an off-season really, really hurt Vlad. He needed a lot of tutoring and didn’t get it. Now, the Jets are throwing him into all these line positions, and it’s a mistake. He’s not a multi-position player right now. Leave him at one position! His technique and confidence are a mess.
I don’t know what they are going to do with him right now. Can they trust him to be the backup swing tackle? Right now, it doesn’t look that way. Look for the Jets to claim an OT on the final cutdown . . .
It looked like the Jets offensive linemen were worn out in the second half of this game, and for good reason – two games in four days. That is brutal, especially for the big guys . . .
Another rough outing for T Pete Clifford – he looks a little overmatched. DE Phillip Hunt dominating him late in the game . . .
There weren’t a lot of positives offensively in this game, but two guys who do deserve some credit on tight ends Jeff Cumberland and Josh Baker. They tied for the lead in catches with three each. Cumberland is an impossible cover for linebackers because of his 4.4 speed. Baker clearly has what it takes to play in the league. He will likely land on the practice squad, and could have a future at fullback also. He lined up at fullback on a few plays in this game. Baker runs really well and has terrific hands. He could be quite a weapon at fullback once he learns the position . . .
Drew Willy took quite a beating in this game, and did a pretty good job considering the circumstances. He deserves a spot on the practice squad, and they are going to need him in practice to run the scout team, with the McElroy’s thumb injury, and with Mark Brunell’s calf issue.
Willy grew up 15 minutes from Florham Park in Randolph.
