SB Nation - Ben Hartsock

Tony Gonzalez is Scary

saints-nation — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:00:20 -0000

by John Bazemore - AP

Facing the Falcons on Monday night will present another challenge for the overwhelmingly successful story that is the New Orleans Saints defense this season. Believe it or not, though, I'm not that worried about Michael Turner, Roddy White or Matt Ryan. Why? Dolphins game aside, the Saints are actually very good against the run. Sure, Ellis being out concerns me but Kendrick Clancy isn't a slouch at stopping the run and he'll make his return to the lineup this week. I'm sure Turner will have his share of successes but I don't see him being the difference in this game.

I believe the Saints will get pressure on Ryan, either with their four man front or more likely when Gregg Williams dials up his complex blitz packages to confuse the young quarterback. The Cowboys were very successful at doing that a week ago. I believe the Greer, Porter and/or Sharper combination will cover Roddy White and limit his effectiveness. They've been so fantastic all season-long, there is no reason to believe that White will turn in anything better than an adequate performance. So that leaves Tony Gonzalez, and I'm actually not sure what the Saints have planned for him.

Falcons vs Saints coverage

The way I see it, the possible players that will draw Gonzalez as a coverage assignment depending on the down and distance are: Scott Shanle, Jonathan Vilma, Roman Harper and Randall Gay. The first three players listed will be covering Gonzalez more so than Gay. I can see Gay picking up Gonzalez on 3rd and long plays but for the most part that will be an anomoly. That matchup, by the way, is a mediocre one given Gonzalez' size and athleticism compared to Gay's size. I do like Gay's physicality for his size, his coverage skills and his speed so hopefully he can hold his own when he has to cover the big tight end. But let's look at the more frequent matchups on passing plays:

Gonzalez vs. Shanle:

Shanle has very sound technique and is very good in coverage for the most part. He's physical, strong and intelligent but he's a little stiff and his range is somewhat limited. Gonzalez runs well for his size and he's so athletic he'll beat Shanle to almost any well thrown ball. Shanle is probably most exposed on routes over the middle and routes down the field with no safety help.

Gonzalez vs. Vilma:

The part that really bothers me about this matchup is that it will take away from Vilma's effectiveness against the run. As we saw last week against the Dolphins, Miami was completely shut down in the second half thanks to Vilma's tackling and pursuit. Like Shanle, Vilma is good in coverage and has size and aggression but he's also got a little more speed and athleticism. That said, the athleticism still doesn't compare to Gonzalez and with a running back like Michael Turner, it's extremely dangerous to potentially distract your best weapon against the run by sticking him on a dangerous tight end.

Gonzalez vs. Harper:

Harper is probably the weakest pass defender of all the defensive backs on the team but he's without question the best tackler and the most physical. His awareness with the ball in the air can be poor so Gonzalez could take advantage of that having some of the best awareness of anyone in the NFL at his position. Harper, for his size, can still stay physical with Gonzalez but the Saints could be in big trouble on plays where Gonzalez makes a play on the ball and breaks Harper's tackle.

In all three scenarios the Saints are potentially exposed to getting beat, whether it's Gonzalez doing the dirty work himself or opening things up for the other playmakers on his team.

Consider the tight ends the Saints have faced so far this season:

Week 1: Casey FitzSimmons

Week 2: Brent Celek, who by the way had a monster game.

Week 3: Derek Fine

Week 4: Ben Hartsock

Week 6: Anthony Fasano

None of these guys are Tony Gonzalez caliber players and frankly none of them are even remotely close. The only tight end of this group that's of any dangerous ability in the passing game is Celek and he posted over 100 yards receiving against the Saints. You get the idea. Gonzalez is scary and he's going to be the biggest problem for the Saints come Monday night when their defense hits the field. The Saints have yet to face someone of Gonzalez' ability and there's no clear cut way they're going to stop him without leaving themselves vulnerable in other areas.

Do you think the combination of Shanle, Vilma, Harper and Gay can slow Gonzalez down at all? Give us your prediction on Tony Gonzalez' final statline for the game.

New York Jets Run Offense vs. Oakland Raiders Run Defense

John B — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:00:42 -0000

by Bill Kostroun - AP

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It looks like the Jets finally got their run game working last week. A potential matchup between Richard Seymour and Robert Turner if Damien Woody can't go is troublesome. On the other hand, undersized Jon Alston lining up on the right side is good for the Jets in their run game. So is the matchup between Tommy Kelly and Brandon Moore/Nick Mangold. Seymour is only one player. The Jets should be able to pound it on the right side and will pull Alan Faneca plenty. In a game where they'll likely treat Mark Sanchez with kid gloves, Ben Hartsock will replace Dustin Keller in the lineup perhaps more often than usual. The Raiders are not strong against the run. They give up 145 yards per game.

They'll surely pull their safeties up, but the Jets need to be able to run it effectively anyway. There's too much talent up front and in the backfield. Thomas Jones finally got on track a week ago. Leon Washington looks as dyanmic as ever. This is not a well coached defense. There should be plenty of opportunities to earn yardage after missed tackles. Against an undisciplined unit, I would throw a lot of the Seminole formation at them. That requires guys to stay patient and not overpursue. Washington can make them pay for not doing so.

I'm not sure whether the Jets will be able to execute. I know they should be able to execute. If they can't, it will be a major red flag for when the schedule gets tougher.

My Monday Musing

David_Wyatt — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:34:34 -0000

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So had around 24 hours to think about the game, and believe me that has been all I have been able to think about. Vivid images of yellow flags, opposing field goals splitting the uprights, green throwing to white. I need counselling.

So with all that behind us, just a few things to say today about the state of the team, some things that I really wasn't happy with yesterday, not just the obvious points that we lost and Mark Sanchez wasn't able to find anyone in green and wouldn't of been able to even if he were at a Kermit convention.

So some Monday musings after the jump

First off Dustin Keller, who might of been mistaken for dustbin Keller, the only difference being, when you toss garbage to the trash it usually hangs on to it. I'm not going to jump on Mark Sanchez and not look at anyone else, maybe there was a reason that Mark wasn't looking his way against Miami.

I think I read that over the off-season Dustin had gained some weight in muscle, perhaps to be a more menacing sight, become a better blocker, or just to look better on the cover of GQ, however he seems to have lost a little burst off the line. The mis-matches that were promised are not materializing, when the ball does come his way he either makes a half hearted attempt at a catch, is completely out of sync (obviously partly Marks fault) or drops the ball entirely.

He was targeted 10 times in Yesterday's game, he dropped two of them, caught two of them (for 16 yards) and on countless others looked like he could of had them and would of had them last season. Maybe it's just me looking for a scapegoat to accompany Mark on the lonely road this week, but has anyone noticed Keller's regression this season?

He has 5 receptions for 47 yards over the past three games, it's no mistake that we are struggling.

It seems like Mark Sanchez was apologizing to Keller after the Miami game for not getting him the ball, well take that apology, bundle it up and send it on back to Mark this week (this is of course assuming that he caught that apology that was sent his way)

Brian Schottenheimer, what can we say about you. Possibly the most frustrating offensive coordinator's in the game. He is as frustrating a Mike Heimerdinger. He seems hell bent on getting both facets of the offence working no matter what. If the passing game is working, he is going to pound the ball, if the run game is working he will take to the air. The offensive line was doing a hell of a job yesterday, there were some runs that were stuffed, but overall we needed to keep the ball on the ground. When he gets it spot on like the Houston game he looks like a genius, but when it's bad, it's really really bad.

For the second week running, Rex has made mistakes with game management. He is a rookie HC, and we have to remember that, but challenging that play in the 4th, for a few yards. You better be 100% when you make that challenge. We lost a challenge, a TO and a chance right there. Also calling the time out on 4th and 2 just to send Sanchez back in to try and catch the Bills off-side, complete waste. Sanchez should of been flagged there for his head bobbing, you can't do that.

That time out that was wasted would of come in handy as Jay Feely lined up that FG that he missed. Special teams running on with 20 seconds to go. Yes they were set with 10 seconds to go, but you can't say that they were comfortable in that rush.

I really could go on for ever here, but you have probably already read 100 articles just like this one today, so will end on the devastating news today, that just about completed one of the worst 24 hours I can remember being a Jets fan.

Kris Jenkins, the irreplaceable cog on the Rex machine is done for the season. A torn ACL that requires surgery. Words can not actually describe how big this is for us. Howard Green will be re-signed and Pouha will have his chance, but you don't replace a Kris Jenkins. He is a beast, a freak of nature. Excellent size with unparalleled athleticism. Rex said that we will need to rotate the line to keep people fresh, well that in itself presents problems.

I think that is the 4th straight game that we have been caught with too many men on the field, it seems that way anyway. Another time out had to be burned on that. The way we use and lose our time outs have to be an issue that is resolved among the coaching staff.

Just one quick thing, Rex had to pull Sanchez after his 3rd-4th interception. Had to, no excuses. His head was not there, and you could just see him forcing it. In a OT situation like that, you insert a veteran of sorts like Clemens and ask him not to lose the game. Tell him not to be a hero, just go in, don't force the pass, don't turn the ball over.

Eric Mangini came under a lot of criticism last season for his inability to recognise when you needed to make a bold move. Benching Favre towards the end of last season might of saved our play-off hopes. Don't mistake this for losing faith in Sanchez. I'm merely saying that you bring in Clemens you take the win, then you get Sanchez prepared.

Less said about the holding penalty on Ben Hartsock, the personal foul on James Ihedigbo and all the other fouls combined the better.

Coors Light Jim Mora Press Conference Ad (via apjung)

Bills 16 Jets 13 (Overtime): Searching for Answers

John B — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:58:44 -0000

More photos » by Kathy Willens - AP

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The Jets dropped a home game today to one of the worst teams in football. This is a team that lost last week to a quarterback who went 2 for 17. This is a team that lost to Eric Mangini's pathetic Browns. Every football team has at least one loss each season that just leaves you scratching your head. This one fits the bill for the Jets

More after the jump.

The Bad:

Mark Sanchez: This was as bad as it gets for a rookie. 10 for 29, 119 yards, no touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. He frankly looked lost out there. His decision making was terrible. His accuracy was way off. It seemed like the cold weather got into his head. It didn't seem like the California kid could grip the ball, the second time he was having trouble in two bad weather games.

Ok, we got that out of the way. Please go easy on the rookie. There's no tougher transition in the game than playing quarterback one year in college and in the pros the next. There are days he will look great like he did when he outplayed Tom Brady in Week 2 or when he led his team from a deficit twice in the fourth quarter in a road game on national television last week. Unfortunately there are also going to be days like today when the speed and skill of the pro game overwhelms him because he's not used to it. Even Peyton Manning had them. Don't act like one game defines his career.

Did you want Sanchez back in April? If you did, you had to know there would be days where his play would be miserable this year. That's just part of the deal. Don't call for his benching. He needs to learn. Baptism by fire. Doing that would be so short sighted. I still say he's better than Kellen Clemens.

The fake field goal or bad snap: This was just a really, really stupid call. With the game on the line, you can't ask Steve Weatherford to hit a 13 yard pass. He's not used to throwing it. That was a crazy risk on that spot on the field and one that wasn't going to work out. If it was just a bad snap and a field goal call from the bench, that's still not a great play. A 50 yard kick in the Meadowlands wind probably wasn't happening. The play is to line up with Feely holding and Weatherford as the kicker. Direct snap it to Weatherford, and let him pooch it with no returner deep. Flip field position and let your defense win the game.

Dustin Keller: A couple of drops. A killer penalty in overtime. Awful week in a quiet year for a guy who was supposed to break out this season.

Ben Hartsock: There's just no excuse for that holding penalty in overtime. Let Thomas Jones get tackled. Don't hold. It's still a shorter field goal try.

Calvin Pace: Bad penalty in overtime. Didn't do well in pass coverage. Cheap shot to take out Trent Edwards. I understand defenses take pride when they knock a quarterback out of the game, but that's only on a clean hit. He threw Edwards down when the play was over. That's a great way to put a target on Mark Sanchez's back in the second meeting.

James Ihedigbo: Cost the Jets 15 yards to start the fake field goal drive in overtime because he lost his cool and threw a punch. Don't you think the Jets could have used that yardage and kicked a 35 yarder instead of a 50 yarder. I really hate to call for a man's job, but Ihedigbo deserves to be cut tomorrow. He let down his teammates in a big way. When everything was on the line, he selifishly decided his own retaliation was more important than his 51 teammates. There's no room for that on the team. Nobody is bigger than the New York Jets. His job is to contribute on special teams. Today he showed that the team can't count on him. This wasn't a mistake on the field when he was trying to do his best like Mark Sanchez. This was a conscious decision. Nice story he made the team undrafted from UMass. He of all people should understand playing in this league is not a right.

Third quarter play calling: You're going into the wind. It's affecting your quarterback. He's got no confidence. He's throwing it up for grabs. He's inaccurate. Why throw it deep twice? That's asking for two interceptions.

The Defense: This is supposed to be an elite unit. You need to stop Ryan Fitzpatrick in a key spot in your building. You just have to.

The Good:

Thomas Jones: What can you really say? 22 carries for 210 yards. He carried the load offensively.

Leon Washington: 18 offensive touches for 145 yards.

The Offensive Line: They were consistently getting a push all game and winning battles. You don't run for 318 yards without a dominant performance by the offensive line. This unit is really rounding into form. They're starting to live up to their four first round pick billing.

Darrelle Revis: After a couple of early penalties, we didn't hear from Terrell Owens at all. Another man who went to Revis Island and was never heard from again.

Sione Pouha: He was controlling the point of attack before Kris Jenkins got hurt and consistently got a push after Jenkins left injured.

Vernon Gholston: I made it a point to focus on Gholston today. I really liked what I saw. He showed good power moves as a pass rusher. The Jets lined him up on the nose a few times in obvious passing downs. He flushed Ryan Fitzpatrick from the pocket a few times and generally made him uncomfortable. He understood his assignments on running plays and did a good job containing. It seemed like he really knew what he was doing, which was good considering how raw and lost he looked a year ago. Should we expect more from a top ten pick? Yes. Has he shown a lot of improvement? Yes.

Other Thought:

Dick Jauron never should have played for a long field goal at the end of regulation. That stadium is known for its crazy wind. He should have kept attacking. He almost cost them a win in the Meadowlands for the second straight year.

This obviously stinks, but it's important to keep it in perspective. The Jets are 3-3. They're still in the thick of the race in the division. They have a better record than the Bills and Dolphins. They are a game behind New England with a head to head win. You may not feel good about the way the team has arrived here. Would you feel better if the club started 0-3 and won three straight? Maybe, but the Jets would be in exactly the same spot.

Well go crazy and let this sink in. No team is ever as good as it looks at its best or as bad as it looks at its worst. Not everything will always click like it did today.

I wrote that after the Week 1 domination of the Texans. The same applies today in terms of the Jets not really being as bad as they looked. This team is better than it looked today. Things won't stay like this all year. Just remember it's a long season. It ebbs and flows. How many times did your perception of last year's team change? This team has the potential to play with anybody in the league like it did with the Pats Week 1. It has the potential to lose to anybody like it did with the Bills today. Just because the Jets look one way one week doesn't mean they will look that way the rest of the year. The Jets are still in decent shape and can turn this around.

I get it. This was a bitter loss, but there's a lot of season left.

New York Jets Run Offense vs. Houston Texans Run Defense

John B — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:00:30 -0000

by David J. Phillip - AP

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This will be a case of strength against weakness. The Jets had arguably the best running game in the AFC a season ago. The Texans were one of the five worst run defenses in the league. This should provide Thomas Jones and Leon Washington a real opportunity to start 2009 on the right foot.

The Texans made some upgrades up front. The one with the biggest impact will likely be Antonio Smith, who is a quality run defender at defensive end. The Jets love to run the ball to the right side with Brandon Moore and Damien Woody lining up over there. Gang Green will probably attack Smith's side, frequently pulling Alan Faneca as well. The rest of the defensive line is not great against the run. Mario Williams is developing into an elite pass rusher. His play against the run has been slower to develop. D'Brickashaw Ferguson surely improved a year ago run blocking, but it's still the weak point of his game. That will be less pronounced against Williams.

Houston is still searching for the right mix at tackle and will show a rotation of Lions import Shaun Cody, Amobi Okoye, Frank Okam, and DelJuan Robinson. It will be difficult for them against the interior of Moore, Faneca, and Nick Mangold. This combination in conjunction with Tony Richardson will bring the run game a lot of success if they can beat this unremarkable duo and hit the second level, getting bodies on Texans standout linebacker DeMeco Ryans.

One area where the Jets will have a disadvantage is a matchup between Brian Cushing and Dustin Keller. Gang Green telegraphed too many plays last season, constantly throwing with Keller in the game and putting in Wayne Hunter and Robert Turner before calling a run play. I would expect to see plenty of Ben Hartsock to play against Cushing on the run. If Keller can consistently beat Cushing on passing routes and force Houston into sticking a nickel to play Keller, the Jets will have a much easier time playing Dustin on run downs. The advantage will go away.

I anticipate the Jets trying to do what they do best, attacking Houston's interior weakness by running between the tackles and to the right, minimizing the amount of work Ferguson has to do. The Jets should run early and often to force eight into the box and open things up for Sanchez. Once the Texans start selling out on the run, it will be up to the rookie to perform.

Jets Claim Two From the Titans

John B — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 20:22:49 -0000

The Jets acquired a famous punter and a tight end off waivers from Tennessee.

The Jets have been awarded two players on waivers from the Titans -- P A.J. Trapasso and TE Matthew Mulligan, according to sources.

Trapasso is best known for hitting the new $40 million scoreboard in Dallas, creating a firestorm. His arrival means incumbent Reggie Hodges is a toast. No surprise there. Rex Ryan made it clear yesterday that they were looking for a punter.

Mulligan, a second-year player, is regarded as more of a blocking tight end than a receiver. He will back up Dustin Keller and Ben Hartsock.

It's interesting the Jets were so down on Hodges. It didn't seem like they gave any of his competitors much of a chance. I'm not really seeing Trapasso as much of an upgrade over Hodges. He only averaged 41 yards per kick at Ohio State in college. I'm not sure the search for a punter ends here. Mulligan fills a void since the Jets lacked bodies at tight end.

With these moves in addition to the Kevin O'Connell trade, the Jets now must clear three roster spots not counting the two others when Shaun Ellis and Calvin Pace return from suspension. Reggie Hodges is probably a goner. Who else?

Opening Day Roster

John B — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:03:11 -0000

by Bill Kostroun - AP

Danny Woodhead making the team is probably the biggest roster news.

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QB: Mark Sanchez, Kellen Clemens, Erik Ainge
RB: Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, Shonn Greene, Danny Woodhead
FB: Tony Richardson
WR: Jerricho Cotchery, Chansi Stuckey, David Clowney, Brad Smith, Wallace Wright
TE: Dustin Keller, Ben Hartsock
C: Nick Mangold
OG: Alan Faneca, Brandon Moore, Matt Slauson
OT: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Damien Woody, Michael Kracalik, Wayne Hunter, Robert Turner
DE: Shaun Ellis, Marques Douglas, Ropati Pitoitua, Mike DeVito
DT: Kris Jenkins, Sione Pouha, Howard Green
LB: Bryan Thomas, David Harris, Bart Scott, Jamaal Westerman, Calvin Pace, Vernon Gholston, Brandon Renkart, Larry Izzo, Jason Trusnik, Marques Murrell
CB: Darrelle Revis, Lito Sheppard, Dwight Lowery, Donald Strickland, Drew Coleman, Marquice Cole, Ahmad Carroll
S: Kerry Rhodes, Jim Leonhard, Eric Smith, James Ihedigbo
PK: Jay Feely
P: Reggie Hodges
LS: James Dearth

Thoughts:

Danny Woodhead fans, celebrate. Your man is on the roster. Readers here could probably sense I was back and forth. In the end, I think keeping him was the right call if for no other reason than the game he played against the Eagles. He showed an ability to make plays and an aggressive and elusive running style. I get it was against backups, but his speed and athleticism are real. It's good to find a spot for a guy like this. From Chadron State to the NFL, an incredible story. We may have the next Chrebet on our hands.

I also notice the lack of blockers on the roster, two tight ends and one fullback. I said early today I was fine with it. My guess is Brian Schottenheimer used his influence here. The Jets used a lot of Robert Turner and Wayne Hunter at tight end last season. With a defensive head coach, he has bigger influence, and it looks like he used it.

Two players on the above roster will be gone. The first will be out when Shaun Ellis comes back in Week 2 and the second when Calvin Pace's suspension is over Week 5. Michael Kracalik, Ropati Pitoitua, Brandon Renkart, Drew Coleman, and Marquice Cole are the early favorites. Kracalik and Pitoitua may have only made the roster because they play Pace's and Ellis' positions respectively, and the team needs extra depth. Kracalik is one of five tackles on the roster. The two other backups are the aforementioned Hunter and Turner, who figure to be important cogs in power sets and have experience lining up at tight end. Cole and Coleman are in danger with seven corners, Revis, Sheppard, Strickland, and Lowery the top guys and Carroll a special teams ace.

Jehuu Caulcrick Released

John B — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:57:04 -0000

Jehuu Caulcrick, the second fullback on the roster, was cut Saturday.

In a mild surprise, the Jets have waived FB Jehuu Caulcrick, according to a source.

That leaves Tony Richarson as the only fullback on the roster. I'm a bit surprised, but put in the perspective of the offense, it's not the most stunning thing ever. When the Jets used the fullback last season, it was usually just as a lead blocker, not a runner or receiver. If Richardson needs a rest, the newly signed Ben Hartsock or utility blockers Robert Turner and Wayne Hunter can step in.

Tough break for Caulcrick, but I know of a coach in Cleveland who was impressed by him last season and has an affinity for acquiring former Jets reserves. I don't think this is the last we have heard of Jehuu in the NFL.

Three Released

John B — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 12:34:51 -0000

A pair of rookie tight ends and a 2007 draftee are heading out of town.

Former Rutgers tight end Kevin Brock, tight end Jack Simmons and wide receiver Marcus Henry have been cut by the Jets, according to people familiar with the team's roster decisions but who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak for the team or players.

Neither Brock nor Simmons impressed the team enough to prevent the signing of Ben Hartsock. Henry was a developmental pick in the 2008 Draft. He had impressive measurables in terms of size and speed, but I guess he didn't develop quickly enough.

It's sad to see careers potentially end, but it is part of the business. If these three couldn't make the roster, it's possible this is the end of the road since the Jets are thin at the positions they play.

Jets Sign Ben Hartsock

John B — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:11:02 -0000

by John Bazemore - AP

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The Jets picked up released Falcons tight end Ben Hartsock.

Hartsock, a sixth-year pro, signed a one-year deal worth $1.2 million and appears to figure prominently into the Jets' plans. He spent the last season with the Falcons and was recently released. The Jets were among more than a half dozen teams to show interest in him.

The 6-4, 264-pound Hartsock will be the Jets' second tight end behind starter Dustin Keller, who is primarily a receiver. The Jets had been using tackle Wayne Hunter as their second tight end and will likely continue to use him in that role at times, especially near the goal line.

Hartsock, a former third-round pick out of Ohio State by Indianapolis, spent his first two seasons with the Colts. He played two seasons with the Titans before playing in Atlanta last season. He has 27 catches for 273 yards and no touchdowns in five seasons.

Hartsock is a third tackle type at tight end. He's the solution as an in line blocker, but he's probably no better than a marginal upgrade over Hunter overall.

Ben's not much of a receiver. He is, however, more proven at the position than anything the Jets had, and at this point, the only thing that was going to be available in any likely scenario was a one-dimensional blocker like this.

The team could have kept a much better receiver in Chris Baker instead of signing Hartsock and had a virtual wash in terms of cap room.