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New Jersey – Some random thoughts and Whispers from the New York Jets- Philadelphia Eagles preseason game. Let’s get this underway . . .
One reason Matt Simms could use a year on the practice squad is to work on telegraphing, reading defenses and accuracy.
On the Jets’ first offensive series, he telegraphed a pass to Greg Salas down the deep left seam, and this drew a bunch of defensive backs to the area, including CB Jalen Watkins (Sammy’s brother), who lit up Salas.
On the Jets’ second series, Simms was almost picked off by inside linebacker Emmanuel Acho, who he didn’t see underneath. This was a crossing route, and Acho jumped the route underneath.
On the first play of second quarter, Simms was high on pass to Salas on the right side of the end zone, and was off-target to an open Salas on the left side of the end zone, on the next play.
I’m no looking to pick on Simms, but deal with reality.
You hear the QB coach and offensive coordinator talk about the kid, and there seems to be a disconnect from reality.
Simms needs a lot of work, and belongs on the practice squad.
And to use a roster spot for him as the third quarterback, with so many other needs at other positions, isn’t pragmatic . . .
One issue with Clyde Gates as a receiver is that he is very poor on contested balls. Most passes thrown to him where he’s open, he will come down with it. He has good hands. But if he’s hit after his catches the ball, or has to fight for a pass, with his slight frame, so often he can’t hold on, like in the second quarter when S Chris Maragos hit him as he caught a ball and it came out . . .
After two years on the practice squad, Tevita Finau is ready for prime time. The defensive end out of Utah had a good preseason, and if the Jets attempt to put him on the practice squad, I think he will be stolen.
Karl Dunbar is a brilliant defensive line coach, a master at teaching technique, and if look at Finau’s technique from when he got here, to now, he’s taken a quantum leap.
In the first half, his excellent technique was on display when he pushed Eagles left tackle Andrew Gardner back on skates, and hit Matt Barkley as he threw . . .
S Rontez Miles tied for the Jets lead in tackles with nine, but two concerns for the coaches. He’s so aggressive, sometimes this leads to overshooting the target, and missed tackles. Secondly, while he’s tough as nails, his coverage instincts are so-so.
He could probably use another year on the practice squad . . .
Jalen Saunders dances too much as a punt returner. He needs to be more decisive and head up field . . .
I was very impressed with how CB Johnny Patrick threw his body around last night as a tackler. He showed top-shelf toughness.
He left the game after a hard hit in the second half with what looked a concussion. But I saw him in the locker room after the game, and he was fine.
I think he might have a future at safety with his fearless hitting style, and so-so cover skills . . .
You get the sense the coaches and front office aren’t nearly as down on Stephen Hill as the media and fans, but he might need to get out of here. The well has been poisoned . . .
August 29, 2014
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