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Brandon Copeland’s four-game suspension . . .
. . . isn’t something earth-shattering for the Jets.
Solid player, but just like Avery Williamson, a replaceable one.
Just like I don’t view Neville Hewitt as a drop-off from Williamson, I feel the same way about Frankie Luvu related to Copeland. Harvey Langi is another guy who can help fill the position. Both Luvu and Langi (who are very good friends) are guys who can play both inside and outside linebacker.
Honestly, I don’t think this suspension is the end of the world for the Jets, and I almost consider it like a four-game roster-exemption that allows the Jets to keep an another player, and if somebody gets hurt at linebacker, they have a solid player to plug-in for Week Five. They are going to have to make some tough cuts at linebacker (a lot of comparable talent), and this allows them to kick the can on one of those decisions by keeping another linebacker for a four-week trial at Copeland’s spot . . .
Sometimes when players gets suspended, people are quick to attack them and their character.
Look, I’m not condoning any player taking an substance banned by the NFL that is considered performance-enhancing, and Copeland said there was a labeling issue, but I have to say the linebacker is a pretty impressive guy, from his degree from Penn’s Wharton, to teaching a class there, to all this charity work. He’s also been a big help to current players on how to save their earnings.
Once again, not condoning anything, just saying we might want to hold back assassinating his character based on this suspension.
He’s a good guy . . .
The Chris Herndon suspension is the one that will likely have the biggest impact. He’s emerging as a special talent, and those are harder to replace.
Sam Darnold had a nice connection down the deep left sideline to tight end Ryan Griffin for a touchdown.
This was an important practice play because with Herndon suspended the first four games, Griffin is going to be important for the Jets over the first month. So it’s important for Darnold and Griffin to get on the same page, especially since Griffin often wasn’t with the first team throughout the summer . . .
Speaking of Darnold, one thing that might impact his regular season prep a little are the corners he’s facing in practice. The slot corner is very good, but on the outside right now, with Trumaine Johnson out, you have a lot of questions marks. Kyron Brown, who flashed this summer is also out, but even when he’s back, he’s still a developmental player. Darryl Roberts is likely a patchwork starter. Over the last week, you have seen guys like Brown, Arthur Maulet and Tevaughn Campbell getting starting reps. Who ever thought that was going to happen entering the summer?
What what is the my point here? Watching Robby Anderson and Quincy Enunwa get open with ease today, it makes you realize that perhaps Sam isn’t being challenge by the corners the Jets are rolling out there, and this might not be the best preparation for the regular season. Facing the Saints first-team defense on Saturday will be helpful to Darnold on Saturday. Facing Marshon Lattimore and company will be a good test for him . . .
ILB James Burgess had a pick today in practice on a tipped pass. He continues to make plays in coverage. He has a good feel for the game . . .
Brandon Shell was back at right tackle today. As I mentioned yesterday, this is important for the Jets entering the third-preseason game, the dress rehearsal, because protecting Sam Darnold with a rookie right tackle, against a very good Saints pass rush (Cam Jordan/Marcus Davenport), is far from ideal . . .
August 21, 2019
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