I think because Lyons and Klecko (and Salaam in the early years) were so good at what they did, the Jets purposely turned Gastineau loose the way they did. It's impossible to accurately speculate what he'd have done for another team with different linemates because players didn't change teams back then very often. It worked pretty well the way they did it, Klecko also got his share of sacks when he played DE before he did his knee and moved inside.
What I remember most about #99 is Klecko or Lyons flushing the QB out of the pocket, chasing him right into Gastineau, who then sacked the QB and did his dance without acknowledging either player and me being embarassed by the whole situation.
I met Gastineau a few times at a gym I used to train in and at a signing and the guy was a blast. He took a bunch of pictures with me and was very enjoyable to talk with. On the field the guy was an unstoppable force.If that stupid bitch Bridgette Neilson or however you spell her name didn't come along and screw his career up the guy would be talked about as one of the best at his position.
Great pure pass rusher. With that said, HATED the sack dance. Loved the classy professional demeanor of Klecko/Lyons/Abdul. Pure "me" player. Couldn't.......no, WOULDN'T play the run.
Gastineau takes too much blame forthe Browns loss. After first down, Cleveland still had to drive the field to score. Jets had many opportunities to knock Cleveland out afterwards & failed.
It was a HORRIBLE play. In fairness though, Walton's ridiculous/absurd/retarded conservative play calling in the OT truly was the nail in the coffin.
How can I possibly prove what I've said, other than to listen to Klecko and Lyons talk about it on radio every few years. Yes, the D line had to adjust their entire scheme to play the run on Gastineua's side. They had to slide to his side. That created other weaknesses in the run defense. What can I tell you? I'm 55 and saw every game the guy played in. This is my firm opinion of him, backed up by comments from his then team mates. Take it or don't.... the guy was an overall detriment to the defense. You want to argue with Klecko, be my guest.
I totally agree with all you have stated. Speaking of classy demeanor, nowadays, most players that make routine plays, behave like they did something outstanding. I hate that mentality. I'm also not in favor of telling everyone how great you and your team are when you haven't won anything. GB last week came out fired up because they felt disrespected, with the media stating how they would get destroyed by the Jets. STFU and play, no need to give the other team extra incentive.
He is my son most favorite NYJ player ever up to date. In my case however he was a "me" player only interested in acquiring sacks. I can not even count all the times he was turned inside by the other teams OLman & there RB would then run thru the hole left empty by MG desire for the sack. I will say if he was a team player & learned how to play the run he would have been HOF material :jets:
Gastineau was awesome. When I was about 5 and just becoming an avid Jets fan he was easily the most entertaining guy on the field - I freakin loved the sack dance!
H,mm I really wonder of those who replied in this thread actually saw him play since he played from 79 to 88
Best pure Pass Rusher Ive ever seen, name 1 defensive lineman who was a better pass rusher then him, i can't. still gnaws at me that Favre took that dive down to let Strahan get the sack record and Strahan acting like it is legit. What a sham
I had him and L.T. on my wall when I was 11. Easily one of my favorite players. Made me a fan of defense even though we had a darn good offense. I used to use the tomahawk tackle when I played with friends in Massapequa Pk., ended up breaking this dude collarbone. Those were the days......And he was dating my girlfriends friend back in the day, not named Brigitte Nielsen.....we were only 17 so he liked young ones... LOL. Well we have the poster age tree somewhere. That's a lot of work though......
I can understand how people who were young when he played would like him, before they learned more about football and how his outside pass rushes made the Jets very vulnerable to RB's breaking off big gains to the overall detriment of the team. Even on third and one, an obvious short yardage situation, Gastineau would be 8 yards upfield trying to speed rush the QB from behind. He only had one move, the outside speed rush, but yes, he did that better than any other DE I can recall. Reggie White was by far a better pass rusher, he could play the run AND had both the speed and inside power rushes in his arsenal. Like I said earlier, if he were on a Rex Ryan team, he would only be used in 2nd and 3rd and longs because he was so one dimensional. I doubt Ryan would tolerate his selfish style of play at all however. Gastineau regularly took himself out of plays because regardless of the situation, he was going to rush up the field on every single play. Players like Klecko and Lyons got tired of trying to clean up the mess and defensive breakdowns he caused. I don't think there has ever been a more selfish professional team athlete in ANY sport, ever. I don't overstate the point here. Youngsters did love him because he LOOKED great. He wasn't. He was a detriment to the team, and football is a TEAM sport.
Those are the two that immediately occurred to me, and both were vastly more complete players as well.
Gastineau wasn't a good run stopper but he was amazing @ getting to the qb. Most teams in the NFL would gladly take him if he was in his prime. I'd picture him filling out a role similar to Charles Haley during his Cowboy/Niner years. Bring him in during passing situations & just drop back into nickel or dime. No need to blitz with him aiming for the qb. Either he gets pressure or takes up enough blockers to give someone else a shot.
Who else has fond memories of great appreciation threads? I see a lot of hate from many people (most of whom never even read them) when it comes to these threads. It's probably due to that ONE thread on Gastineau back around 10/30. What a bunch of crap. It's a real shame because in his day (which most of the people on this board don't remember) he was much loved by the fans (many of whom are now dead)....and certainly one of the most entertaining to watch on the field in our history. (not that no one's ever heard of the new york sack exchange) I'm gonna miss you Mark!! (even though youre on espn classic and youtube) Like you're ever gonna read this!!!!! There are still tons of TGG posters who will post these threads. You are an awesome thing to clog the boards with. Thank you Appreciation Threads!!!
Pretentious and boring from a poster who obviously THINKS he's clever and witty. This complete failure to be interesting makes me want to take a nap.
