Listen, I'm not going to sit here and try to say that I think Donald Driver is a starter, or for that matter a WR who can still be relied on to produce...HOWEVER, after listening to him talk on ESPN about how he isn't ready to hang them up, and hinted that GB may be ready to move on, I think he is exactly what the NYJ need for several reasons. 1. Santonio Holmes- As big of a dousche as Holmes is, I cannot see him disrespecting a guy like Driver. Driver is as well respected of a football player as there is in this league. Driver will be the guy who can get in Holmes' face and actually get the "team first" message through. 2. Mark Sanchez- Sanchez would also greatly benefit from Driver's presence. Not only in the huddle, and during meetings/preparation/etc. but from watching Rodgers and how he plays. Sanchez is very athletic but sadly we never see him use it to his advantage. We've seen flashes of great pocket presence and the ability to escape (last year at cleveland comes to mind) but this year he looked lost. I'd love to see him improve on escaping the rush and stepping up in the pocket, as Rodgers has mastered. 3. Rex Ryan- For all the Ryan bashers out there, I still love him and his trash talking ways. The problem is that he needs leaders in the locker room to keep things focused, without leaders we see what we saw this year. Until we have guys who can police the room, then Rex's ways will lead to disaster. This previous team took his talking as a sign for them to get careless, lazy, and cocky for no reason. Previous teams viewed Rex as a guy standing up for them and willing to put his ass on the line for them, and it made guys work harder to prove him right in return...lets get back to that. 4. He has a ring! I could be wrong, but aside from Brunnell who has a sign on our roster? And Brunnell won't be back next season...I'm sure I may be overlooking somebody, but I can't recall anyone with a ring. I remember when we brought in Big Wood how much I loved him not just for the leadership, but because he was a guy who knew what it took to win a super bowl, as does Driver. Bottom line, Driver would look great in green and white next season, even more so if LT decides to leave.
Why would it make any sense to bring in a WR and pay him for motivational purposes? I am pretty sure a coach and assistants can provide plenty of that. Driver is too old, he MAYBE has a few more games but thats it. Not worth the signing. Also, I am pretty sure we have more than just Brunell on this team who has a SB ring. Who about this guy? or maybe this guy? having a ring , unless you are young and elite, doesnt mean youll make others on your team motivated enough to win a SB.
Ok..I thought he was on the Baltimore team when they won. Damn, time flies..that superbowl was eons ago not that I look it up.
I'd rather bring in a younger guy that can spend a few years with Sanchez. The revolving door at WR needs to stop. I'm kind of hoping we go after Chaz Shillens to join up with our new WR coach. He could be a low cost #2 with good height that can stretch the field.
I would hope Holmes and kerley will be around Sanchez long term so that is a good start. Schilens is a talented guy but is always hurt
I'm a big Donald Driver fan....... good dude,heart and tough as nails, but his time has passed. Don't think he's the type of player the JETS need to move on with towards the future. They need younger guys to develop chemistry with Sanchez over at least a few seasons, which has been a mistake the FO has made so far.
If we really want a vet WR I hope we get Hines Ward... tough as nails on the field and a guy that can keep Holmes in his place having mentored him. No speed but as a #4 WR I wouldn't be against it (behind a big guy, Holmes & Kerley).
