SB Nation User Blog: John B

Ryan McKee Waived

John B — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:41:31 -0000

The New York Jets have waived tackle Ryan McKee. The announcement was made by general manager Mike Tannenbaum.

McKee (6'6", 291) was signed to the active roster from the practice squad on Dec. 12 after being signed to the practice squad on Sept. 7. He originally signed with the Jets on May 1 as an undrafted free agent and was waived on Sept. 5. McKee was inactive for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay. He was a three-year starter at right tackle at Southern Mississippi.

I think the biggest thing to take away is that Nick Mangold is fine. We could pretty much surmise that considering Nick returned to the game after his second half injury on Sunday. This provides more proof. If there was any reason for concern, I can't see the Jets dropping depth on the line.

Is there anybody you'd like to see the Jets replace him with on the roster? Any position stick out as in need of depth?

Mark Sanchez's Status Up in the Air

John B — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:34:58 -0000

More photos » by David Duprey - AP

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Mark Sanchez will hit the practice field Wednesday. How he performs will help determine whether he will start.

Sanchez will return to practice Wednesday, Rex Ryan said late today in a conference call with reporters. Ryan, perhaps engaging in a little gamesmanship, wouldn't say if Sanchez will start Sunday against the Falcons. He said he wants to see Sanchez in practice before making a decision. Ryan hopes to have Sanchez and Kellen Clemens split the reps on Wednesday.

I tend to think the only way Sanchez isn't on the field is if there's a real risk of him injuring himself worse. After what we saw out of Kellen Clemens the past two games, an unhealthy Sanchez gives the Jets a better shot of winning.

What do you think the criteria should be to decide the starter?

Nick Mangold Charity Event

John B — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:13:34 -0000

MEDIA ADVISORY

JETS CENTER NICK MANGOLD AND "VOICE OF THE YANKEES" MICHAEL KAY TO VISIT KIDS AT MONTEFIORE THANKS TO EMBLEMHEALTH AND 1050 ESPN

New York Jets Center Nick Mangold and "Voice of the Yankees" Michael Kay, host of 1050 ESPN Radio’s afternoon drive "The Michael Kay Show" to spread cheer at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Tuesday, December 15^th, 10:00 a.m., 3415 Bainbridge Avenue, between East Gun Hill Road and East 210^th Street, Bronx, NY, thanks to EmblemHealth.

Mangold and Kay will read The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper to the kids, autograph souvenirs from EmblemHealth and 1050 ESPN, make personal bedside visits and give out gifts.

DATE:           Tuesday, December 15, 2009

TIME:            10:00 a.m.

PLACE:         The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore

                        3415 Bainbridge Avenue

Between East Gun Hill Road and East 210^th Street

Bronx, NY

# # #

A Tale of Two Coaches

John B — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:58:56 -0000

More photos » by Chris O'Meara - AP

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Watching the game yesterday, I couldn't help but think of the contrast between the two rookie coaches. One has his team in the Playoff hunt. The other has his team in the hunt for the first pick in the Draft. There's no doubt the talent on the rosters has a lot to do with it, but I think the paths these guys took also plays a role.

One coach studied at the feet of one of the game's greatest innovators who happened to be his father. He spent a decade in the NFL paying his dues, learning his craft, and slowly climbing the coaching ladder. He gradually took on greater responsibility through the years. When opportunity knocked, he had a plan on how to improve his new team, and he executed it.

The other never had responsibility greater than running the defense of a middle of the pack Big XII team in college for one year. He was a position coach for two before taking over. He fired one coordinator before his first season even started. He fired the other during that first season due in part because his philosophy didn't mesh with that of his coordinator.

Does this mean if you put Rex Ryan on the Bucs they would be 7-6 and fighting for a Playoff spot? Probably not. There's little talent on that roster. Would the Jets have more than a single win if Raheem Morris was the head coach? Probably. I don't think they're in contention, though. I also think the Bucs would be showing more progress with Rex.

Watching the Bucs, I was astounded. Rich Gannon discussed during the broadcast how little he thought of their practices. He also took to task their offensive line's technique. One thing that stuck out to me was how Tampa never adjusted its blocking schemes by sliding protection or going max protect even though the Jets kept overloading the same side. I also couldn't figure out why Tampa didn't even attempt to establish the run with a raw rookie quarterback coming off a rough game facing an elite pass rush.

A lot of teams are looking to catch lightning in a bottle going as young as possible. I can understand that. It sure worked for the Steelers with Mike Tomlin. A resume isn't everything. Look at how Romeo Crennel failed as a head coach even with an incredibly distinguished track record as an assistant. You can apply this to any aspect of life. John Quincy Adams was as qualified as any to be President, yet many historians compare him a poor one. Abraham Lincoln was our least qualified President ever, yet many consider him the greatest. I'm just happy the Jets found a guy who was ready to be head coach. We learned how tough it is when you don't with Eric Mangini. Tampa fans are going through that right now.

How important do you think past experience really is for a head coach?

Week 14 Approval Rating

John B — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:55:20 -0000

Previous Weeks:

Week 1: 97% Approve; 2% Disapprove

Week 2: 96% Approve; 3% Disapprove

Week 3: 97% Approve; 2% Disapprove

Week 4: 91% Approve; 8% Disapprove

Week 5: 73% Approve; 26% Disapprove

Week 6: 46% Approve; 53% Disapprove

Week 7: 93% Approve; 6% Disapprove

Week 8: 56% Approve; 43% Disapprove

Week 9: 91% Approve; 8% Disapprove

Week 10: 57% Approve; 42% Disapprove

Week 11: 44% Approve; 55% Disapprove

Week 12: 85% Approve; 14% Disapprove

Week 13: 94% Approve; 5% Disapprove

Poll

Do you approve of the job Rex Ryan is doing as head coach of the New York Jets?

Jets 26 Buccaneers 3: Flying High Again

John B — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:33:02 -0000

More photos » by Chris O'Meara - AP

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The Jets are somehow back in the Playoff mix after their 26-3 victory today over the Bucs in Tampa. Gang Green is riding a 3 game winning streak and is back over .500 at 7-6. The last month of this season could get very, very interesting. This performance rivals the Houston and Oakland games in terms of domination.

More after the jump.

The Good:

The Defense: We'll definitely profile some of the outstanding individual performers, but this was just an excellent defensive effort. Tampa's only 3 points came as the result of a personal foul on Bart Scott on which the officials arguably should have thrown an offsetting flag on the Bucs. The blitz packages had Josh Freeman's head spinning and overwhelmed Tampa's offensive line. Freeman was 14 for 33 with 93 yards and 3 interceptions. The Bucs didn't have a first down until the third quarter. They ended with 6 and 124 total yards. This was domination.

Jay Feely: Feely was money today. He hit 4 out of 5 field goals. One was from 40 yards, and a pair were from 49. Feely's kicking helped the Jets put the game away even as their offense struggled to advance deep into Tampa Bay territory.

Calvin Pace: He was constantly running free and finished with 7 tackles and a sack.

Darrelle Revis: Another dominant performance by the game's best corner. Antonio Bryant had 2 catches for 22 yards. Revis had an interception that just about iced the game and broke up a few passes.

Mike Westhoff: A fourth successful fake punt this year deserves kudos. It was the third variety of fake punt the team has run. Apparently the Bucs didn't pick it up on film.

Danny Woodhead: 3 catches for 35 yards. I'm really liking the idea of having him as a third down back and replacing Leon Washington a bit as a receiving threat out of the backfield.

The Tiger Formation: I made that name up, but it's what we'll call the Wildcat package for Brad Smith. Smith only had 16 yards on 5 carries, but getting the ball into the hands of a playmaker in the open field is a good idea and at least gives upcoming opponents something to notice on film and spend time preparing for. Smith had a 21 yard punt return. I'd like to see him out there instead of Jerricho Cotchery. He's more apt to make guys miss. I know he doesn't have great hands as a receiver and would seem to be more of a turnover risk, but catching a punt is different from catching a pass.

Thomas Jones: Another big stat line against an opponent that was gameplanning to stop him. TJ had 99 yards on 24 carries and 2 touchdowns.

The Bad:

Kellen Clemens: The best thing you could say is that he avoided a catastrophic mistake, finishing with no turnovers. In other words, he was lucky that Tampa Bay's offense was no inept because he didn't make any plays. This was bad any way you slice it. This is a bad defense that was loading up to stop the run. Kellen only hit 12 of 23 passes for 111 yards and looked lost aside from a brief period in the second half. He left plays on the field. He wasn't making decisions quickly enough. When he found a receiver, his throws were wildly inaccurate. His mechanics were a mess. He struggled with all but the most basic throws, and even some of them were an adventure.

A lot of us (and I include myself in that number) have been making excuses for Kellen for four years. He was young and inexperienced. He wasn't supposed to play. His offensive line was terrible. The team never gave him a chance. He's out of excuses. By this point, if he was ever going to be a player in this league, he would have shown some sign of it. It's sad to say because from what I hear you'll never meet a more genuinely good person. However, I don't see how Kellen finds a job in the NFL after this season.

Shonn Greene: That would be three fumbles in six games. When the ball is getting punched out from behind like that, it's a sign you're carrying it way too loosely. The Jets are going to have to start taking carries away from him. Even though he's been productive, it's becoming too much of a turnover risk.

Mike Westhoff: Westhoff got credit for the fake punt. He also has to take heat for the onside kick. It's been obvious the up men have been leaving too early all year. It almost cost them against Jacksonville. It hasn't been corrected at all. The Jets had no shot of recovering that kick because their men were so far down the field.

Three down, three to go. Nobody can say for sure how this thing will end. One thing is for sure. The Jets have shown a lot of character this year. It would have been easy to pack it in after the midseason swoon. The way they have continued to fight and get themselves back into this position says a lot good.

Roller Coaster Season Hits Another High

John B — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 21:08:56 -0000

More photos » by Brian Blanco - AP

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Incredibly the Jets are back over .500 and a real Playoff threat after today's win in Tampa. Another dominant outing by the defense. Another good game for Thomas Jones. Another solid performance by Jay Feely. We can't go too crazy. The Bucs are one of the least talented teams in the league. They have a very raw quarterback and a coach who seems to be in over his head. Still, this is the NFL. They've beaten somebody. Bad teams beat good teams all the time. Give credit to the Jets for taking care of business and dominating even with a poor quarterbacking performance.

This year is starting to shape up as the opposite of last season. In 2008 the Jets had a slow start, a red hot middle, and a terrible finish. This year it's been a red hot start, a brutal middle, and the end has been great so far.

When they were 4-6, the Jets needed to win six games in a row to make the Playoffs. The easiest three were the first three. It gets tougher from here on out. This team still needs some help. It's not going to be easy. A month ago this team's pulse was fading. It's still beating now. Three of six down. As Bon Jovi says, we're halfway there and living on a prayer.

New York Jets at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Game Thread

John B — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:34:25 -0000

The Jets head down to Tampa for the first time since the Keyshawn-Chrebet Flashlight Game. That day they won to assert themselves as early season contenders. Today they're just trying to keep their hopes alive in a late season must win. A year ago, West Coast trips undid the season. Will Florida be this team's Waterloo in 2009? The Jets have lost three heartbreakers to Florida teams. They can't afford another.

Leave comments below.

Week 14 Rooting Guide

John B — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 14:26:12 -0000

More photos » by Nell Redmond - AP

Daylight come and you've gotta Delhomme.

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Eric Mangini and the Browns did us a big favor Thursday by knocking Pittsburgh from the discussion. Now onto Sunday's game.

Carolina over New England: If the Jets win, and the Pats somehow get upset by Carolina, the division is tied, and the final three weeks get very, very interesting.

Miami over Jacksonville: I know a lot of people will question this considering the Jets are battling Miami for both the division and the Wild Card. It also requires rooting for the Dolphins. Here's the bottom line. The Jets need Jacksonville to lose twice to pass them, and Miami to lose once to pass them. I think it's more likely the Jags and Dolphins both lose once over the last three weeks than it's likely for Jacksonville to lose twice. The Jaguars' last game is against the Browns. I don't care what happened Thursday. That's as close to an automatic win as you can get in this league. Their other two games are against the Colts and Pats. The Colts may have everything wrapped up before that game and play their backups. The Pats look very vulnerable. Two losses in these games is certainly a possibility, but I wouldn't bet my life on it.

Indianapolis over Denver: It will be very difficult to make up two games on Denver with three to play what happened to the Broncos last year notwithstanding. Making up one with three to go is much more likely. Also this brings the Colts a step closer to locking up home field and benching their starters when the Jets come to town.

Detroit over Baltimore: I know it's a long shot, but the Ravens are tied with the Jets. Wasn't Pittsburgh-Oakland just as much of a pipe dream last week?

Cincinnati over Minnesota: We want the Colts to have something to play for next week against the Jaguars. Then they can have everything wrapped up and rest their starters for the Jets the week after.

San Diego over Dallas: Ditto.

Check out another take in FanPosts.

New York Jets Run Defense vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Run Offense

John B — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 02:04:08 -0000

More photos » by Rob Carr - AP

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The Bucs pass more than they run by a 403-293 ratio. Tampa might get more conservative this week with their rookie quarterback facing a blitzing defense. The top back on the roster is Cadillac Williams. He's got 572 yards on 144 carries, a 4.0 average. Williams has a lot of natural ability. He doesn't have a ton of weaknesses. The production hasn't really been there, though. Derrick Ward, his backup, is an elusive runner only averaging 3.6 per run on 84 carries. You have to think he's regretting leaving the Giants.

Williams and Ward are both good backs. The problem seems to be their blocking. We discussed earlier how Tampa Bay doesn't pass block well. Their run blocking also leaves something to be desired. The offensive line is comprised of five players who have consistently lost matchups this season. That's the only way a run game struggles with talented backs. Sione Pouha and Shaun Ellis have favorable matchups. Bart Scott and David Harris should stay relatively clean.

Given the run blocking struggles, it's somewhat surprising the Bucs haven't used Ernest Graham as a runner more. Graham is two years removed from a breakout 898 yard campaign. He's working primarily as a lead blocker this year. He's a tough inside runner capable of picking up tough yardage. He only has 12 carries this year.

One area the Bucs can burn the Jets on the ground is in the quarterback position. Josh Freeman has a 7.6 average on 18 carries. If the Jets sell out on the blitz, I do worry about Freeman's ability to turn a broken play into something if he finds some open field. Aside from that, the Jets seem to have an edge against the run.