Five Questions Facing The Jets Tonight ~ Ledger Article

Dave Hutchinson article: Five questions facing the Jets as they open their preseason schedule tonight:

http://www.nj.com/sports/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/118671997061140.xml&coll=1



1. Will the Jets miss holdout CB Darrelle Revis?

With Justin Miller (hamstring) out, Andre Dyson -- hobbled by an undisclosed right leg injury -- and veteran David Barrett will start. Veteran Hank Poteat, who started the final six games last season, and Drew Coleman are among the top reserves. The play of Miller and Barrett in training camp has helped the Jets strengthen their resolve in the Revis negotiations.

2. Who will emerge as the backup quarterback?

Second-year pro Kellen Clemens has the early nod and he'll get the benefit of the doubt if it's close for no other reason he was a second-round pick, but he's not a slam dunk over veteran ex-Raider Marques Tuiasosopo. Multi-purpose performer Brad Smith is not an NFL quarterback right now. At best, the Jets can give him a package of plays each game.

3. How will the situation at left guard play out?

Veteran Pete Kendall wants out in a contract dispute but the Jets have refused to give in to him. He's on the second-team behind Adrien Clarke but the Jets are periodically putting him with the first group. A starter for most of his 12-year career, Kendall would absolutely blow a gasket if the Jets played him into the third and fourth quarters with rookies and free agents. Stay tuned.

4. Is Sione Pouha the perfect complement at nose tackle?

Undersized veteran Dewayne Robertson (6-1, 310 pounds) did an outstanding job last season despite his lack of bulk. He brought a unique blend of quickness to shoot the gap and strength to hold his ground and two-gap (play the running lanes on each side). Yet, the Jets need a beefy run-stuffer on short yardage situations and they're hoping the 6-foot-3, 330-pound Pouha is their man.

5. Will the Jets be glad to see John Abraham?

Abraham got a new contract and a new team. The Jets got center Nick Mangold, who, along with tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, will be the foundation for the offensive line for the next decade or more. Still, it won't please Jets fans much if Abraham comes around the edge and beats Mangold's buddy, Ferguson.

-- DAVE HUTCHINSON

 

I hadn't given it much thought, but I kind of thought this was pretty funny:

"Kendall would absolutely blow a gasket if the Jets played him into the third and fourth quarters with rookies and free agents."

Hahahahahaaa... first the rookie dorm, now this....