Many Jets fans remember Chad Jackson from September. Patriots fans saw a glimpse of Jackson's potential in that game. Unfortunately Jackson was snake bitten with a hamstring and groin injury throughout the year. Maybe he's soft, maybe he's not, we'll see. This is one of the few weeks where he hasn't been listed on the injury report. He was actually returning kickoffs last week with pretty good success. This guy can absolutely fly and he's got the frame of a weak side linebacker. Like Mangini, Belichick likes to identify and try and exploit matchups.. Belichick knows Hank Poteat's strengths and weaknesses (as he's played for both teams off and on this year) and knows Hank can't run with Jackson without help over the top (Kerry Rhodes). If NE can time a play action off of one of Mangenius' blitzes with Rhodes, it may open up a chance for Jackson to spring one. Jackson had a few big catches (one TD) back in September so he may be apt to do it again. Don't nececssarily think this will be the key to victory but it could be worth watching.... Also, rookie tight end David Thomas has really come on a bit the last three weeks....
I can't believe I'm writing this, but I trust Poteat. He doesn't try to do to much, but he's usually able to hang with whoever he's covering. In addition, the Jets don't seem to leave their corners out on an Island often, so I think he'll be fine with Jackson. Mangini and Sutton should be much more concerned with Maroney.
I'm not trying to be wise a$$, I know Dyson is likely out. Who are the top three corners? I think people are underesimating the NE receivers...They've had some big games this year. If Brady gets a pocket they have a strong game..
It's going to be Poteat at left corner...Barrett at right corner, probably platooning with Justin Miller.
Umm you'll be happy to hear this- when I read two of the papers today, both depth charts had Miller starting opposite Poteat, Barrett backing up Miller. Is there any truth to it?
Not having Dyson hurts the Jets more than not having Harrison hurts the Pats. Dyson has gone under the radar, but has played very well this year. I hear he was suited up and did participate in prtions of practice this week.... here's hoping. Barrett and Poteat are consistant, but relatively average CB's. If Jackson does manage to get deep on us, there is another option, a guy who is just as fast as Jackson is...... Miller. Miller tends to take stupid penalties, and sometimes blows his coverage assignments, but he IS fast as blazes. I wonder if Mangini isn't thinking about increasing Miller's playing time at CB in this game, because of the potential speed mismatch with the Pat's recievers. That's just the sort of surprise Mangini is capable of..... taking away a mismatch BB might have game planned for. Maybe even letting Miller go into man coverage, and putting Vilma and Rhodes on Watson and D Thomas. I know all about Thomas..... and so does Mangini.
Oh God no! Barrett has been disappointing this year. Dyson has basically shut down his side of the field this year. After Dyson, it is Poteat, Miller, Barrett, and then the rookie Drew Coleman. They all have started at some point this year. Poteat has been very impressive this year, especially after a few starts, made some pretty good INTS and broke up a few passes. No idea why Beli didn't keep him on the roster. Miller is a better ST guy (made the Pro-Bowl as a KR), I am not sold on him yet. Barrett has been disappointing and will most likely be shown the door in the off-season. Drew Coleman has been up and down. Alot of raw talent, but VERY VERY young and needs a lot more coaching.
These got me thinking. So, off to the game logs I went. Caldwell had 2 100 yard games. One versus Detroit ( 8 for 112 0 TDS). And one versus Tennessee (4 for 134 1 TD) Not exactly blockbuster. Onto Mr. Troy Brown. His biggest game was vs. Miami (5 for 58 1TD) Ok..Not very good at all. Chad Jackson, come on down! Let's just say Chad has not had more than 2 receptions in a game this year.:wink: So, just to give you the benefit of doubt, I checked the game stats on the Tight Ends. Watson. He had a pretty good year, considering he has missed the last 3 games. A couple of big games for a TE, but vs. the Jets he had a total of 5 receptions for 55 yards and 0 TDs. Want to talk about Daniel Graham? Didn't think so. And finally, David Thomas. He had a breakout game vs. Jax. 5 rec. for 83 yards and 1 TD. Did he play the last game at Tennessee. No stats listed. I guess my point is the Pats have a receiving corps of JAGS.
Poteat has been very reliable since he has taken over the starting role. Therefore I am not too worried about this matchup.
In the beginning of the season Barrett was hurt, and played hurt. Down the stretch he has played very well since he is now healthy.
I'm not worried about Poteat either.He has been pretty good.I trust him against Jackson.Poteat has to watch Jackson deep because of his speed.
I'm surprised. I thought Barrett was pretty much penciled in at the Right Corner, because he played most of the Raiders game and the Dolphins game when Dyson was out. Again, I think both will be substituting, which I am very against. Because of the confidence, whichever gets taken out then put back in, I'm not a fan of that style.
Well, the only way to fix this problem is to put Miller on Jackson everytime, he can run with, and out run jackson let alone run toe to toe with him.
He scored on us:wink:. But he has been dogged in most small transcripts I read about him. From not understanding the playbook to his work ethic...I'm not too worried about him.
