More from Cimini: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/jets/ Observations from practice No. 2 April 16, 2009 The winner on Day 1 of Camp Ryan? That's a no-brainer: The weather. As for the quarterback competition, that, too, is an easy call: Kellen Clemens. Working with the second team in the afternoon session, Clemens found a nice rhythm and made several nice throws in the 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. He really looked the part, showing a good command of the offense. Then again, that's what you'd expect this early in the process, considering his advantage in experience over Brett Ratliff. In the 7-on-7, Clemens completed 10 of 12 passes for 159 yards. Mind you, that's a rough estimate. The sun was blinding and it was tough to see the yard lines, so you'll have to cut me some slack. The point is, Clemens was red hot, his finest moment a nice throw to WR David Clowney on a deep seam that went for a 64-yard TD. (I know this isn't a revelation, but Clowney is fast. Really, really fast. It's hard to believe that Eric Mangini never gave him a chance.) Some QB perspective: Clemens worked against the second-team defense, which no doubt helped his cause. Even so, he was spot on with his timing, hooking up several times on crossing routes. His lone hiccup came in the 11-on-11, when he uncorked a wobbly deep ball that fell well short of the intended receiver. If Brett Favre still were around, he would've shot it out of the sky. Overall, Clemens was 5-for-6 for 57 yards in the 11-on-11. Ratliff struggled, throwing two interceptions in the 7-on-7 (by CBs Darrelle Revis and Lito Sheppard). The Sheppard pick was deflected by S Jim Leonhard on a pass that was slightly behind the receiver over the middle. The Revis pick was along the sideline. All told, he was 5-for-8 for 73 yards in the 7-on-7. He did have a signature moment. Showing good ball handling, Ratliff pump-faked Sheppard on a stop-and-go and hit WR Jerricho Cotchery for 34 yards. In 11-on-11, Ratliff finished 4-for-5, 42 yards, his lone incompletion a ball that was batted at the line by NT Kris Jenkins. * * * Other observations: WR Brad Smith made a diving catch despite blatant contact by a cornerback. Sorry, I didn't get the number of the guilty party. * * * .The Jets brought in a few players for tryouts. One guy who jumped out was TE Chris Conklin, formerly of Wingate (N.C.) College. With Chris Baker now playing for Bill Belichick in New England, and with Dustin Keller sitting out with a cold, Conklin got plenty of reps. He was fairly impressive as a receiver. Former DL Kareem Brown continued to work as a tight end. * * * Remember last spring's minicamp hero, RB Danny Woodhead, the small-college hero from Chadron (Neb.) State? Well, he's back after recovering from major knee surgery. He was his usual feisty self, trying to shoot through small cracks in the line. * * * During positional drills, Rex Ryan spends all his time with the defense. O.C. Brian Schottenheimer runs the offense. It's almost like two practices. It's only natural for Ryan to stick with his bread-and-butter, but sooner or later, he'll have to balance his time. Right now, the defense needs the most attention because it's learning a new system. The offense is beginning its fourth year in Schotty's scheme.
I predict that, someday, Kareem Brown will drop a sure TD pass. And there will be a thread to cut him.
I think I found Erik Ainge ... BOSTON (AP)—Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has been hospitalized after suffering what the team described as a minor heart attack. The team issued a statement Thursday saying that the 50-year-old Ainge was “recovering nicely” at Massachusetts General Hospital and is expected to remain there for a few days.
Helluva find there Peak. I would guess that you are more than right on this one. We figured as such, that it must have been a family problem. It's not like he could be posturing for a contract extension. And avoiding voluntary workouts because he thinks he's god AKA Terrel Owens, would have seen his ass kicked to the curb and out of the NFL.
E-Bola's afternoon write up! enjoy Looks like Clemens had a pretty solid day, while Ratty was a little bit jittery. Seems like the try out TE Conklin looks pretty solid, might be able to compete for a PS spot. Also the fact that our punters suck is very bad imo. Somebody pointed it out in the thread where we signed the dude from Jacksonville, our punter is going to be almost our MVP with the style of play we are going to have. we need at least an above average guy. Bottom of the barrel punting is something we can't have anymore.
Here's Hutch's take: http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2009/04/observations_and_nuggets_from.html I like his optimism on the WR's. He mentions how terrible the punters are too. If we're going to be all about defense and field position this year, it wouldn't bother me at all to spend a late round pick on a punter so we have a guy who can bomb it every time. It shouldn't be that hard.
I would really like to see more of Murrell, Cummings and Trusnik this year- all 3 have alot of promise/potential.
marques murrell, it just hit me how big this guy will end up being. he has that quickness that could make him the pass rusher that everyone is still hoping gholston will be. mark my words!!!!
We saw flashes of it last year in pre-season. Unfortunately, Mangini didn't let the guy test the waters during the regular season with our D. We were much better off keeping the superior tandem of Brian "I'm invisible" Thomas and Calvin "I was great for a few games but then completely slacked to shit" Pace in the rotation. It's the stuborn attitude and arrogance (I know it all) that will once again lead to Mangini's downfall, this time in Cleveland.
I'm standing at the back with no expression on my face and my arms crossed. I'm still mad over the summer of 2008 (the whole QB fiasco), and I will be until something totally wonderful or something even more horrible blots it out. All this cute crap about how Ryan isn't like Mangini is irrelevant drivel, concocted by the assholes who write for the papers. The team needs wins, and I don't care how they do it. I wish I had that crystal ball Parcells always liked to bring up. I'd know ahead of time whether this season's going to be a waste of time or not.
they did the same thing with how Mangini was a coaches coach and nothing like Herm... the Jets have had that "the next coach is the previous one's anti-thesis" tradition for a while now. It means that this team has no pure direction or consistency.
Paper claims: "Ainge, Jones Bail on Jets' Minicamp" Reality is; former NBA star Danny Ainge had suffered a mild heart attack, hence I imagine the absence. Paper need to get thier act together. Regardless, I hope Danny is well.
Clowney broke his collar bone early on in the pre-season if I remember correctly, which contributed to his lack of PT.
Ainge has been gone for over two weeks apparently. I can't imagine this has anything to do with his uncles minor heart attack. Speaking of QBs, if we do end up sticking with the qbs on the roster I really hope it is Clemens job to lose heading into training camp. He will need as many reps as possible with the first team.
Jets Insider has some nice mini-camp photos posted. http://www.jetsinsider.com/forums/gallery/browseimages.php?c=205
Yep, snapped it in a pre-season after making a great catch on a mid to deep out and he held on to the ball.
