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New Jersey – Exciting Jets game on tap for Sunday at Lambeau, and Dan checks in with some good nuggets from One Jets Drive in Florham Park. Let’s get this underway . . .
I saw watching Dee Milliner closely today during the media’s half-hour viewing period of practice.
First he stretched with all his teammates. I didn’t see an special tape or bracing on his bad ankle.
Then when the team was finished stretch, he went to work with the trainers.
He had a chat for a few minutes with Jets head trainer John Mellody, and then after that chat, he went to sit on a cart, which also serves as a makeshift training table, and seemed to get the ankle taped.
After this, he joined the defense as they worked on their install for Green Bay.
My sense, is he’s going to be the dime back, which means the fourth cornerback.
Antonio Allen and Darrin Walls will start. Kyle Wilson will continue as the #3 corner in the slot, and in passing situations, Milliner will likely come in as the fourth corner.
And considering how often Green Bay looks to spread you out, a good fourth corner will certainly come in handy . . .
It’s pretty obvious why the Jets released Ellis Lankster before the opener, and brought him back after Week One. Now, they can pay him week-to-week, and not have to guarantee his salary for the year. That is how the CBA works for vested veterans – if you are on the roster for Week One, you are guaranteed your whole salary.
This is a special team’s move. Lankster is really good on punt and coverage, and the Packers have two terrific returners in punt returner Randall Cobb and kick returner DuJuan Harris. Remember, they are without A.J. Edds who is a core special team’s player who works on the cover units.
Lankster is a pedestrian corner, but outstanding as a kick and punt cover player . . .
For the second week in a row, the Jets will face a team playing without their starting middle linebacker – last week Nick Roach was out, and this week, Brad Jones is out. That is certainly helpful to the Jets’ cause. Middle linebackers are often the traffic cop for a defense . . .
This is a very exciting game for Jets linebacker Nick Bellore.
Bellore is from Milwaukee, and there is a bus coming to the game, with 50-60 family members and friends . . .
Watching the Jets in the first game, and being around the team this week, my take is they are forcing the ball to Eric Decker a little too much.
Once again, I want to reiterate, he’s a good player.
But he’s a good receiver, not a great one, and his contract shouldn’t impact the game plans.
He should be viewed as one of a group of receivers with David Nelson, Jeremy Kerley, Greg Salas and so forth.
Don’t make him something he’s not – a transcendent talent.
It doesn’t matter what he makes – don’t force the ball too him . . .
September 12, 2104
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