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It’s time for more of “The Good Stuff” from JC publisher Dan Leberfeld. Enjoy . . .
Rex’s attacking, blitzing defense should have a field day in the opener against Dallas. The Cowboys cut Pro Bowl guard Leonard Davis and plan on starting a rookie right tackle, Tyron Smith. This line could have major issues early in the year. Look for the Jets to take advantage of this . . .
Brad Smith is the kind of player who should have been a lifetime Jet – a standout on and off the field for the Jets. He was like a character from the old show – “Touched by an angel.” – a remarkable person, and a heck of a player.
Whether is was the community relations department asking him to appear at a school, or the PR department constantly running to him to help them with the interview requests, he almost always said, “yes.”
And he was an impact player.
The Jets have sure had a major change in policy from their Tangini core values days.
I have no issue with the Jets re-signing Santonio Holmes – he’s a heck of a talent. But to let Smith go with basically no offer and to jump through hoops for Holmes, with quite the checkered past, is kind of sad reflection on our current society . . .
One factor that hurt Smith in free agency, with the Jets and other teams, are the new kickoff rules. What is the point in spending a lot of money on a talented kick returner when half the kickoffs are going to likely result in touchbacks? . . .
One factor that helps the Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their battle with the Jets for Nnamdi Asomugha is that they play in states with no (state) income tax. Texas and Florida are among the few states with new state income tax, so whatever they offer Asomugha is actually worth a little more, in face value, compared to the Jets offer, when you factor in the taxes.
I still think the Jets are the favorite, but don’t minimize the significants of this factor . . .
Darrelle Revis had a conference call with Jets beat reporters on Wednesday. During the call, SNY’s Brian Custer addressed Darrelle as “Brother Revis.” . . .
I keep hearing that if the Jets don’t land Asomugha, veteran free agent cornerback Phillip Buchanon is a backup plan . . .
We have focused a lot on how the Jets really haven’t addressed their need for a dynamic OLB pass rusher. I asked Rex Ryan about this during his press conference on Thursday, and he said he expects Calvin Pace to have more of an impact this year, compared to last year. Pace hurt his foot last summer and missed the first month. Ryan says the foot was never the same the rest of the year, and this impacted his performance.
But you know what, even when Pace is healthy, he’s not a scary pass rusher. He’s a very solid player, but not a pass rusher that other teams have to game plan for, like a John Abraham, Dwight Freeney or DeMarcus Ware.
The Jets have big plans for Jamaal Westerman this year. They really think he can help their pass rush.
I think he can also. He might not have 4.5 speed, but he’s tough and relentless, and unlike super nice guy Vernon Gholston, Jamaal has that attitude – “I’m not going to be blocked.” . . .
The Jets top two undrafted free agents are probably Utah guard Zane Taylor and Central Michigan LB Nick Bellore (pictured above). Expect both guys to hang around at the very least on the practice squad.
