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In Tuesday’s Website Whispers we take look at Woody Johnson preaching patience, and we also take a closer look at Sheldon Richardson . . .
Some reporters caught up with Jets owner Woody Johnson in Philadelphia at an NFL meeting.
He was asked if Jets fans need to be patient.
“That’s absolutely perfect — be patient,” Johnson said. “Be patient, have trust that we’re doing the right thing for your team, we’re trying to do the right thing for your team. That’s why John (Idzik) was brought in and the other coaching changes were made, to make us more competitive.”
On one level I agree with what he said, but on another I don’t.
Yes, it’s probably best for Jets fans to be patient, and let Idzik implement his plan. It’s time for the Jets to stop with the big splash moves and the quick fixes. It’s time a well thought-out, pragmatic plan.
But, on the other hand, is it fair to ask PSL holders paying a bloody fortune to see this team play to be patient? If somebody is paying $30,000 for their PSL, and $125 a ticket on top of that, is it fair to tell them to be patient?
No way. If you going to sail on the QE II, is the cruise director going to tell passengers paying top dollar, be patient with the food and entertainment?
No.
My point is this – the Jets ticket prices are too high to tell fans who attend the games to be patient.
The answer here lies in the middle. Yes, let Idzik do his thing, but also try to win now.
And I do think the Jets are trying to do that.
The draft was a perfect example.
They got three potential starters in the first three rounds to help them now – CB Dee Milliner, DT Sheldon Richardson and OG Brian Winters.
And in between, there was a “patience” pick, a “long-term plan” pick, in Geno Smith – a quarterback who doesn’t seem ready to play now, but could be really good down the road . . .
As we continue to look at a different draft pick each day, today let’s look at Richardson.
At first I didn’t like this pick because I didn’t think he fit the Jets 3-4 front.
I think most scouts saw him as a 4-3 defensive tackle – a three-technique, the kind of DT they used in the old Tampa Bay defense under Tony Dungy (the one Herman Edwards used with the Jets). The ‘three-technique” as they call it, is a smaller, quicker defensive tackle who shoots up field and disrupts with his athleticism.
These kinds of players generally don’t fit a 3-4 defense.
But upon further review, this pick has grown on me.
First of all, the guy is 294 pounds, so it’s like he’s THAT small.
Secondly, Rex does mix in multiple fronts, including the 4-3, which Richardson thrived in at Missouri.
Also, Missouri did use some of the 3-4 defense, and when they did that, Richardson actually stoop up at OLB, which is a testament to his amazing athleticism for his size. He’s very athletic for a man his size.
So the bottom line is this – Richardson was too talented to pass up at 13, and Rex will make this work.
May 7, 2013
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