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A lot of stuff to get into today in our premium section, so let’s jump right in . . .
Let me explain Josh McCown’s mindset.
He is a man possessed.
He knows this is likely his last chance as a NFL starter, and he doesn’t want to waste it.
He doesn’t want his legacy to be that of a journeyman who couldn’t hold down a job.
He wants to go out with a bang. He’s driven.
I’m not guaranteeing he will be successful, but I’m telling you, he’s been so much better than the people on the outside are making it seem. Throughout the spring and summer, in practice and in limited preseason action, he’s shown the ability to spread the ball around and be a serviceable game-manager.
This wasn’t a cool thing to report over the last few months, but I’m not sitting at the cool table, I’m just telling you what I’ve seen in the spring and summer.
I went on radio shows and said this over the last few months, and hosts thought I was wearing a tin-foil hat.
But I don’t care about that stuff.
I’m not into pandering.
McCown looked good to me in the spring and summer. Not great, but good . . .
The Jets signed Jeremy Kerley today.
It’s a good move on paper, but the Jets could certainly have some issues on offense early in the season with so many new players who don’t know the system, like wide receivers Jermaine Kearse, Damore’ea Stringfellow and Kerley along with tight ends Will Tye and Neal Sterling (signed today according to NJ.com).
NFL football isn’t fantasy football. You don’t just pick players and roll them out there. There is so much more to it than that. The systems are complex and chemistry between the quarterback and his targets is of the utmost importance. Teams don’t have off-season programs for the heck of it. In fact, the spring camps used to be called, “passing camps” for a reason.
Look, I’m not criticizing these moves. They could turn out great in time, but to throw all kinds of new weapons at the offensive coordinator and quarterback right before the opener is far from ideal. That is all I’m saying.
And also keep in mind, the Jets are playing their opener on the road in Buffalo at a loud stadium, so communication is of the utmost importance. New guys have a hard time communicating with their new teammates . . .
A few days ago, the Indianapolis Colts released their 2017 fourth round pick, former USC offensive tackle Zach Banner. You have to respect new Colts GM Chris Ballard. He’s not concerned with his draft record, and I think that is really cool. Banner was claimed by the Cleveland Browns . . .
The Jets have major issues at tight end. They ended the summer with not ONE tight end, eligible for Week One healthy – Eric Tomlinson. Austin Seferian-Jenkins will serve a two games suspension to start the season.
Tomlinson, Jordan Leggett, Jason Vander Laan and Chris Gragg left the summer banged up.
Watching practice on Monday, Leggett didn’t look like a player who will play in Week One. He has a foot injury. Gragg broke his ankle in the fourth preseason game and was put on IR. Tomlinson and Vander Laan were sidelined late in the summer. I’m not sure what was wrong with Tomlinson, but he was out. He seems okay now. Vander Laan was also hurt, and is now on the practice squad.
Tomlinson is the only of these four players who will be available for the opener, so that is why the Jets signed Tye and Sterling.
September 5, 2017
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