Florida Sun Will Shine on Washington, Westhoff

http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/articles/show/2433-florida-sun-will-shine-on-washington-westhoff

You have to wonder if Dolphins special teams coach John Bonamego has had trouble sleeping lately, thinking about the Jets’ potent W&W attack. Dangerous Jets return man Leon Washington will return to his native state Sunday and specials team coach Mike Westhoff makes an improbable return to the Green & White.

It seems like every time the 5’8”, 202-pound Washington plays the Dolphins, he plays big. Last September, his 98-yard kickoff return against the ‘Fins was the first KR touchdown in his career. Then down in Florida last December, Washington ran for a season-high 68 yards and tied a personal high with two TDs on the ground.

And there was that memorable 64-yard gain on a screen pass in Miami on Christmas Night that helped vault the Jets to the postseason in his rookie year.

“I love playing in Florida. I love being in Florida. I love to be in the sunshine,” Washington said.

He really is Mr. Florida. Washington, who graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in Jacksonville in 2002, earned that distinction after rushing for 2,437 yards and 28 touchdowns as a senior. He stayed in the Sunshine State and played at Florida State, becoming the only ‘Nole in the Bobby Bowden era to score touchdowns five different ways (run, reception, PR, KR and FR) before the Jets stole him with a fourth-round selection in 2006.

There will be thousands of Jets fans Sunday at Dolphin Stadium and the Washington contingent will number at least 20.

“I’m so far from home, close to 2,000 miles from Florida. Just to have the opportunity to play in front of my family and my friends and knowing they’re there supporting me is always a big enough reason to go out there and be successful and win,” Washington said. “I can definitely say I love being in Florida.”

Leon Washington Jr. will be among those cheering on the Jets’ 2007 MVP. His dad beams when he thinks about his 2-year-old namesake.

“Absolutely, he’ll be down there with my dad,” he said. “He will be down there with his grandfather, so he’ll have the opportunity to see his dad play down in Florida.”

Washington will take his marching orders this weekend from Westhoff, who rejoined the Jets coaching staff on Monday. Westhoff, a cancer survivor who is six months removed from a ninth medical procedure on his left leg, received medical clearance to come back and coach.

“You have to understand Westhoff is a funny guy," Washington said. "He has a repertoire of jokes in his mind, so just having him joking in the meeting room has been fun. But at the same time, he's serious — the way he talks to his players, the way he demands for us to go out and do well, and the way he gives examples from the past. Just having him back has been really, really special for us.”

While Westhoff will resume his playcalling duties, the Green & White will benefit from a strong duo with special teams coordinator Kevin O’Dea.

“Those guys have much respect for each other. O’Dea understands what Westhoff has done and Westhoff understands what O’Dea has done with the kickers and the special teams,” Washington said. “They have mutual respect for each other. They don’t have any problem at all.”

Only one of the top NFL, Westhoff is beloved by his players. He is a character full of character.

“For a coach to go through what he’s been through with cancer and with numerous surgeries to fight back and look better than ever, it obviously says a lot about his fortitude and how hard he’s worked to get himself back to what he does best, and that’s coaching,” Washington said. “So hats off to him — he did a really good job of getting back and getting back fast and being healthier and stronger.”

It’s somewhat ironic the Jets will open up in Miami. Westhoff had a 15-year run as the ‘Fins special teams coach and he still calls Florida home in the off-season.

“Everyone in Miami knows Westhoff. He loves Florida. He is always talking about fishing down there," Washington said. "He loves Miami and that was his first home, but he’s a Jet right now and he’s been here for a long time. And trust me, Westhoff wants to go out there and win.”
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Whether against Jacksonville or Miami, LW always has a good game. Hope to see more of it tomorrow.

 

I think the players will do fine even with Sutton being there. I hope Mangini did a lot more in the offseason to implement his gameplan and not let Sutton have more than 51% of control of the scheme. I look at Sutton as someone who the defense doesn't want to kill for. Donnie Henderson was that guy, we need that guy again. This defense does play for each other, which counterbalances that.

In terms of Chad, he actually could outsmart Sutton, but not Mangini. I can see Chad picking on Elam, because his football smarts are meh, but I also expect our secondary to handle Ginn and Hagan. I think Lowery has the upper hand on Hagan, even though he is a rookie. Lowery has as much buzz around him as Revis did at this time, and they were selected 3 rounds apart - impressive. We also need to see D-Line pressure tomorrow, that has to happen. 3 sacks need to be collected. The Jets do have Pace and Harris now. I think at the end of this year, this board as well as all Jet fans will love Harris like we love Vilma, he's going to be that good. Rhodes is almost the forgotten in this, and he is the playmaker. Stopping the run is huge. The Fins do have two Jet-killing RBs. Jenkins is here and I will say that he will help, but I need to see sustained clogging from him and the stat line to read: Fins rushing - under 100 yrds.


I still think, however, that another DC can bring out a truly elite defense. Sutton is not the guy to take the Jets D to any top 5 range.

 

Wish I did, I'll post a link. Good eye sir.