Lange is editor-in-chief of newyorkjets.com. He covered the Jets for 13 years for The Record of Hackensack, N.J.
File Under: ESPN, Eric Mangini, Vernon Gholston, John Clayton
05/13 — ESPN is giving the Green & White grudging respect as a team on the rise.
On Monday, John Clayton from ESPN.com (I sometimes like to call him John The Clayton from ESPN The Magazine) pegs the Jets as one of his Five Surprise Teams to Watch in 2008.
Clayton slots the Jets at No. 5, right behind the Bills, saying the Jets "are operating like a team trying to make a big move" and stating that if they "find a way to get into the top 10 in rushing, they have a chance for a three-game improvement."
Just two quibbles with Clayton's analysis. What the heck is "the .020 formula"? He says that is how he calculates the Jets' schedule to be 3.3 games easier this year, with a .457 opponents' winning percentage, than last year's .523. I'm a big fan of mathematical widgets, and I'm guessing this formula is based on perhaps taking calculating the schedule strength of the opponents' schedules and massaging it to spit out win improvement or decline.
But has anyone else heard of the .020 formula? That one needs explaining, at least for me.
More important, in Clayton's parting shot, he says that head coach Eric Mangini "also hopes that [Calvin] Pace, Vernon Gholston and [Kris] Jenkins can pull the Jets' defense out of the bottom four in football."
Come again? Had Clayton specified run defense, he'd have been on solid ground — they finished fourth-worst (29th overall) in rushing yards allowed per game.
But someone is going to have to explain to me how a unit that used a strong second-half kick to finish 18th in total yardage allowed, ninth against the pass and 19th in points given up qualifies for "the bottom four in football."
In fact, I started crunching some numbers that I should've checked out a few months ago and came up with these two startling charts showing the top NFL defenses in yardage yielded and touchdowns allowed (factoring out opponents' return TDs) over the final eight weeks of the season:
| Team | Yards/Game | Team | TDs/Game |
| 1. Tampa Bay | 267.9 | 1. JETS | 1.43 |
| 2. JETS | 269.7 | 2. Indianapolis | 1.63 |
| 3. Jacksonville | 273.8 | Philadelphia | 1.63 |
| 4. Indianapolis | 277.9 | Cleveland | 1.63 |
| 5. San Diego | 285.5 | 5. SD/CIN | 1.75 |
I should note that the Jets, Patriots, Bucs and Texans played seven games over those eight weeks due to their late byes. But if we made it the last nine weeks of the season, the Jets' yardage ranking would drop to fourth because in their Week 9 game they allowed 431 yards to Washington, but the Redskins' one TD that day would allow the Jets to maintain their defensive-TD top rank.
Now I'm not saying the Jets were D-lightful all season long or that they didn't start slow or couldn't use some consistency or don't need to improve in '08. But "bottom four"? Does not compute.
Still, it's always nice to have Mr. Clayton's encouragement.
ESPN.com's NFL Power Rankings: May 2008 Edition, while not receiving input from Clayton, tell a similar tale for the Green & White, noting that the Jets have made the biggest rise from the 2007 end-of-season rankings, from 30th then to 21st now. Mike Sando's skinny: "An offseason spending spree upgraded the roster without answering the Jets' most pressing question: Do they have the right QB?"
Fans Respond
Here's your chance to tell Randy what you think! Add a Comment | Hide All Show All (86)Anonymous Said:
Tue, May 13, 2008 - 7:08pm EDT"His ".020 formula" is that for every .020 change in strength of schedule, the team can be expected to win or lose one more game. As Clayton says, "Normally, a .020 change in strength of schedule projects to a win if it's easier or a loss if it's tougher." The decrease from .523 (SOS last year) to .457 (SOS this year) is .066, which when divided by .020 yields his expected 3.3-game difference."
Randy Lange Said:
"Thank you, Mr. Anonymous. You're not related, are you?"
MikeMc Said:
Tue, May 13, 2008 - 7:09pm EDT"Some of the dumbest things I have ever heard came out of Mr. Claytons mouth. I am tired of these talking heads who never apoligize or retract statements that are later proved wrong or foolish. I much rather hear the facts, or insight from someone who played the game. Unfortunatly when there is little news ESPN and there cronies come up with power rankings, this is water cooler debate, not news. "
johnwer Said:
Tue, May 13, 2008 - 7:10pm EDT"Randy, subtract .457 from .523, that gives you 0.066. Divide 0.066 by 0.02 and you get 3.3. His rule is one win for every 0.02 difference. "
Pete Said:
Tue, May 13, 2008 - 7:25pm EDT"Interesting article Randy, but I am a firm believer that yds rushing per game is really the only defensive stat that matters. When you run the ball, you are physically dominating a team and winning in the trenches. Some of our worst seasons we were ranked very high in pass defense. Why throw when you can guarantee 6yds per carry? If you can't stop the run, you can't win. It's effort and toughness."
kimosabe Said:
Tue, May 13, 2008 - 7:26pm EDT"Sounds like Clayton ain't a JETS kinda guy...Every JETS fan knows the organization went out to improve the weak spots..the OL..the NT..the pass rush..etc...and with all the additions, when this team learns to play together, they will be tough to beat...ain't no doubt about it(barring injuries) !!!"
Pete Said:
Tue, May 13, 2008 - 7:32pm EDT"Ira, I've been meaning to ask this for a long time but keep forgetting. Did you predict a Jet win every week last year or did you really see the Pitt upset coming? If this was really a one shot deal, I tip my hat to you. I never would have seen that win coming and I recall your positive prediction. "
kimosabe Said:
Tue, May 13, 2008 - 7:38pm EDT"I agree with the someone who said...if C. Baker underperforms his contract, should the jets team take back monies...???"
Jakeberk Said:
Tue, May 13, 2008 - 8:01pm EDT"We do have a quarterback, and his name is Kellen Clemens, he is the guy, put him behind a decent line with good running game and a couple options to pass the ball and we have a gem, steal of the draft 3 years ago."
Bob Said:
Tue, May 13, 2008 - 8:21pm EDT"Jets are the best team ever. J-e-t-s jets jets jets!!"
Howard Said:
Tue, May 13, 2008 - 8:30pm EDT"sorry randy but im with coach here take these charts and stick them some where,they dont mean anything.last yr was last yr weve had fa and the draft every team is different now as for the football"experts" clayton mortenson and sheffter,who cares they need to save thier jobs some how,so they come up with the ridiculous............i just cant wait to the start of the season"
Randy Lange Said:
"Howard, if it's OK with you, I'm going to keep doing charts."
CEDRIC Said:
Tue, May 13, 2008 - 8:35pm EDT"It doesnt take a genius to figure out that we lost everygame in the TRENCHES, from not being able to keep a LEAD, to numerous STALLED drives due to SACKS, No 1st down drives for comebacks & worst of all, couldnt punch it into the endzone. The STAT i look at the most is points allowed per game. As long as we give up less points than we make, translates to better chance to win."
Ira Said:
Tue, May 13, 2008 - 8:47pm EDT"Pete, I really did get one right with the Pitt win. It was all about the Jets coming of a bye week and Pitt coming off of 3 division games. Typical sandwich letdown type of game. They never expected what the Jets threw at them. For the other games i will never pick against them but lets be honest nobody expects a team to go 16-0."
Ira Said:
Tue, May 13, 2008 - 8:52pm EDT"Randy, Nice job with those #'s as always. I didn't realize they were 1st in fewest TD's allowed in those last 9 weeks. As you know stats really don't tell the entire story. Sure the Jets couldn't stop the run and thats why those passing stats were good because teams were able to run. But the bottom line in my book is points allowed and the Jets were right up there in those last 9 weeks. GO JETS!"
Chris K. Said:
Tue, May 13, 2008 - 10:15pm EDT"Randy, I read an article from the Denver Post that said the trade of Dewayne Robertson to the Broncos was for a conditional pick: up to a 3rd rounder and nothing if he doesn't plat 65% of the snaps. Do you know the specifics of the trade. I am curious. Thanks. http://www.denverpost.com/broncosheadlines/ci_9054630"
Randy Lange Said:
"Chris K., I read that story as well. We have not released any of the conditions regarding the Robertson trade to Denver."
cactus hugger Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 1:56am EDT"Let's see if they can play awesome defense between weeks 1 & 17 this year. I think the woeful offense was partly responsible for the defensive woes. Too many 3 and outs takes a toll on the D. The improved O line should be a big help in terms of sustaining drives. Go Jets!"
Howard Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 3:57am EDT"randy if you put charts in here im still going to look at them its just they dont really matter teams change.............but i do understand other jets fans love to lok at these charts"
HDR Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 6:17am EDT"Hey Randy, how can Clayton predict the JETS are only good for a 3 game improvement this season? If we can run the ball and protect KC then we will win at least 10 games this year. We never get any credit from any of those so called analysis and I can't wait to see them eat crow and Jump on the wagon when we turn on those JET engines!! Please take your seats it's going to be a great ride in 08!!!!"
uncle joe Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 6:42am EDT"The real story is how well the Jets D played after the inserting of the HIT MAN!Now with a 340lb monster in front of him,0.02 will be average points allowed!Revis pro bowl.Keller,O rookie of the year.Jets Saints Superbowl we will run right up the middle all game Richardson leveling Vilma all day.We have Leon Washington on our team,thats at least 2 wins alone!Rhodes,2 wins,"
CEDRIC Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 8:58am EDT"They should play every game like their coming off a bye week...Hey guys should post more condolences on the Article of Elam's brother getting killed, its the least we can do to show some more support as fans. Its not all about arguing on these blogs. THIS POST ISN'T FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY SENT CONDOLENCES"
reality28 Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 9:15am EDT"as usual my fellow jet fans predicting great things. be honest all these signings will only improve them three games and u know it."
jon Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 9:29am EDT"I don't care much for John Clayton anaylsis - Before the 2006 season, Mangini's first year - Clayton said the JETS would be "the worst team in the NFL" & we went 10-6. "
uncle joe Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 9:36am EDT"CEDRIC well said and I slap myself.Abram Elam is a true Man and Hero to endure all his loss and still go on.I am deeply sorry for all of his loses and equally sorry for needing someone to point out my neglect.Mr. Elam,our Jet Brother ,our prayers are with you."
Vaedur Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 9:48am EDT"Randy, i think john Clayton is rediculous on this one.. even the "greats" get it wrong, but comon'.. if they are top 10 in running, they are going to be "average" is what he says.. statistically, aren't the top 10 in rushing almost always playoff teams with a few exceptions, meaning a 5 game improvement? "
Andrew Murphy Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 10:35am EDT"This is my first post anywhere, ever. I just want to encourage Randy to keep this up because I am starving for football... I love reading the posts, too.. Jets fans are sharp (mostly), and we DEFINITELY are ready for a Championship. Thanks for the blog, Randy-- keep them coming!"
Marcos Anaya Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 11:13am EDT"We never get any credit for anything that we do in NY. I understand that we have taken a back seat to the World Champions, but hopefully we quiet a lot of critics this year. We have made so many good changes to both sides of the football, now we just need to capitalize and show our true colors so that we can give ESPN and Clayton something to talk about. P.S. Abram Elam, our prayers go out to U."
irish JET Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 11:27am EDT"Sorry, but I think you are to quick to give the jets credit on defense. They could not stop anyone, and rush the QB. Speaking of QB i am praying that we don't suffer from another year of chad, and his 5 dollar arm. He should be in a dart league at some bowling alley, and even then he still wouldn't reach the board. gotta give "baby rocket" Clemens the ball behind center. it will save coles from..."
irish JET Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 11:30am EDT"....getting killed. i am really hoping that they get Boom Boom the ball more this year. He has a big play presence that we so badly need. cannot wait to be in miami in september!!! moving back for good to give miami fans hell."
Scott Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 12:00pm EDT"Pete said it best; you win games by dominating against & with the run. I do not believe we are in it for a one shot deal; we fortified the lines on both sides of the ball. The huge money we spent was for guys who can instantly make an impact on dominating both sides. If we can improve dramatically on both sides of the line, we should be a strong playoff team. "
RAY Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 12:01pm EDT"I am so sick and tired of all this kellen clemens talk. look at the numbers. chad out played him last season. all of chads foul ups are cause of the o-line. chad is our guy, our leader and our qb. out him in, have the o-line protect him, and he will be the qb he was 4 years ago."
Ira Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 12:05pm EDT"So Brady has no respect for the Jets and he sadi so on the radio up in Boston. Now he sounds like J. Taylor crying about the Jets. Well if i were a player thats good. Let him talk trash and the Jets will do their talking on the field. Can't wait for that rematch on 9/14. Lets see how Brady likes the grass surface at the Meadowlands. GO JETS!!!!"
Ray Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 12:50pm EDT"No, reality28, I don't know that. While I think they will be far improved over last year, I don't know what to expect and that is half the fun of this off season. They weren't as bad as their 4 wins last year and they improved both weak spots. So in reality I will be disappointed with anything less than 8-8. You on the other hand have set you hopes nice and low so you should be very happy."
J Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 1:07pm EDT"Chad threw a lot of picks in the red zone. Defensive backs can close on his passes by the time the ball gets to his receivers. This is especially true against playoff-caliber teams with fast defensive backs. He telegraphs his passes and all the intelligence and hutzpah in the world cannot make up for his physical shortcomings. The Jets will never make it to the Super Bowl with him at QB."
Brian Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 1:32pm EDT"Same hype different year. Bottomline is we hear every year how we have improved the defense and will now FINALLY stop the run - well I'll believe it when I see it. As for the O-line, our tackles are still weak(don't give me this Woody nonsense) and w/o a true playmaker there will still be plenty of our infamous 3 and outs. I do think we'd go farther with Chad now but it's time to switch to KC"
Steve Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 1:35pm EDT"Sorry Ray, I beg to differ on the QB situation. KC had to play behind the same O line. How many times have you seen ints returned for td's because Chad can't throw the out pattern with any zip on the ball? That's not the O line's fault. Beside that, when you get down to it, we're comparing a QB that has a ton of experience to one who has very little. Give KC a chance!"
rudy iacono Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 1:45pm EDT"It remains to be seen if the offseason moves and drafted players will have any real change in the standings. The Jets have 4 west coast games all of which will be the deciding factor if they have a winning or losing season and thats if any of the FA players and drafted ones contribute in a meaningful way otherwise it will be Same Old Jets. "
Dundi Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 1:46pm EDT"Good job Ray on the Chad stuff. Its not even close between CP and KK. Chad is a phenomenal QB. For anyone that doesn't agree just look up the stats. When I read remarks like IrishJet's it makes me laugh. This nonsense about arm strength is getting old. I mean you just can't be that knowledgeable about the game if that is all you see. KK has never commanded the field the CP has."
Donal Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 2:03pm EDT"Chris K., I read a similar article about the Robertson trade. With the way that the Broncos rotate their DL, there is no way that he gets in for 65% of the plays. Shanahan hoodwinked the Jets and that is why we are not told the details of the trade. This way it looks like we traded him, when in reality we gave him away to eliminate his cap hit."
MikeMc Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 2:05pm EDT"Jon hate to correct you but Clayton said we were the 2nd worst team. The titans were the worst team "because they lost to the jets " the jets proceeded to get 10 wins. Titans were much improved also. Clayton is a clown for our entertainment."
reality28 Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 2:34pm EDT"We dont have a great quaterback!"
Vince Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 3:14pm EDT"Does Clayton hate the Jets?! It's like he's using us as a mop. We were bad at defense in general. We barely make any sacks (we know), our fans doubt out new QB and now it sounds like Chris Baker is going to want to be "released" out of his contract. Wow, we are starting to get up a creek without a paddle..."
Row Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 3:35pm EDT"If the playcalling and formations on offense don't change, we couldn't have gotten better with 2 new lineman and another TE. 4th worse scoring team last year, probably the worst team in the NFL for rushing touchdowns!"
Randy Lange Said:
"Row, the Jets were tied with Kansas City for 30th in the NFL with six rushing touchdowns last season. St. Louis was 32nd with five."
billvv Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 4:43pm EDT"All Clayton said was that the change in strength of schedule would be worth 3.3 wins. He did not say anything about improvements to the team as a whole."
Larry Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 4:51pm EDT"RAY. Wake up. Clemens played behind the same line CP did. He was more mobile has a better arm and is shook off some very formidable hits. The main thing is he didnt have numerous years starting combined with several years learning. CP is not the answer. A QB needs time to mature and improve in real game situations. Give the kid a chance. Look at Eli Manning!!!!!"
Bassett Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 5:52pm EDT"Langer- I agree the defense wasn't the fourth worst, but they were pretty bad. Football Outsiders, which does regressive analysis based on averages in the NFL, had them ranked 25th overall, but 30th in run defense ... yee-ouch. Thank goodness for Pace and Jenkins!! http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamdef.php"
Andrew from Nova Scotia Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 6:48pm EDT"Hey Randy, As fan who has followed the team since the "Todd is God "days I wonder if the team has ever given consideration to a throw back day for that eras uniforms?I'll admit I was very happy when Tuna brought back the classics but I do have a soft spot for those Kelly greens that Klecko ,Gastineau,Lyons,&Saalam wore back in the days at shea."
Mr. Bill Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 7:15pm EDT"Lets face it; the JETS where not as bad as thier recoord show'd last year. But it was very painful to watch. Our guys never gave up; which is a Jet characteristic. Now with the additions we will put on the field this year at least we should see more TD's, more sacks, more rushing yards and most of all a QB who is standing up not peeling himself off the field after every play this season. "
zartan Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 7:18pm EDT"all i can say is ,the Jets have never been a power house team.i have a strong feeling that the ppl up top are working on finaly building that. every 10 win season the jets won were sucker games that went our way.not games we made happen for us.look 4 all that to change."
Jakeberk Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 8:47pm EDT"CP throws the ball like my grandmother, he threw so many ints cause of poor arm strength and dumb decisions. How many 4th quarter ints did he throw when we were actually in the game? He took us out of games and Kellen lead us back a couple of times had his receivers held onto the ball. CP hurt our receivers with his soft tosses, now KC's bullets surprise our used to be talented receivers."
Scott Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 10:21pm EDT"RAY IS RIGHT!!! CP is our guy, and he should be. I read alot of you who said that KC played behind the same OL as CP. Didn't he toss 5 TDs, and 11 picks. CP was 10 & 9. Our prob wasn't CP, or the sideline picks. It was not getting 3 & outs. CP & the O got cold on the bench while the D was out on the field most of the game. Dilfer has a SB ring b/c of D & running the ball. CP is way better ..."
Scott Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 10:50pm EDT"Jakeberk, did you see how CP performed against the Pats last year...both games. He played them like playoff games, and many fans couldn't be prouder to have him as the face of their franchise. Look at his #'s against the AFC's best. CP isn't the problem. With weapons, protection & a D, can you seriously say we are worse off with CP, than the Ravens with Dilfer?? He has a ring!"
Dunnie Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 10:52pm EDT"KC showed nothing (barring the Ravens game). He had happy feet and threw just as many bad interceptions as Chad. I am not sold on either right now."
Wayne Said:
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 11:06pm EDT"Clayton is a joke. A wannabe football guy who never played the game. Wins will be determined by how effective we run the ball,control both lines of scrimmage & play together as a team. We need intensity,chemistry,& character. KC should be our QB. I love Chad but his weak arm hurts us. CP needs experience & then he'll be ok.The game is won on both lines. Realistically, I see us going 9-7 next year."
Ken Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 1:12am EDT"I have been telling u guys the JETS offense need to get back to the NO HUDDLE, Motioning & Shifting Offense they had in 2006, the 1st yr Mangini was here. Offense is about the OFFENSIVE LINE & BLOCKING! If the Offensive Line & the WRs BLOCK proporly, you NEVER need to THROW the football. Ask VINCE LOMBARDI. VINCE LOMBARDI understood that doing the BASIC things well is what makes a winning team."
Pete Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 1:27am EDT"I'm sorry, but I think all this QB talk is ridiculous. Forget about arm strength, CP is an aging QB who had 2 ROTATOR CUFF SURGERIES! KC is a young question mark with obvious physical ability. This is Tangini's year with his system and players. We don't know anything about KC and we need to know what to do next year. If nothing else, admit this - CP is not our QB of the future. "
Pete Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 1:31am EDT"We NEED to start KC to game plan our future. He could be great, he could be awful. Most of the team is in place. If he's not the man, we know what to do with our #1 next year. If Mangini starts CP just to save his behind because he thinks it will get him an extra win or two it would be neglegent. 2 ROTATOR CUFF SURGERIES. We are not bashing Chad, he probably shouldn't be able to play shuffleboard!"
FAN Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 2:33am EDT"I don't understand why everyone is declaring KC as "the guy". He wasn't that impressive. He was easy to read, threw a lot of picks; just not consistent. Granted, neither QB shined particularly bright and didn't have the O line to protect them, but CP has been very consistent and dedicated over the years. It's sad to see everyone go from loving him to hating his guts....but I'm still a CP believer."
HDR Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 5:44am EDT"RAY, how could you still think that Chad P is better then KC? Chad will always differ to the 3 to 5 yrd check down because he cannot get the ball down field with enough velocity. Teams often creep their DB up and they know what chad's going to do so they jump the routes and bingo TD for the other team. I'm so truly tired of seeing it and hope that KC starts this year. It's about time we move on!"
Damone Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 7:37am EDT"Why are some of you guys saying that Kellen is better than Chad?I definitely believe that at this point,Kellen has more potential than Chad...BUT,Kellen had more INT'S and a worst QB rating than Chad.In the WC offense,if you're not able to have a good QB rating,maybe you dont belong. ONLY if Kellen shows bettter accuracy,then he'll be named the starter."
Ira Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 9:27am EDT"Randy, Great story on Chad. Maybe Brady can learn a few things from Chad on how a pro is suppose to speak and act. Chad is all class in my books and i wish him the very best for a successful 08 season. GO JETS!!!!!"
Larry Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 10:19am EDT"PETE. THANK YOU!! What are you guys talking about?? Chad is AS GOOD as Clemens. Hes an 8 YEAR VET! Its unfortunate that CP has been beaten up like he has but its a fact. I cringe every time he gets hit waiting for another injury, then we're back to the backup QB, goodbye season again. We have to see if KC is our guy. They cant let all the good work theyve done in the offseason be for nothing."
Russ Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 11:53am EDT"When you establish "fear" of running game passing is easy and so is pass protection....Jets have to regain that formula which gave them success in Offense...... Chad is the Best when team has balance...His poise and command is second to none...."
Mr. green T Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 12:00pm EDT"Damone, How many games did CP with 8 years experience win last year and how many did KC with 8 games experience win? "
CEDRIC Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 12:32pm EDT"Pete, I agree, CP is not the QB of the future & you cant ignore the CUFFS, I like CP alot and if he outplays KC im a ride with him, but I dont believe he has the tools to do it anymore, i really think experience helped KC alot, im sure your gonna see a new more focused QB."
irish JET Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 2:34pm EDT"DUNDI, are you kidding? CP starting at QB will destroy there whole offense. TJ will have no chance of making any big runs cause opp. D will smother the run. he cannot throw the ball past ten yards with consistent effectivness. Chad is a receiver killer, and will take years off cotchery,and coles career's. You have to give KC the ball week one. we have a QB who cannot throw.nuff said!!!KC=up side"
Damone Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 2:35pm EDT"Mr.Green T,just because we won more games with Kellen DOES NOT mean he is a better QB.EVERBODY on the radar should know that!! "
irish JET Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 2:41pm EDT".....DUNDI, do you mean CP has better command when he throws another 4th quarter INT? heaven forbid if it is a windy day,the wind will carry chad's floater's right into opposing defense. I like his toughness, but chad is not going to improve from what we all have already seen. KC has the chance to improve,as long as they throw him in there. The best man will win the job,whoever it is,PATS @#$%!"
irish JET Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 2:49pm EDT"SCOTT< JAKEberk is right. how do you say that CP performed great at NE? he didn't throw a TD. a normal QB scores points. how do you want a QB who cannot score?lol.it makes no sense. he cannot run, or throw. bib deal if they say he is accurate.we need a play maker at the QB position,not a 3 and out QB like chad."
Jesse Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 4:13pm EDT"I watch espn for highlights and transactions, not for their guesses. They predicted the Pats to win the superbowl the beginning of the year and they didn't! They also predicted the giants to have a bad season and they went out and won the superbowl. Not only that has anyone seen the power rankings they put the Jets at 24....24 are u serious!?!? Gang Green will have to earn some respect!!"
Dr. Gaeta Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 5:47pm EDT"Great points, great counter-arguement. Your best article to date. Thoroughly enjoyed reading about the "almighty know-it-all analysts" at ESPN being taken down a peg or 2. Nice work. "
Big A Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 9:21pm EDT"A few things... Stats can't looked at in a vacuum. Strength of schedule is based on last year's record and it doesn't reflect the team you are putting on the field week 1. Case in point, do you have the same caliber team if you lose 4 or 5 key players after a Super Bowl run. Are you really a 4-12 team after a good draft and great off season of free agent signings?"
Big A Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 9:22pm EDT"Randy, I don't know what the circumstances (matchups, divisional games, weaker opponents, injuies, etc.) surrounding each team at the end of last year, so I will take your stats with the proverbial "grain of salt". However, I think we are all in agreement that the Jets under Mangini (and Herm) start slow and then have significant improvement in the second half of the season."
Big A Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 9:24pm EDT"Most importantly, I think the fortification of the OLine and DLines is setting the tone for years to come. We are going to come to play with the Jacksonvilles of the NFL... In regards to the Robertson deal, I thought I remember reading that only one Denver DL played over 65% of the plays last year, and that only because of injury at that specific position. So we might end up with zilch..."
Big A Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 9:31pm EDT"Most importantly, I think the fortification of the OLine and DLines is setting the tone for years to come. We are going to come to play with the Jacksonvilles of the NFL... In regards to the Robertson deal, I thought I remember reading that only one Denver DL played over 65% of the plays last year, and that only because of injury at that specific position. So we might end up with zilch... "
Big A Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 9:33pm EDT"Can Chad win? I don't think he can consistently. We can have an improved running game and Chad can certainly take advantage of it with his masterful play action fakes, but in reality, that's only going to work once in a while. He can't make those strong out throws for 15 - 20 yd downfield over the CB and infront of the safety. If we want to be a Super Bowl contender, we need to see what KC can do."
Big A Said:
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 9:35pm EDT"If we want to be a Super Bowl contender, we need to see what KC can do with a power running game. If he's not "it" then we will be QB shopping early next year. By the way, Randy, I love the indignation you display toward Clayton, as only a true Jets fan can. Go Jets!!!"
suitribe Said:
Fri, May 16, 2008 - 1:26am EDT"The moves the Jets have made this off-season to strengthen the line are the best thing they can do to improve both the running and passing attack. I look forward to improvements in both this year."
cactus hugger Said:
Fri, May 16, 2008 - 2:53am EDT"Zartan said "all i can say is ,the Jets have never been a power house team." Zartan is either young or he has a short memory. I remember a Jets team that had a powerful running game led by a fullback named Snell and a halfback named Boozer. Maynard, Sauer & Lammons caught passes from a QB who could throw for distance. The D was equally formidable. They won the most important SB ever played."
Scott Said:
Fri, May 16, 2008 - 3:32pm EDT"IrishJet, He did not throw a TD in NE, and neither did his holiness Brady, but he did throw a sure TD that McCairrens lost in a bobble, remember? As for all not being able to throw, do teams really win with bombs? How many balls did Moss, and Stallworth catch in the playoffs? How many did Brady's RBs & Welker catch. If we run & defend the run, Chad will methodically move the ball, score, and win."
irish JET Said:
Fri, May 16, 2008 - 5:01pm EDT"SCOTT, i really don't think asking your QB to throw a 20 yard pass is being unreasonable. you are right,you don't win with throwing bombs all game,but the threat of "the bomb" will help the offense as a whole,rather than knowing that chad cannot complete a ten yard out pattern. all it takes is TJ to get stuffed on first,and second down,when it is 3rd and 12 to see the difference. chad cannot ...."
irish JET Said:
Fri, May 16, 2008 - 5:08pm EDT"....he will more often than not take a sack,throw an INT,or throw a 5 yard pass and punt. i know they are some games where you must play the field position,but making that pass,helps the D rest,and moves the chains. The best of chad has already happened,and will never improve,time for the kid to come in and fling it! i and the rest of jet fans are sick of losing,i think we will have a good year!!!"
Scott Said:
Fri, May 16, 2008 - 8:50pm EDT"IrishJet, I think it is safe to say that all of us look forward to winning,and not just squeaking wins out...but truly handing it to the opposition. If KC dethrones CP, let the live arm in!! CP can toss it 40 int the air , but that takes a line too. You're right,he can't sling an out, but w/ play action, he's deadly between the #'s.Call me a sentimentalist,as hard as the guy works,I root for him."
George Tha Jet Said:
Sat, May 17, 2008 - 8:50am EDT"Watching those games last year, with D.Harris at MLB, I thought we had the best defense in the league, we were losing 14-10, 10-7, 13-9, we were playing some really inspired defense. I'd like to believe that the Patriots game wasn't all about the bad weather, and these stats prove that, we have a little something on defense, if we could get competent qb and line play, 10 wins baby"
Larry Said:
Sat, May 17, 2008 - 9:41am EDT"Scott. Good points but youre missing the big picture. PREDICTABLE! CP physical shortcomings limit not only his ability,but the coaches ability to design plays. D's read him like a cheap novel. The 10-6 season showed it. They figured out the same scheme week after week and near the end they were shutting it down quite effectively. We dont need any more Vinnie dink and dunk crap. Kellen OR BUST !!!!"
irish JET Said:
Sun, May 18, 2008 - 8:09pm EDT"SCOTT, i hear ya. i like chad to,but i dunno, we need to try something new. maybe this kid ainge can do some good things for us as well. the worst thing that could happen to the jets this year is all of the whealing, and dealing with free agency and trades,go to waste on QB issues. It is nice to know our D will be much improved this year, to help the misteps at QB,whoever it is.New England S@#$%!"
RAY Said:
Mon, May 19, 2008 - 11:48pm EDT"ok the two rotator cuff injuries didnt seem to affect him when he was throwing 40 yd passes to laverneus. the arm hing is the most ridiculous thing ever. cp is smart and acurate. so he doesnt throw the ball 70 yds who cares. carson palmer and drew brees had really good seasons last year with their big arms. All you need is a qb who can manage the game and get the first downs. as for tj...."
Randy's RSS
The fastest way to get Randy's articles. Subscribe now.
Randy's Posts
JOHNNYJET Said:
Tue, May 13, 2008 - 6:50pm EDT"YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!!! THE JETS ARE DEFINITELY THE TEAM TO WATCH OUT FOR IN THE AFC AND THE NFL!!!! NO SUGAR COATING IT!!! THE FACTS ARE RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE WHOLE FOOTBALL WORLD TO SEE!!!!"
Offensive Comment?