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In today’s edition of Website Whispers, we have a couple of notes, on the Jets’ nose tackle situation, and the transition from Revis to Cro at the #1 CB spot. Let’s get rolling . . .
There is so much talk about the Jets quarterback situation – too much.
But you know what? A bigger issue has been at nose tackle.
It should come as no surprise that the collapse of the run defensive coincided with the summer back injury to Sione Pouha.
When healthy, he’s one of the best run stopping nose tackles in the NFL. In the 3-4 defense, the nose tackle spot is huge, literally and figuratively.
Pouha missed the opener, played in three games, then missed the Houston game.
And even when he played, he was a shell of his former self. There is only so much a shot can do to help you deal with a bulging disc.
And his backup, Kenrick Ellis, is a massive man, who plays very, very hard, but still needs lots of work on his technique. He’s a work-in-progress who isn’t ready to start just yet. He has been on the field for a number of long runs this year.
Daniel Muir is a nice signing.
Yesterday, a misguided writer asked Muir if he could help the Jets’ pass rush.
That is ridiculous. That isn’t what he does.
But he’s perfect for the 3-4 nose tackle spot. He’s a 6-2, 312-pound fire hydrant who can stop the run, and take up double-teams to help keep the linebacker clean to make plays.
At this point, considering Ellis is so raw, I view Muir as an upgrade. He’s also lighter on his feet than Ellis. Muir ran a 4.9 forty coming out of Kent State in 2007. That is damn good for a nose tackle.
Look I’m not putting him in Canton, but he’s a seasoned veteran who knows what he’s doing. The Jets are fortunate to grab a guy like this at this stage of the season.
And you will see a lot of rookie Damon Harrison this week. I thought he looked better than Ellis this summer. He’s light on his feet, and is a naturally powerful man. In the last issue of Jets Confidential Magazine, we had a Whisper about a locker room scene where massive Vlad Ducasse came over to Harrison after a late summer practice, and said, “How much you weigh, man?”
Harrison said, “330.”
And Ducasse went on to rave to Damon about his power, and how he pushed him back on one play on skates.
Harrison has a lot of talent.
I know that Muir doesn’t know the system, so the Jets will have to keep it simple for him, but if the Jets have to go with Muir and Harrison as their nose tackle combo (with a little Mike DeVito mixed in), you might be pleasantly surprised.
Also Remember, Muir and Harrison are fresh big guys. Pouha and Ellis are hobbling. So these two guys will have a lot of zip in their legs on Sunday . . .
It came out today that it was Antonio Cromartie’s idea for the starting secondary to come out as a group, not individually, during the pregame introductions last Sunday.
I can’t tell you how impressive Cromartie has been the last couple of weeks, not just as a player, but as a leader.
He has really embraced this #1 cornerback job, and has not only played well, but become the leader of the secondary.
Let’s be honest, Darrelle Revis is a tremendous football player, but a so-so leader.
This summer, when Revis was asked how the two rookie safeties (Josh Bush and Antonio Allen) were coming along, he said he wasn’t paying attention.
That answer really surprised a lot of people. You would think the star corner would take a vested interest in two newcomers.
So it looks like Cro might be an upgrade in the leadership department over Revis in the #1 cornerback role.
October 11, 2012
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