Misery Loves Company

[six7]

Martin announces retirement following PUP-list designation
July 30, 2006 | Jets Camp Insider

NEW YORK -- At the age of 31, Curtis Martin ran the ball 371 times for 1,697 yards and 12 touchdowns. Enough to win the rushing title. He helped lead the Jets to a 10-6 record on the season, which ended in a divisional-round loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

But just one year later, Martin suffered an injury in Week 2 which would limit his ability to run and ultimately led to a season-ending knee surgery in 2005. It would be an injury that he couldn't overcome.

Martin's retirement announcement comes just days after being told he would be designated to the PUP-list to start the season.

"I gave it everything I had, and I have no regrets," said Martin. "I'm looking for forward to what's next for me, and putting an emphasis on taking care of my body."

Curtis Martin played 11 seasons for the Jets and Patriots. He had 3,518 carries for 14,101 yards, 484 catches for 3,329 yards and scored 100 touchdowns. He was selected to play in 5 Pro Bowls, and won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

[Soapy]

trade for vick or unfollowing

[six7]

trade for vick or unfollowing

throwing with a lefty

[six7]

Mangini looking for answers in run game with absence of Martin
August 1, 2006 | Jets Camp Insider

NEW YORK -- On the heels of Curtis Martin's announcement to retire, there was just one question left in the minds of Jets fans:

Who will be the starting running back this season?

Currently, the roster consists of returning players Derrick Blaylock (7 games, 53 rush yards last season) and Cedric Houston (302 yards, 2 TD last season), and newcomers Kevan Barlow (from the 49ers) and rookie Leon Washington (from Florida State). And none of those names stand out.

Barlow seems to be the one to get first dibs at a starting role, but Houston could eat into that role as well.

Blaylock and Washington seem to be more in line with a change-of-pace role, though the rookie Washington hasn't shown us what he's capable of yet. Could he be the one to take the starting job?

"Right now that spot is up for grabs," said rookie head coach Eric Mangini. "Last year, I know Cedric [Houston] picked up the slack when Curtis Martin went down – and now with him out, we're going to have to see if he's really that guy or not."

One thing for sure is that somebody is going to have to step up if the Jets are going to find success this year, especially considering Mangini's conservative, possession-based brand of football.

[six7]

Pennington's arm health a cause for concern?
August 3, 2006 | Jets Camp Insider

NEW YORK -- Prior to last season's opener, starting QB Chad Pennington underwent surgery on his throwing shoulder. In addition to a large tear in his right rotator cuff, he also had a large bone spur on the same shoulder.

Then, just three weeks into the season, Pennnington re-injured the same shoulder against Jacksonville and needed season-ending surgery.

"The zip on the ball just isn't there anymore," noted an anonymous scout.

"We have a great defense, and Chad's a smart player who doesn't need to rely on the deep ball," said head coach Eric Mangini. "He doesn't have to be that type of gunslinger here. As long as he protects the ball and makes smart passes, we'll be a winning football team."

But can these Jets be a winning team with a dink-and-dunk approach is the real question.

Just how weak is Pennington's arm? And how long until he needs another surgery?

These are the questions that have to be looming in the heads of the coaching staff.

Hopeful Jets fans believe they will be okay with their second-round rookie Kellen Clemens, but they also have a serviceable backup in Patrick Ramsey, as well. Though neither are expected to be able to carry the load should we witness the collapse of Pennington's career right before our eyes.

[six7]

should be good for now... trying to help set the stage for what was happening at this time

[six7]

Jets implementing new defensive scheme, a bad thing?
August 11, 2006 | Jets Camp Insider

HEMPSTEAD, NY -- The Jets lack talent on both sides of the ball, but particularly on defense, seem shy of players with the right skill-sets necessary to play the 3-4 front that has been implemented with new head coach Eric Mangini.

The line really doesn't possess a true nose tackle to clog the middle, and the unit's best player, Jonathan Vilma, who played as a traditional middle linebacker in the old 4-3 front, could be neutralized by having to take on more blockers now as one of two inside linebackers in the 3-4 alignment.

Vilma acknowledged that he was shaken from his comfort zone, "it's definitely a learning curve," said the 24-year old of switching to a new defensive scheme. "Part of you doesn't want to give up something that's become familiar. It's human nature. Then, after thinking about it, I got excited by the [prospect] of learning a new defense, of taking on a new challenge."

Said Mangini: "He's picked it up quickly. He's got resiliency and flexibility. I think Jonathan would do just about anything you ask him to do."

While there's reason for concern, at least there is some depth, relatively speaking, in the Jets' secondary, where youngsters Kerry Rhodes and Erik Coleman form a nice safety tandem for added support.

[The JZA]

Ew, a Jets chise

[six7]

Ew, a Jets chise

[djp73]

WHERE THE GAMES AT?!?!?!?!