SB Nation User Blog: Xander Diaz

Jets vs Dolphins – Rivalry Redux

Xander Diaz — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:30:27 -0000

More photos » by Lynne Sladky - AP

2 months ago: Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown (23) runs for a touchdown during the first quarter against the New York Jets during an NFL football game in Miami, Monday, Oct. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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The newest chapter in the Jets – Dolphins rivalry began with another spectacular Monday Night Football game. The Miami Dolphins edged out the New York Jets 31-27, in a game that featured 2 ties and 6 lead changes. A disappointing end to an exciting game for Jets fans.

The loss got me to thinking about some of the great games I’ve seen these two teams play over the years and I decided to put together my list of the most memorable games played between these rival AFC teams.

January 23, 1983 – 1982 AFC Championship game – aka the ‘Mud Bowl’
During the strike- shortened 1982 season, the Dolphins swept the regular season series. The two teams would meet again in the 1982 AFC Championship game, a trip to Super Bowl XVII at stake. This game was marked by a rather strange incident. The tarp was left off the field of the Orange Bowl during a marathon rainstorm leading up to the game. This resulted in a mud covered field which helped keep both teams scoreless in the first half. This game would feature ten turnovers, eight of them on quarterback interceptions. Three of those interceptions came from the star of the game, Dolphins linebacker A.J. Duhe who would nab three of Jets quarterback Richard Todd’s five interceptions of the day. Duhe cemented the 14–0 win, sending the Dolphins to Super Bowl XVII, when he returned one 35 yards for a touchdown.

November 10, 1985 – The "Super" Duper Game
Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino was down to the Jets 17-14 with less than a minute to play when he fired a 50 yard touchdown pass to Mark "Super" Duper, winning the game, 21–17. Duper had been sidelined for seven weeks with a broken leg leading up to this game, coming back to have the game of his life against the Jets. He set a Dolphins club single game record with 217 receiving yards in helping Miami secure the win.

September 21st, 1986 – The Shootout
On this day Jets quarterback Ken O’Brien and Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino would each give legendary performances. The two quarterbacks would combine to set 2 NFL single game records. O’Brien and Marino would combine for a whopping 884 net passing yards and ten passing touchdowns. Records that still stand to this day. Dan Marino completed 30 of 50 for 448 yards and six touchdown passes. Ken O’Brien would throw for 479 yards and four touchdowns. Memorable moments include a Ken O’Brien td pass to wide receiver Wesley Walker with no time left on the clock to force overtime and his game clincher in overtime for the win, 51-45. To this day, this is the highest scoring game between the teams (96 total points).

November 27, 1994 – The Fake Spike Game
With first place in the division on the line, the Jets would outplay the Dolphins for three quarters and hold a 24-6 lead. The score cut to 24-21, Marino and the Dolphins would drive to within the Jets’ five-yard line. With thirty seconds left on a live clock, Marino took the snap from center, motioned as if he was going to spike the ball and instead fired the ball past Aaron Glenn and into the corner of the end zone where Mark Ingram waited. The touchdown gave the Dolphins a 28-24 victory and the division. The Jets went into a spiral after that play, losing all of their remaining games. This game marked the beginning of a dark down-ward spiral for the Jets that would last until the end of the 1996 season. The Jets would compile an embarrassing record of 4-33 during this period.

December 13, 1998 – Remember Chad Cascadden?
Both teams were 9-4 and the division lead, and possibly the division title, was the line. Going into the final minutes of the game, the Jets led 14-10 when a Marino fumble was picked up by Jets linebacker Chad Cascadden, who returned it for a touchdown putting the Jets ahead 21-10 with less than two minutes on the clock. The Jets would win 21-16, going on to win their first post-merger division title the following week at Buffalo.

October 23, 2000 – The Monday Night Miracle
Both teams started the 2000 season 5-1 when they met on Monday Night Football to determine control of the AFC East. What should have been an exciting match, turned into a three quarter drubbing by the Dolphins. The Dolphins held a leadthat grew to 30-7 at the end of the third quarter. Jets quarterback Vinny Testaverde threw three picks and running back Curtis Martin was held to 30 yards rushing. In fact, the Jets would manage only two first downs in the entire first half. The game was so one-sided that Dolphins quarterback Jay Fiedler was heard on the sidelines telling defensive end Jason Taylor, "They ain’t coming back on us!" to which Taylor replied, "Hell no! You kidding? C’mon now." Those words would come back to haunt the Dolphins in short order. Testaverde would hit wide receivers Laveranues Coles and Jermaine Wiggins for td’s, cutting the lead to 30-20. A John Hall field goal later, Testaverde hits Wayne Chrebet in the end zone to tie the game 30-30 with 3:55 left. Almost crushing the revitalized hopes of the Jets, Fiedler would respond by tossing a long touchdown pass to Leslie Shepherd retaking the lead 37-30. The Jets would re-tie the game with 42 seconds left, when Testaverde hit offensive tackle Jumbo Elliott with a three yard touchdown strike, sending the contest into overtime. Elliott famously bobbled the ball as he fell in the endzone. The Jets would eventually win on a John Hall 40-yard field goal in overtime. The key to this game was the Jets fourth quarter performance. After managing only 5 first downs in the first three quarters, Testaverde completed 18 of 26 for 235 yards and four touchdowns, converting twenty first downs. This game came to be known as ‘The Monday Night Miracle’ and was selected by fans as the greatest game in the history of the Monday Night Football television series, when Monday Night Football celebrated its 500th telecast. The game also set the mark as the largest comeback from a fourth quarter deficit in NFL history.

Xander Diaz is Editor-In-Chief at AFCBeast.com

Jets Running Game May Reap Biggest Rewards From Edwards Trade

Xander Diaz — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:59:21 -0000

More photos » by David J. Phillip - AP

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The biggest winner in the Braylon Edwards trade may just be the New York Jets running game.

The Jets currently hold the league’s No. 9 ranked rushing offense, averaging 130.5 yards per game. Those numbers aren’t hideous but Rex Ryan’s promise of a "ground and pound" attack hasn’t exactly been making any defensive coordinators lose much sleep either.

Of course, much of the running games woes can be linked to rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. Last season, defenses had to respect the Jets passing game with veteran Brett Favre under center. Now opponents are simply daring Sanchez to beat them through the air by stacking the defensive front with eight and sometimes even nine players.

There has been very little room for Jones and Leon Washington to run in with extra defenders in the box.

Jones is averaging only 3.8 yards per carry and doesn’t seem like the guy who carved up opponents last season. Washington has a 4.0 yard per carry average but hasn’t been the superman we hoped for so far and rookie Shonn Greene has only four carries in four games.

The reality is that until Sanchez proves he can execute the passing game on a consistent basis, opposing defenses will continue to shut down the ground attack. This is where Edwards comes into play.

With Edwards, the Jets are in a position to threaten defenses deep. Forcing opposing defenses to respect the deep ball will help limit the number of 8 and 9 man fronts our running backs will face in a game.

Once Sanchez, Cotchery and Edwards get into a rhythm with each other, you can expect to see some explosiveness out of the backfield.

Rookie Shonn Greene is likely to have some big numbers in his future with the addition of Edwards. Greene, who was MIA through the first 3 games, injected life into the Jets’ slumping ground game in New Orleans. Greene ripped off 9- and 7-yard gains on consecutive carries in impressive fashion. The 5-11, 226-pound Greene would gain 23 yards on four carries.

Too bad four carries was all he got. The rookie would tweak his ankle in the 3rd quarter or he probably would have seen more action. I get the feeling he’ll be getting a lot more touches in the near future.

Through four games, Jones has 55 percent and Washington has 40 percent of the carries. The Jets insist that they can get their triple backfield 25 carries each in a game but that is likely unrealistic. There is no doubt however that Greene will be a factor as the season goes on.

Xander Diaz is Editor-In-Chief at AFCBeast.com

Poll

What Do you Think? Will The Addition Of Edwards Help The Jets Running Game?

Yup. Sanchez hits Edwards on a deep route just once and things will open up big time.

153 votes

No Way! Opposing defenses are going to stack the box at every turn no matter who is running routes!

37 votes

190 votes | Poll has closed

Jerricho Cotchery Makes Trip To Miami

Xander Diaz — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:34:32 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

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It looks like Jets wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery will be a game time decision for Monday nights game with the Miami Dolphins. Cotchery and the team flew down to Miami in the early afternoon on Sunday.

Cotchery is currently listed as questionable on the team injury report. "Questionable" means there’s a 50-50 chance that a player will play.

Cotchery, suffering from a hamstring injury, has had hours of treatment for several days. Cotchery has told friends he expects to play and the extra time off should help his chances.

The Jets’ debut of Braylon Edwards may severely test the skills of the newly acquired wide receiver if Cotchery doesn’t play. Edwards is facing playing a Monday Night Football game against a division rival with a new team, a rookie QB and a couple of back ups tag teaming the other receiver spot.

That sounds like a heck of a trial by fire to me.

Edwards has reportedly been a hit with his new team mates and has been impressive in practice. The 6-3, 215-pounder is making circus catches in practice and displaying the potential to open up the entire offense.

This is great news if he is doing this against the first defense. With Edwards having come from a similar offense in Cleveland, it is obviously a great advantage as he tries to transition.

Cotchery is the Jets’ leading receiver with 23 receptions for 356 yards and one TD.

The Dolphins are sure to play us tough. They come into this match up with a rookie QB who just led them to their first victory of the season. They haven’t won a prime time game since 2004, losing just 3 weeks ago on MNF to the Colts. This means they are coming in on a high and maybe with a bit of a chip on their shoulders too.

I think that our back ups, David Clowney, Brad Smith (the likely starter) and Wallace Wright, can get the job done but I also think they will need to bring their ‘A’ game. Perhaps even their ‘A+’ game. There is no doubt that Edwards presence should greatly improve how they look on the field.

Look for Edwards ability to threaten Miami deep to really help the Jets open things up for tight end Dustin Keller. The Miami defense has been very weak against tights end so far this season. The Dolphins’ defense made Dallas Clark look like a Hall of Famer during that week 2 Monday night loss to the Colts.

Clark had 7 catches for 183 yards including an opening drive 80-yard scoring pass where he got behind linebacker Akin Ayodele and broke the tackle of safety Gibril Wilson.

I’m guessing that Keller may end up playing the biggest role of the night in defeating the Dolphins.

Xander Diaz is Editor-In-Chief at AFCBeast.com

Poll

Jerricho Cotchery is currently listed as "questionable" and will be a game time decision for the Monday night game against Miami. Do you think Cotchery will play?

Bet On It! He's not as hurt as it seems and he will be ready to join Braylon Edwards.

194 votes

No Way. Hamstring injuries can follow a guy if he doesn't let it heal up...Cotchery sits this one out.

46 votes

240 votes | Poll has closed

Cotchery Could Miss Monday Night’s Game At Miami

Xander Diaz — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 16:39:58 -0000

More photos » by Tim Larsen - AP

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New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan says WR Jerricho Cotchery may not play on Monday night against the Miami Dolphins.

Cotchery missed Friday’s practice with a hamstring injury.

Cotchery has been terrific so far this season, with 23 catches for 356 yards and a touchdown. Having Cotchery watching from the bench Monday night, could be a major blow to the offense. Especially now, when this team is trying to rebound from a pretty bad loss to Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints.

Rookie QB Mark Sanchez had a woeful day at the hands of the New Orleans defense, tossing 3 interceptions including one that was returned 99 yards for a touchdown. Sanchez would also lose a fumble in the endzone surrendering an additional 7 points to the Saint defense.

With Cotchery out the Jets would have to depend on WR’s David Clowney, Brad Smith and Wallace Wright. No official word has been given yet who it would be. My money would be on either Wright or Clowney. I’m not so sure Smith has shown the hands yet to get the nod, but I could be totally wrong. I admit that it won’t surprise me a bit to see all three used to fill in the role.

"That’s a possibility, I’m expecting him to play, but that’s a definite possibility… The hamstring’s still bothering him some, so we’ll see, I’m definitely not ruling him out, but he’s not 100 percent right now."
- New York Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan

The timing of this couldn’t be worse. The Jets having just pulled the trigger on a major trade with Cleveland for WR Braylon Edwards; giving up wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, linebacker Jason Trusnik and two draft picks in the process.

A move that is sure to spread things out on the field, help open up the running game and give our young QB, a little more breathing room in the pocket to make better decisions from.

Of course, this plan depends on Cotchery as much as it does Edwards. Cotchery has proven that he can not be ignored by opposing defenses. Edwards represents the deep threat that will help relieve Cotchery and TE Dustin Keller of some of the double teams they have been seeing. The combination of Edwards, Cotchery and Keller on the field should prove to be explosive.

Certainly looks great on paper!

There is no doubt that both the Jets and Jets fans are eager to see Cotchery lined up opposite Edwards. Everyone is waiting and hoping for those fireworks to start.

Hopefully all this speculation is just folly and Cotchery will play. Let’s see what Monday night brings.

Poll

Will Cotchery Sitting Out The Miami Game Be A Big Deal For The Jets?

Heck No! With Edwards coming in and already looking comfortable, this won't be anything at all to worry about.

47 votes

Oh You Betcha! Edwards isn't so comforatble that you can go out there with nothing but a backup to backup him up!

130 votes

177 votes | Poll has closed

Mark Sanchez Hit With $5K Fine For Vilma Hit

Xander Diaz — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:27:23 -0000

More photos » by Bill Haber - AP

2 months ago: New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) signals at the line of scrimmage against the New Orleans Saints in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

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New York Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez was fined $5,000 by the NFL for his low block on New Orleans linebacker Jonathan Vilma last weekend. The league offices don't confirm fines until Friday but Sanchez volunteered the information yesterday.

Sanchez dived at the legs of Vilma when Darren Sharper ran an interception back 99-yards for a touchdown in the second quarter Sunday. The low block resulted in a 15-yard personal foul penalty.

Vilma was less than impressed with the block, expressing some surprise with how it played out. Vilma agreed that the league should fine Sanchez for the low hit.

Sanchez, in a stand up move, said he called Vilma on Tuesday and apologized. The apology was reportedly well received by Vilma.

The first of four turnovers by Sanchez against the Saints, including three picks, Sharper's interception was the beginning of the end for Sanchez that day. Sanchez would also have a fumble recovered in the end zone for a touchdown.

I fully expect the young QB to bounce back strong against this week's opponent, the Miami Dolphins. He will need to because it appears the Dolphins are still steaming over the trash talk exchanged between Dolphins LB Channing Crowder and Jets head coach Rex Ryan. Expect the Dolphins defensive squad to be looking to cream the rookie at every chance.

Xander Diaz is Editor-In-Chief at AFCBeast.com

ESPN Analyst Chris Mortensen Not So Sure About Edwards Trade

Xander Diaz — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:42:16 -0000

More photos » by David Richard - AP

2 months ago: FILE -- This is an Aug. 29, 2009, file photo showing Cleveland Browns' Braylon Edwards during a preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Cleveland, Ohio. The New York Jets have reached an agreement with the Cleveland Browns to acquire troubled but talented wide receiver Braylon Edwards. The Jets sent wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, linebacker Jason Trusnik and undisclosed draft choices to the Browns on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, to acquire the deep threat they had been lacking. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)

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Speaking this morning on ESPN Radio’s Mike and Mike In The Morning show, ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen voiced some skepticism about the New York’s Jets acquiring WR Braylon Edwards from the Cleveland Browns.

Mortensen said the trade of Edwards was not a surprise to him, in light of his recent troubles off the field. Browns head coach Eric Mangini runs a tough team first program that Braylon Edward’s personality seems to clash with.

Mortensen makes a valid point here. Mangini is essentially a disciple of the Bill Parcel’s school of coaching. This means a tough, hard nosed attitude that is centered around the team at all times. No exceptions. Braylon Edwards does not appear to be of the same mindset, oft times showing a tendency for selfishness as opposed to the team first mentality.

This does concern me somewhat as we go forward with Edwards. He has shown a bit of a penchant for trouble in Cleveland, so what will he be like under the lights and excitement of the Big Apple?

I think the New York Jets have a trump card in all this… "Bragosaurus" Rex Ryan. Our new head coach has shown an ability to connect with his players and get them to perform, not just because he demands it but because they WANT too. His talent at getting these guys to the point where they will voluntarily tackle a speeding bus may be all that is needed to help straighten out a wide receiver whose talents could well be the final piece to the Jets puzzle.

While I admit I will miss the young Chansi Stuckey, who was dealt to Cleveland as part of the trade, I think a settled down Edwards will be absolute gold for this team. Should Ryan and company be successful in getting Edwards to perform at the same level he did in the 2007 season, this Jets team will be highly touted in those "who’s going to the Super Bowl" talks.

The key, of course, is getting Braylon Edwards to match or even exceed his outstanding 2007 performance. In 2007, Edwards had a breakout season making his first Pro Bowl, becoming the first Browns receiver to do so since Webster Slaughter in 1989. Edwards also broke the Cleveland franchise records for receiving yardage with 1289 receiving yards and receiving touchdowns with 16. Edwards’ 16 touchdowns was also second in the league behind only Randy Moss who set an NFL record with 23 touchdowns that year.

The Edwards we don’t want to see is the Edwards of the 2008 season, when he led the league in dropped passes and scored a paltry 3 touchdown’s. To be fair, I personally believe that most of his woes on the field had a lot to do with the enormous turmoil the Browns organization was and is experiencing. In particular at the QB position, which has been flip-flopping between starters Derek Anderson and 2007 draft pick Brady Quinn out of Notre Dame.

In the end, this trade has an enormous upside for the New York Jets with what I would consider a very acceptable downside. Obviously, should Edwards perform to his abilities no one will question the decision but should he falter or out right fail, we will have given up very little for our experiment.

Worse case scenario, we get Edwards to hold us over until next years loaded NFL draft, where with some luck we can draft that elusive number 1 wideout.

Xander Diaz is Editor-In-Chief at AFCBeast.com

Poll

Will The Edwards Trade Hurt Or Help The Jets In 2009?

Help! This guy is talented and will settle down nicely for Rex and crew.

474 votes

Hurt! A trouble maker is a trouble maker...good luck with that!

324 votes

798 votes | Poll has closed

A True Identity For the Jets?

Xander Diaz — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:06:32 -0000

More photos » by Eric Gay - AP

3 months ago: New York Jets' Mark Sanchez (6) celebrates as he runs off the field after the team's NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, in Houston. The Jets beat the Texans 24-7. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

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True followers of the New York Jets know all too well what the roller coaster ride is like. One week there is heart pounding excitement as the team looks poised to finally reach a Super Bowl after 40 years (nobody needs to be reminded of the talk following the wins against the Pats and Titans last year). Then, before that feeling of excitement can set in, the magic carpet is pulled out from under us, followed by the most unbearable form of heartbreak a sports fan endures.

Complete and total failure.

These moments, for Jets fans, seem endless. In 1983, during the AFC Championship game or the "Mud Bowl" as it was later known, the Jets found themselves on the cusp of that elusive second Super Bowl. Miami Dolphins LB A.J. Duhe had his greatest performance ever by intercepting three of Jets QB Richard Todd’s five interceptions, returning one 35 yards for a TD in the fourth quarter, clinching the 1982 AFC Title for the Dolphins by a score of 14-0. Miami would eventually lose Super Bowl XVII by a score of 17 -27 to the Washington Redskins.

In 1986 a 10-1 start gave us the same Jets-Giants Super Bowl talk heard for about a week last year. The Jets then lost their final 5 straight games (sound familiar?) but somehow managed to squeak into the playoffs as a wildcard. An unlikely win against Kansas City had Jets fans everywhere dancing with visions of a Lombardi trophy in their heads. With a 10 point lead against the Cleveland Browns and only minutes to go, we all felt the heart pounding excitement…another AFC championship game was within grasp. Enter Mark Gastineau and his infamous roughing penalty….and well, you know the rest.

Most Jet fans could not figure out why one of Bill Parcells’s "guys", David Meggett, suddenly could not field a punt cleanly in the second half of the 1998 AFC Championship game. We know now and probably knew then that it was the beginning of the end of the dream for us that year. Just as it was when Doug Brien’s field goal attempt fell about 6 inches short in 2004 and bounced off the crossbar.

However, Jets fans have always been able to display something that even their team has not always been able to come up with.

Resilience. Hope. Enthusiasm. Passion. All of which lead us to slightly exaggerated expectations at times but that’s what being a fan is all about isn’t? the expectation of good things to come?

Jets fans of today are what Brooklyn Dodger fans were in the early and mid 1950’s…and that is something which should be a source of pride, never embarrassment. Anybody can jump on the band wagon of a perpetual winner (ahem – New England), but it takes a certain amount of character to sit in the stands after watching Dan Marino steal first place with a "fake spike" pass that Aaron Glenn is still looking for, and still come back the next week to root for them as if they are family.

This coming Sunday the Jets open at home against the hated Patriots. The defense is coming off one of the most dominating performances by a Jets team in recent memory, possibly ever (with all due respect to the ‘68 team and the Sack Exchange). Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez, is the most dynamic player we’ve seen behind center since the days of Joe Namath. With that said, don’t take it as a show of disrespect for the heart and fight that Chad Pennington showed or the one truly great season Vinny Testarverde gave us in 1998.

Finally, for the first time since 1997 the Jets have a coach, in Rex Ryan, who is not afraid to go out and say how good he expects his team to be. A coach who is willing to let his players know how good they are and then sets them loose to prove him right, is a beautiful thing.

Should Jets fans book tickets for the Super Bowl yet? Of course not.

Should fans expect an undefeated season without disappointing losses? That would simply be unrealistic.

Should a statue to Sanchez be erected outside the new stadium? No. It would be extremely shortsighted to think that we are not going to see some bad rookie moments that may even cost the team a game or two this season.

For the first time since Weeb Ewbank was the coach, the team seems to have a long term plan and not just a quick fix in place. A plan that is finally establishing an image and an identity for a team that has been struggling to find those things for over 40 years now.

It might not all come together perfectly in this first year, but for once the prospect of consistency and long term success seems to be within reach. When consistency and success are finally ours, Jets fans won’t agonizing quite as long over difficult losses because they know that they have a team that has the temperament, confidence and skills to bounce back quickly and with a vengeance.

It has been argued that the Jets have no identity because they don’t have a stadium that "is their own". In reality, the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Patriots would still retain their identity as a team regardless of the name on the stadium they play in. The Jets now seem to be on the verge of learning how to find that identity that will travel with them wherever they go.

In the NFL, your identity as a team is part of the recipe for success.

Originally written for AFCBeast.com by Brian Acard - Staff Writer AFCBeast.com
Xander Diaz is Editor-In-Chief at AFCBeast.com

Jets Are Taking A Hard Look At Denver's Brandon Marshall

Xander Diaz — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:09:59 -0000

More photos » by David Zalubowski - AP

4 months ago: Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall takes part in drills during an NFL football training session on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009, in Englewood, Colo. Marshall has been sidelined the past two weeks to take care of a leg injury and be at his misdemeanor battery trial in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Newsday reported yesterday that the Jets are seriously considering a trade for the Denver Bronco's disgruntled (and frequently troubled) wide receiver Brandon Marshall.This comes from an unnamed source within the NFL organization who is said to be familiar with the Jets situation.

Easily one of the most talented but troubled receivers in the game, Marshall was suspended Friday by the Broncos for conduct detrimental to the team.

Caught on video and broadcast by a local television station, during pre-practice warm-ups last Wednesday, Marshall walked while the rest of the team ran, punted a ball away from a ball boy instead of handing it to him and he also swatted down a pass thrown to him.

He will remain suspended until September 5th.

Marshall has demanded a new contract through much of the offseason and preseason and also has asked to be traded. He is due to make $2.2 million this season.

It's like deja vu all over again for Denver.

The Jets wide receivers corp have been under some tight scrutiny over the last couple of months, with many pointing to the lack of a true number one receiver in Jerricho Cotchery and the hodge podge of receivers who have yet to produce a clear number two receiver behind him.

There has been very little doubt about the teams need to get a force to reckon with at the position. Brandon Marshall would definitely represent this force should he be picked up, but will the price tag be right?

After the fiasco they experienced with Jay Cutler, it is highly unlikely that Denver will let Marshall go without attaching a high price tag to him. Denver is reportedly looking for a first rounder at minimum.

I have to wonder if the Jets will find this price tag a little high for their liking.

Based solely on his on-field performance, Marshall may well be worth it. Marshall had 104 catches for 1,265 yards and six touchdowns last season and 102 catches for 1,325 yards and seven TDs, in 2007. Marshall also led all NFL wide receivers in yards after first contact for the 2007 NFL season.

These are numbers that definitely put Marshall in the upper echelon of wide outs in the league.

The real concern for most fans, I think, is about his off-field troubles. Marshalls legal woes off the field have gained as much press as his on field play.

His arrest record runs the gambit from assaulting a police officer to domestic disturbance to disorderly conduct. While I admit to craving his level talent on the team, I am not so sure he would be worth the major headache he seems to represent.

Xander Diaz is Editor-In-Chief at AFCBeast.com

Poll

Trading For Brandon Marshall...Good Move Or Bad Move?

Good! This guy is a beast. I don't care if he slaps his own mother around, we need his talents!

283 votes

Bad. With a new coach and a new QB, we should be steering well clear of any more distractions.

182 votes

465 votes | Poll has closed

New York Jets Up Offer To RB Leon Washington

Xander Diaz — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:22:08 -0000

More photos » by Kevin Rivoli - AP

4 months ago: Running back Leon Washington runs the ball during the New York Jets NFL football training camp in Cortland, N.Y., Monday, August 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)

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Halleujah! The New York Jets are finally playing ball! Rich Cimini reports this morning that the Jets have finally upped the offer to RB Leon Washington.

Reportedly the offer is now closer to averaging about $4.5 million per year.

This is significantly closer to the $6 million a year Washington and his agent, Alvin Keels, have been seeking. Part of the issue has been a change to the CBA.

Washington will be a restricted free agent in 2010, not unrestricted, and the Jets can retain him for a qualifying offer that would be significantly less than a long-term deal. Under the previous rules – it changed because 2010 looms as an uncapped year – he would have been unrestricted next year.

Another issue is that a $6 million payoff would be more than the team is paying current starting RB Thomas Jones. Jones, the AFC’s leading rusher in 2008, is already upset with the team over his contract dollars and putting Leon up above him could spell disaster for relations with Jones.

Jones is scheduled to earn $900,000 this season in the third year of a four-year, $20 million contract.

I hope this new deal is one that Leon can live with so we can put this contract nonsense behind us already. Our first preseason contest is this coming Friday against the St. Louis Rams and it would be absolutely great if Leon had his mind on nothing but winning.

Xander Diaz is Editor-In-Chief at AFCBeast.com

Jets Are Not Shopping RB Thomas Jones Around

Xander Diaz — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:14:43 -0000

More photos » by Kevin Rivoli - AP

4 months ago: New York Jets running back Thomas Jones carries the ball during the team's NFL football training camp in Cortland, N.Y., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)

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Dispelling a rumor on nationalfootballpost.com, the Star-Ledger is reporting that the New York Jets are NOT shopping veteran running back Thomas Jones around. This is according to an unnamed, inside source.

Nationalfootballpost.com posted the rumor last night claiming the Jets had placed a call to an NFC West team in order to gauge trade interest.

The Star-Ledger report, however, was not all roses.

The stellar play of rookie Shonn Greene in training camp thus far could make Jones expendable, but the Jets are standing pat right now with the trio of Jones, Greene and Leon Washington.

With the Jets apparently ready to reward Washington with a new contract, there are concerns Jones could become a problem. He reported to camp on time but has refused to address his contract.

I really hope Jones does not turn into a problem for this team now. It would really ruin my perception of him as a professional. I like the direction this team is headed with their backfield (minus contract disputes mind you) and would hate to see Thomas cause this to fail on any level.

Having said that, I think he will do the right thing, having so far conducted himself in a very professional manner during training camp and simply refusing to talk about the dispute. He has opted to concentrate on football, which is very good, even if only to try and be attractive to another team next season.

I have a feeling he won't be around for us, come next season.

Xander Diaz is Editor-In-Chief at AFCBeast.com

Poll

Will Disgruntled Running Back Thomas Jones Be A Problem For The Team This Season?

No. He is a pro and will act like it.

124 votes

Yes. He is a diva and will act like it.

48 votes

172 votes | Poll has closed

SB Nation User Blog: Xander Diaz

Jets vs Dolphins – Rivalry Redux

Jets Running Game May Reap Biggest Rewards From Edwards Trade

What Do you Think? Will The Addition Of Edwards Help The Jets Running Game?

Yup. Sanchez hits Edwards on a deep route just once and things will open up big time.

No Way! Opposing defenses are going to stack the box at every turn no matter who is running routes!

Jerricho Cotchery Makes Trip To Miami

Jerricho Cotchery is currently listed as "questionable" and will be a game time decision for the Monday night game against Miami. Do you think Cotchery will play?

Bet On It! He's not as hurt as it seems and he will be ready to join Braylon Edwards.

No Way. Hamstring injuries can follow a guy if he doesn't let it heal up...Cotchery sits this one out.

Cotchery Could Miss Monday Night’s Game At Miami

"That’s a possibility, I’m expecting him to play, but that’s a definite possibility… The hamstring’s still bothering him some, so we’ll see, I’m definitely not ruling him out, but he’s not 100 percent right now."- New York Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan

Will Cotchery Sitting Out The Miami Game Be A Big Deal For The Jets?

Heck No! With Edwards coming in and already looking comfortable, this won't be anything at all to worry about.

Oh You Betcha! Edwards isn't so comforatble that you can go out there with nothing but a backup to backup him up!

Mark Sanchez Hit With $5K Fine For Vilma Hit

ESPN Analyst Chris Mortensen Not So Sure About Edwards Trade

Will The Edwards Trade Hurt Or Help The Jets In 2009?

Help! This guy is talented and will settle down nicely for Rex and crew.

Hurt! A trouble maker is a trouble maker...good luck with that!

A True Identity For the Jets?

Jets Are Taking A Hard Look At Denver's Brandon Marshall

Trading For Brandon Marshall...Good Move Or Bad Move?

Good! This guy is a beast. I don't care if he slaps his own mother around, we need his talents!

Bad. With a new coach and a new QB, we should be steering well clear of any more distractions.

New York Jets Up Offer To RB Leon Washington

Jets Are Not Shopping RB Thomas Jones Around

Will Disgruntled Running Back Thomas Jones Be A Problem For The Team This Season?

No. He is a pro and will act like it.

Yes. He is a diva and will act like it.

"That’s a possibility, I’m expecting him to play, but that’s a definite possibility… The hamstring’s still bothering him some, so we’ll see, I’m definitely not ruling him out, but he’s not 100 percent right now."
- New York Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan