I got that exact impression watching him last night. I actually made a very similar comment in the game thread.
Gholston looked lost while he is in there... I think the CS should reduce his role to a 3rd down, pass-rushing specialist for now, and let him SLOWLY absorb the other complexities of being a flex 3-4 OLB... Right now it seems like he was thinking WAY too much, for a position that is really all about instincts... Twice I saw him in coverage in the flat, where it looked as if his feet were anchored to the spot that was indicated to be his responsibility in the playbook, ignoring eligible receivers running through his zone.... Both times receptions were made for gains in the flat... He also looked very tentative in pursuit.... I noticed twice WRs come down to crack him, and both times he recognized it, and squared up to the WR, but didn't make any attempt to get around the block, instead just stood locked up with them, looking at the ball carrier getting away... It really looks like he's over thinking the position to me... Even Bryan Thomas looked more fluid playing OLB, and that's saying something... Once or twice, I saw him when he was allowed to just line up and rush the passer, and he looked good (once applying major pressure, but overrunning the QB).... I think if the CS trims his role down to just that for now, and gradually adds more responsibilities as he grows more and more comfortable, his progression will be smoother...
Agree with this post entirely. A shame we can't keep Ratliff and that game was basically his audition for another team. I realize it's the first game, and we didn't have Harris in the middle, but the D, once again, had minimal pass rush and was not great stopping the run. And Gholston looked a little slow to me. I'm trying my best not to jump (again, 1st damn preseason game), but I was a little worried watching him last night.
I NEVER understood why we signed Carroll and last night confirmed it. He's not even worth special teams. He's taking a roster spot from someone who deserves it. It is exciting to see we have a pretty solid offense this year. If only the damn defense would wake up.
Favre, Clemens and Ainge are definite roster spots. I can't see Mangini keeping 4 QBs, especially with Smith on the roster. Ratliff will be on our practice squad, and from there, I'm sure he'd be signed pretty quickly by another team (although I'll fully confess I don't know how practice squad contracts work, and how the team can go about protecting practice squad guys, so maybe I'm wrong here and someone can enlighten me).
I don't see them letting him walk - he looks more polished than Clemens at this point. Ainge will find his way to the IR IMO.
Agreed but, that was a defense full of new parts without it's Key part in David Harris playing against one of the better offenses in the NFL last year.... Gonna take time for the LB's to get used to the system and playing with the DL... They should have gotten smacked - and it's probably best for the long haul... If Cleveland comes out and plays Vanilla and the Jets D "Looks" better then we're all worse off...... Good to see Revis burned - Wake up call kid. But, Braylon would do that to anyone.
I also agree that Gholston looked lost - But, I think Mangini kept him out there a lot and in a lot of situations just for him to get a feel for the speed of the game and get his feet wet...... he's going to have a long year - Hopefully we won't need him to do "it all" this year.
That's interesting and something I hadn't considered. I doubt, as to the other poster, they'd put Ainge on the practice squad, but what do I know. Gotta tell you, it's nice to have this pickle about having too many good (or servicable) QBs.
I thought we should have played Clemens longer. In fact, I was shocked to see him pulled so early... expected to see him the entire 1st half. With the rain delay, he never had time to get into a rythm and he needs that desperately, IMO.
Nice article here, except for the repeated misspelling of our #2 WR's name as "Jerricho Crotchery": http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/jets/2008-08-08-favre-arrives_N.htm
I don't know about that. I tend to think you play how you practice. The preseason last year was a pretty good indicator of what was to come, was it not? The run D looked terrible. I'm going to chalk that up to 3 starters, one of them being one of our best players, not being on the field. I did think that they put a little more pressure on the QB then usual but only on a hand full of plays.
It sounds like the Bubba Franks pickup is going to pay huge dividends helping Favre learn the offense.
Having Sutton on the sidelines last night still makes me uncomfortable....I'm not sure who else was available during the offseason, but I don't believe he is the answer....
I noticed jenkins getting two three yards deep on a running play. That made me happy. I didnt see any other defenders making plays out there. Defense ends, lb's, secondary all giving up yardage leaving cleveland plenty of 3rd and short opportunities.
Ratliff has a cannon for an arm, loved the zip. He throws a very pretty deep ball. Also displayed good footwork.
with the way he's looked, how can we possibly let him go? Can't we keep him as our 3rd and move Ainge to the practice squad?
So was I Somebody wanted to see what Ratliff could do under fire. (Mangini) They gave him the whole game except for 2 drives. He rose to the occasion. Not predicting anything here, but it seems to me that Clemens # 2 spot is being challenged. Maybe his roster spot. I'm a Clemens guy, and don't want to see this, but this kid has been getting rave reviews in TC. Last night I saw why If this continues, No Way they can release Ratliff or put him on the PS again. That leaves Clemens in a very tight spot. Lot of camp left. We shall see
