From where I sit, wearing my thinking cap and using my noodle (pun intended), the Peyton to the Jets train appears to not only be slowing down, but coming to a complete stop.

I’m not trying to be stubborn, I’m not refusing to acknowledge “Pro-Manning” points made by others, and I’m not delusional (thank you Gregg Rosenthal).  I’m just saying… it really doesn’t look like he’s bringing his talents to MetLife Stadium.

We already know that 12 teams reached out to the QB after the Colts announced his release and that the Jets specifically inquired about Manning’s interest in them.

But in the past 48 hours, the list of teams that remain in the running has seemingly dwindled. Manning is currently making the first stop on his 3-city tour, visiting with the Broncos, Cardinals and Dolphins respectfully and preparing to make a decision on a destination next week.

If you’ve been following the play-by-play on Twitter, Denver and Arizona appear to be the current favorites (Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald cited “sources” have told him as much), though I’m not ready to call it a two-way race quite yet and it’s easy to understand why: For every report out there, there is another contradictory report directly behind it. (For what it’s worth, I trust ESPN insider Chris Mortensen’s insight into this situation above all else, as he appears to have a close connection to the Manning camp).

One team you haven’t heard from since this whole circus went down on Wednesday? The New York Jets.

There hasn’t been so much as a peep from an unnamed source since the Jets reportedly inquired about Manning’s interest earlier this week and the Jets have declined to comment on the lack of buzz surrounding their stake in the Manning sweepstakes. The silence is deafening.

If ish was going down with Manning, don’t you think we would have heard something by now? Some person close to the team leaking something or another?  This is the New York media were are talking about, my friends. This kind of stuff doesn’t go unnoticed.

So for now, I think it’s safe to say that the Jets are out of the Manning sweepstakes, and since that would make this (hopefully) the last Peyton Manning speculation post I have to write this off-season, I’m moving on to making predictions. » Continue reading “For The Jets, The Peyton Party Is Over”

Today’s the day. As the wonderful lead writer here in the Green Room has pointed out, today is the day that has had most followers of the NFL very divided. In one corner you have the Colts fans, whether in Indy or not, who are losing the face of their team, the backbone, and what most seem to believe was the only player worth slipping into a jersey in years. In the other corner you have the group of people practically salivating like a pack of wild dogs with the idea that THE Peyton Manning could become their guy. Then off to the side, a little away from the crazy people with the hands grabbing for 18 and saying GIMME GIMME, you have the people who look at the past year and see injury, age and possibly a little end-of-professional life crisis going on.

Let’s be real, friends, Peyton displayed some interesting choices in his attempts (and successes) at stealing little brother Eli’s spotlight during Super Bowl week in Indy last month. To the naked eye it looked like a man on a mission, desperate to prove he can still play and still wants to, and wanting this to be known by every GM, owner and coach in town. To the eye that looks a little deeper, they may have seen another kind of desperate — a desperation of someone clinging with a white knuckle grip to something he once was, but probably isn’t anymore.

Cut to last week where a video was released not long after reports came out full of mentions that Peyton had had more surgeries than the general public was aware of, that his progress was not what we were all being led to believe, and that he wasn’t even able to throw across his body. So what did that video show us? That he can throw. That he can throw deep. And that we all made Tylenol a little richer due to the headaches brought on by having to squint to see what that video was supposed to show us. In short, I’m not sold. And Jets fans, you shouldn’t be either.

Today's back page of the Daily News.

Now we have the organization’s favorite pot stirrer, Manish Mehta, wielding his oversized wooden spoon yet again. His best friend Unnamed Player and his mistress Source are at it again, whispering in his ear to get his fingers a-typing, riling up the fan base and getting hits for his website (because that’s what it’s all about isn’t it?).

The Jets have been known to make decisions just like this in the past so would it surprise me to learn that the front office is serious in this quest? No. It would disappoint me, though, and it should disappoint any fan who is serious about this team. There is no guarantee of what you’d get with ANY player, and Sanchez’s inconsistency has long been a problem, but that can be broken with time and the right pieces of a puzzle. What can be broken with Peyton under center is, well, to put it bluntly, his neck. He is one injury away from traction. If during training camp Sione Pouha does a fart-sneeze combo anywhere near Peyton, he could very well be blown over and all of this was for nothing. Fact is, Peyton could be every bit as good as he always was, or maybe even better, but there is no way of knowing this and even seeing him throw in person will not give the answers any front office is looking for. You’d have to see him in a game, with a collapsing pocket and a rusher coming at him like a freight train only to take him to the ground and dirty his jersey. Only then can you truly know what you’re getting and frankly, no Jets fan should want to take that risk. GET PEYTON! CUT SANCHEZ! Manning goes down in game 2…then what are you left with? Oh, right. A jersey you paid too much for and a team that will be, yet again, a joke amongst its peers, because they bunked up their team to chase a fantasy.

The quest for Peyton will continue, the pot will be stirred with vigorous force by beat writers and the King of Sources working overtime to the point that he will probably not only continue to post how much the Jets will have if they cut Sanchez, he will show a screencap of his mathematical findings, and teams will continue to alienate their starting quarterbacks with all this talk because this can’t feel good to anyone to have to read about themselves. Fact is, the front office would face ire and wrath greater than they already are IF they didn’t state they were looking at Peyton with serious eyes. Are they? Probably. But as fans we should hope that this is more flash and words than truth and effort. Quarterback is not our big problem here, and Peyton is NOT the answer. But thanks to social media and not having anything else to write about, the major sources of team information, the supposed highway between the organization and its fans, will continue to write outlandish headlines, publish quotes that could have come from janitors, and rile up a bunch of people desperate for something to be done in a new direction. Maybe Mark Sanchez did unfollow all the beat writers to avoid seeing their tweets on his timeline. If that really is the case, he’s smarter than any one of us.

Sydney Kira is a regular contributor to the Green Room. You can follow her on Twitter @SydneyKira.

I knew this day would come, but somehow I still feel unprepared.

As you’ve probably heard, Chris Mortensen of ESPN is reporting that the Colts plan to release Peyton Manning tomorrow.

Naturally, speculation over where Manning will land in free agency began approximately .00001 seconds after the announcement was made. Actually, that’s not true. It started months ago, but we can now delete all sections in blog posts that include obligatory statements such as “if the Colts should release Manning,” or “should Manning become available.”

This photoshopped image was floating around on Twitter.

The reason we are here, once again, is because a great deal of that speculation obviously involves the New York Jets.

I’ve already written about this subject ad nauseum, but because I continue to be asked, let’s give it one more old college try.

Reports about the Jets supposed interest in the QB and speculation over why it New York should be considered a legitimate option are pouring out and will continue to run rampant until the situation plays itself out. That much I can promise you.

I hope I don’t have to tell you that this isn’t a surprise. Both Woody Johnson, Mike Tannenbaum and Rex Ryan have all commented that not only are they are exploring all options at the quarterback position, but they also made a point not to shoot down rumors. They have “discussed” the possibility and stated that they will do “due diligence.”

Additionally, various insider reports have indicated that the sources close to the team say they will look into it (Among them, a Daily News report from this evening and a post from CBS’ Mike Freeman, noting, “ I’m told their interest is more than fleeting and that they’re as interested as any team). I have also been personally told by several people with connections to the team that it has been talked about and that they are planning to look into it.

So this is not a new concept.

We can sit here and try to interpret what this means and depending on your definition of “due diligence,” this could mean that the team is either committed to an intense investigation/evaluation or it could mean that they will take an obligatory, voluntary look. There really is no way of knowing exactly how much “interest” or “discussion” or “looking into it” we are talking about here, so for now I guess those buzz words are open to interpretation. Chose your own adventure. Pick your poison. Whatever makes you sleep at night.

» Continue reading “Manning Mayhem”

Former MNF host and current ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski has been pretty public about his opinion that the Jets should go all in on the Peyton Manning sweepstakes.

A few weeks ago, Jaws told 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia he thinks Peyton should “go and play for a team that can compete for a Super Bowl.” Jaws believes the Jets are the perfect fit:

“I love Mark Sanchez, and there are 25 other quarterbacks in this league that I would take Peyton Manning over. (But) there’s a turf war in New York. The Giants just won the Super Bowl. The Jets are fighting for every inch of space they can get in the newspaper. How do you get that inch? How do you get the headlines? You sign Peyton Manning.”

Most of us laughed at Jaws and his silly statement because after all, it’s not as if Jaws has a special superpower that turns everything he thinks into reality.

Haha. Silly Jaws.

Except, wait — Jaws wont’t let it go. He REALLY, REALLY wants Peyton Manning to be a Jet.

More Jaws commentary about Peyton Manning is pouring in today, this time via statements he made to New York Post beat writer Bart Hubbuch. Both Kristian Dyer (of Metro) and Bart Hubbuch are in Atlantic City this weekend for the Maxwell Awards (along with Archie Manning).

» Continue reading “More From The World According to Jaws”

Not a whole lot to see here. Just more Peyton Manning speculation, which is just proof that there really is nothing to see here.

Ron Jaworski Thinks the Jets Should Pursue Peyton Manning

Come on man.

This “news” is so five minutes ago, but because everyone is still talking about it like it’s actually going to happen, let’s check in with Jaws to see what he had to say about Peyton Manning and the Jets in an interview with WPEN-FM in Philadelphia:

“I love the New York Jets. I love Mark Sanchez, and there are 25 other quarterbacks in this league that I would take Peyton Manning over. (But) there’s a turf war in New York. The Giants just won the Super Bowl. The Jets are fighting for every inch of space they can get in the newspaper. How do you get that inch? How do you get the headlines? You sign Peyton Manning.”

I really don’t feel the need to comment on this. You know how I feel. And just because Jaws thinks this should happen does not mean it should happen or..it will happen. So.Just. Relax.

Perhaps this is why Jaws was removed from the MNF booth?

(In case you are genuinely interested in this story line, the Colts have until March 8th, when Manning is set to receive a $28 mill dollar roster bonus, to decide what they are going to do with the QB. Until then, speculation will continue to run rampant on a daily basis).

Jets Unlikely To Use Franchise Tag on Sione Pouha

Much was made about this revelation yesterday, but let’s be careful not to jump to conclusions. We already know that the Jets do not have a ton of cap room to spend and the franchise number for nose tackles comes in at $7.9 million this year.

We also know that the Jets are making re-signing Pouha a priority, and it is believed that they will work to sign the 33-year old lineman to a short-term deal (2-3 years). The question is, will the two sides be able to reach an agreement? If not, Pouha will test the free agent market and very well could receive a salary in the $7 million range.

If Pouha were to find a new team, the Jets would be in need of a new nose tackle, as Kenrick Ellis is not ready to assume the role full-time.

Let’s just stay positive on this one and monitor the situation.

Quick Hits:

• ESPN‘s Adam Schefter reported via his Twitter yesterday that the Jets are dead even against the cap.
• According to Rich Cimini, the Jets are expected to pass on free agent pass rusher Mario Williams. (Duh).

As the start of free agency draws closer and closer, speculation over the possible landing spots for this year’s long list of top free agents heats up. The Jets have found themselves the subject of an awful lot of said speculation, most of it involving the future of Colts QB Peyton Manning, who many believe is the only thing separating this team from a Super Bowl ring. (Sorry, just can’t control that sarcasm button sometimes).

As if that whole dog and pony show wasn’t enough, in the past few days the rumors have been kicked up to a whole new level of preposterous. Now it seems that just about every NFL player looking for a place to call home next season should be on the Jets wish list. It doesn’t matter if it makes sense financially or in the system. Oh, no. Because according to the internet, any player looking for a suitor is a player the Jets will consider.

Don’t believe me? Read on and you’ll see.

Randy Moss – Randy Moss announced that he will be coming out of retirement and returning to football yesterday, and it took all of 5 seconds for the Jets to be on the list of teams suspected to show interest.

One of the best receivers ever? Yes. A good fit for the 2012 Jets? No.

ESPN‘s senior NFL analyst John Clayton got the ball rolling when he speculated that the Jets, among other teams, would be interested in acquiring the “unretired” NFL receiver.

Ummm….okay.

With all due respect to Mr.Clayton and his football knowledge, he cannot be serious. An aging, diva receiver is the last thing that the Jets need opposite Santonio Holmes. That would be the hottest mess in the history of hot messes.

Frankly, this sounds an awful lot like last summer, when it was widely speculated that the Jets were interested in acquiring Moss. I was very open about how it was not only a terrible idea, but that it was nothing more than a sad attempt by journalists to drum up headlines during a lockout. I believe the exact same thing is happening now and I’m willing to make a pretty hefty bet on it.

Here’s what we do know: According to Pro Football Talk, Moss’ agent Joel Segal revealed that 3 NFL teams have inquired about the receiver and Segal expects to hear from more in the coming weeks. Segal would not reveal the names of these mystery teams. The Dallas Cowboys have already been crossed off the list (also according to PFT), but really, who thought the Cowboys were interested? I, for one, did not.

So some teams are dumb enough to want Randy Moss – who spent time on 3 NFL teams in his last season of the league and then retired – on their team because he can allegedly still run pretty fast? That’s brilliant.

Stop me when I am making something up here, guys.

Bottom line: As I outlined in my look at this year’s free agent wide receiver class, the Jets are in need of a younger, fresher face to add now and for the future. Moss would just be another bandaid.

Brandon Jacobs – Jacobs has now been linked to the Jets courtesy of the running back’s comments to the New York Times explaining his ”respect” for how Rex Ryan “handles his business”

He told the Times:

It was a situation. We were rivals then. There’s no apology needed.

I like the way Rex handles his business. The guys on that team I know, know how I feel.

Pro Football Talk, in their usual fashion, headlined their version of the story saying Jacobs “would be interested in joining the Jets.”

As far as I can tell, he simply tried to make it sound like his, “Rex Ryan is a disrespectful bastard” comments were only something he said because he’s a stupid pompous jerk-face that was caught up in the moment and that, in his current situation (a dude who needs a contract badly), there are  no longer any hard feelings. He just wanted to clarify he totally doesn’t think Rex Ryan is a fat boy that needs to shut up (I won’t call it a full retraction) because maybe, just maybe, he might need to pretend he didn’t say those things when the Giants don’t pay him and he’s desperate for a team to call home.

But he never said he was interested in playing here, PFT. Just to be clear.

Bottom line: At the risk of offending Giants fans, let’s all be serious. Brandon Jacobs is an ass idiot that is nearing the end of his football career. He was effective this year for the Giants and an integral part of their successful season, but adding him to the Jets backfield is not going to give the Gang Green’s rushing attack the kind of boost they are looking for (they already have Greene; they don’t need more of the same) and it’s most certainly not going to help with their locker room situation.

This isn’t happening.

Hines Ward – Honestly, people? Hines Ward, while a fan favorite, has deteriorated as a player and is likely at the end of his football career. And haven’t the Jets done their fair share of experimenting with wide receivers past their expiration date?

I wish Hines the best but he should really consider retiring, with dignity, as a Steeler.

Bottom line: I can’t really even entertain this as a possibility.

Peyton Manning – The Manning to the Jets rumors have died down a bit (as I suspected) as other teams have emerged as “frontrunners” for the QB. Among them are the Redskins, Dolphins, Cardinals, Seahawks and yes, the Texans.

While reports continue to circulate that Jets owner Woody Johnson will pursue Manning in free agency, recent revelations regarding the team’s cap situation have shed a light on this pipe dream. It seems doubtful, even with a backloaded contract, that the Jets could get into a legit bidding war for the QB.

There is also the small matter of Peyton’s health, which continues to create controversy and remain a complete mystery. Some say he is fine (Mortensen, Peyton’s camp) while other’s claim he has a “noodle arm.” Sounds like a great gamble to me. (Insert sarcasm font here).

Bottom line: I don’t want to burst any bubbles, but well — I think I just did.

*I can’t even believe I have to say this, but in this day and age, apparently I do: Please understand I am not literally calling Peyton Manning, or anyone of these dudes, a misfit toy. The title of this post is just supposed to be a witty, humorous, snappy, crafty way of enticing you to read on. So please, hold the hate mail, google “misfit toys”, check out the photo of the cute little Rankin/Bass characters and have a nice day.

I made a blanket statement yesterday on Twitter that I wasn’t going to continue to help perpetuate these rampant Peyton Manning rumors and I remain firmly committed to that. The off-season is still young and I’m already getting tired of recycling and retweeting the same story that’s based on little more than speculation and opinion, loosely inspired by the twisting of words plucked from a press conference mostly taken out of context. I understand that today’s media is built upon rumors and whispers, but I simply can’t spend every waking moment of every day writing about something that for all intents and purposes, is nothing more than an idea.

As one very smart person replied: “But then how will we know what the Jets might potentially intend to do or not do sometime in a future that may/may not exist?”

My point exactly.

In the same 5 minute time span I saw two beat reporters tweet articles speculating Manning will land in New York this off-season. The columns seemed to be motivating by reports detailing Manning’s unhappiness with the current environment in Indy, the turnover with the front office and the chatter surrounding top QB prospect Andrew Luck.

Many believe his statements indicate he knows the writing is on the wall and that his time in Indy has come to an end. In fact, Manning went so far as to say, “..[..]…hard to see, all these people leaving. And I may be behind them. Who knows?’’

Several sources have informed me (very informally) that both Woody Johnson and Rex Ryan have expressed interest in acquiring Peyton Manning should he become available and deemed healthy, giving more credence to all of the chatter that has linked him to the team. With that, I cannot completely fault those who have taken small leads and run with them, but I can continue to maintain that we still know mostly nothing about the situation.

What do I mean? Well, let’s be mindful of the fact that hypothetical, possible, or even expected interest does not mean much in late January. It is yet to be determined if Peyton is even healthy enough to play in 2012 (or ever again), and even if he is supposedly healthy enough, the risk for further injury is a legitimate one.

Of course, the Colts – and only the Colts – have to make a decision (a $28 million dollar one, in fact) about Manning prior to him being a realistic possibility for any team.

Until both of these situations play out, no team can make a bid for Manning. Period.

Additionally, there are reports speculating about interest in Manning from other teams, including the Dolphins, Redskins and Cardinals. The Jets would have to compete with these teams for Manning in the open market, and there is no telling what Manning would garner with up to 4 teams in a bidding war. Woody, Tanny and Rex can want Manning till they are blue green in the face; they may not be able to afford him.

Lastly, there is the small matter of the Jets supposed “franchise quarterback” Mark Sanchez. We could get into a lengthy discussion about Sanchez and his future, but I think we can all agree that Manning would be an upgrade at the position, even if it was in the short term.

All that said, can the Jets afford both quarterbacks? Can they make this work? Should they? What about building for the future, instead of building for now? Does Peyton even want to play in New York (because you know he is getting a say in the matter)? There are all valid point to consider and they will be dissected by people in a far better mood to do so than me.

Until I get a concrete indication about what is going to happen with Manning, I will continue to ask all of these questions and shy away from playing into the media frenzy. I think there is a lot more here than meets the eye and simply going out and getting Peyton Manning will not fix all of the Jets problems, though it is a nice pretty band aid.

New Offensive Line Coach Named

The Jets announced yesterday that they have hired Dave DeGuglielmo as the new offensive line coach. DeGuglielmo was formerly the offensive line coach for the Miami Dolphins and will be reunited with his buddy Tony Sparano.

While in Miami, DeGuglielmo’s offensive line allowed Reggie Bush to rush for his first career 1,000 yard season.

Prior to his three years with the Dolphins, DeGuglielmo was the line coach for the New York Giants. Under his coaching in 2008, the Giants lead the league in rushing and boasted several Pro Bowl lineman.

Side note : Per the Star-Ledger, “Jets assistant strength and conditioning coach Bryan Dermody has also left the staff voluntarily.”

Best Pass Rusher on the Market Available

The Houston Chronicle is reporting that the Texans cannot use the franchise tag on DE/OLB Mario Williams. Per Peter King, the Texans and are said to be “seriously considering” allowing him to walk as a free agent this summer.

Williams would be exactly what the Jets need, though they would have to seriously consider if they want to address the need in free agency (and pay for it) or look to grab someone in this the forthcoming draft.

Senior Bowl Practice Kicks Off

Rex and Tanny at the Senior Bowl. Photo from Jetstwit.com

Practice for the Senior Bowl is already underway, and the Jets have already been linked to a number of names.

Here are a few players that have been linked to the Jets over the past few days : PSU DE Jack Crawford, Michigan DT Mike Martin, Troy OT James Brown, Baylor RB Terrance Ganaway, Missouri TE Michael Egnew, Boise State RB Doug Martin,

Cincinnati RB Isaiah Pead, Ohio State WR DeVier Posey, Arkansas WR Joe Adams, Nebraska LB Lavonte David and Iowa WR Marvin Mcnutt. The Jets have also been linked to LSU S Brandon Taylor though I have yet to determine to what extent.

In the past few weeks, I have shared several mock drafts that have the Jets take OLB Courtney Upshaw and S Mark Barron with their number 16 pick. Upshaw has performed extremely well thus far in practice and sadly, his draft stock is rising by the moment. It is highly possible he will not be available at #16, which likely explains why more and more analysts, including Mel Kiper of ESPN, have the Jets drafting Barron.

Another recent mock draft has the Jets taking DE/OLB Nick Perry from USC.

While it’s nearly impossible to predict what the Jets will do in the draft at the present moment, noting the players they speak with gives us an idea about the positions they might be targeting (RB, S, WR, DE, DT, TE, LB), in addition to the individual players.

Well I guess we had better get used to the Peyton Manning rumors, Jets fans, because they aren’t going anywhere.

Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News joined Pro Football Talk Live today to talk all things New York Jets. In his chat with my favorite  journalist Mike Florio, Mehta shared his belief that the Jets do in fact have an interest in signing quarterback Peyton Manning once he becomes a free agent (assuming the Colts let him go and he becomes a free agent).

Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck and the Colts are quite the topic of discussion right now. I’ll avoid asking questions about Peyton’s health for the time being, because we don’t know a darn thing, but the chatter that the Colts may move on from their star quarterback just became more of a reality with the firing of the Polians on Black Monday.

Either way, the Colts have to make a decision about Peyton and his health sooner rather than later and once that determination is made, the story will no doubt continue to develop.

Keep in mind that this is Mehta’s opinion, not a report, but it still continues to raise questions about the future of Peyton Manning and the future of Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez. I get the impression that Pro Football Talk is pretty into pushing this headline, if for no other reason than it gets a response.

The New York Daily News gets in on the Peyton Manning talk.

Gary Myers of the New York Daily News wrote a piece yesterday discussing the possibility of Colts quarterback Peyton Manning joining the New York Jets next season. Myers commentary isn’t groundbreaking; Peyton possibly becoming a Jets is a hot button topic in the Big Apple, though it does seem like it would have been more appropriate for Myers wait five days before publishing.

Myers points to the Peyton Manning-Tom Moore connection and also Rex’s fondness for Peyton as the most glaring reasons for the move.

I will write a lengthy, comprehensive quarterback column next week, after I see how the end of the season plays out. But for now, I’ll give you a hint where I am headed : Myers suggests that Manning be brought in to help Sanchez develop and that both could fit in under the salary cap. According to NewYorkJetscap.com this seems highly unlikely, as “Manning would cost at least $14.4 million under old terms; Sanchez is at $14.25″. That would leave very little left under the cap to attend to other glaring matters like safety, linebacker and offensive line. To name a few.

Enough of that. For now.

Rex Ryan, Brian Schottenheimer, Mike Westhoff and Mike Pettine all took the opportunity today to talk about this week’s hot topics and Sunday’s upcoming game vs. Miami (yeah, believe it or not there *is* a football game this weekend).

Brian Schottenheimer, well aware of the fact that his job is on the line, addressed the questions regarding his job, his future in New York and the Jets difficulties on offense this season. Here are a few of the more interesting tidbits from Schotty:

I’m an excellent football coach.

(Crickets)

Have we been inconsistent this year? Absolutely. I wish I could put a finger on it and say exactly what it was. There are things, clearly, I can do better. There are things, clearly, the unit can do better, but you don’t have time to worry about it.

I’ve been fired before. If you get in this profession, you’re going to get fired. And the guys that sit there and worry about it are the guys that generally end up getting fired, because they are sitting there worried about it.

Mark has a chance to be a great player, but he has to be more consistent.

Naturally, questions about Schottenheimer’s successor are already circulating, and offensive line coach Bill Callahan is considered the front runner for the position. However, Callahan is in the last year of his contract and Pro Football Talk has learned that Callahan turned down an extension with the Jets (in fact, he has turned down many), presumably to find a coaching job elsewhere.

Most everyone around here believes Tom Moore is the true heir apparent for the position.

Special Teams Coach Mike Hesthoff told the media today that he prepares for opponents a Wednesday ahead of schedule and that he is already prepping for Houston (The Jets would play Houston if they earn the final playoff spot).

Interesting.

Lastly, LaDainian Tomlinson told the media today that he is well-aware of the fact this this could be his last game. And not just his last game with the Jets but his last game. Period.

When asked if he would be interesting in remaining in New York, Tomlinson, who is a free agent this summer, said, “For me, it just depends on the situation. I’ve said that before. I would love to keep playing, but if the situation is not right, then I won’t. This possibly could be my last game.”

He also added, “If it is my last game, I’ve enjoyed 11 years of playing football, playing a kid’s game [with] two great organizations. Obviously, being here the last couple of years, I’ve really enjoyed my time here. The fans have been great. My teammates have been great. The coaching staff. There is nothing I could complain about.”

As most of you are no doubt well aware, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk filed a report yesterday suggesting the future of Mark Sanchez as the Jets franchise quarterback may be in question. Florio cited a ”league source” and stated, “that the Jets are beginning to realize that Sanchez may not be the answer at the position.”

Now, let me clarify that the above quotation is directly from Florio’s post and not a quote from the “league source” which, as of now, remains nameless and un-corroborated.

To Florio’s credit (I can’t believe I just used Florio and credit in the same sentence), he explains that Rex Ryan has been adement in saying that Sanchez will be the quarterback as long as he is head coach in New York; PFT just doesn’t happen to believe Rex will be the head coach if the Jets don’t quickly rebound.

Florio also adds, “Still, we’re told that the Jets will quietly explore their options, refraining from dropping any hints until they’re ready to pull the trigger — if that’s what they decide to do.”

I take most of what Florio writes with a grain of salt. His dislike for the Jets is rather well-documented and his opinion supported by simply citing a nameless “league source” seems, frankly, irresponsible. But hey–he is a football blogger and a rather high profile one at that. He out-scooped everyone else on the internet and for him, that’s what it’s all about.

As if the PFT bomb wasn’t enough, the New York Post quickly fired off their own report from writer Brian Costello, alleging lightning rod offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer “may be coaching for his job” this Sunday in Miami. Costello doesn’t cite a source in his report, and though there seems to be little need it would only be fair to view Costello’s write-up in the same way we view Florio’s : As speculation.

I realize this is a lot of he-said-he-said to take in, but these reports are creating a lot of controversy. In most cases, where there is smoke there is almost always fire but how do we truly separate fact from fiction?

When it comes to these kinds of rumors, I usually look to those whom I consider to have journalistic integrity.

Case in point : This morning Mike Freeman of CBSSports, a blogger that I regard as both reliable and ethical, wrote in his Daily Shoutout that he believes that Brian Schottenheimer – not Mark Sanchez – will be the Jets scapegoat for the season. Freeman referenced the New York Post ”loosely” reporting Schottenheimer would be coaching for his job and also mentioned the PFT article. Freeman did not comment specifically on the validity of Florio’s Sanchez report, but did add this his thoughts on the future of Schottenheimer are supported by a source he “trusts.”

So,there is that.

» Continue reading “Jets Dealing With Serious Sanchez and Schottenheimer Speculation”