He finally is familiar with the playbook, leading to a more confident approach. He has a better understanding of the small details, such as the importance of running crisp routes at the right depth, something he admits he struggled with earlier in the season. Dustin Keller is maturing, and so is his game. The rookie tight end out of Purdue is more in tune with what is expected of him, and he's flourishing. "I know my responsibilities and a lot of the other guys' responsibilities on every play like the back of my hand," Keller said Friday. "It comes second nature to me, so it's not very hard. I'm not out there thinking anymore. I'm just going out and playing." Keller is in the midst of a breakout stretch. He has been a key component in the Jets' last three wins, accumulating 236 yards and a touchdown on 20 receptions. Those numbers alone are easily better than what he totaled though the first eight games, when he had 13 catches for 147 yards and two TDs. He is quickly turning into a favorite target of Brett Favre and seems to be Favre's go-to guy on crucial third downs. Remember, Favre hooked up with him three times for first downs on the Jets' 14-play, 64-yard overtime drive in their 34-31 win over the Patriots, and Favre has said multiple times that Keller has no idea just how good he can be. "He's gotten the ball more and that's great," coach Eric Mangini said Friday. "It takes some of the pressure off of the guys that are out on the perimeter. It forces him to be accounted for in different ways. The more you can do that to a defense, the more threats you have, the better chance you have." The Jets' first-round pick showed some versatility last Sunday against the Titans, lining up once at wide receiver and drawing an illegal-contact penalty. "Just to be given those opportunities, having balls come my way and be fortunate enough to make the plays, and have Favre be comfortable with me and have the coaches confident in me ...," Keller said. "For them to continue to throw to me, I'm just excited about the possibilities for the rest of the season." So is offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who's watching Keller grow into a big-time field-stretching weapon right before his very eyes. "I think his comfort level with the system, his comfort level with Brett, I think there's a pretty strong relationship with those two guys being built," Schottenheimer said. "[He's] a very fine young football player that we continue to expect to have a lot of success as we move forward." Notes & quotes: Mangini was named NFL coach of the week. Mangini and the Jets handed the Titans their first loss of the season, 34-13. Mangini was selected from among three finalists, which included the Giants' Tom Coughlin, on NFL.com ... Safety Eric Smith (head) and LB David Harris (groin) were limited in practice Friday and are questionable ... For the Broncos, CB Champ Bailey (groin), WR Eddie Royal (toe), LB Nate Webster (knee), and RB Selvin Young (groin) were limited and are questionable. LB D.J. Williams was also limited and is doubtful ... The Jets will host a coat drive Sunday to benefit Jersey Cares. The Jets are asking fans to bring new coats, but gently used coats are also welcome. Coats will be collected at all gates for the drive, which last year helped supply 31,000 coats to those who needed them. http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/ny-spjets295945727nov29,0,2919335.story
Fave has made some very average TE's look very solid in Green Bay; Keller will love the world if #4 stays a couple more years
I would like to think Kelleer is going to turn out better then average. He's a piss poor blocker, but a beast with the ball in his hands and creates great match up problems with his speed for a guy his size. He could be a very good one.
Oops; my apologies as I did not mean to imply Keller was average. In reality, I think Keller, talent wise, is the best Tight End Favre played with since Keith Jackson. Chumura was alright but not immense on talent and Favre made his stats better than he was Jackson was a true talent He helped David Martin get a contract for way too much Bubba Franks was a decent blocker but #4 made him look much better I actually think Keller looks like an outstanding prospect that has the receiving and route running talent to see a couple Pro Bowls
With the emergence of Keller, it's hard to imagine Baker living to see 2009 with the Jets. There's no need to pay starter money to somebody when there's a better and younger option.
He was a deep route runner while he was at Perdue. I would love to see him run some deeper pass routes with Favre winging it to him.
Baker is not making big bucks, decent but not too much to not be able to hold onto him. He is a good blocking TE and a decent receiver. I would keep him. Him and Keller in two TE sets are difficult to defend.
I watched alot of Big Ten football. Purdue coach Tiller placed Keller in the wide out several times for match up purposes. He was considered one of the best athletes at the combine. Whereas it is difficult to translate college speed to NFL speed, I would not be surprised to see Keller in an occassional wide out role. I believe he could get separation not TOwens separation but separation nonetheless. I don't think it is wise to cut Franks until his skills diminish, although I am not up on his health status to date, he could be a red zone factor in the coming weeks. He is tough for smaller DBs, or any LB for that matter, to handle in end zone and finds ways to get open as second or third receiver option (29 TDs with Favre). And he has 9 years experience catching the BF Red Zone Laser from close range like when it is right there when you turn, you either catch it with your hands or it eats you up! Something (understandably) Keller has had a little bit of difficulty with this year. Keep them all: Baker Franks, Keller and draft another. You can never have too many tight ends. (that came out wrong...or right).
