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East Rutherford – The Jets played with a lot of heart, but came up a little short against the Texans. Let’s get into some notes and nuggets from the game . . .
You know who really caught my eye tonight? Lex Hilliard.
Signed earlier this week, he started at fullback in this game.
He just seems like one of these guys who does a lot of different things for a team, and plays with a lot of heart.
In his first game as a Jet, he had three tackles on kickoff returns.
He recovered a Mark Sanchez fumble, deep in the Jets own territory, and ran seven yards with it.
And while the Jets running game was pedestrian tonight, it was impressive to watch him throw his nose in there as a lead blocker. He just goes into the hole full throttle, with little regard for his body.
This looks like a nice pickup for the Jets . . .
While Mark Sanchez was under 50 percent again, the vibe I got was he didn’t have the pressure to appease one receiver, and did a nice job of getting a lot of people involved.
This starting combo of Jeremy Kerley and Chad Schilens, was better than a lot of people thought it would be.
And Jeff Cumberland can be a major weapon at 6-4, 260 pounds with 4.4 speed. He is a very tough cover for safeties and linebackers. He had a nice grab on the touchdown and also had an impressive deep out.
As for the interception at the end that went off his hands – he and Sanchez were a little off on that play. The pass was a little high, and seemed to catch Cumberland by surprise in terms of when it arrived. I think the quarterback and the tight end both deserve the blame on this one.
But if this guy keep developing like he is, he could be a poor man’s Antonio Gates . . .
I’m not sure if it was just wishful thinking by Clyde Gates, but he claims his injured shoulder was popped back into place, and he should be able to play next week.
We will see.
That 27-yard catch down the right sideline in the first quarter was a thing of beauty and showed his potential. He jumped over a very good corner, Jonathan Joseph (makes $8 million a year) to grab that pass. It was a difficult catch . . .
Brandon Moore gave up a couple of sacks to J.J. Watt . . .
I saw Aaron Maybin going into the X-Ray room after the game. What was it for? He injured one of his middle fingers. It won’t keep him out . . .
Matt Slauson better get ready for a week for a lot of bad press and criticism.
A lot of people think his block that led to a torn ACL for LB Brian Cushing was a cheap shot. John McClain of the Houston Chronicle says he expects a fine.
“[That block] was uncalled for,” said Jim Miller on SiriusXM NFL Radio . . .
The Jets had no sacks tonight. They did get pressure on Matt Schaub at times, but had no sacks. This team is in dire need of a closer.
Maybin’s name didn’t show up on the stat sheet.
At what point do they give Ricky Sapp a try. Maybe soon because Bryan Thomas re-inured his hammy tonight . . .
Antonio Cromartie had a superb game covering Andre Johnson who finished with one catch.
“Cro” is really embracing this #1 cornerback role. He’s really stepped up. I think he loves being the main main again, and not being in another corner’s shadow, and he’s running with it.
October 9, 2012
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