Lange is editor-in-chief of newyorkjets.com. He covered the Jets for 13 years for The Record of Hackensack, N.J.
File Under: Darrelle Revis, Eric Mangini, David Harris, Jonathan Vilma
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01/02 — David Harris is in the running again for the Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Week award, and again Harris is expected to finish as an also-ran. The fan voting on nfl.com that concludes at 5 p.m. today has Green Bay RB Brandon Jackson as the runaway leader down the stretch with 43 percent of the votes while Harris is last among the five candidates at 4 percent. The others are QBs Troy Smith, Ravens, and Matt Moore, Panthers, and Chargers LB Jyles Tucker.
Yet in some ways, even though he's not likely to take home the Big Bottle (of Diet Pepsi) this season, Harris' performance in the 13-10 overtime over the Chiefs was one of his most impressive.
Harris' 11 tackles easily led the Jets. He had three quarterback hits and batted down two passes. On his first tackle, KC tailback Kolby Smith was knocked from the game. Early in the fourth quarter, his blitz sack of Brodie Croyle moved the Chiefs from long field goal range at the Jets 34 to the 49 and forced a punt.
Harris, the second-rounder from Michigan, was asked after the game how he thought his rookie campaign went.
"I think I did OK. I just tried to be ready when my number was called," he said, adding that when captain Jonathan Vilma went to the IR after Game 7, "I knew the defense needed me to step up and take his place, and I just try to be ready when my number is called. With the help of the linebackers — Eric Barton, Brad Kassell, Vilma — and our position coach [Jim Herrmann], they got me ready.'
In turn, Harris played his part in the defense's second-half rise, which brought the unit to 18th in overall yardage allowed and ninth in passing yardage allowed, both the highest weekly rankings in the two years of the Eric Mangini regime.
Speaking of both his rookie starters, Harris and CB Darrelle Revis, the coach said: "I’ve been pleased with Darrelle, I’ve been pleased with David Harris. I think both of those guys are very mature, hard-working guys who got a lot of opportunities to play and did well with those opportunities. They continued to get better over the course of the season."
Inside the Jets
This week's show was delayed but is set to air Thursday night from 7-8 p.m. on 1050 AM ESPN New York.
Fans Respond
Here's your chance to tell Randy what you think! Add a Comment | Hide All Show All (61)Frank Said:
Wed, January 2, 2008 - 3:00pm EDT"I did not like the pick at the time and the scouting reports on Brick were spot on. Undersized and suspect pass blocker what is truely alarming is he was supposed to be a road grader on running plays and he was shocking weak there this year as well. I am not saying to throw him over board but he needs to be moved to the right side. Hey Brick look at tape of Joe Thomas that is how a top pick plays."
Ira Said:
Wed, January 2, 2008 - 3:24pm EDT"Randy, Harris had a tremendous game vs the Chiefs and like you said i agree might have been his best all-around game of the season. He is all over the field and always gets to the ball. He will be one of the top LB's in the game for years to come. Great job by Mr.T trading up for Harris. A few more picks like that and this team will have some outstanding players. GO JETS!"
josh Said:
Wed, January 2, 2008 - 3:53pm EDT"david harris has been really good this season as long as darelle revis. and victor hobson will be gone so we should bring in terell suggs and put jonathan vilma i the middle with david harris. randy what do you think about vilma and david harris in the middle?"
Major Said:
Wed, January 2, 2008 - 5:03pm EDT"So what is the earlty take on what we are going to be doing with the #6 pick?"
Jim Said:
Wed, January 2, 2008 - 5:08pm EDT"Randy, lot's of folks are saying trade this one(not Harris) and bring in that one, etc.. Is there any way you can post players cap numbers for 2008? Not everyone, but say Vilma/Robertson/Baker/B. Thomas/Moore/McCareins?"
Randy Lange Said:
"Jim, sorry but I can't post salary cap numbers on this site."
bigron452 Said:
Wed, January 2, 2008 - 7:28pm EDT"David Harris has been a monster in the middle. Vilma, can't take on the guards and should be moved to the outside in the 3-4. He has the speed to be a pass rusher but not the bulk for the inside. Can we clone Harris and have 2 of him in the middle???"
Ira Said:
Wed, January 2, 2008 - 7:37pm EDT"josh, Vilma is not cut out for this system. Sorry but its true. He is an excellent player and prbably will be for another team that fits his style better."
Jeremy Said:
Wed, January 2, 2008 - 8:23pm EDT"Harris has been a stud from the beginning! Vilma is not a 3-4 LB, if he's healthy the JETS could get a lot for him. Suggs would definetly be a solid FA pickup as would Faneca & Berrian. Keep hearing about Ryan coming over from the Raiders--he was Mangini's buddy w/ the PATS! Most important is the OLine JETS gave up 53 sacks, 4th most in league-Brick had 14 and 10 last year, complete bust!"
SCJoe Said:
Wed, January 2, 2008 - 8:25pm EDT"I think that the strides that the defense made in the second half was in a large part due to Harris, that is why I believe it will be sustained from the begginning of the 08 season. I do believe a few tweaks must be made anyway, especially on the outside, can anybody say GOULSTON?"
Drew Said:
Wed, January 2, 2008 - 8:27pm EDT"Frank, I am confused on your scouting reports on Brick?? The biggest knock coming out of UV was that he was a below avg run blocker but a good pass blocker. It will also be hard to have him move to RT. If you think he is undersize for LT he is way too small for RT. He has been up and down since we drafted him but every scouting report had him as the best LT in the draft....Check your notes again"
Drew Said:
Wed, January 2, 2008 - 9:35pm EDT"No suprise to me how dominate D Harris was. I was suprised how well he got to the QB though. He did not rush the QB much in college. Almost led rookies in sacks...Not sure how Tangini will handle Vilma. I would trade him. I love your Cinn thought Ira but I think it's a long shot. It's early but it's a top 5 player draft and we draft 6th. Dorsey, Mcfadden. Both Long's and Ryan. I would trade out."
Dunnie Said:
Wed, January 2, 2008 - 11:42pm EDT"I am glad someone else asked that question about Vilma ... I'd love to see JV stay here and do well. But a lot headier football guys than me insist that he is simply too small to fit into a 4-3. Anyway ... can't wait to see what this offseason brings ... no matter what it will be fun to read. =)"
Ira Said:
Thu, January 3, 2008 - 7:15am EDT"Randy, I don't remeber but i think Harrris had to have the most productive rookie year for a LB for the Jets. Vilma in 04 had 118 tackles and 3 INt's and this year Harris had 126 tackles. Do you know of any other LB's who might have topped those #'s?"
Dunnie Said:
Thu, January 3, 2008 - 7:52am EDT"I hate to say it ... but I concur with Frank. When I read the reports on Brick ot having a killer instinct in college and making up for it with martial arts I was alarmed. I too remember them say that he would make up for his lack of size with technique and arm span. Well .. So far he has looked like a standard 4th or 5th round pick. He is no dominating at all few pancakes. =/"
Tom Spicer Said:
Thu, January 3, 2008 - 8:10am EDT"Brandon you said coaching moves like putting Kellen into the lineup made for a bad season NEWS FLASH BUDDY Chad was 1 & 7 when we put in Kellen the season was already over ! "
razmataz Said:
Thu, January 3, 2008 - 9:36am EDT"Trade down not really an option now, I was not a jake Long fan, but he is a beast, he is BIG and NASTY, consider taking him, move D-stick to RT, and geta LG, leave them alone, and you'll be happy for a long time. 2nd pick on D, trade up again if needed. Attack FA for G, DL,LB, WRand consider Asamawaga(Oak-CB), as 3rd best FA corner-that will allow u to blitz like crazy. Keep Chad/KC ,JL isa HUGE!"
Joey Said:
Thu, January 3, 2008 - 11:07am EDT"Some offseason keys include getting our guys healthy. Vilma is a quality linebacker. Justin Miller adds a second great returner to specials. Chansi Stuckey could add speed to the wr's. Most important, Coles needs to pair with Cotchery. We've got a good draft position. A good draft and using our $28MM of cap space on pass rush and a couple of good offensive linemen and we'll be back next yr"
Loper Said:
Thu, January 3, 2008 - 12:01pm EDT"Tom i agree with Kellen in the Jets record was not much better, but it's not his fault. Although they made the change at QB they still ran the still offense. NEWS FLASH, you put a guy who can throw a ball down field, let him!!! Open it up, stop throwing 3 and 4 yard outs on 1st and 2nd down. "
Frank Said:
Thu, January 3, 2008 - 12:12pm EDT"Drew, I am trying to be nice when I say this. You are the one my friend that doesn't know what you are talking about. I like what Tangini did last year going after Harris and Revis. Trade all the guys I mentioned for draft picks to go after Long or whoever they feel will be a difference maker. Change the culture go after difference makers by trade or FA not the plug and play of the last 2 years."
Howard Said:
Thu, January 3, 2008 - 12:25pm EDT"wow what un watching everyone but the pros tweek the roster.d-brick is absolutely not a right tackle,if we draft jake long he would be a better option at the rt spot.and as for me being a hugh jvil fan id hate to see him traded.anyway just waiting for march to see what we do im sure it will be great ."
xavion Said:
Thu, January 3, 2008 - 12:46pm EDT"I think david Harris Is a Standout, but still believe we should keep Vilma He shouldnt be obsolete because. Of the Scheme I say bring Donnie Henderson Back Vilma was spectacular under Donnie and Imagine what he will do with Harris and He was Very aggressive and we had a top ten def unit under him. Hey Randy Do you know what Donnie Henderson is doing Now?"
Randy Lange Said:
"xavion, Donnie Henderson is a consultant with Cincinnati who we're hearing may be a candidate to become the Bengals' next defensive coordinator."
scionce Said:
Thu, January 3, 2008 - 1:23pm EDT"OL should be the top draft priority, but if there's another revis or harris i see them going that route and adding an OL in the 2nd or 3rd round and free agency. they should keep chad and have another open comp. lastly, keep vilma, move him to OLB and let hobson go. or get vilma to drop 10-15 lbs and make him the strong safety. no more run-stopping issues and a punishing tackler in the open field."
Drew Said:
Thu, January 3, 2008 - 1:55pm EDT"Frank... it doesnt matter what the reports say anyway. Brick has struggled and it has hurt the team. I would love to throw him to RT but he would need to be even bigger to play on the right side. I think we should get a young proven LG and draft a RT.... Jet fans, J Vilma is a 4-3 MLB. He cannot play outside and cannot play SS. He has been lost in our 3-4 for 2 years now. We need to trade him. "
Ira Said:
Thu, January 3, 2008 - 3:16pm EDT"Henderson will turn that D around for sure. He did he real good job in 04 and 05 was just a lost season after losing all the QB's. Now the Vilma to Cinny trade really makes more sense. Vilam was Henderson's main man nad Chad Johnson wants the stage of NY. Pull the trigger and get the deal done."
Frank Said:
Thu, January 3, 2008 - 3:31pm EDT"Drew my point is we desperately need someone to protect the blind side. When your LT is 2nd worse in the league in sacks allowed that is definitly no good. What else do you do with him? Try him at RT and at guard maybe. Being a #4 and having the contract you can't cut him but I would not put him back at LT or we will be in the same boat again next year regardless of who the QB is. Jets had had...."
Jim Said:
Thu, January 3, 2008 - 3:36pm EDT"Ferguson Is so not cut out to be a RT in this league. Think about it, RT's are on the rather large side. DB has trouble maintaining 300 through the season. RT's are usually 320+."
Frank Said:
Thu, January 3, 2008 - 3:39pm EDT"...Lomas Brown work with him all last summer and he regressed and is a major liability on the line. Management can't bury their heads in the sand on this one. This is a major issue that needs to be addressed. We can't have our QB's getting drilled every game like this year someone is going to get hurt bad. Kellen will excel with a O-line that can block and an O designed around him not Chad."
Drew Said:
Thu, January 3, 2008 - 5:49pm EDT"Frank...The reports on Brick are what he has shown. Until he puts on weight he will struggle with bull rushes and in the running game.... His althetic ability and wingspan help him vs speed guys. That's why he plays J Talyor so well....D Henderson getting another shot at DC in the NFL. Didnt he really rub some people the wrong way while with the Jets?? Randy??"
Drew Said:
Thu, January 3, 2008 - 8:14pm EDT"Frank...you finally posted something I agree with. I also believe KC can excel if given time behind a solid OL. I am sure Tangini is just as confused as the fans in the lack of progress with Brick. I think if we shore up the LG position Brick will play much better. It is a shame we need to hide our "franchise" LT. I am not ready to give up on him just yet though.....Please get #85 on this team."
Ira Said:
Thu, January 3, 2008 - 8:16pm EDT"Drew, Sure just move Brick to RT. Why so he can be overmatched there. He is a LT and with an experienced LG next year lined up next to him he will rebound fine. Sure he has given up lots of sacks but how many were really his fault? Also maybe a new o-line coach will help develope him better."
Pete Said:
Thu, January 3, 2008 - 8:16pm EDT"Xavion, best post in weeks. Why is Mangini obsessed with the 3-4? Who is he building this defense around? None of our key players are built for the 3-4. Even Parcells let Bledsoe throw the ball when it gave him the best chance to win. Ellis, D-rob, and Vilma are beasts in the 4-3, mediocre in the 3-4. We really need to rebuild O-line and entire defense in Mangini's 3rd year? Somethings wrong!"
Pete Said:
Thu, January 3, 2008 - 8:25pm EDT"D-brick has been a total bust! I admit I liked the pick at the time, but he has been awful. As Jet fans, do you remember where MacKenzie, Fabini, and Randy Thomas were drafted? We have received some of our best value picks later in the draft on the offensive line. Total bust. Losing Kendall was huge. Mawae was playing soft and lazy until Kendall rejoined him. Changed the play of the entire line."
DD Said:
Thu, January 3, 2008 - 8:57pm EDT"The draft will be a building point. We need to look at Chris Long and we need to look at joe flacco. I like what our rookies did this year and I hope next will be better."
Ablity Mouwon Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 2:29am EDT"you dont have to be fat to be good. he just need to hit the wait room more often but it is good that he is a speed blocker. the fans had been pretty easy on him since we came into the leauge, he just need to get much stronger and he sometimes do a good job in forcing the blit outside and the QB both chad and kellen dont have good sense in the pocket Brick is suppose to do that, Qb and WR is fault."
Ablity Mouwon Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 2:37am EDT"I got it, the jets should trade MLB JV to the browns for somebody or bodies on that offensive line maybe a gruad and try to get their third rounder pick along with it. I dont like the ideal for the team drating another young guy on the line when already have 3 young guys and with that pick we need to draft a "BIG" guy at DT, if we cant get GD i say we trade our pick for 2 more early pick, M.LAWSON"
Ablity Mouwon Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 2:43am EDT"IF DT Gen Dorsey if gone by our pick i say we trade the 49ers our first round pick for Manny Lawson and their first and third round pick. i like lawson because he is very fast and big and that is perfict for out defenses to pepare for this however we ahve to get a big guy in the middle from free agent because we still need a DT. things Jets need. 1 DT, 1 DE, 1 OG,2 WR, passrushing OLB that's all. "
Ablity Mouwon Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 2:54am EDT"We need a new minded offensive Cordinater that want to get the ball into the endzone and can we stop doing those trick plays,this not in collage anymore,those 2QB plays dont get us into the endzone in this leauge we dont have to do those plays to get points.Put clemons in the shotgun and spreed the defense out when we get big play recievers and that opens up the RUN. get KC a QB coach like Tom's"
Paul Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 6:10am EDT"Mangini and Tennenbaum forgot what Kendall brought to the table. The way he helped with Brick and Mangold far outweighed the way he handled his situation. They need to realize when to take a stand and when they need to swollow their pride. Jets need to draft a big time BIG receiver. Having a receiving tandem that doesn't break 6 feet will no longer cut it in the NFL. Even Plaxico proves that"
Brandon Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 9:21am EDT"Its tough to completely think that Brick is this huge failure. I understand the severity of picking a OL in the top 5 and that player having to be great, but until we sure up the rest of the O Line Brick is the least of our worries. Pace, Ogden, Walter Jones all had great players alongside them (Nutten, Mulitalo, Hutchinson). Who does Brick have (Clarke and Bender). HE NEEDS SOME HELP!"
Ira Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 9:50am EDT"Brandon, Good to see you feel that way because so do i. One thing you failed to mention was Nutten was on the Jets and walked out of camp in 03. Brick really was left on an island with no LG this year. Lets see how he plays next year with a new LG and probably a new o-line coach."
BruceHarperfan Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 12:14pm EDT"1. Some of D'Bricks blown pass defenses were one-on-one situations that had nothing to do with the person playing LG. But you can't give up on him yet. 2. It's not just the number of D Harris tackles, but their quality. Vilma never tackled like he can. 3. Actually, Vilma might play quite well as an OLB. 4. OL is #1 priority. They should trade down and take a quality starter at OG or WR."
Ira Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 12:46pm EDT"Harris had many more impact plays and behind the line or stuff tackles than Vilma had. That was a big part of the improvement by the D after the bye week this year. Imagine Suggs playing along side of Harris. Wow then you are talking about becoming a big time D.GO JETS!"
Drew Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 1:29pm EDT"Ira??? Have you read my posts?? I agree, we cannot move Brick to RT...He is too small to play there. I have been agruing with Frank for days about the how we CANT move him to RT. I also agree a "real" LG would get him back to playing like his 1st year. One more time....Leave Brick at LT and build the LG and RT thru FA and the draft. I also love the Ocho Cino for Vilma thought!!"
Frank Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 1:44pm EDT"You know you guys are funny. You keep saying how a RT needs to be bigger and yet Brick at LT needs to be bigger and some of the best LT's are huge in any case he is undersized. I suggested moving him because the best pass rushers in the league come from the left side and he clearly can't pass block. To suggest a different line coach will make a difference is absurd. Lomas Brown couldn't help him!"
Drew Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 1:44pm EDT"Rumor has it that J Walker wants out of Denver. He might be a better alt plan than the Ira trade (Chad Johnson for Vilma ) Again....J Vilma cannot play OLB. Someone name me the 225-230 lb LB that plays OLB??? He is too small to play OLB. He is a 4-3 MLB. He also does not rush the passer very well.. D Harris was born to play 3-4 MLB that's why we drafted him. Tangini will get the players to fit it"
Schuyler Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 2:15pm EDT"Ira... Suggs would be an awesome pickup (Suggs, Harris and Vilma that would be the best in football), but I don't think the Ravens will let him go, I'm sure he'll get a bigtime contract from them, he is only 25. Albert Haynesworth and Alan Faneca, look like possibilities. "
Ira Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 3:37pm EDT"Drew, Boss Bailey is a 235lb OLB for the Lions. i remember when he was coming out of college and he had a knee issue and i thought he might be too small. But he had tremendous speed for a LB. I see that you agree about Brick staying put at lt.Sorry i got mixed up. I can see it now KC to CJ for a 50 yd TD."
Frank Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 3:53pm EDT"Forget Faneca and Hayensworth the Jets "core values" will not allow for these players."
Charlie Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 4:38pm EDT"I've been hard on Brick all year but the contrarian that I am is now giving him a little slack since he's under fire. There used to be a time when LT's took forever to develop. Then guys came in the league and were great from the get go. Maybe he needs more time. I think he needs to get a little nastier. Suggs would be a great pick up but I think he had some character issues at AZ St. May not fit"
Brandon Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 6:00pm EDT"Tom, you either a. don't understand that football is a team game or b. you never gave Chad a chance since he started years back. You were probably the same fan who booed Chad in week one against the Patriots (after he got hurt) when he had a good game. Look at the numbers, Chad had A LOT better numbers then Kellen. By the way, who had the worst QB rating in the NFL for a starting QB??"
Ablity Mouwon Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 6:04pm EDT"the 9ers may not be happy with manny lawson but i dont think he is a LB made to play in the 4-3, it dont allow him to use his sides and speed and it limits him and with the new star P.willis i dont think they need him so the jets should try to trade for him, if we can't get gen dorsey by the 5 pick we should trade the pick to 9ers for manny lawson and a 3 rounder pick. with his side and speed OMG."
Ablity Mouwon Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 6:09pm EDT"this free agently this year will be packed with guard and defesive linemens if our GM is good there would he no reason we will have to draft 4 starters in the draft this year our first 3 pick on matter what round should go first to a WR then a DL and then a OG. there are way too many graud and takle in this leauge to be drafting one and beside you can't really turst them J.Vilam to browns for a OG"
Pete Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 8:24pm EDT"Drew, the idea that JV is too small to be an OLB is absurd! I guess you've never lined head up on a guard and tried to find the ball as a man twice your size punches you in the mouth! OLB is much easier for an athlete of his caliber to run around in space. Larger OLB's get lost in the flats and can't cover athletic TE's in coverage. Please keep Vilma and allow him to play alongside Harris! "
Pete Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 8:32pm EDT"What's with this regime's personell decisions. Spend two #1 picks on the line and then let it fall apart next year. Change defense to a system that casts out two more #1 picks(Vilma, Robertson). Get good RB behind bad line so he is viewed as a bust. I like good character, but the D would be different with B Cox out there spitting and snarling. Harris is only legitimate 3-4 player of front 7. "
Tom Spicer Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 11:13pm EDT"Brandon please tell me how I do not understand that football is a team game ? Also I never cheer when someone gets hurt & Chad has been in the NFL 8 years Kellen has started 7 games Chad better have way better numbers than him. vs Ravens Coles & McCareins drop TD'S & vs Skins Cotchery drops a pass in OT that would have put the Jets in field goal range or they win those 2 games & Kellen wins 4 of 7"
Tom Spicer Said:
Sat, January 5, 2008 - 1:23am EDT"Correction to my prior post Kellen would have won 5 of 7 starts if it were not for dropped passes "
Drew Said:
Sat, January 5, 2008 - 9:08am EDT"Pete..JV cannot play outside! Thats why he has played MLB in the 4-3 since high school. Plus, he cant get the QB .....Mangini runs a 3-4. Why cant people get this? Pouha,K Coleman, B Thomas, D Harris all fit the 3-4. It is what our coach was taught to run. Yes Ellis, DRob, Vilma are better for the 4-3 but Tangini did not draft them. It can be frustrating but it's only been 2 yrs since the change!"
Pete Said:
Sun, January 6, 2008 - 2:30pm EDT"Drew, we can only wait and see what happens with Vilma. I think JV is a legitimate football player and you never let them go. I agree has hasn't gotten to the QB, but he is a small, fast LB. He would be much more successful coming off the corner than trying to bull rush through the interior of the line. Ellis, D-Rob, Vilma all 1 rounders with big salaries. Besides Harris, who are those other guys?"
Chris Said:
Mon, January 7, 2008 - 7:10pm EDT"First I would like to touch on the LB situation which is that we have three solid inside LB and only 1 solid outside LB. Barton is not suited for the outside and Harris was amazing on the inside that leaves us with Vilma. He must be moved to the outside then we can go with Hobson and Vilma on the Outside and Harris and Barton on the inside. "
chris Said:
Mon, January 7, 2008 - 7:16pm EDT"With the Jets season over we need to focus on Free Agency and the draft. We need a gamebreaker which will probably have to come through the draft. Unfortunately we will be receiving the 6th pick which means the biggest gamebreaker McFadden will be off the board by then. We now have to hope DE Chris Long will slip to us. Then in the second round either take an OL or Colt Brennan if hes there"
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Frank Said:
Wed, January 2, 2008 - 2:56pm EDT"We need an aggressive DC. We need to trade Ellis sorry Mangini but no pass rush and 29th ranked rushing defense he needs to go so we can get "good value for him. I lkie the way Coleman and Pouha played especially the last few weeks. We need a pass rushing DE that should be #1 priority on defense. On offense we need 2 guards and a LT. Brick is a huge bust and seriously regressed without Kendall."
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