It’s highly possible that you can’t be bothered to watch the Pro Bowl, and I completely understand why you wouldn’t want to. After all, it’s a shell of an actual football game and they aren’t playing for anything other than a big fat check and fancy swag. I mean, who reeeealllly cares which football conference wins?

The NFL is clearly on to our apathy about the Pro Bowl game and in an effort to gather more viewers, they have added the element of live tweeting to the event. Players will not be tweeting from their mobile devices – that is highly frowned upon – but instead they will tweet from computer stations on the sidelines. Ooooo, how fancy.

Get your popcorn ready because this could get real interesting.

In case you have been living under a rock and missed it, four Jets will play in tonight’s Pro Bowl : Center Nick Mangold, Cornerback Darrelle Revis, Tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Guard Brandon Moore (Moore replaces New England’s Brian Waters).

Revis and Mangold will play in their fourth Pro Bowl, Ferguson in his third. This is Moore’s first Pro Bowl nod.

While it is considered a great honor to be nominated into the Pro Bowl, participating in the “game” unfortunately means your team did not make it to the all-important, meaningful Bowl. The Super Bowl.

For now, I’ll spare you the story about how the Jets have to watch the Giants play in the Super Bowl all the way from Honolulu, mostly because the New York Post did such a classy job with that yesterday. Also because that is really a lame storyline. But I digress..

While in Honolulu preparing for today’s game, the media took every opportunity to collect more commentary from Jets players (because we needed more?) on the Jets post-season drama, Peyton Manning, and Mark Sanchez. Both Revis and Mangold commented on the Jets locker room situation earlier in the week, and also offered advice on how Mark Sanchez and Santonio Holmes can repair their relationship.

For more info on the Pro Bowl, check out my post on Aerys Offsides.

I will be tweeting the game, mostly to comment on the tweeting. You can follow me on Twitter @kristinereese and join in on the fun.

Colin Baxter started two games for the Jets in Nick Mangold's absence.

Yesterday I told you about the Jets release of Center Colin Baxter, who started in place of an injured Nick Mangold in weeks 3-4 of the season. The team was hopeful they could re-sign Baxter to the practice squad after he cleared waivers (provided he cleared waivers).

According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, Baxter “opted to return to Chargers & sign with their practice squad over the Jets practice squad after clearing waivers.”

Baxter was with the Chargers during training camp as an un-drafted rookie. He was later cut by the Chargers and claimed by the Jets off waivers in early September.

Baxter started at Center in the games at Oakland and Baltimore while Nick Mangold was recovering from a high ankle sprain. When Mangold was able to return to the game in Week 5, Baxter was inactivated.

Perhaps Baxter was a little bitter the Jets released him after he bailed them out of a jam? Understandable.

However, Rich Cimini of ESPN writes that Baxter chose the Chargers over the Jets because he felt there would be a better chance to play.

The moves leave LG Matt Slauson as the current back-up for Mangold and Vlad Ducasse and Caleb Schlauderaff as the remaining offensive lineman backups.  Thankfully, also according to Mehta, the team will be bringing back OL Matt Kroul to their practice squad in the coming days.

There is a lot happening with this team right now, most notably the trade of WR Derrick Mason to the Houston Texans. For details on the Mason trade, check out my post from last night.

There are a few updates on the Mason story from Mike Tannenbaum’s presser this morning:

Jeremy Kerley, step right up.

• Mason was not shopped; the Texans called the Jets asking about Mason yesterday looking for a “true” slot receiver. Tannenbaum says that Mason would have stayed with the team if Houston had not called.
• Tannenbaum said several factors contributed to Mason’s trade: His onfield performance, the opportunity to get a draft pick & emergence of rookie Jeremy Kerley.
• Mason’s off-the field comments didn’t have anything to do with the trade (Riiiggghhhttt…)

With Mason’s departure, the Jets have made several moves to depth. They have added  WR Michael Campbell to the practice squad.

The Jets have also waived LB Eddie Jone (you know, they guy they less than 1 week ago) to create a spot for DB Ellis Lankster. This tells me that the injuries to Strickland and Trufant are significant enough that reinforcements needed to be added.

The Jets have also added S Tracy Wilson to the practive squad. Wilson was with the team in the preseason.

The spot on the active roster formerly filled by Derrick Mason is still open.

With all of the news in last few days, it’s almost as if we have forgotten we have a Monday Night Football game this week.

» Continue reading “Jets Headlines: More on Mason, Roster Moves”

If you’re into drama, this is the game for you because sh stuff is about to hit the fan.

The Jets are 9 point dogs heading into Sunday. I have racked my brain trying to come up with an intelligent way to say that this line is absolutely ludicrous but I really can’t. 9 points? Seriously? Even Patriots fans think that’s bogus.

I’ve ranted about this all week and the fact remains that this is a fascinating situation: The Patriots are literally ranked 1st in offense and dead last in defense. As inconsistent as the Jets have been (25th in the league) there is no excuse for us to not go up there, put up some points and then let our defense (ranked 8th) keep it under control.

The Jets, under Rex Ryan, have a tendency to repsond when they are really down and while I thought last week might be their moment, this truly is a must-win game if this team expects to win the division. They also need to silence the critics and a win would put a lot of doubt to rest.

You can also bet Bill Belichick, depsite what he says (or rather — doesn’t say) to the media, is thinking this game is just as important for the Patriots, who are 2-3 vs. the Jets under Ryan. You know what the saying: “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” Bill does not like to be fooled.

» Continue reading “Game Preview: New York Jets @ New England Patriots”

It's looking hopeful that Mangold will return to the field on Sunday.

After 2 straight losses, the Jet lashing is at all time high. Today’s headlines are riddled with more criticism of the Gang Green, who are 9 point dogs heading into Sunday’s game in New England. Damien Woody Says “Early Returns Don’t Look Good” for the Jets: Former NY Jet Damien Woody had a lot to say about the state of his former team. I suggest you read the whole article from the Star-Ledger which details Woody’s observations. It’s not a “ripping” of the Jets, it is a collection of observations presented well. (In my opinion). Woody makes several good points, his main point being that the team has an offensive “identity crisis.” He cites Rex Ryan’s recent statement about the team returning to “ground and pound.” Woody insists that you cannot make the shift that quickly and I agree. I have seen a few “people” venting their disgust that Woody was not getting the same lashing from fans as Namath, who ripped on his former team for the past two weeks.  I just don’t see them as being the same thing. You can check out my thoughts on Namath from yesterday’s post here. Both make excellent points, however. I’m NOT denying that. Speaking of Woody, Jane McManus wrote up a piece on ESPN about the Jets allowing Woody to go. Rex Ryan Promises to Return to the Run: I’m with Woody on this one. Can’t just snap your fingers and make this change. I’m not saying we shouldn’t return to the run, I’m just asking if we can? Could New England Patriots Be Saving Albert Haynesworth for the New York Jets? : I take this article with a grain of salt, considering it is from the Bleacher Report, but I still thought it was an interesting idea. Haynesworth has not played in a game since Week 1 due to a back injury. What do you think? Brady on Cromartie: “I Don’t Care What He Says About Me”: You may recall Cromartie going off on Tom Brady last year, saying, “F$&@ him, he’s an a**hole.” Brady says he doesn’t care what Cromartie says. But you know he does or he wouldn’t have said anything at all. I’m actually glad to see Brady show this much emotion. Im surprised he didn’t say, “No comment.” By the way, Brady gave props to Cromatie and Revis and the entire Jets secondary. Always respect the opponent. A few other notes:

• C Nick Mangold was back in pads today, practicing with the team. I think we can officially get excited about the idea of him returning on Sunday.
• Plaxico Burress was not in pads today. He was in helmet and sweats but was working on the side of the field with the trainers. I think we are just going to have to get used to Plax getting dinged up week to week, although the official reason for his sitting out is unclear.
• Calvin Pace (undisclosed injury) was off to the side and not practicing today.
• Garrett McIntyre (concussion) was also working off to the side.

• Guys and gals: Damien Woody isn’t coming back. Let it go.
• Jets have added G Dennis Landolt of Penn State and OL Dennis Landolt to the practice squad.

Just a quick update on the active/inactives for tonight’s game.

In/Out: Jets

• After testing his ankle in a workout, C Nick Mangold is inactive per Rachel Nicols’ twitter. C Colin Baxter will start again at center. Baxter did pretty well last week, all things considered. While this Mangold news may seem bleak, it is probably for the better. His health for an entire season is most important.
• CB Antonio Cromartie will start (rib/lung).
• Newly re-acquired LB Aaron Maybin is active
• DT Kenrick Ellis is inactive yet again this week. Not really sure what’s up with that.
• Other Inactives: QB Kevin O’Connell, WR Logan Payne, S Emanuel Cook, RB Bilal Powell, TE Josh Baker.

The Jets visit the Raiders on Sunday

If you are the betting type, I ask you to consider the following statistical nuggets before placing your picks on this game (If you are just here for my super insightful game preview, than you will probably enjoy them anyway)…

From ESPN: Oakland has lost 9 straight games against non-divisional opponents and failed to beat an AFC non-divisional team since week 13 of 2009. The Jets have gone 3-0 in road games against AFC West opponents and 6-0 in non-divisional AFC games since Rex Ryan was named head coach.

The Jets are 4 of 5 in their last 5 versus Oakland, including their most-recent 38-0 blowout in 2009  (Word is that the Raiders are using the Sanchez hot-dog incident as “motivation.”)

The Jets are 3.5 point favorites in Oakland for this game.

So, there you go.

Now let’s get into the actual game analysis, examining this match-up between two teams that pride themselves on being “physical.”

Jets Offense

• This isn’t an overly insightful observation and everyone has been saying it all week but the running game needs to take off. I say this not only because the Jets cannot allow themselves to be one dimensional, but also because the Jets need to take advantage of a Raiders run defense that gave up 8.5 ypc last week.  Shonn Greene has a ton to prove and the absence of Nick Mangold will hurt the run game, just how much is unclear. Don’t count LT out of the picture either; he has an excellent history against this Raiders dating back to his time with the Chargers. If the Jets can establish even somewhat of a run, the Raiders will be forced to stack the box, take a guy away from one-on-one and give more opportunity to the passing game, which is where they will really do the damage.
• The Jets will have to throw against this team. The match-up is too juicy. Oakland’s defensive scheme is mostly man-to-man/one-on-one coverage. The Jets will attack this in a very different way than they did last week and will utilize their wide-outs on the outside.
• Speaking of, I don’t think there is any reason to panic about Plaxico Burress‘ two targets and zero catches last week. It was just part of the game plan.
• TE Dustin Keller has been stellar this year.  He has been such a nice target for Sanchez it’s hard not to imagine they won’t continue to involve him and Matthew Mulligan.
• Most important thing for Mark Sanchez in this game is to avoid turnovers against a defensive that will be much easier to read.
• As for the offensive line, this is a tough game for them. All-Pro Center Nick Mangold will not play and Colin Baxter will start in his place. Baxter has never started an NFL game and hasn’t had a ton of time to get acclimated with this offense, as he was added off waivers on September 4th. But let’s not pretend this game only sits on his shoulders. The entire line needs to improve.

Jets Center Nick Mangold, a fan favorite, suffered a high ankle sprain on Monday.

Jenny Vrentas, Manish Mehta, Rich Cimini and just about every other Jets beat reporter tweeted out yesterday that an MRI confirms Nick Mangold has a high-ankle sprain. No other damage was found in the MRI, which is good news. Unfortunately, there is no “reliable timetable” for his return but it is likely he will miss 2-3 weeks.

Rex Ryan is officially stating that Mangold is “iffy” for Sunday and told reporters on Monday that Mangold believes he can still play in Oakland. However, The Daily News is speculating that the Jets will play in Oakland without Mangold, who has not missed a start in 89-regular season games. Colin Baxter, who was added to the team off waivers September 4th, will start at center.

Im not a professional football player but I have had a high ankle sprain before. As a runner, it totally sucked and bothered me for almost a year. I wish Mangold a speedy return but know that this may bother him for a great majority of the season. Then again, NFL players have access to the best physical therapy around and hopefully the boot, therapy and rest can get back on the field in no time.

It goes without saying that the loss of Mangold to an already shaky offensive line is a huge hit, but the most important thing is preserving Mangold’s health in the long-term.

I have a sneaking suspicion that this injury will prompt the Jets to seek veteran o-line reinforcements.

Here are some other Jets related headlines for today:

• Jets Prepare for 3-Game Road Trip: The Jets are about to head out on 3-game road trip to Oakland, Baltimore and New England, in that order.  The Jets are 6-0 on the road against non-divisional opponents.
• A Look at the AFC East QB’s not named Tom Brady: New ESPN AFC East blogger James Walker grades the AFC East Quarterbacks, giving Sanchez a C+ for his first two games. His four interceptions really hurt him in this assessment and ESPN, taking every opportunity to use their new QBR scoring system, gives Sanchez a 77.6.
• New York Jets #3 in NFL.com’s Power Rankings: The Jets come in at #3, behind the Green Bay Packers and the New England Patriots, in NFL.com’s latest power rankings. The Jets also appear at #3 on the CBS Sports Power Rankings. The World Wide Leader in Sports has not updated their Power Rankings for Week 2 as of 12:30 EST.

Center Nick Mangold injured his ankle in Monday's game. (Photo from rumorsandrants.com)

The Titans of New York The New York Jets defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 32-3 at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, making the Jets 5-1 in navy and gold.

I guess we will have to learn to like the Titans throwback unis because you can’t argue with five consecutive wins.

Once again, the story of yesterday’s game was the overhyped defense, although the offense did have its moments.

The Jets elected to receive the coin toss and it paid off. They started the game the opposite of slow, beginning by putting up nine points on the board in 63 seconds. The first drive was six plays for 65 yards ending with a 17-yard TD pass from Mark Sanchez on a pump fake to Santonio Holmes, followed by a safety from Muhammed Wilkerson.

The defense racked up four interceptions against Luke McCown, who finished the day with a 1.8 QB rating, and held the Jaguars from having a single red zone opportunity.  The defense also contained Maurice Jones Drew, one of the best backs in the league, and held him to 88 yards rushing.

After taking a serious pounding from the Jets defense, Jack Del Rio Rookie was forced to pull McCown from the game in the fourth quarter and threw Blaine Gabbert to the wolves.

There is still plenty to critique and learn from the beating on Jacksonville but for today let’s just relish in the old, “A win is a win is a win.”

Observations

• The offense was more “balanced” in theory; the Jets had 101 yards rushing to 182 yards passing (more of on that in a minute). Despite the effort to get the ground game going, it is obvious that the Jets are going to have to throw more than run if they plan to win games.
• Plaxico Burress had zero receptions and two targets. Jenny Vrentas of The Star-Ledger is reporting that Ryan was trying to get a play to Burress when Sanchez was knocked down and hit in the arm.
• Dustin Keller once again showed up big time and lead the team in receiving yards. He had 101 yards and a touchdown on Sunday and is quickly becoming one of Sanchez’s favorite targets (as I predicted). He looks big, fast and I love what he is adding to the offense. Matthew Mulligan also had two targets.
• It was good to see Shonn Greene have some nice runs. He had a total of 49 yards rushing against a team that was ranked 2nd in the league against the run. The team totaled 101 yards rushing on 32 plays (some of those yards came from Sanchez scrambling, so it’s really more like 72). Still, Greene has a lot to prove and we are far from being considered a “ground and pound” offense.
• Mark Sanchez actually ran pretty well when he was pressured. He does need to work on holding the ball, as you can see defenders desperately trying to bat the ball out of his hand, knowing it is a weakness. He also had two interceptions, one on a pass to Derrick Mason. But listen, not all interceptions are created equal. I won’t make excuses for him but I will point out that you can’t just look at the stats, see the interceptions and say he hasn’t improved. Sanchez is taking command of this offense more and developing. He will have to continue to improve, especially in this offense that will use the pass to score, but I think we should be encouraged by his growth.
• The offensive line is still not where they need to be. Wayne Hunter had two penalties as did replacement C Colin Baxter. Baxter has been with the team since September 4th, so it’s safe to say he is not where he needs to be and the loss of Nick Mangold will cause more problems for the O Line.  This line needs to better protect Sanchez and give a helping hand to the run game going forward if the Jets are going to be successful offensively.
• Rookie DE Muhammed Wilkerson‘s first sack for a safety was the first of many sacks for the the Jets defense.
• S Eric Smith had an incredible game. He tallied one interception but was seemingly a part of every other major play. He had five tackles and two deflected passes.
• Antonio Cromartie continues to show how incredibly athletic he is, contributing last week on offense and coming up with big plays on special teams and defense two weeks in a row. Cromartie had TWO interceptions on Sunday.
• Josh Mauga also had an interception. Bart Scott picked up where he left off last week, recording four tackles and a sack while Mike DeVito had five tackles. The linebackers in general were dominant.
• Jets still had 7 penalties for 60 yards. This is a trend that needs to end and soon.
• On the bright side, the red zone efficiency did increase to 75%.

Injuries

• Nick Mangold has a high ankle sprain, per the The Daily News. The X-rays were negative. He was seen wearing a walking boot after the game and will have an MRI Monday. As of now, speculation has him missing up to six weeks.  Mangold injured his ankle when a Jags defender rolled up on his ankle. He thought he might be able to re-enter the game but his status was downgraded to Doubtful after the half. More information about his status will be released this afternoon.
• Mark Sanchez took another big hit trying to make a play in to get the ball to Plax. Ryan took him out of the game following the hit.

This weeks Tweet of the Week comes from Center Nick Mangold, who has teamed up with the New York Jets Facebook Page and asked fans to help him name his beard.  He tweeted about the contest yesterday and over 2,500 people have already weighed in (Mjolnir is the clear favorite).

Athletes are all about their beards these days and I love that Mangold made this about the fans.

You can still cast your vote and make your case for Steve, Carlos or Beard if you are not so into Mjolnir.  By the way, Mjolnir  is Thor’s weapon form the Marvel Comics and the word translates to “The Crusher”.

You can follow Nick on Twitter @nickmangold.