Is CJ2K ready to bolt to New York?

The Jets are loaded up on cap space and primed to make a big free agent signing if they wish.  Throughout free agency to this point,  Idzik has been deliberate and slow-moving to be polite.  Many people have been critical of his approach to thus point and a possible signing of Chris Johnson could help turn around his image to the Jets' fan base.  Currently Bilal Powell and Chris Ivory are the feature backs in offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg's offense.  Both backs are north-and-south runners that run hard through the middle, but lack the explosiveness to rattle off big plays in the rushing game.  A player of Chris Johnson's skill set can be a perfect fit with the Jets' offense.

                            Jets' fans are all too familiar with running back Chris Johnson's home run ability

Yes, it is true that Chris Johnson has slowed down substantially since posting his 2,000 plus yard rushing season in 2009.  Since his breakout campaign in 2009, Johnson has posted 4 consecutive seasons of 1,000 plus rushing yards.  In fact, in his career Johnson has never produced anything less than 1,047 yards on the ground.  This shows steady production from the speedster.  A major concern for Johnson however, is his timidness while running the football and his failure to find holes at times. Part of this can be contributed to a poor offensive line in Tennessee, mixed with a combination of Johnson trying to always hit the home run ball rather than settling for singles.  Durability is a plus with Johnson, as he has played in all 16 games every season , with the exception of his rookie season in which he played in 15 contests.  Johnson has slowed down ever so slightly but still possesses unheralded speed and jaw-dropping lateral quickness.  A player with a skill set like Johnson has will immediately take the Jets' rushing attack to another dimension.  Johnson is also a good receiver out of the backfield which the Jets certainly lack with their current roster at running back.  The versatility Johnson offers makes him a perfect fit for the Jets at the right price.  The "right price" however may be hard to obtain with a GM like Idzik who always seems to be bargain shopping in free agency.

Chris Johnson's Career Rushing/Receiving Statistics

Will Johnson be released by the Titans?  Johnson may or may not be released but sources say he will not be a member of the Titans by the start of OTA's next week, meaning he will be traded or released.  After losing Donald Brown to the Chargers in free agency, the Jets were making a strong stealthy pursuit of Brown, and MJD recently singing with Oakland, the Jets are in serious need of bolstering their backfield.  Assuming Johnson is released, why would he not end up like the other free agents the Jets have unsuccessfully recruited.  With a stingy GM not likely to shell out the kind of money Johnson is looking for and Johnson likely not wanting to be part of a 2 or 3 man rotation at running back, do not expect him to sign with the Jets.  The Jets will likely continue on the "Idzik-ian" approach and draft running backs in the later rounds of free agency.  As unexciting as they may be to some fans, the Jets are loaded with picks come May and are primed to have a stellar draft.

UPDATE: D-Jax

ex-Eagles' Wide Receiver DeSean Jackson

DeSean Jackson's rocky road in Philadelphia finally came to an end.  After spending his first 6 seasons in the NFL with the Eagles, the organization decided to part ways with their franchise receiver.  The release of Jackson did not come as a surprise to people monitoring his situation in Philly and there were valid reasons for the release.  First off Jackson did not "buy in" to head coach Chip Kelly's scheme.  Coach Kelly and his staff were anything but happy with Jackson, as the star receiver would routinely miss meetings and spar with the coaching staff.  Jackson was also due $10.5 million dollars this season and refused to restructure his contract after being asked by the Eagle's organization.

All of this aside, the most important reason for Jackson's release was his off-the-field concerns.  Jackson was rumored to be involved with gang-members, as well as having several gang-affiliated members in his friend circle.  The Eagle's decided that they did not want DeSean on the team anymore, but were in a tough situation.  If they decided to trade Jackson to another team and his off-the-field concerns came to a head with his new team, the Eagles would be responsible for trading him.  Because of this, the Eagle's decided to release Jackson instead of moving him to another squad in exchange for draft picks.  The fact that the Eagle's released DeSean shows that their concerns for Jackson span way beyond anything the public originally knew.  This article from NJ.com explains the Jackson situation in a new light.

The bottom line is, should the Jets take a chance on Jackson and sign him via free agency?  As stated in my last article, I gave many reasons as to why the team should sign Jackson.  Of course, none of his physically prowess and elite skills have declined since my earlier post arose.  But what has arose since then is the news of DeSean's possible involvement in gang activity.  If it were me calling the shots for the Jets, I would go ahead and take my chances by signing Jackson.  His impact on-the-field is way to great to pass up for the Jets.  Jackson would immediately make an impact, possibly turning the Jets dismal offense into one of the top-10 threats in the league.

John Idzik's opinion on Jackson however seems to be polar opposite of mine and the majority of the fan bases.  Idzik has moved extremely slow and deliberate to this point in free agency and don't expect him to be any different with DeSean.  Idzik is not sold on the idea of bringing Jackson and all his baggage into the organization.  To this point in the Jackson sweepstakes, the Jets have not even made a play on the the receiver.  Nine teams have contacted the embattled Jackson and two are said to be in "serious" negotiations at this point.  Of course anything can happen and we will see how things unfold, but to expect DeSean Jackson in green and white would be nothing short of wishful thinking at this point in time.

DeSean Jackson to the Jets?

First off, to answer the question that everyone is asking, is it realistic wide receiver DeSean Jackson could become a Jet?   Yes, it is realistic DeSean Jackson could become a New York Jet.  Yes, Jets' owner Woody Johnson is a fan of Jackson and would like to see him in green and white.  However, that being said it is unlikely the Jets will give up the asking price the Eagles are seeking in a trade for the dynamic wide receiver.  It is much more likely that, assuming DeSean is released from the Eagles, he signs with the Jets as a free agent.  When asked about Jackson, Jets' owner Woody Johnson had this to say, "We're looking at a number of players, including DeSean," Johnson said. "He's a very good player. We're looking at a number of them. Trade's not our primary operating motif right now. We're trying to build through the draft. Building through the draft is something that is the way to build a successful team long-term."  Woody could not have been more clear on basically saying "we don't want to trade for the guy, but if and when he's a free agent we will not be afraid to make a move on him."

"We're always interested in talent.  If it's somebody that fits into our locker room and understands that he can fit into our culture at a price we can afford, that we feel is appropriate, then we'd do it." - Jets' Owner Woody Johnson on DeSean Jackson

The Jets have plenty of cap space to make the move happen and are in desperate need of a move that gets the fan base excited after losing out on so many free agents this offseason.  Johnson also recently has made it clear he is tired of being "patient" for a winner and wants to win now.  An omen that may not bid well for head coach Rex Ryan, but that is neither here nor there.  If GM John Idzik is able to bring in Jackson the fans must tip their cap to him.  Jackson has been one of the league's best receivers since entering the league in 2008.  For his career he has caught 356 passes for 6,117 yards and 32 touchdowns.  He also offers diversity in the running game and spreads the field like few others at the NFL level.  Also, not to overlook is his impact on special teams where the Jets also struggled last season.  DeSean would definitely offer a spark for the Jets in multiple facets of the game.  If Jackson is obtained, in one season Idzik would have completely turned around the team's weak receiving corps into possibly the strength of the offense.  A receiving tandem of DeSean Jackson and newly acquired Eric Decker would bode very well for the Jets for years to come.

DeSean Jackson's Career Numbers

Fear over Jackson is not that he cannot play, because he can and he has proved it year after year.  There are durability issues with Jackson, as he tends to get injured quite frequently.  There are also issues over his character on and off the field.  Jackson is also known to be like a "Darrelle Revis" type player, in the sense that he is a "mercenary" of some sorts, playing to make the most amount of money he can with little loyalty to his team.  A player like that should make the Jets weary, especially after dealing with Revis for years, but talent like Jackson possesses does not hit the open market often.  Will the Jets make a play for the talented receiver or let him pass?  Only time will tell, but I can guarantee this will not be the last time fans of gang green will hear of DeSean Jackson.

Goodbye Sanchez, Hello Vick

Once again the Jets made headlines in the media for their recent decision to cut former 5th overall pick, quarterback, Mark Sanchez and sign free agent Mike Vick to replace his spot on the roster. New York is known for their brash decisions at the quarterback position since they traded up to draft Sanchez in 2009 and brought Tim Tebow onboard in 2011, in what turned out to be a disaster for the team. Although the recent past has been rocky for the team, bringing in a veteran quarterback, in Vick, with real skill to start in the NFL is a major thumbs up for the Jets. After a rookie campaign in which he struggled mightily, Jets' QB Geno Smith still has a lot to prove. The Jets do remain confident in Geno and hope he can eventually become a reliable starter for the team for years to come. However, Mike Vick adds much needed insurance to the position and will surely compete for the starting job.

Geno Smith's 2013 Numbers

Here is how the New York Jets would like the 2014 season to pan out.  Geno Smith, under the tutelage of backup Mike Vick, grows into a viable option at quarterback next season showing much improvement.  Geno starts week 1 and finishes the season as the starter.  Vick happily accepts his role as a backup and pushes Geno to the "next level".  The Jets make the playoffs and ride off into the sunset.  That is all well and good but the reality of next season for the Jets may very well be strikingly different from what the team envisions.

Vick and Smith will both receive a fair shot at obtaining the number 1 spot at quarterback for the New York Jets.  If Vick wins the job chances are Geno will still be needed, as an aging Vick never known for his durability, will either likely get injured allowing Smith to start or be replaced due to ineffectiveness.  The same holds true for Smith, as if he wins the starting job it is very likely Vick will be needed at some point to step in for the younger either due to poor play or injury.

There is little need to worry Jets' fans for a "Tebow-like" repeat situation, as Geno and Vick have clearly had their roles laid out for them and seem to embrace them with open arms.  Smith was even quoted after the signing of Vick as saying, "Awesome, man. Vick's my guy.  We needed to find a guy that was legitimately a guy that could come in and play. I think that's what we did.  Mission Accomplished."  Geno seems to be in good spirits, as does Vick with these comments he made after signing with the team, "I know what I came to New York to do. First and foremost, I came to compete and be there for Geno. I know he has a long way to go, but we both talked and we both agree we're going to push one another and make each other better."  All comments from both players are very good signs to thus point and seem to show a friendship forming between the veteran and youngster.  Let us hope that come December, these two players remain friends and not enemies.

"I know what I came to New York to do. First and foremost, I came to compete and be there for Geno." - QB Mike Vick's comments on the starting job for the Jets

2014 Draft Poll

Who do you want the Jets to draft in the 1st round? (Assuming they select at 18th overall)
	Brandin Cooks (WR - Oregon St)
	Odell Beckham Jr. (WR - LSU)
	Marqise Lee (WR - Southern California)
	Darqueze Dennard (CB - Mich St)
	Other Player
pollcode.com free polls

Why Calvin Pace Was a Great Re-Signing

After going out and signing Eric Decker to be a key pass catcher and Breno Giacomini to replace Autin Howard's services at offensive tackle the Jets were still inept at pass rusher.  Coming off a career high 10 sack season, Calvin Pace was a great re-signing for the Jets.  Although 33 years old and toward the end of his career, Pace will provide leadership and tutelage for the youngsters on the roster.  Pace will also offer viable services as a pass rusher to hold the team over until a replacement is ready.

Assuming the Jets take a pass rusher in the upcoming draft, Pace will only have to play a limited role for the next 2 season at most.  Jets' GM John Idzik not know for brining on older veteran players made an exception with Pace.  For a 2 year deal worth 5 million dollars, brining back Calvin and his services was a much needed wise move for gang green.

Rodgers-Cromartie and the Jets Cornerback Crisis

New York Jets' head coach Rex Ryan's frustration level is at an all time high, and rightly so.  Coach Ryan's defense relies heavily on elite cornerback play in order for the proper execution of his blitz schemes.  As of now the roster at cornerback for the Jets features second year player Dee Milliner, former first round bust Kyle Wilson, and anything but spectacular Darrin Walls and Johnny Patrick.  This comes after the Jets showed no interest in signing Darrelle Revis, other then Rex, and cut their best corner in Antonio Cromartie due to cap reasons.  The culmination of events that have led the Jets to be baron at cornerback must be rectified, and rectified quickly.  There is still hope of landing an elite-ish cornerback to bolster the Jets secondary and keep Rex from having a heart attack.

That hope lies in Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, the cousin of ex-Jet corner Antonio Cromartie.  Rodgers-Cromartie is coming off an excellent season with the Denver Broncos but many wonder about his head.  DRC has always possessed the physical skills to be a top tier corner in the league but what's between his shoulders has been the issue.  He is known to take plays off and sometimes go as far as being the best and worst player on the field in the same drive!  Rodgers-Cromartie also struggled mightily in his 2012 campaign, just one year prior to his 2013 stint with the Broncos.  DRC also stated that he would have retired at the end of the 2013 season if the Broncos did in fact win the Super Bowl against the Seahawks.  All of that makes you wonder where his head is or if he's just after the dollars.

The positives are DRC owns good hands and his ball skills are no mistake, as he will make plays in the secondary.  His pure physical skills are enough for the Jets to take a chance on this guy.  With no other number 1 corners in the defense, you know Rex is lobbying for Idzik and the gang to go out and pay Rodgers-Cromartie.  Only time will tell whether he is signed or not, as many believe it is a bidding war between the Jets and their cross town rival Giants for his services.  One thing is for certain, Rex wants DRC in green and white and that's a fact.

Other cornerback options are Carlos Rodgers (cut by San Francisco) and Dimitri Patterson (cut by Miami).