From the monthly archives:

February 2010

Inside the Jets: Q&A with Calvin Pace

by Jets News Poster on February 28, 2010

Tyson Rauch – Jetnation: First off congratulations on an excellent season Calvin.  Gang Green’s improbable run into the playoffs was one of the more memorable for Jets fans in recent history.  Looking back at the 2009 season, what do you think was the biggest difference in training camp and the preseason compared to that of Coach Mangini?

Jets linebacker Calvin Pace: I think what helped us most was going to Cortland University for training camp. It allowed us to grow closer as a team, mainly because there wasn’t really much else for us to do other than hang around one another when we weren’t practicing. In my opinion, when a team can truly become friends and have each other’s back, it allows for everyone to be more comfortable on the field and be able to handle adverse situations a lot better.

TR: Your 2009 season got off to an unfortunate start with a 4 game suspension, how did you keep in shape and what did you do to keep in contact with the coaches and your teammates?

CP: I basically put myself through another training camp. I lifted weights around 8 AM for 2 hours, and then I would box 3 days a week. I would also go out to a local high school and do my football drills. My main objective was to be in the best shape possible for playing football.  That was really tough because players really don’t really get into game shape until we actually play games. During my time off I talked to numerous guys on the team who just encouraged me to keep my head up and basically told me that they were going to hold the fort down until I came back. That’s exactly what they did.
TR: What do you like most about Rex Ryan’s defense and how does it differ from others that you have been in?

CP: What I like most about the defense is that it causes chaos for opposing offenses. When Rex came to the Jets, he talked about being physical and being able to stop people from scoring, and that’s exactly what his defensive schemes allow me and my teammates to be able to do.

TR: Do you think Rex Ryan’s style and personality will make players want to come to New York and play for the Jets?

CP: Definitely! It’s funny, but Rex stresses having fun, whether at practice or during games. The weird thing is that a lot of coaches sometimes get away from the basic principle that football is a game that is meant to be fun.

TR: The Jets made an exciting late season charge to make the playoffs.  Can you describe the emotion heading into that last home game in the Meadowlands?

CP: The emotions were at an all time high because our season boiled down to one game, and we were able to channel that emotion into a dominant performance. The thing that was most gratifying for me was after we won, everyone went around the stadium and shook the fans’ hands and thanked them for supporting us. You could see their emotion and the desire they had for us to do well

TR: What did it feel like to make it to the postseason for the first time in your career?

CP: It was amazing, especially since we came up short my first year in New York. To be able to fight through two 3 game losing streaks and still find a way to believe in one another to get into the playoffs is an indescribable feeling.

TR: What was the feeling in the locker room before and after the AFC Championship game?

CP: Before the game we were loose- cracking jokes with one another- but still focused and confident in our goal of going to Miami. However, after the game there was a lot of disappointment in the fact that we came up short of our goal. In the end, though, we had a great year, and no one can take that away. The Colts were just the better team that day.

TR: Is there anything that you would like to tell all of the Jets fans out there?

CP: Thanks for supporting us and being the best fans in the world.

TR: Thank you Calvin for taking the time to answer a few questions.  Enjoy the  rest of your off-season and we look forward to an exciting 2010 season.

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Conversation with Kerry Rhodes on his Basketball Skills

by Jets News Poster on February 28, 2010

Rhodes on the Court

Kerry Rhodes tweeted a link to a basketball video of himself playing in a 5 on 5 game the other night.  He clearly was the most athletic player out there as he was probably playing with Jets fans more than other professional athletes.  He stated in the video “Don’t be afraid to show your mama!”

Kerry has a serious three point jumper as well as great vision passing the ball for many assists.

I was curious about a couple of things, so I tweeted Kerry a couple of comments and questions and it turned into a mini conversation:

@e_man:  @kerryrhodes I was waiting for the throw down? Is that in the next clip!? LOL! You got great vision.about 23 hours ago via web in reply to kerryrhodes

kerryrhodes: @e_man next clip

@e_man:  @kerryrhodes I’m expecting a reverse no look over two guys! LOLabout 22 hours ago via web in reply to kerryrhodes

kerryrhodes: @e_man thats 2 much traffic i stay on perimeter for fun

@e_man:  @kerryrhodes So was this a pickup game or you play in a league?about 22 hours ago via web in reply to kerryrhodes

kerryrhodes: @e_man league

@e_man:  @kerryrhodes right, PLUS you don’t need to be turning an ankle. I bet u rock that league going only 50%. You go 100% look out!about 22 hours ago via web in reply to kerryrhodes

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Three Meetings with Agents For Mike Tannebaum for Mangold, Revis, Washington

by Jets News Poster on February 28, 2010

Mr. T

Mike Tannebaum is set to speak with the agents of three key players:  Darrelle Revis, Nick Mangold, and Leon Washington.    Revis and Mangold have made it know that they would like their contract restructured and being that they are the heart of the team from both sides, both pro-bowlers, and both just great leaders, this is a no brainer.

Leon Washington’s situation was not so clear a couple of days ago, but with the announcement that the Jets will not move forward with Thomas Jones, it seems that Leon will remain with the team.

Rich Cimini reports:

On Sunday, the Jets will meet with Washington’s agent at the scouting combine in Indy. They probably will inform the agent they’re planning to put a tender on him, believed to be the second-round level ($1.8 million). Washington, coming off a broken leg, isn’t going to be a hot RFA, but there will be some teams interested in checking him out.

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NY Jets medical staff laid foundation for modern-day NFL Combine

by Jets News Poster on February 28, 2010

Joe Namath’s troublesome knees spurred Jets to give prospective draftees medical examinations before selecting them

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-02-28

by Jets News Poster on February 28, 2010

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Thomas Jones’ Career Over as a New York Jet

by Jets News Poster on February 28, 2010

News first broke from ESPN’s Adam Schefter last nigh on ESPN:

Adam_Schefter: Filed to ESPN: Thomas Jones will not be restructuring his contract with Jets + will be released this week. He’ll be a free agent March 5th.

Thomas Jones’ agent Drew Rosenhaus and the Jets brass, Mike Tannebaum met at the Scouting Combine over the last couple of days to no avail.  Jones was asked to restructure his contract who rejected the idea.

I think not signing TJ had little to do with money.  Rich Cimini shines some INTERESTING LIGHT:

Leon's Injury Affected TJ Emotionally

It had been heading this way for weeks. Taking a step back, I think everything changed for the Jets’ running-back situation on Oct. 25.

That was the day, in Oakland, that Leon Washington’s left leg snapped in two. No one was more distraught after the game than Jones, who cared only about his teammate’s well being. But that horrific injury had a huge impact on Jones the player, as well as the person.

After sharing carries with Washington over the first seven games — the coaches were sticking to a carefully scripted plan — Jones became the every-down back. With little rest, he became the workhorse, finishing with a career-high 331 carries. He rushed for a career-best 1,402, but it took a huge toll. The Jets ran him into the ground, and it became apparent by Week 15 that he was running on fumes. Even guys built like Hercules wear down, especially at age 31.

That created an opportunity for his apprentice, Shonn Greene, who ran with his chance. He ran the Jets all the way to the AFC Championship Game and was so impressive that it left the Jets little choice but to make him their No. 1 back for 2010. If Washington hadn’t gotten hurt, it probably would’ve preserved Jones and we might not be having this conversation. But one ugly injury changed three careers.

The Jets Ran TJ into the Ground!

I completely agree with Rich.  The Jets ran TJ into the ground and from the fan base perspective, everyone said the guy was finished because he had worn down at the end of the season.  Well YEAH.  They ran TJ into the ground!

My major fear is that they will do the same to Shonn Greene with him as the primary back.  In a league that requires a “two headed dragon” to handle the running game,  it was primarily TJ and Shonn at the end due to Leon Washington’s injury.

The restructure made sense for the Jets as to pay a guy that money to be a backup would be silly.  But how do you penalize a guy after you ran him into the ground, had a career year as far as stats go.  He would have been crazy to restructure.  The writing was on the wall and this doesn’t suprise me at all.  What suprised me was the light shined on the situation:

Rich’s Statement :  “ONE UGLY INJURY CHANGED THREE CAREERS”

So what do you think of Thomas Jones leaving the Jets?  Are you surprised?  Does the number one running game of 2009 take a hit?  Let us know!


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NY Jets running back Thomas Jones expected to be released this week

by Jets News Poster on February 28, 2010

Veteran, 31, faded down stretch as Shonn Greene emerged

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NY Jets coach Rex Ryan says Vernon Gholston facing do-or-die season

by Jets News Poster on February 27, 2010

Ryan thinks more playing time, not lack of talent, is what ails disappointing linebacker

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Jets won’t give up on Gholston

by Jets News Poster on February 27, 2010

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Jets’ Ryan not about to change flippant ways (AP)

by Jets News Poster on February 27, 2010

Rex Ryan walked to the podium at the NFL's annual scouting combine and held up every finger. He even kept his shirt on. Then Ryan told reporters he wasn't about to change his flippant ways. New York's funnyman coach has seen his image take a hit since losing in the AFC championship game. Ryan was fined $50,000 by the team for making an obscene gesture at a mixed martial arts event, a…

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