By Tom Rock
A hundred bucks, cash or check. That’s how much it costs the players to buy their helmet after the season. Most of the guys did just that, but there were a few helmets that were left dangling on locker hooks as the last of the Jets made their way out of the locker room.
The veterans folded their clothes into Louis Vuitton bags while some of the rookies shoved sneakers into black Hefty garbage bags. Pretty quickly, everyone was packed up and heading out the door. That’s the drama of clean-out-your-locker day.
Kerry Rhodes said it’s odd to look around the room, survey the faces and think to himself: He’s not coming back, that guy is gone, he might be back. Chris Baker agreed, joking that he looked to his left, looked to his right, and realized those guys might not be his teammates for the 2007 season.
A few veterans admitted that, Sunday’s loss aside, it’s a bit of a relief whenever a season comes to an end. It means time to spend with family, a chance to relax, and no worries about being fined for violating one of Eric’s Rules. There’s also an opportunity to rest the slew of injuries that have accumulated throughout the season. As Pete Kendall said, “Football is not what the doctor ordered.”
The mood was generally light, though. Optimism was the over-riding emotion, and there is definitely a sense that a new Jet era is dawning.
The interesting item from Mangini’s season-ender was that he would not anoint Chad Pennington as the starter going into next season. He was complimentary of Pennington, said he knew more about him than he did coming into this season, but said it is a philosophical decision to provide competition at all positions. Mangini also skirted some questions about whether the Jets can win a championship with Pennington at quarterback, and whether there would be an open competition if Tom Brady were the Jets QB. Welcome to the rebirth of the quarterback carousel.
I’ll be back from time to time to update the blog, especially around the draft and if/when the Jets cut Kevan Barlow and Derrick Blaylock (Mangini said today that, despite Barlow’s insistence that he is playing on one leg, the decision to bench him in five of the last six games was a coaching decision; he also said he saw some good things from all three running backs this year, meaning No. 4, Derrick Blaylock, is not long for this team). My guess is that there will be a significant turnover this season as Mangini and Tannenbaum start bringing in “their guys,” the first of which was Matt Chatham last year. At some point, that could also mean discussions with Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan if he is dumped under the new regime there, or Romeo Crennel if he is sacked by the Browns.
Enjoy the rest of the playoffs. Enjoy the off-season. Thanks for all of your input. Let me correct that. Thanks for most of your input. My first season was a blast, more fascinating that I thought it would be and – with 10 wins – certainly more fun to watch!
Comments (24)
How come every reporter was on Jets 24/7 except for you on Sunday talking about the regular season? Berger would've been on the show if he was still on the beat.
Why did Newsday hire you, didn't you write about fishing before this gig?
The biggest weekness of the Jets all season has been stopping the run without blitzing. That was a big difference in this game, and gave NE a huge advantage. Notice the time of possion and third down completion percentage. The "D" has to inprove in that area for us to take it to the next level.
JETS STINK
Rock, thanks for the blog, it was a lot of fun being able to post my personal opinion somewhere where is actually counted. :)
Look fellas... we all know the Jets issues on 'D' and 'O', point is, even if we beat the Pats (which I wish we would have), there is NO WAY we would have stopped LT in San Diego. We can't stop a 33 year old RB ... anyone really believe we could stop LT? NOT!
Have a great off-season, I'm looking forward to the improvements coming to us.
Jimmy Cheese
Note: The Jets singed the following five players to reserve/futures contracts: DE Darrell Adams (Villanova), CB Alphonso Hodge (Miami, OH), TE Joe Kowalewski (Syracuse), DT Keyonta Marshall (Grand Valley State) & DT Matt McChesney (Colorado)
any word on why why zarnell fitch,charles missant and sloan thomas did not sign one
http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N737WH
Jets fans, click the links above to see where Huizenga is flying to find the next HC of the MD. Does his flight to Republic mean he's going to see Schottenheimer?
Two words for Mr. T and Manginious: Michael Turner, go get him! RB and KR, especially teamed with J. Miller, a lethal combination.
JD you're lost. Herm is overrated and will never win a championship. He should be appluaded that he has made millions. He was exposed once again last week and his teams NEVER overachieve. He took over a 9-7 Jet team and took over a similar Chief team. The Chiefs showed zero last week and in the playoffs innovation is needed. Herm just doesn't have what it takes. Do you think he would have been 10-6 with this Jets team?
Love your blog... can't wait till next season
can anyone say TONY SCOTT ? he is the guy we need to get if he lasts that long in the draft this year. 6-2, 245 back from penn state. can run like a bull, catch passes and doesnt get hurt. up the middle or around the ends, he is the guy. lets just keep our fingers crossed.
I really do not want B. Shott to go. I want this team to gel. I think Woody should throw some money around and try to keep this coaching staff intact. I really feel that we are about to be on the verge of greatness if we can keep the staff together.
Hey Tom,
Just wanted to thank you for an excellent job on the beat this year. I'm a loyal Newsday reader, and I was totally fulfilled by your coverage this season. I'm looking forward to reading you down the road!
hey tom
i realize that d'brickshaw ferguson and nick mangold were named to the nfl all-rookie team, that is great. how about some recognition to marquiss colston, played at hofstra, walked on to the saints training camp and made the team. this past weekend against the eagle it seemed as though he was drew brees's primary target. he is playing for the nfc championship this weekend and deserves to be put on the pedistal along with mangold and ferguson.
dan murphy
massapequa park, ny
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