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New Jersey – Time for another edition of Dan Leberfeld’s One Jets Drive. We have a couple of different notes today. Let’s get into it . . .
Nobody wants to say it, but here goes – Ken Whisenhunt chose Nashville over Detroit, and I think a lot of people would make that same choice right now . . .
I tweeted about this yesterday, and I think a lot of you feel this way, as do most organizations in the AFC – you (and they) can wait for Tom Brady and Peyton Manning to retire. This is getting old. Once they walk into the sunset, there will be more parity in the AFC and more teams will be viable . . .
I think we all saw it in the Jets-Carolina game, which was a close game that could have gone either way, well into the contest – Cam Newton is a pedestrian quarterback.
He’s a great athlete who can run and has a great arm, but doesn’t read defenses well.
His one touchdown pass in the Panthers lose to San Francisco yesterday was a one read chuck down the left sideline that Steve Smith grabbed. That isn’t a big deal.
Dave Gettleman, the GM of the Panthers, has a tough call – do you sign this guy long-term, or do you deal with reality and say, one playoff game and out might be the ceiling here . . .
This David Nelson is an impressive guy.
He gets it.
While so many players worldview is dominated by video games and texting – this guy sees way beyond that.
He has started a charity to help orphans in Haiti. He also flew up a 15-year-old orphan to a Jets game recently, who is looking for a family.
And now comes this story. A young fan was looking for a Geno Smith autograph. Nelson saw the kid’s post on a website, and responded, “Hey man, I saw this post and love your spirit. I’m no Geno Smith, but if you’re interested in Jets autographs, I can offer you mine. Email me your name and address and I’ll send something out to you. … Thanks for being a great Jets fan, and I hope you’re excited for next season like we all are!” – David Nelson.
This guy has a big heart and soul.
And you know what – he’s a terrific player.
He started six games this year, and finished with 36 catches and two touchdowns. The numbers could have been even better if Geno Smith didn’t have some accuracy issues on a number of players where Nelson was open.
He is a terrific route-runner who is very good at selling double moves.
And being 6-5, 215, with a long wingspan, is a big help to a young quarterback, who has ball placement issues at times.
Also, he’s an asset to the Jets’ running game. He’s a tenacious blocker.
Nelson is also extremely bright and assignment savvy. Remember, he arrived in late September and picked up the system quickly. I saw him on occasion helping other players lineup correctly prior to plays.
This was a terrific signing by John Idzik, and Nelson could be a big contributor to the Jets for many years to come.
January 13, 2014
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