Jets Open Mini-Camp

Hey everyone. Sorry for the lack of posts over the last few days. Have been busy with work and preparing my trip out to California, where I will be spending four months studying and interning in the fall. Should be a great time.

There are several stories around the area today including two big rivalry series kicking off tonight in baseball. However, I'll focus this post on the Jets beginning their three-day mandatory mini-camp at their training facility in Florham Park, New Jersey today.

All the big guns were accounted for, as expected. Mark Sanchez and Kellen Clemens both threw the ball fairly well today. Thomas Jones and Leon Washington were both there, despite their contract issues (which Leon spoke about), and Rex Ryan once again made his voice heard.

In terms of the first issue, the quarterback competition with Sanchez and Clemens continued to heat up. Both had some good throws in practice, the only blip was an interception thrown by Sanchez to Eric Smith. Either way, after practice, both quarterbacks made it known to the media that this was a competition between the QBs and not a controversy.

My Take: Both players respect each other and are helping each other become better through this. However, it is not like one has a clear edge over the other and that other QB is trying to take the spot. Clemens and Sanchez each have an equal chance of making the team and it should be interesting to see who comes out on top. If one thing's for sure, it's that whoever is the quarterback to start the season will have earned it, as Ryan said afterwards.

In terms of the contract issues, Washington spoke about his situation to reporters after practice. The bottom line with him is that he wants "fair market value." In other words, he demands a contract that is similar to other playmaking runningbacks like Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren Sproles (roughly $6 million). He wouldn't state whether or not he would be at training camp later on or any other plans. He preached his desire for a better contract but also that he loves playing for the Jets and wants to stay there.

My Take: Washington is only making $535,000 this year, and no doubt is a better player than that on the market. I understand his desires to make more money. However, when it comes down to what is best for him and the team, it is best for him to take the field all summer, even if the dispute is still going on. He is an important part of the team's offense and is a player who could become important for the Jets or other teams in the future. Holding out does not bode well for his image. You can be upset but don't stop playing because of it.

Finally, Rex Ryan spoke out again, referencing comments made by Channing Crowder of the Dolphins. Crowder claimed that Ryan was getting too excited about his team and that Ryan was the "OTA Super Bowl winner." Ryan fired back today saying that you do win games in June by the preparation that you do during the summer months. He also noted that he will not apologize for any comments he made, including his famous "I'm not here to kiss Bill Belichick's rings" statement.

My Take: Ryan shouldn't have to take back or apologize for anything he said. Yes, he is a first-year head coach who has not proven that he can be successful in that position yet. However, he has a lot of confidence, which any coach should in his team, and is making his feelings known that he isn't intimidated by the Patriots or anyone else. I see nothing wrong with being excited for what your team can do in June, agree that it's important to prepare well for the season in the summer, and think that Ryan has the ability and the team to be successful.

Checking in with the Jets

Haven't had a football related blog since my triumphant return, so I thought I'd catch you all up on some happenings around the Jets. They are currently taking part in OTAs (organized team activities) and have made headlines recently regarding the players in attendance.

News continues to revolve around quarterback Mark Sanchez and whether or not he'll be the starter this year. My guess is not right away, as I feel Kellen Clemens has the experience, and Sanchez might need some more time. I wouldn't be surprised to see Sanchez start later in the season.

As for players who have missed time at OTAs, the two stand-outs would be runningbacks Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. Both are unhappy with their current contracts. Jones is set to receive $900,000 this year, but wants more after he was the AFC's leading rusher last season. As for Washington, he's due just $535,000, and wants money similar to that of Darren Sproles and Maurice Jones-Drew (around $6 or 7 million).

Jones sat out all of the voluntary offseason workouts, but returned on Wednesday, May 27th. As for his back-up, Washington also sat out for a while from OTAs, and finally returned yesterday to the practice facility in Florham Park, NJ. According to Washington's agent, the return was "a move of good faith."

It appears unlikely either will get a big increase. Jones has received a lot already from his first two years of his four-year contract and is continuing to age (over 30). Washington could be either an unrestricted or restricted free agent after the season, depending on whether the league develops a new Collective Bargaining Agreement after the 2009 season. The team doesn't want to pay him a lot of he would be unrestricted, and rightfully so.

Either way, both are back working out with the team, both are in great shape as always, and will look to lead a run-heavy offense this season under the direction of new Head Coach Rex Ryan and either Clemens or Sanchez under center.

Jets Stacking Up on Defense

It has been a pretty tremendous couple of days if you are a New York Jets fan. The team, which clearly had huge holes on the defensive end all of last season, has bolstered their roster since signing former-Ravens Defensive Coordinator Rex Ryan. After nabbing former-Raven Bart Scott and trading for former-Eagle Lito Sheppard, the Jets added Jim Leonhard, another Raven from last season, to their secondary today. All-in-all, Jets fans have to be happy with all three signings.

Leonhard agreed to a three-year deal on Tuesday. He has the tools to be a good safety and will start alongside Kerry Rhodes. That's a pretty good safety combo. Leonhard hasn't been the most consistent starter, but last year was a big player late in the season for the Ravens. He is familiar with Ryan's defense and that will likely help him in his transition to New York.

The Jets traded for Sheppard and only gave up a couple draft picks. Sheppard is a very good cornerback and will slot in nicely with rising star Darrelle Revis in the secondary. Sheppard wanted out of Philly for a while, and now he gets the chance for a fresh start. The Jets corners and safeties had big problems last year, especially in the second half, covering receivers and making big plays. Sheppard is the type of playmaking corner that can improve these problems.

Finally, Bart Scott was brought in to help the linebacking core with a 6-year, $48 million deal. While his numbers have decreased slightly over the last two seasons, he is a solid blitzer and will be the true fixture in the center of the Jets' defense. He'll likely start as a middle-linebacker with David Harris to give the Jets another solid combo at that position. He has the familiarity with Rex Ryan which is another added bonus and will no doubt be the go-to guy on the Jets defense.

Jets fans should celebrate these signings, but there are still a few question marks with the team. Is Kellen Clemens really going to be the quarterback? Can Leon Washington be a solid enough back behind Thomas Jones or do the Jets relegate him to the kick returner role and get another RB? Another wide receiver to replace Laveranues Coles? And is the defensive line good enough to put pressure on the opposing QB? They certainly weren't last year.

My predictions: Clemens is the QB, Jets get another RB but Leon starts the season as the #2, They absolutely get another wide-out, and I think the D-Line stays the same as the linebackers and even safeties will do a lot of blitzing this season. But then again, that's just my take. Let me know what you think!!