Content available exclusively for subscribers
Florham Park – It’s time for a helping of “Telling it like it is” column. Nothing about the Giants practice facility or the Jets swagger, just football talk . . .
Cornerback Marquis Cole’s hamstring injury is much better, but in the dangerously cold weather for Foxboro, it did tighten up at times.
Conversely, Jerricho Cotchery’s groin injury held up well in the Antarctic conditions of Gillette Stadium. He was pleasantly surprised.
Anybody who has had a pulled muscle knows these kind of conditions bring out the worst in the injury . . .
The signing of safety Emanuel Cook is going to be a boon to the Jets special teams. He is one of those absolutely fearless players with little regard for his body. He’s Rivera Beach-tough. He’s also built like a small linebacker at 5-10, 214 pounds . . .
I’m not looking to pick on Dennis Thurman. By most accounts he’s a good secondary coach, but when there a lot of blown coverages, the secondary coach needs to be held somewhat accountable.
So if we are going to keep singling out Nick Folk, other people need to be brought up as well.
If other people are afraid to do it, that is fine. I’m not . . .
I really like the signing of cornerback Isaiah Trufant to the practice squad. He’s tiny by NFL cornerback standards – about 5-7, 170 pounds, but he’s got a big heart, and terrific coverage skills. He turns 28 on December 9. He has paid his dues in the Arena League and UFL. He was the Defensive MVP of the UFL.
Here is why I like this move. Once again, the Jets showed they have issues covering short, quick players like Wes Welker and Danny Woodhead. Trufant is one of them – low to the ground, quick as heck, changes directions well. He needs to learn the defense, but I think this guy, in the near future, could help the Jets deal with mighty mites in the slot that have been killing them . . .
I have a funny feeling letting Kenwin Cummings leave for Dallas (he was stolen off their practice squad today) leave is something the Jets will regret.
He’s a stout, hard-hitting inside linebacker with excellent size.
He is another victim of the Jets playing pretend with Vernon Gholston.
Cummings is a better player than Gholston . . .
Both of Miami’s offensive tackles are injured. Right tackle Vernon Carey was held out of practice on Wednesday with a knee injury. Left tackle Jake Long was limited with a knee injury. On top of that, he’s playing with a harness on a separate shoulder.
Perhaps this will help the Jets struggling pass rush . . .
Davone Bess really hurt the Jets in the first matchup, with Kyle Wilson on him quite a bit. Bess is one of the NFL’s most underrated receivers, and might warrant being put on Revis Island at times.
It’s unclear with Brandon Marshall (hamstring) is going to play, but even if he does, the Jets better not sell Bess short. Putting one of their struggling nickel backs on him would be a mistake . . .
The Jets better have a good plan for Cameron Wake. He’s emerged as one of the NFL’s best pass rushers.
