egelband, this may be 'Danny Woodhead' syndrome. If you recall, when Danny Woodhead was released by the Jets, the vast majority of TGG board had written him off, many of them derisively calling him the "scrappy white guy" and other not-so-funny bullshit. Well, NE picks him up, installs some plays featuring him, and the next thing you know the little runt's found a new home in a prolific offense. From there, those same TGG naysayers (many of those self-proclaimed 'experts' who have since been banned) than tried to save face by saying that it was the "system" and not whatever abilities Woodhead had as a shifty little football player. So the fallout from that I guess is "once burned, twice shy" or something like that.
Because despite his talent and burst he fumbles too much and can't pick holes. For every five yard run there was that dive right into the blockers for 1 whole yard.
Like I said b4 I'd rather have goodson running around drunk with a blunt hanging out of his face mask than head case mcnight spewing on the sidelines.
With the Peterman cut, on behalf of Defensive Ends and ROLB's across the league, Thank You for choosing Vlad Ducasse to protect {insert qb name here}'s blind side. He has almost gotten Sanchez killed before and should be able to deliver the same brilliant pass protection for Sanchez 2.0 (aka Geno Smith).
The real issue with McKnight, beside fumbling and all the conditioning/migraines drama, was he seemed incapable of doing blitz pickup. For a running back in an MM offense, that's unacceptable. In an MM offense an RB that can't do blitz pickup will get his QB killed. The blitz pickup issue was the reason powell got the nod last year as a 3rd down back over McKnight and apparently McKnight still hasn't learned blitz pickup. He's a very good KR, but if he unable to learn blitz pickup, you can't play him as a RB in the NFL. That's why he was "never given a real chance at RB" and, yes, I can say he was a bust at RB for that reason.
Why would they cut him? It's not like they don't know what is going on even if we don't. Speculation is he is in PTI and I think that sounds reasonable. I am sure he will be back soon if it is.
McKnight had it coming so no tears here. He's never ready at the start of TC due to ____________ (fill in the blank). This year, he took it to another level with a combative attitude towards fans and the media. Its ok when you're a star. Not ok if you're not. McKnight probably will benefit from a change in scenery.
The 2010 draft is downright depressing now. The next safety off the board was Kam Chancellor. I know we were also pretty set at DT with Pouha but Geno Atkins was available 8 picks later. Actually considering we spent a third rounder on Ellis the next year, Atkins would have been a possible pick here...
Everyone & their mother said Woodhead was pretty impressive over 2 training camps - except for Tanny/Rex. There's no woulda, coulda, shoulda here. Tanny/Rex had their minds made up about the guy's place on the team regardless of how well he played. And he played well.
Of course if he goes there he'll combine for 1,400 yards passing and receiving and have over 600 yards returning with 6 TD's.
Guys has always been full of elite potential, but can never seem to get past the front door. Never comes to camp in shape, can't hold onto the ball, can't pass protect consistent enough to be used as a 3rd down back, can't shut his mouth. No suprise he was let go. I hope for Joe's sake he sees this as a wake up call. He was a dissapointment at USC as he was the #1 overal HS prospect at RB (maybe even overall). Again, the guy had all the talent in the world to be a force this year as he was finally in the right system for his talents. Too bad he hit the injury bug and didnt come into camp in the best shape, after his mouth said he was. *The WR battle is shaping up to be a good one; it will be interesting to see the final 53 nxt week and who is cut*
Enough of Woody already. Why did NE let him go if he is so valuable. He was more stable than Joe but not near as talented. The problem with Joe is totally a mental one....something the Jets were apparently no longer willing to deal with.