The New York Jets seem to have grown impatient with Thomas Jones' request for a restructured contract. If the neglect to sign the AFC's top rusher to a new deal isn't enough indication, there is now increased speculation regarding a possible trade. And while most speculation never comes to fruition, this appears like a perfect storm.
A deal that would send Jones to the Cleveland Browns for Braylon Edwards, the apparently exiled wide receiver, would be ideal for both teams.
The Jets selected Iowa Running Back Shonn Greene in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Not only that. New York traded up 12 spots -- giving up 3 draft picks in the process -- to select him. Greene, who was the nation's second leading rusher in 2008 is considered a steal and is already coveted by coaches and fans alike. He's already turning heads (and coaches) in mini-camp. Greene's running style is described as bruising between the tackles with a burst of speed -- almost Thomas Jones-like.
Greene is receiving a great deal of support from Head Coach Rex Ryan and is expected to get a significant amount of touches. The hope is that he can combine with Leon Washington to create a young, dynamic halfback tandem, similar to the one in Tennessee.
Speaking of Washington, Thomas Jones does not help his cause by missing workouts when he is compared to Washington. Leon Washington, a Pro Bowl kick returner and the most explosive player on New York's offense, is attending mini-camps, speaking cordially to the media and just going about his business like there is no issue. This type of behavior keeps him in a positive light, while, next to it, Jones appears conceited and unpopular to deal with.
Despite Rex Ryan's ability to appeal and relate to his players, there is no need for him to waste time chasing Jones. Ryan needs to begin his regime with a positive, strong demeanor. Bending down to appease Thomas Jones would be the opposite of that.
Jones is 30-years old going on 31. Yes, he deserves credit and probably compensation for rushing for over 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns, but the Jets are shaping up to be a win-now team. The defense is stacked and will thrive under Ryan's system. The offense is led by a young but assertive quarterback in Mark Sanchez. The only hole on the team is at wide receiver, and it may very well be somewhat accounted for already. However, reliance on David Clowney and Brad Smith could prove to be an insane decision.
Braylon Edwards would be an improvement over Clowney and Smith. Edwards has established his skills. He is a tall, fast receiver with immense value in the redzone.
If you look at the numbers, he is coming off of a disappointing year. But the 55 receptions, 833 yards and 3 touchdowns came in a season where Derek Anderson faltered under center and Brady Quinn saw his first real NFL action. Both quarterbacks had completion percentages under 51%.
Remember, Edwards is just two years removed from his breakout year in which he went for 1,289 yards on 80 catches. His 16 touchdowns would have topped the league that year if it hadn't been for Randy Moss' record-breaking 23.
Like any receiver, he is a product of his quarterback, who, in turn, is a product of his offensive line and running game. Shonn Greene, like Thomas Jones, will have an easy time running behind that line. Leon Washington is bound to improve on his season.
And if Mark Sanchez stays in the pocket and does not decide to roll to the sidelines, unlike a certain "Gun-Slinger" we all know and love, he will have a successful rookie campaign. Edwards can only add to that success with his dominance in the redzone and the margin of error that comes with throwing to a 6'4", 215lbs. receiver.
All signs point to the Jets shipping Jones and making him someone else's problem, namely, Eric Mangini.
The Browns are projected to start Jamal Lewis, who is coming off a very poor season. Jones would add a more solid rushing attack to the Cleveland offense.
The only question is will Mangini relinquish a Top 10 wide out when the group of receivers he has is uncertain. Donte Stallworth is bound for prison. After that, veteran David Patten would likely get the nod along with Rookies Brian Robiskie and Mo
hamed Massaquoi. In 2008, the Browns' next leading receiver, after Edwards, was Syndric Steptoe (great name!).
Is Mangini crazy enough to leave a hole that large in his offense, especially when a young quarterback -- Brady Quinn or Brett Ratliff -- is destined to start? That's something that he will have to ponder, no matter how much he wants Edwards gone.
But I think the Jets are in the clear on this one. You see, Thomas Jones is a 'Mangini Guy'. And there's nothing Eric Mangini likes more than 'Mangini-Guys'. If he went hard after Abram Elam, he will be salivating out of his "Dog Pound" jowls over Jones.
--Max Caster
A deal that would send Jones to the Cleveland Browns for Braylon Edwards, the apparently exiled wide receiver, would be ideal for both teams.
The Jets selected Iowa Running Back Shonn Greene in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Not only that. New York traded up 12 spots -- giving up 3 draft picks in the process -- to select him. Greene, who was the nation's second leading rusher in 2008 is considered a steal and is already coveted by coaches and fans alike. He's already turning heads (and coaches) in mini-camp. Greene's running style is described as bruising between the tackles with a burst of speed -- almost Thomas Jones-like.
Greene is receiving a great deal of support from Head Coach Rex Ryan and is expected to get a significant amount of touches. The hope is that he can combine with Leon Washington to create a young, dynamic halfback tandem, similar to the one in Tennessee.
Speaking of Washington, Thomas Jones does not help his cause by missing workouts when he is compared to Washington. Leon Washington, a Pro Bowl kick returner and the most explosive player on New York's offense, is attending mini-camps, speaking cordially to the media and just going about his business like there is no issue. This type of behavior keeps him in a positive light, while, next to it, Jones appears conceited and unpopular to deal with.
Despite Rex Ryan's ability to appeal and relate to his players, there is no need for him to waste time chasing Jones. Ryan needs to begin his regime with a positive, strong demeanor. Bending down to appease Thomas Jones would be the opposite of that.
Jones is 30-years old going on 31. Yes, he deserves credit and probably compensation for rushing for over 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns, but the Jets are shaping up to be a win-now team. The defense is stacked and will thrive under Ryan's system. The offense is led by a young but assertive quarterback in Mark Sanchez. The only hole on the team is at wide receiver, and it may very well be somewhat accounted for already. However, reliance on David Clowney and Brad Smith could prove to be an insane decision.
Braylon Edwards would be an improvement over Clowney and Smith. Edwards has established his skills. He is a tall, fast receiver with immense value in the redzone.
If you look at the numbers, he is coming off of a disappointing year. But the 55 receptions, 833 yards and 3 touchdowns came in a season where Derek Anderson faltered under center and Brady Quinn saw his first real NFL action. Both quarterbacks had completion percentages under 51%.
Remember, Edwards is just two years removed from his breakout year in which he went for 1,289 yards on 80 catches. His 16 touchdowns would have topped the league that year if it hadn't been for Randy Moss' record-breaking 23.
Like any receiver, he is a product of his quarterback, who, in turn, is a product of his offensive line and running game. Shonn Greene, like Thomas Jones, will have an easy time running behind that line. Leon Washington is bound to improve on his season.
And if Mark Sanchez stays in the pocket and does not decide to roll to the sidelines, unlike a certain "Gun-Slinger" we all know and love, he will have a successful rookie campaign. Edwards can only add to that success with his dominance in the redzone and the margin of error that comes with throwing to a 6'4", 215lbs. receiver.
All signs point to the Jets shipping Jones and making him someone else's problem, namely, Eric Mangini.
The Browns are projected to start Jamal Lewis, who is coming off a very poor season. Jones would add a more solid rushing attack to the Cleveland offense.
The only question is will Mangini relinquish a Top 10 wide out when the group of receivers he has is uncertain. Donte Stallworth is bound for prison. After that, veteran David Patten would likely get the nod along with Rookies Brian Robiskie and Mo
hamed Massaquoi. In 2008, the Browns' next leading receiver, after Edwards, was Syndric Steptoe (great name!).Is Mangini crazy enough to leave a hole that large in his offense, especially when a young quarterback -- Brady Quinn or Brett Ratliff -- is destined to start? That's something that he will have to ponder, no matter how much he wants Edwards gone.
But I think the Jets are in the clear on this one. You see, Thomas Jones is a 'Mangini Guy'. And there's nothing Eric Mangini likes more than 'Mangini-Guys'. If he went hard after Abram Elam, he will be salivating out of his "Dog Pound" jowls over Jones.
--Max Caster
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