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New Jersey – It’s time to dive deep into some Jets Whispers and notes, a day after the Gang Green’s loss to Pittsburgh . . .
The NFL scheduling department needs to look at a particular scenario a little closer.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were coming off a bye week, so they had two weeks to rest and prepare.
The Jets were coming off an appearance on Monday Night Football, so they had a short week of preparation.
The NFL should avoid this double whammy when scheduling teams – one team with extra time to prepare, and one team with less time.
That doesn’t make any sense.
I’m not saying that is the reason the Steelers won, but it had to give them a little bit of a physical and schematic advantage . . .
Jeff Cumberland has turned into a terrific all-around tight end.
I remember when he first arrived, as an over-sized receiver from Illinois, he was an awful blocker.
Now he’s a road-grader.
He really gets after it.
On the Jets’ second possession, there was a 10-yard run by Bilal Powell off left tackle.
The key block on this play was by Cumberland, who locked up outside linebacker Jarvis Jones, and pushed him back on the left side, opening a hole that Powell ran through.
And when you combine his work as a blocker, with his 4.5 speed and sure hands as a receiver, this guy has turned into a real asset for the Jets.
He had a 29-yard reception in this game.
Phil Simms called Cumberland the Jets’ top weapon in their passing game, and that is hard to argue with . . .
Now with Clyde Gates (shoulder) and Santonio Holmes (hamstring) banged up, it’s time for the Jets to give a major role to David Nelson in the passing game.
I really like this guy as a player.
While he only had one catch in this game, an 11-yard out late in the contest, watching him in practice, he has really good hands.
But you know what was really impressive in the Jets-Steelers’ game – how tenacious he was as a run blocker.
On the Jets’ second possession of the game, Geno Smith threw a screen to Mike Goodson on the left side, and Nelson had a great block in the left flat on cornerback William Gay, and this cleared the way for a 10-yard gain.
Shortly after that, around the goal line, on a running play, Nelson was so feisty as a blocker engaging Ike Taylor, the cornerback’s helmet came off, and he clearly wanted to fight the wide receiver after the play.
Nelson blocks like a tight end.
As far as the Jets’ passing game, Nelson could really help Geno Smith whose having some accuracy issues. He is 6-5 with a large wingspan. He is good in the red zone (an area Smith has struggled).
It’s time to get this guy more involved in the passing game.
He’s a good football player . . .
I don’t want this to come across the wrong way.
But Geno Smith’s inaccuracy and late delivery can be dangerous for other Jets’ players at time.
Gates hurt his shoulder trying to extend for an awry pass from Smith. It almost looked like Gates was attempting to play defense on this play to prevent a pick.
Smith was a little late to a wide open Stephen Hill, and the receiver was walloped by Troy Polamalu, and needed trainer assistance after the play.
An awful throw by Smith late in the game, led to a pick by Lawrence Timmons, and Mike Goodson blew out his knee having to play defense after the interception.
I’m not blaming Smith for anything. There is no malicious intent.
But wildly inconsistent quarterback play can have ramifications.
October 14, 2013
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