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Daily Links: No News Is Good News

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:00 GMT

Super nightmare for Jets’ Rex Ryan [Boston Herald]
Burress' comments reinforce Jets' need at WR [Pro Football Weekly]
Rex Ryan says Belichick and Brady may be best combo ever [Jet Press]

Place Your Bets: Will Holmes Attend “Jets West” Camp 2012?

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:50 GMT

Earlier today, Steiny posted an article including the following important information:

[Rex] Ryan, reiterating the team’s public stance on Holmes, said there’s no chance of [Santonio Holmes] being released.

Now Rod Boone's latest article has this interesting quote from Dustin Keller about their plans for this year's “Jets West” Camp:

There has to be, basically, 100 percent attendance

That immediately focuses attention onto Santonio Holmes, who didn't attend last year's camp (although he was not under contract at the time, so that's perhaps understandable.) Is Holmes going to be there this time? It sounds like it might cause more issues if he no-shows, but could be a good chance to build on the attempts to mend fences that already seem to be underway.

Over to you, then. Let's assume he isn't going to be released, as dangerous as it can be to assume anything with the Jets. (Hey, at least Rex didn't say “We expect him back”…although he didn't say they wouldn't trade him either.) Vote yay or nay and expand on your views in the comments.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Sanchez and Holmes: Couples Retreat

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:38 GMT

Rich Cimini spoke with Rex Ryan in Indianapolis today, where Rex noted that Mark Sanchez and Santonio Holmes are planning a vacation to repair their relationship.

INDIANAPOLIS — Mark Sanchez and Santonio Holmes have talked by phone in an attempt to repair their relationship, and they're planning to meet soon for a kind of quarterback-wide receiver retreat.

New York Jets coach Rex Ryan told ESPNNewYork.com Friday that Sanchez and Holmes have discussed the possibility of taking an entire weekend to hash out their differences — a couple's getaway, NFL style.

“I'm not sure if they're going to or not, but that's something they mentioned,” Ryan said before a promotional appearance at Super Bowl XLVI. “I'm not sure where it would be or anything like that. I know they had mentioned that to me.”

Ryan said he has spoken individually to Sanchez and Holmes, whose year-long rift became public at the end of the season. Asked if he planted the seed for the get-together, Ryan smiled and said, “I'm not going to take credit for that.”

{…}

“I think they're actually going to get together,” he said. “Look, we were all disappointed at the way the season went. That's one thing we have in common. We also have a burning desire to win, to right the ship. The previous season, they had great chemistry. There's enough common ground to bring them back.”

Ryan, who spent a few days at the Pro Bowl, said he spent a lot of time in Hawaii thinking about ways to improve the team's chemistry. He put his thoughts on paper.

“I've got 20 things I want to do differently,” he said. “I went to Hawaii and I wrote down, ‘Here's what went wrong, here's how we're going to fix it … Here's how I'm going to fix it.'”

The always confident Ryan expressed optimistic about recreating team harmony.

“I know we had some bumps in the road, no question,” he said. “I feel great about where I think we can go and how we can pull this team back together.”

Jets owner Woody Johnson revealed Thursday that he's planning to have dinner next week with Sanchez. Also next week, the Jets have to make the final decision on Holmes' contract.

If they wanted to cut him, they'd have to do it by Wednesday, according to a clause in the five-year, $45 contract he signed last summer. If he's still on the roster by Wednesday, his guaranteed money increases from $7.75 million to $15 million.

Ryan, reiterating the team's public stance on Holmes, said there's no chance of him being released.

“That's not going to happen,” he said.

I love this idea. I'll support anything Sanchez and Holmes do to try and repair their relationship. However, it's fair to have your doubts. LaDainian Tomlinson said he doesn't believe they can ever co-exist on the same team. Teammates compared their feud to the East Coast-West Coast rivalry. While people close to the team have suggested their fight was blown out of proportion, it's still not very encouraging to hear those words..

But there is no harm in taking a vacation to try and clear things up.

Goodell Adding More Thursday Night Games

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:58 GMT

NFL expanding to 13 Thursday night games, starting in Week 2. Goodell says every team will be assured of a primetime game.

about 19 hours ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@LATimesfarmer

Sam Farmer LA Times

Sam Farmer is a Los Angeles Times NFL columnist.

Not sure how I feel about this. I've never been a big fan of Thursday night games. Part of that comes from that fact that every game is on NFL Network. I live in New York City and I'm a Time Warner Cable customer. TWC doesn't carry the NFL network..so I can't even watch any of these games.

What do you guys think? Are you in favor of this move?

Rex to be Nominated for an Oscar?

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:34 GMT

As we posted a few months ago, Rex Ryan is set to play a Patriots fan in an upcoming Adam Sandler movie. According to Neil Best of Newsday during a special Super Bowl screening Indianapolis last night, Rex reportedly drew a lot of laughs, leaving Sandler to praise the rookie actor.

Remember Rex Ryan‘s long-ago guarantee that he would make it to Super BowlXLVI? Turns out he did, sort of.

Ryan's small role in a new Adam Sandler movie, “That's My Boy,” due out in June, drew big laughs Thursday during a special Super Bowl screening attended by Sandler and other cast members near Lucas Oil Stadium.

It was reported in November that Ryan would play a lawyer who is a big Patriots fan, but the fact the Patriots will play here Sunday on the stage Ryan longed to reach added to the comedic impact.

In Ryan's most extensive scene, he discusses a financial problem with Sandler's character, who throws a chair in frustration at a Tom Brady poster on the wall.

“C'mon, Donny, don't screw up my Tom Brady poster!” Ryan's character says. “Look at that jaw line, and just the right amount of scruff.”

Later Sandler's character grabs a Bill Belichick bobblehead off the desk. “Hey, hey, hey, you're killing me, man,” Ryan says. “Don't mess with the genius!”

Ryan appears in two other key scenes, one in voice only.

So, how did he do?

“Rex gets a lot of laughs in that movie, I'm telling you,” Sandler's producing partner, Jack Giarraputo, said. “For a rookie I think I would re-sign him to a long-term deal.”

Rex kicked Kerry Rhodes out of New York for being “too Hollywood,” but now it appears Rex has officially gone Hollywood himself.

Rex: Nothing but Respect for the Pats

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:17 GMT

Rex Ryan traveled to Indianapolis last night to take part in the Super Bowl festivities. In an interview with Fox 25′s Doug Goodie, Rex gave his thoughts on why he believes the Patriots are playing in the Super Bowl.

There's two main reasons: Brady and Belichick. That's the main reason right there. Belichick in my opinion is the best coach, maybe he'll go down in the history of the game as the best coach. … It's the truth. I'm not one to beat around the bush. That's [what] I believe. And then Brady, if he wins the Super Bowl this week, it's hard to say he's not the best big-game quarterback of all-time.

And with the 16th Pick…

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:01 GMT

With the NFL Draft 83 days away, draft experts have put been busy putting together their 2012 mock drafts. Here are a list of the top draft experts, and who they think the Jets will take with the 16th pick in the 2012 draft.

Walter Cherepinsky, Walter Football – New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

The Jets need to improve their pass rush so Rex Ryan doesn't have to call blitzes every single down. Rush linebacker Bryan Thomas tore his Achilles tendon earlier in the year, so this position has become even more dire for New York.

Courtney Upshaw, MVP of the alleged national championship, already has experience in the 3-4, so I'm sure Rex Ryan likes that

Scott Wright (DraftCountdown) - New York Jets: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The Jets have a star-studded secondary with Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and Jim Leonhard but there is a weak link and his name is Eric Smith. After a disappointing year in which his flaws were exposed, don’t be surprised if Rex Ryan opts to replace Smith in the offseason. Alabama’s Mark Barron is this year’s top safety prospect by a considerable margin and while he wouldn’t necessarily be a perfect fit alongside Leonard the two could certainly coexist. Not only does Barron possess an excellent blend of size and speed but his football intangibles also stand out. Barron is at his best in the box but he is also very instinctive and has flashed some playmaking ability in coverage, a la LaRon Landry. The right side of the offensive line is a problem area as well so if they aren’t confident that Vladimir Ducasse will finally emerge that could be an option. The Jets could also be in the market for a pass rushing outside linebacker, although the surprising resurrection of Aaron Maybin’s career may mitigate that need. Don’t rule out a wide receiver either since Plaxico Burress is past his prime and Santonio Holmes’ future with the franchise is now in question.

Don Banks, Sports Illustrated - New York Jets: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Being able to match up a big, athletic safety on the league's taller receivers and beast-like tight ends (Rob Gronkowski, we're looking in your direction) is the name of the game on defense these days. The Jets were at an obvious disadvantage on that front last season, but they'd be getting the best available talent upgrade in Barron.

Wes Bunting, National Football Post New York Jets: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

If the Jets are going to be successful, they have to get back to their ground and pound ways. And the idea of Trent Richardson and Shonn Greene as their one-two punch might be too good to pass up.

Rob Rang, CBS – New York Jets: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Dane Bruglar, CBS – New York Jets: Melvin Ingram, OLB, South Carolina

Bucky Brooks, NFL.com- New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

The Jets desperately need a pass rusher to help their defense return to the ranks of the elite. Upshaw's motor and relentlessness will allow Rex Ryan to scale back the risky blitzing in critical situations.

DraftTek: – Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina.

We changed up priorities a little this week in deference to Free Agency status of the Jets OLB's. Westerman and Maybin are restricted FA's, but if either are not retained, then a 34OLB becomes a higher priority. Going back into the previous 2 or 3 drafts, it seems that 34OLBs have always been the target of draft pundits for the Jets. But Mark Tannenbaum and Jets draft scouts avoided the position, which comes with a high bust potential once your draft pick exceeds the mid-teens. Last year the Jets picked at #30: they would have scored with Jabaal Sheard or Brooks Reed, but would have been left high and dry with Bruce Carter or Dontay Moch. Melvin Ingram's visibility has improved after leading South Carolina to a big Capital One Bowl win (1.5 sacks in that game, 10 on the year) – but he's been on the radar all along. Ingram has great speed – he was a kick returner and FB early on at SC. A first team All-American, this video puts his freakish athleticism and moves on display.

Draft Site- Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

Bucky Brooks, NFL.com- Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

The Jets desperately need a pass rusher to help their defense return to the ranks of the elite. Upshaw's motor and relentlessness will allow Rex Ryan to scale back the risky blitzing in critical situations.

Elliot Harrison, NFL.com – New York Jets: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The sooner Jets fans don't have to see Eric Smith running five yards behind a receiver, the happier they'll be. Rex Ryan, too.

Charles Davis, NFL.com -Nick Perry, USC, DE

The Jets have a glaring need for a pass rusher, and this youngster really came on late.

Chad Reuter, NFL.com – David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

The Jets averaged 3.8 yards a carry in the running game and gave up 40 sacks this season, meaning changes are coming on the offensive line. DeCastro possesses everything a team could want up front, so he won't last past the top 20 selections.

Peter Schrager, Fox Sports- Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Jets fans are far more concerned about the quarterback position this week, but safety was a sore spot all year, too. Offensive tackle is an area of need, as well, but after the first offensive tackles on the board this year, there’s a significant drop-off. I can’t see New York reaching. Barron’s a tough-nosed hitter who can make an impact in the pass coverage game, too. He can start right away. Get him in green

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN – Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Last year the Jets targeted help up front in the first round, and while the pass rush still needs some work, the secondary is a big concern because of the way the Jets' safeties got abused this year. You'd see teams lining up bigger receivers in the slot to target New York's smaller safeties and force Rex Ryan to make some tough decisions in coverage. In Barron, the Jets would get the best safety in the draft, a big, rangy talent with big-game experience and the ability to match up against taller receivers and tight ends. The Jets have schemed around a weakness at safety, but it's time to put a better talent back there.

Lets Hug It Out

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:11 GMT

The Jets' locker room troubles have been a widely publicized issue that have kept the headlines churning one right after another. However, Dustin Keller has been able to shed some light on the aftermath and perhaps quell some of the speculation attached with it.

Dustin Keller has spoken with quarterback Mark Sanchez since the season ended, to tell him “you're my guy” and that he has his back. The Jets tight end also spoke with receiver Santonio Holmes, soon after the disastrous season finale at Miami.

“(Holmes) felt really bad with the way things went down, and he loves being a Jet,” Keller said today in the Super Bowl XLVI host city, where he was promoting MetLife Stadium and the insurance company's new ad campaign debuting during the Super Bowl. “He wants to continue to be a Jet, and we want to have him.”

I feel Keller's interview is able to put some perspective on this issue. For as much “drama” that surrounded the alleged East Coast-West Coast feud, a lot of it was blown out of proportion because what else do you do during a slow news day? That aside, it goes without saying that when a team becomes accustomed to winning and going deep into the playoffs, as the Jets did under their first two season under Rex, tensions are bound to run high when all of a sudden you're looking at a situation where you're off playing golf in Hawaii right now. Nice vacation sure but not exactly what you were looking to achieve.

While we can only speculate what will happen from here on, I do believe this is fixable and of course the old saying winning cures all is easily applicable to this situation. It is just a matter of surrounding Sanchez with the right talent, not just physically but mentally, and re-establishing their identity. Most importantly, just hug it out.

Let the Speculation Begin

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:13 GMT

Something tells me we are going to be hearing a lot about Peyton Manning in the coming weeks….

Peyton Manning medically cleared to resume NFL career, per sources. More coming on ESPN now. #NFL32

February 2, 2012 5:16 pm via webReply RetweetFavorite

@mortreport

Chris Mortensen

Peyton is due $28 million on March 8th. I'm sure Jim Irsay has already made up his mind on what he plans to do with Peyton. Thus, I expect a resolution sooner rather than later.

Oh.. and Rob Lowe..take a seat.

Meetings Set for Next Week

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:37 GMT

Brian Costello of the NY Post is reporting that Jets owner Woody Johnson will have dinner with Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez next week, while Jets head coach Rex Ryan will meet with former Jets fullback Tony Richardson.

Just talked with Jets owner Woody Johnson. He said he has spoken with Mark Sanchez. The 2 are having dinner next week.

February 2, 2012 1:27 pm via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@BrianCoz

Brian Costello

Tony Richardson said he's meeting with Rex next week. Asked if he would join the organization he said he's not looking to do that right now

February 2, 2012 4:18 pm via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@BrianCoz

Brian Costello

Woody and Mark are probably having dinner to clear the air. I'm sure it's very common for an owner of a team to have dinner with his star QB during the offseason. With all the rumors regarding Peyton Manning, Woody probably wants to let Mark know what direction the team is heading in.

To me, the more intriguing meeting is the one between Rex and T-Rich. This is most likely not about coming back as a player. (T-Rich sat out the entire season and is 40 years old). I believe Rex wants T-Rich to be with the team in Cortland during training camp. T-Rich was one of the most respected players on the team. With the locker room in disarray, it's possible Rex likely is looking to T-Rich for advice. This is a great sign that Rex is staying true to his word and doing everything he can to fix the problems inside the locker room.

LB Jamaal Westerman Had Surgery for a Torn Groin

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:59 GMT

LB Jamaal Westerman recently underwent surgery for a torn groin according to various reports.

Jets LB Jamaal Westerman, Rex Ryan's “designated pass rusher,” just underwent surgery in the past two weeks over a torn groin, according to Jenny Vrentas of The Star-Ledger. Westerman played all 16 games with the tear, not realizing the severity of it until after the season was over. Westerman recorded 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Perhaps this helps explain why Westerman was not able to develop into the pass rushing force that Rex had initially declared him to be. Westerman is a restricted free agent now, so it will be interesting to see how the team deals with him after the poor season he had.

Manning Would Be A Disaster For Jets

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:05 GMT

Coming into Super Bowl week much of the talk around Indianapolis will not only be focused on the game between the Giants and Patriots but on the situation regarding Peyton Manning.

The relationship between Manning and the front office is definitely unstable, as it seems war of words has sputtered between Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay. Though today Irsay took some of his comments back, as did Manning.

“I don't think it's in a good interest to paint the horseshoe in a negative light, I really don't,” Irsay said. “He's such a big part of that and everything else, but the horseshoe always comes first.”

Naturally Jets fans eyes light up when they think Peyton Manning possibly coming to New York and becoming a Jet. Lets take a deep breath here, the New York Jets didn't finish 8-8 only because of Mark Sanchez. Even with a tough year that I will agree he had, he still threw 26 touchdowns which was a career high and threw for more yards then he has in each of his first two previous seasons.

Bringing in Peyton Manning would mean the Jets would have to gut their whole roster and basically build the team around the 36 year old quarterback who by the way didn't play all of last season because of serious neck injuries.

The Jets have bigger issues on their team believe it or not, besides quarterback. Linebacker, safety and defensive end are top priorities. These were the reasons why the Jets didn't make the playoffs for the first time under Rex Ryan. They were slow on defense all year and couldn't tackle in the open field.

Obviously Sanchez needs to improve but a lot of that goes to the offense he was in under Schottenheimer and now that Sparano is here, Sanchez deserves a chance to preform under a new system.

Which brings up another point with Sparano in to run the offense, Manning coming in would contradict everything the Jets want to do in running the football and being physical. Any team that brings in Peyton has to also understand that his offense that he's run for the last 14 years comes with him.

There is just too much risk in bringing in Manning if this was 6 years ago and Manning was healthy no brannier, but the fact that if this move doesn't work out it can sets the Jets back 2-4 years is too much of a risk for the Jets to take considering they want to be contenders every year.

Westhoff Will Stay with the Jets Through 2012

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:35 GMT

Special-teams coordinator Mike Westhoff will coach with the Jets through 2012, and the team is expecting him to retire after the upcoming season, according to Jenny Vrentas of the Newark Star-Ledger who cites two people with direct knowledge of his status with the team.

Westhoff signed a one-year contract extension with the Jets in Aug. 2010, running through the 2011 season. Westhoff said in September that he would like to coach one more season, running up to his 65th birthday.

“All I have a contract for is this year,” Westhoff said back then. “I really think I would like to go this and one more, that's my goal. Then I'll be 65, that might be enough. But trust me, I don’t think that far ahead.”

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Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:00 GMT

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Around the League

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:12 GMT

Here's some news from around the league …

Roger Gets Extended — The NFL has renewed Roger Goodell's contract with the league as their Commissioner until March 2019.

Peyton a “Priority” For Dolphins? — While Peyton has been all the talk in New York for too long, it looks like they won't be the only team interested in his services. According to a source who spoke with Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins would make the QB ‘a priority' for their team in 2012.

In Like Flynn? — Would Matt Flynn be the sensible starter in Miami if Salguero's source is wrong? Aaron Rodgers thinks that Flynn would be a ‘strong possibility' for their new Head Coach.

Is Rex This Super Bowl's Biggest Loser? — Mike Silver writes that Rex Ryan is the biggest loser out of the whole Patriots / Giants Super Bowl. He might be right.

Number Three Pick is up for Bid — The Vikings have a lot of needs to fill, and with the #3 pick, they realize that there are a lot of tasty players who would be available at that time. The Jets are going to have a raft of draft picks this year, so would the Vikings willingness to put the #3 pick up for auction be something the Jets would be willing to bargain for? You know that Tanny will at least put in the call …

Bucs Still Searching — The Tampa Bay Bucs are still looking for their next head coach … who's up next on the re-tread list?