Summer’s Annual Itch – Matt Waters

 It’s a distant sound in the back of my mind, hibernating, but still resonating. My focus lies with Baseball, as it always has and always will during these scorching summer months, playing out as poetry in motion over the course of it’s 162 game climb to the play offs and beyond. But still, that itch persists. And as I begin to scratch, the memories come fast and furious comparable to a high -speed collision near the sideline during the fourth quarter of a tie game. My mind travels to the Leon Johnson half back pass and stills asks Why Bill Why? It looks mournfully at the Richie Anderson fumble and bemoans a lost Super Bowl dream. It surveys Vinny Testaverde’s Achilles injury on week one like a rubber necking motorist trapped in an endless traffic jam. It tours past Raiders and Ravens ending Jets’ seasons of the past, wrapped together in one dark collage. And then there’s Doug Brien. He owns a wing of torment all his own.  Finally, escaping the past, my mind turns to the future, and one question stills continues to be asked, even in the heat of the most unpredictable Yankee season since 1995. Is this the year the Jets finally get it right? The punctuation is not usually a question mark, but rather a twisting football careening through the air off the foot of Doug Brien, destined to go laughably wide. At least 200 times a year during the football season, one is bound to hear an opinion that holds water with every analyst who ever covered the game. From the old and crotchety to the young and flamboyant, one message ranges crystal clear. Defense and Special teams win championships.

 I’m sitting on my couch witnessing the impossible, but still holding onto that precise thought. How had the Jets waltzed into Hines Field, home of the 15-1 Steelers, haven for their boisterous fans, and outplayed the regular season’s best A.F.C team?

Defense and special teams.

The Jet defense, playing with rabid and opportunistic zeal that I hadn’t seen in my lifetime as a long-suffering fan, dominated a shockingly over matched Ben Rothliesberger. The Unit forced the previously unflappable Rookie into several key mistakes, none of more magnitude than an interception practically thrown directly into the hands of much maligned defensive back Reggie Tongue. Tongue, who accepted the gift with open arms, scrambled for a momentum turning touchdown.

The Special teams were up to the big game task as well. Santana Moss delivered a punt return for a touchdown when the team’s offense seemed to be stuck in quicksand against the Blitzkrieg attack of Bill Cowher’s numerous effective defensive weapons. Punter Toby Gowin, who suffered through an awful statistical season, survived a stifling wind to avoid hurting the Jets in a field position battle.

The Jets had the key in the door to the A.F.C. Championship Game; the only step left was turning the damn thing. They had played Winning Football by following the sacred path made clear with the fundamental tasks of defense and special teams. And than, being the Jets, they screwed up that second element, and in such an unbelievable fashion that it is sure to go down in the halls of infamy.  

Sure, a mulligan was in order when Brien missed that first fatal fourth quarter kick, a 47 yarder made virtually impossible with the swirling winds of Hines Field. Brien came close, hitting the bottom upright, but a little more leg strength would have propelled the Jets to an upset win for the ages. Instead, the game remained tied and it was the Steelers who found the game resting in their palms thanks to good fortune and their home field. This game of twists and turns took another one as Big Ben continued his atrocious play en route for apparent fitting of goat horns, as he threw yet another interception, this time setting up the game for the Jets. After all the dust had cleared, the Jets and their fans were left hanging on Doug Brien’s second fourth quarter kick, this one with four seconds left. On this attempt, with the season hanging in the balance, Doug changed his usual strategy. Gauging that the winds wouldn’t allow a normal kick with his average velocity through the ever so welcoming uprights, Brien attempted to muscle up and pound his kick into orbit. The ball tailed so horribly wide that it’s trajectory wasn’t in question even moments after the initial take off. You had to feel for the guy. It wasn’t entirely his fault that the Jets had lost; Paul Hackett was more conservative than Calvin Coolidge with his play calling. Herm Edwards could have stepped in with more aggressive play calling, but instead he simply watched as Jet running plays went for two yards and a cloud of dust, leading to Brien’s final and fatal miss. The Jets would never recover. The team’s exhausted defense, which had given the team all it had and more, was now reduced into a mere speed bump for the reinvigorated Pittsburgh offense. A Jeff Reid field goal sent the Jets spiraling out of the play offs, and their fan base to ponder what might have been.

 As the last residue of pain and disappointment washed away from my body in about late March, I attempted to push the Jets and that question of my mind until at least Training Camp. But Jesus Christ, it still itches. I need this out of my system.

Is this really the year?

Q.B:  

 Pennington: Not only did Chad Pennington further entrench him self as the Jets’ franchise Q.B. last season in putting up solid numbers in his first full season as the team’s starter, he raised him self a few notches in my book by angrily lashing out at the venomous New York media. The only draw back to this move however, was that the same holier than art thou scribes who probably wouldn’t be able to type with broken finger nail would completely disavow all knowledge in print that Chad Pennington played courageously in the second half of the season with a torn rotator cuff. The fact that Chad was able to lead the Jets to victory against a heavily favored Chargers team in the Wild Card Round with an injury that greatly prohibited his arm strength was not only a great feat, but also perhaps the defining moment of Pennington’s young career. As long as he stays healthy, the Jets’ present and future should have a dynamite season in a new, more wide open system that puts greater responsibility on his shoulders with regards to calling audibles at the line of scrimmage before the snap. This should put a stop to the instances during the Paul Hackett regime when my mom would know what play was coming before the Jets’ perpetually conservative offense even ran it. But of course, that health stumbling block is a real and immediate concern to the Jets, which was their rationale for signing back up Jay Fielder.

 Fielder: It was hard to imagine a worse scenario for Jay Fiedler as the 2004 Dolphins season began. Fiedler is a signal caller who relies almost entirely on the system around him, using high intelligence and decent athletic ability to exploit holes in opposing team’s passing defense, holes that are only established through a dynamic running game. Which is why Fiedler’s record is a starting Q.B. for the Dolphins was so very impressive up until 2004, as he found him self in a happy medium where Ricky Williams would set the table for any Dolphins’ success or failure. When Ricky Williams decided that his best course for happiness was smoking weed [hey, to each his own] and left the Dolphins right before training camp, the onus was unfairly placed on Jay to some how carry an offense that he had previously only served as a caretaker to. So, it was no surprise to see Fiedler and the Dolphins sputter to an awful season that served as the tragic end to the hilarious ” Jesus Christ, look at Dave’s mustache this week” era. Fiedler now finds him self in much more comfortable situation. Serving as the back up Quarterback for his home town team, the experienced veteran’s sole responsibility will be to maintain the flow of the Jets offense should Pennington go down with an injury. And as long as Curtis Martin stays healthy, it’ll be a role Fiedler is more than used to.  

 Bollinger:
Bollinger was a late round pick with enough expected up side to eventually take over as Chad Pennington’s primary back up. Obviously, something has gone wrong with that plan, which made signing Fiedler necessary. The primary problem may be with the fact that Bollinger often fumbles when hit in the pocket. With the signing of a long term back up, Bollinger seems pigeon holed into the number three spot.

 Ray:
The signing of Ray was most definitely interesting when the deal went down, as he had just come off a triumphant season in the C.F.L. where he led his team to the Championship, and all the while pocketing an M.V.P. trophy for him self. Ray was placed on the Practice Squad for most of last year, and is a guy the Jets in a best-case scenario hope develops into a decent trading chip.

R.B.:

 Martin:
The fact that Curtis Martin isn’t one of the most well known players in the N.F.L. to the hard core and casual fan alike is more of a reflection on our in your face society where at my Super Bowl Party a person with no inclination toward sports would recognize and know Freddy Mitchell but not have a clue on the identity of Curtis Martin. In his quiet, classy fashion, Martin went out with something to prove in 04 and did just that, leading the league in yardage and upping his touchdown productivity, the latter being reserved so the Fantasy Football fanatics could have absolutely nothing to complain about.  As long as the fire burns in Martin, the Jets will always have a chance.

 Blaylock:
Derrick Blaylock was signed to replace the departed LaMont Jordan, and is more than apt to do an excellent job. A certain threat to score in the Red Zone, Blaylock adds a new dynamic to the run game with speed comparable to Martin’s, and is more agile than the hulking Jordan. Having Blaylock back up Martin with the same kind of running style will add more continuity to the Jets’ Offense.  

 Houston:
Cedric Houston is a late round gamble who has plenty of potential and every opportunity in the world to prove him self a worthy name in discussions about Curtis Martin’s eventual heir.

  W.R.:

 Coles:
The prodigal son has returned. Coles, who was showing great on field chemistry with Chad Pennington before his unfortunate exit to the Redskins, is now entering a second tour of duty with the Jets. Presuming his toe injury holds up, the Jets and their fans know what to expect of the hard nosed speedster who was the steal of the 2000 draft: up to or over 80 catches, explosiveness down field especially to the sidelines, and a very real hunger to not only defeat his opponent, but to embarrass them. This ill will can have it’s origin traced back to the fact Coles slid down all the way into the late rounds of the draft due to perceived attitude problems. For every big game he has, Coles feels a measure of revenge is being reaped against the very franchises that foolishly didn’t believe in his ability.  

 McCareins:
Justin experienced a solid 50 catch season in 2004, displaying soft hands and a willingness to go over the middle for crucial catches. He seems primed for a bigger statistical year in 2005, with the arrival of new offensive coordinator Mike Heirmerdinger. Heimerdinger will open up the Jets air attack, and is also familiar with McCariens from their days in Tennessee when it was the then Titans coordinator who molded the young receiver into the player that he is today.

 Chrebet:
It’s hard to believe Wayne Chrebet is now a grizzled veteran, as one always flashes back to the pint sized pass catcher as the last receiver on Rich Kotite’s depth chart circa 1996. Times have changed plenty since than, but Chrebet’s soft hands will apparently never age. As long as a pass could be caught, Chrebet will most definitely corral it, whether he has to dive, jump, or crawl. Wayne is content in his new role as occasional slot receiver, and is always a threat on third down.  

Carter:
Carter is big play capable, and seems to deserve more of a chance than he has actually been given. Maybe the deeper pass oriented attack of the new offense will suit the skills of this athletic wide out.

Cotchery:
A promising rookie last year, Jerricho will now be counted on as a legitimate target in the slot. It is a role that fits him well: Cotchery is big, burly, and physical off the line of scrimmage. He also showed in the play offs that his physical play is most useful when the pigskin is in his hands, and a safe presumption would be that most of the yards reaped by Cothcery would take place after the catch.

T.E.:

 Jolley:
Sacrificing a first round pick for the mammoth tight end could come back to haunt the Jets, especially if Heath Miller fulfills his promise with the Steelers. However, one could present a decent argument for the Jolley acquisition. Doug can open up the middle of the field or the sidelines if he plays up to his capabilities as a pass catching tight end. The Jets need a tight end in their system badly, and were not willing to trust the frustrating Anthony Becht with the receiving opportunities. If Jolley can snap out his Raider Days Malaise, the Jet offense will be licking their chops at some holes in the opposing team’s secondary.

 Baker:
Chad Pennington joked last year that if the Jets could combine the blocking of Anthony Becht with the receiving ability of Chris Baker, the team would have one hell of a tight end. Alas, Baker may be a tweener in the fact that he has the hands but not the blocking technique to be an every down tight end in the N.F.L. With this in mind, the Jets look to relieve the pressure on Baker to block by inserting him on passing downs, where he could provide some valuable short yardage insurance for Chad Pennington.

O- LINE:

 Kendall:
Pete Kendall was an excellent signing in the waning days of free agency before training camp 2004, when the established center was shockingly released by the Arizona Cardinals due to a feud with new coach Denny Green. The Jets were more than happy to pick him up and shift him away from center, allowing for added support in blocking schemes for Kevin Mawae. Kendall is expected to continue his splendid play well into his five -year pact with the Jets.

 Mawae:
If there is a player on the offensive line who is almost a mirror image of the very runner he blocks for, the man is Kevin Mawae. Mawae, just like Martin, is a star that would never admit to such status if you were to actually ask him. All Kevin cares about is winning, and that bottom line mentality helps other members of the line pull through and stay together through the best and worst times. Mawae is a consistently excellent performer who can be relied on to keep his motor running from September to January.

 Moore:
Moore is an intriguing player that is going to be counted on for far more in 2005. Sometimes he falls into the trap of committing costly penalties, but if he can harness the raw materials that have bought him this far while also applying the knowledge of the more experienced members of the team and the coaching staff who needs him to play well in the worst way, the still learning Moore can be a factor for the Jets in the years to come.

Jones:
Now, here’s a biggie. Adrian Jones is going attempt to replace the departed Kareem McKenzie, and like the now former Jet, is a project that the offensive line coaches will attempt to construct into a viable asset to the offense. Should Jones fail, the Jets line may be in deep trouble, especially, with their thin depth.

D-LINE:

 Thomas:
Thomas shook off the label that belongs to first round flops by admirably making a strong showing in the absence of the injured John Abraham. Thomas utilizes his speed as a defensive end, and while he might not have been worth a first round selection, is a player that will certainly be a catalyst for big plays in pass rush situations. The draw back to Thomas playing on every down is two fold with his strength: because he relies on speed to make those plays, he may get easily worn down by the fourth quarter. However, if Thomas accepts the role of an occasional pass rusher/run supporter, he can be a very effective player.

 Legree:
Lance Legree, a former Giant, provides insurance but should not be completely relied upon to make up for the loss of Jason Ferguson. Legree adds much needed bulk to the Jets’ defensive line.

 Robertson:
DeWayne Robertson came up big last season, answering questions about his ability to play in the N.F.L. on every down by single handily wrecking opposing team’s offensive lines. Many insiders claim that it was Robertson’s play that allowed Jason Ferguson to have such a big season, while others argue it was the other way around, questioning Robertson’s ability to carry a line on his own. If Robertson responds to these questions like he did in last season, the Jets may have a Warren Sapp like performance on their hands.

Reed:
The massive lineman is sometimes used in red zone situations on offense.

 Ellis:
Shaun Ellis took some time, but exploded into an impact defensive end two seasons ago. After being rewarded with a new contract, Ellis once again put up solid numbers in 2004, teaming with John Abraham to form one of the best defensive end duos in the A.F.C. If the Jets defense is to deliver another top 10 performance, Ellis will have to continue delivering drive wrecking plays with his partner in crime–

 Abraham:
I really believe Abraham, like Pennington, got an undeserved bad rap from the media after an injury short-circuited his season. Many argued that Abraham was holding him self off the depth chart because he was coming up on his free agency. In other words, he was dodging play off games in order to avoid a serious injury that would hamper his value in the free agent market. This provoked the usual back lash you can associate with fat, white, over 45 sportswriters bemoaning the by-gone days of Legless Willie playing with two broken arms back in 19 ought five. The fact is, if Abraham knew he could withstand those crucial games without hurting his team with by adding zero productivity to the proceedings, I completely believe he would have been in there. What use would Abraham at 55 percent be when you have Brian Thomas hungry to contribute off the bench? Expect a healthy Abraham to strike back against his detractors this season with a huge year, and yes, I’m sure he also wants a shiny new multi-year deal after getting hung with the franchise tag.

 L.B.:
Vilma:
The next Ray Lewis? Jonathan Vilma wants to be better than the All World Ravens Linebacker. The intensely competitive sophomore was so impressive in his first season that he all but sent former Pro Bowl Linebacker Sam Cowart to a permanent seat on the bench. What Vilma lacks in size he makes up for in quickness. There were many tackles at or near the sidelines recorded by Vilma, usually hanging around the runner’s ankles, that Cowart would have never been able to record. This blue chipper has set the bar so high after his Rookie of the Year campaign that it would be disappointing if he weren’t one of the 10 best backers in the league for the next five campaigns and beyond.

Barton:
The lasting image of Eric Barton from 2004 is not a pretty one: The Raiders transplant made a grievous mental error in elbowing Drew Brees’ in the head during the waning moments of the A.F.C. wildcard game. The foolish play gave the Chargers a second life, but the Jets persevered thanks to a missed field goal by Nate Kaeding and clutch running by LaMont Jordan. Before the penalty however, Barton had an impressive season. Another quick linebacker, Barton served as the team’s JACK [All Purpose] back and recorded tackles, sacks, and interceptions while basically disrupting even the most well prepared offensive teams. There’s no reason to think Barton will regress this year.

Hobson:
Victor Hobson may be slower than his other associates at his position, but what he lacks in speed he makes up for in sheer tackling ability. A proficient and technical wrap tackler, Hobson makes his living in the middle of the field waiting for the next runner to attempt to juke his way on by into the secondary.

Brown:
Mark Brown is really a helluva story. A practice squad player who impressed coaches with his tenacity, Brown forced him self into the Jets plans at linebacker due to sheer force of will. He eventually logged meaningful snaps against both the Steelers and Chargers in the post season, and if it’s up to him, will have future playing time as a key cog in the Jets’ linebacking Corps.

McClover:
McClover contributes as an important member of the Special Teams and has plenty of room for upward mobility in his career.

C.B:
Barrett:
Barrett had about a five game stretch where he played especially well during 2004, and the Jets would like that to translate to a full season. Throwing away those five weeks however, and Barett performed to what basically he really is: a very good nickel back, or a decent number two corner. Barett is sure tackler who usually wraps up what comes across his path, a skill set not lost on the Jets especially after the Aaron Beasley Era. Barrett is more suited to a secondary role.

Mickens:
With the exit of Donnie Abraham, Ray Mickens is now number one on the Jets depth chart. And while he has made a living as nickel back, Mickens has shown that he can handle a bigger role before. At the tail end of 2003, with Abraham out with an injury, Mickens functioned just fine covering the other team’s best receivers. In a best-case scenario, Mickens fits in as one of the best Nickel men in Football despite some unsightly mental errors in coverage at times. While the Jets should most definitely sign Ty Law, Mickens isn’t exactly a stiff out there, far from.

Strait:
What to make of Derrick Strait? High hopes were in order after the second round selection had an impressive Mini Camp, but he soon found him self on the sidelines after a multitude of injuries. A strong showing late in the season pushed the starters however, and there are no doubts about Strait’s overall ability. His role with the team may be in question after the Justin Miller pick.

Miller:
The Jets’ most recent round two pick at defensive back has been bought in to compete with the established corners and most definitely Strait. Miller possesses the ability to return punts, and more importantly however, he takes pride in being a return man, something that Santana Moss didn’t find most pleasurable.

Hunter:
More proof of what happens when one defies Bill Parcells. This former Cowboy corner resisted a move to Safety, and well, you can guess what happened next. Shipped to the Jets for a low round pick, Hunter faces steep odds in proving him self to Jets coaches.

S:

McGraw:
Remember when Jon McGraw was supposed to be the next John Lynch? Those days may be over, but McGraw keeps getting second chances despite injury after injury and occasional spotty tackling in the open field. The main strength residing within McGraw is the fact that he is a great coverage safety. In fact, it was Jon’s coverage work that basically shut down Antonio Gates’ in the Wild Card game. If McGraw could ever put it together for a full year, he could be a far better than average safety. The health and playing time of McGraw can also be entwined with Erik Coleman. Coleman is also an excellent coverage safety, and should McGraw stay healthy, it would give the Green and White two more possible passing pickpockets in their secondary.

Maddox:
Andre Maddox is coming into his rookie season with the Jets as a fifth round selection without any burdensome expectations that weigh down other young players. The task at hand for Maddox is to play well enough at training camp to perhaps fulfill his draft status as a sleeper, and after that possibly push Jon McGraw as the season begins. If McGraw goes down with nagging injury problems in camp yet again, that’s where things might get really interesting.

Coleman:
Coleman was the pleasant surprise out of the fifth round that the Jets are hoping to repeat once again with Andre Maddox. Supplanting Reggie Tongue right on the outset of training camp, Erik found himself constantly making huge interceptions and seemingly involved with every big defensive turn over. His tackling ability is nothing to sneeze at as well, which makes him not a good, but excellent safety.

Celestin:
The Jets hope Celestin will step up along with Maddox to put some heat on McGraw.

S.T.:

Nugent:
As Doug Brien authored his now infamous meltdown, you could almost start to file the paper work of his release. The Jets hope to close the revolving door around their kicking game with the booming leg of Mike Nugent. Nugent is used to kicking in pressure situations stemming from his days in Ohio State with their rabid fans. Cold weather won’t be a problem either, as temperatures often dropped below freezing in late season home games. The only thing left for Nugent to do is fulfill the strong expectations laid at his doorstep.

Knorr:
The well traveled punter should be better than Toby Gowin, and in deference for the fact I can’t punt a football 5 yards, it would be hard not to.

COACHING:

Edwards:
Herm has led a Jet playoff charge three out his four years, so it would be hard not to consider his tenure a stark success. A few quibbles: The clock management has to improve, and the results were disastrous at time last year. There was the memorable foul up against Baltimore that could have cost the team a Play Off spot, and several other more minor instances that are still noticeable to an educated viewer. The conservative offense is hopefully due for an upgrade thanks to the aforementioned [many times I know] Heimerdinger.

Heimerdinger:
I think it is relatively safe to say that even if the reviled Rich Kotite [2 Kotite references baby] were to be the guy to supplant Paul Hackett, the move would have been roundly cheered through the corridors of New York City. I could sit here and point to about 10 games the Jets lost on the count of being overly conservative, but than again I would be short changing Hackett’s true ineptitude for going straight to the jugular. Hiemerdinger has promised a more vertical attack, and it’s awful hard to argue with his results with Steve “Air” McNair and the Titans prolific offense, which had no trouble chugging along even without their battle hardened Q.B. It’s safe to say Heimerdinger’s play calling ability can not be disputed after guiding the Drew Bennet- Billy Volek combo to realms of stardom. Jets fans salivate at what he can do with Laverneaus Coles and Chad Pennington, with a side of Martin in the mix.  

Henderson:
Mr. Donnie Henderson to you. Coming into last season, it looked like a miracle worker was needed to save the Jets defense. It appeared New York would have to win most games with an offensive unit that had President Passive Paul Hackett at the controls. Thanks to the absolutely marvelous effort by Henderson, pushing his unit to new heights, the team’s strength became its hard-nosed defense. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of effort Henderson’s crew turns in this year, after the key loss of Jason Ferguson. The last thing anyone should do however, is underestimate Donnie Henderson.

PREDICTION:

13-3

WIN Super Bowl

Jets: 30
Vikings: 20

A mid-summer night’s dream…