The Jets offense played very well, gaining 384 yards, limiting turnovers and penalties, and decisively winning the battle in the trenches in the 48-28 win over the Bills. Oh, and taking every critic off their back in the process, at least for a week.

Sanchez victimized the Bills defensive backs, going 19 – 27 for 266 yards with 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. Sanchez also boasted a 123.4 quarterback rating on the day. Sanchez made a couple questionable decisions early, and he needs to protect the ball better than he did against Buffalo.

Mark Sanchez had one of the best regular season performances of his professional career in the Jets win over the Bills.

Wide Receivers Stephen Hill and Jeremy Kerley dismantled the Bills secondary with Hill catching 5 of 6 targets for 89 yards and 2 touchdowns. Kerley caught all 4 targets for 45 yards and a touchdown. Kerley also returned a punt 68 yards, untouched for a touchdown. Kerley’s performance today was reminiscent of former Jets receiver and returner, Santana Moss. Both Hill and Kerley did a great job of beating the cornerbacks in man coverage and gained chunks of yards after the catch.

Receiver Santonio Holmes had a decent day, catching 4 of 8 targets for 68 yards. Holmes did enough to prove he and Sanchez have a good repertoire, but that won’t be enough against better defenses.

Injured tight end Dustin Keller (hamstring) played sparingly, catching his lone target for 7 yards on a hitch route. Backup tight end Jeff Cumberland had a solid performance catching 3 of 4 targets for 33 yards. 2 of those receptions were key first downs early in the game.

The running game was more of a compliment to the passing game for Sanchez and co. today with Shonn Greene toting the rock 27 times for a meager 94 yards (A paltry 3.4 yard average). A good amount of Greene’s yards and only touchdown were in the forth quarter in junk time. He also fumbled twice; both were recovered by the offense.

» Continue reading “New York Jets Silence Critics With 48 – 28 Thumping Over Buffalo Bills”

T-minus 10 days until training camp begins in Cortland, New York and, as expected, the Tebow headlines are in full effect.

Here’s what’s making the news as we approach the start of training camp…

Church Group Plans Pilgrimage to Jets Camp >> In the weeks leading up to training camp in Cortland,  Jim Dempsey of the Cortland County Convention and Visitors Bureau has gotten some interesting calls from a few church groups. According to Dempsey, these groups are excited about the arrival of Tim Tebow. (Obvi).

Naturally, the media made a big deal out of this. I guess we are supposed to be surprised or shocked or something.

Dempsey expects “a lot” of groups to come to Cortland because of Tebow. (Ya think?).

You can view the original article from the New York Daily News here.

Tim Tebow Refuses to do Book Signing for Christian Book Store Near Jets Camp >> Speaking of Tebow, apparently Tebow won’t be signing books at a Christian book shop in Cortland.  At least, according to Kitty Jones, owner of Spirit and Life bookstore, the only Christian bookstore in town. Read on to hear what Kitty had to say.

What’s extra ridiculous about this story (outside of the fact that it *is* a story?) is that the headline suggests he “refused” to sign the books, whereas Kitty says “they” told her he isn’t doing anymore signings this year.

Sorry Kitty, but it’s  probably because he is there to play football. Just a guess. » Continue reading “Jets Headlines: Tebow, Cortland and Books”

The New York media, Twitter and consequently, the Jets fan base got an sneak preview of the team today as the first week of Organized Team Activities concluded with an open practice. If you weren’t around to follow the action on Twitter you’ve come to the right place, as I have compiled all the Tebow updates relevant information here.

Before I begin, I just want to remind everyone that we are talking about OTAs. This isn’t training camp. So, please limit the overreactions.

Also, quick FYI: Antonio Cromartie, Santonio Holmes and Laron Landry were all absent today. Both Cromartie and Landry were with family (see below for more on Landry) and Holmes is in Germany supporting the troops. All absences were approved. Oh and by the way, OTAs are voluntary. (Just saying). Mandatory minicamp is June 24-26.

Offense

Ooo Tebow as a Jet! (Photo source: Twitter)

• Obviously, the subject on the minds of everyone is how things looked at the quarterback position. By all accounts, QB Mark Sanchez had an excellent first week. Rex Ryan explained that Sanchez is stronger and healthier and he’s really “zipping it.” He also completed an impressive deep pass to Stephen Hill (more on that in a second). Who said he couldn’t throw deep?
• Much is being made of Tim Tebow‘s two interceptions thanks to the play-by-play tweeting from Jets beat reporters. Yes, Tebow did not look as good throwing the ball as Mark Sanchez but I mean, come on, folks. We already knew that Sanchez was a better passer than Tebow, right? Furthermore, it’s MAY and  the first week of OTAs. Moving on.
• Rookie WR Stephen Hill opened OTAs as the starter opposite Santonio Holmes. The team plans to use him in a role similar to Braylon Edwards. Hill closed out the week with a great day, burning Kyle Wilson and catching a 75-yard TD from Sanchez. » Continue reading “OTA Recap: News and Notes from Jets Organized Team Activities”

Jets rookie mini camp has been underway since Friday, and both the coaching staff and those in attendance have offered a glimpse of what we can expect from this incoming rookie class.

I have highlighted those that have garnered the most attention, and obviously Coples and Hills are on that list.

One quick “for what it’s worth” comment on these player notes (and hopefully I am not telling you something you don’t already know), but Rex Ryan likes to engage in hyperbole. Just keep that in mind when reading and interpreting his comments.

Quinton Coples

Yesterday we learned that Coples was given the playbook the day after he was drafted to get a head start on learning the Jets notoriously complex defense. Coples was moved all around the D Line in camp, spending time at both end and tackle. For what it’s worth, Coples explained that he believes he is “a tenth faster on the left side than right side.” According to Rex, Coples tallied 6 sacks in practice yesterday (in non-contact drills).

In his Friday press conference, Rex compared Coples to former Jet Shaun Ellis.

Coples did not participate in all of the team drills today and was spotted mostly working off to the side. He told reporters it was a “coach’s decision.”  According to Rex Ryan’s presser, Rex held him out so that he could have an opportunity to see other defensive lineman compete and perform. Rex noted that he has done this before with other other rookie lineman in camp. (Nothing to see here, let’s move on from this).

Rex again told the media that Coples WILL start and WILL be used in multiple schemes.

Photo from Twitter

Stephen Hill

Based on the tweets from beat reporters who attended the first two days of minicamp, Stephen Hill is already the apple of everyone’s eye.

Hill’s size, speed and long arms grabbed attention, and many, including ESPN’s Rich Cimini, commented on his route running and body control. Rex also praised Hill’s routes and added that he burned the defense a few times.

The biggest question about Hill has been about his skills as a pass catcher. It will be a question you will continue to hear about Hill, but I think thus far he has proven the insinuation by many critics that he has poor ball skills is a little ridiculous.

I also believe that Hill’s college statistics are largely a product of the triple option offense they ran at Georgia Tech and are not a good indicator of how effective a pass catcher he is. He did not have the opportunity to rack up numbers like some of the other receivers in this class.

Make no mistake: Rex and the team are extremely high on Hill. So much so that Rex admitted that they would have considered taking Hill with the 16th pick, and that is likely another reason why the team rushed to get him under contract.

Hill is the second rookie from this year’s class to be signed to a contract, and the first of the Jets draft picks. » Continue reading “News and Notes from Jets Rookie Mini Camp”

Photo from Hill's own Instagram

The Jets wasted no time locking up this year’s second round pick, Georgia Tech WR Stephen Hill. According to the Star Ledger, Hill has agreed to terms on a 4-year contract worth just under $5 million dollars. Other reports have the deal at $1.6 million per a year, though “sources” have apparently confirmed the $5 million that has been widely reported.

Also according to the source, $2.9 million is guaranteed.

The Jets were very high on Hill, so much so that they traded fifth and seventh rounders to move up in the second round to draft him.

Here’s what I had to say about the Jets selection of Hill on Friday night:

The Jets were targeting speedy wide receivers and Hill is just that. He ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the combine and impressed with his performance in drills and route running.  If that wasn’t enough, Hill has the ideal size to be the deep threat the Jets so desperately need; he comes in at 6’4″, 206 lbs with very long arms to reach up and grab balls that maybe aren’t perfectly thrown? and make plays.

The yellow jackets ran an option spread at Georgia Tech, and as a result, Hill’s college stats are not overly flashy, though he did boast an average of  over 29.3 yards per catch in 2011. He is also regarded as one of, if not the best blocking receiver in the draft, making the pick even more perfect for the Jets style of offense.

Hill shot up draft boards after his performance at the combine – Todd McShay called it one of the best combine workouts he’s ever seen from a wide receiver – and he was one of the best receivers left on the board heading into Day Two.  The Jets needed a young, tall, fast and physical receiver, and they got it.

No doubt Hill will need some time refinement, but he has tremendous upside.

Hill is the Jets first draft pick to agree to terms on a contract with the team; I would expect that first round pick Quinton Coples is not too far behind.

On an unrelated note, according to Manish Mehta of the Daily News, the Jets are one of three teams who have expressed interest in cornerback Drew Coleman. Coleman was released by the Jaguars earlier this afternoon.

The Jets started off Day 2 with a splash, selecting Georgia Tech WR Stephen Hill to round out offensive coordinator Tony Sparano’s new offense.

The Jets traded up with Seattle to No.43 to make the selection. Seattle received the Jets 2nd, 5th and 7th round picks. (No. 47, No. 154 and No. 232).

The Jets were targeting speedy wide receivers and Hill is just that. He ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the combine and impressed with his performance in drills and route running.  If that wasn’t enough, Hill has the ideal size to be the deep threat the Jets so desperately need; he comes in at 6’4″, 206 lbs with very long arms to reach up and grab balls that maybe aren’t perfectly thrown? and make plays.

The yellow jackets ran an option spread at Georgia Tech, and as a result, Hill’s college stats are not overly flashy, though he did boast an average of  over 29.3 yards per catch in 2011. He is also regarded as one of, if not the best blocking receiver in the draft, making the pick even more perfect for the Jets style of offense.

Hill shot up draft boards after his performance at the combine – Todd McShay called it one of the best combine workouts he’s ever seen from a wide receiver – and he was one of the best receivers left on the board heading into Day Two.  The Jets needed a young, tall, fast and physical receiver, and they got it.

No doubt Hill will need some time refinement, but he has tremendous upside. I wasn’t expecting the Jets to keep all their picks, and the Jets were really eyeing Hill. I can’t complain about this selection at all.

It’s worthing noting that Hill has been frequently compared to fellow Georgia Tech alum Demaryius Thomas. I will leave that alone, but I think you know where I could potentially go with such a comparison.

One more for-what-it’s-worth comment on this pick: The Jets fans at Radio City seemed pleased. A true Draftmus miracle.

Check out a few videos of Hill, courtesy of Jetstwit.

The second day of  NFL scouting combine featured skill position players (QB, WR and RB), Monday featured DL and LB, while today showcased the defensive backs.

Here is a brief summary of the top performers from Sunday-Tuesday, with an emphasis on some of the players the Jets could/should target (indicated with in bold).

Early Notes from Today (DB)

• CB Janoris Jenkins: The DB from Northern Alabama’s was Tuesday’s consensus top performance. Jenkins ran in the 4.4 range and performed very well in the drills. Morris Claiborne will still be considered the top corner prospect but Jenkins is not far behind. The only thing keeping him from really jumping ahead are “character concerns.”
• CB Josh Robinson: The UCF corner had the best broad jump (11’1″) and second best vertical (38.5), which was a surprise to many who didn’t see that kind of speed from him on tape. Robinson definitely raised some eyebrows and his stock will rise
• SS George Iloka:  The Boise State safety ran a 4.59 40, but decisions were split on his performance in the drills. Some felt he improved as he progressed through, while others felt he was stiff and showed poor footwork. Interest in him will rise and he could go as high as the second round as this safety class is not as strong .

Notes from Monday (DL, LB)

• DL Fletcher Cox: Cox ran an impressive 40 and showed really explosiveness and athleticism during positional drills.
• NT Dontari Poe : Poe was one of the top performers from Monday (some are calling his performance “freak-ish”). The Memphis DT boasted a 4.87 40 — and he weights almost 350 pounds. He can play in both a 3-4 and 4-3 and he will be highly sought after by teams looking for an elite DT/NT.
  

  South Carolina OLB/DE prospect Melvin Ingram

• DL Nick Perry – Perry’s vertical (38.5), broad jump (10’4″) and 40 time (4.5 at 270 pounds!) showed Perry’s explosiveness and maybe have helped put to rest of the concerns about him coming in.
• DE/OLB Melvin Ingram: Ingram performed well enough at the combine to possible overtake Courtney Upshaw as the “top” pass rusher in the draft, though his “body” is still a concern to some.  It’s become more likely that Ingram will not be available to the Jets at #16, and if they want him they may have to move up.
• LB Luke Kuechly: The Boston College alum solidified his status as one of, if not THE top linebacker in the draft after a fast, fluid workout. » Continue reading “Tales from the Combine – Part Two”