From Randys latest blog on the homesite. Another indication that Tannenbaum is not too good evaluating pro personnel.... http://www.newyorkjets.com/blog/posts/318-fullback-darian-barnes-is-released 11/28 ? One significant piece of housekeeping announced by Eric Mangini at the top of today's news conference is the release of FB Darian Barnes. The Jets signed Barnes in the off-season as an unrestricted free agent to be a big bopper in leading Thomas Jones in the running game. But that hadn't worked out. Barnes wasn't playing on every down on offense, didn't play special teams, and as a result he was inactive for six of the Jets' 11 games this season, including the last four in a row. "If you're not contributing on a regular basis," Mangini said, "that makes it hard to be active consistently." No early word on if the Dolphins, hosting the Jets on Sunday, are reaching out to sign Barnes, who played the previous two seasons with Miami. With backup fullback Stacy Tutt on injured reserve, the Jets have been using their tight ends when they want a big body in front of Jones. Joe Kowalewski got his first pro start vs. Pittsburgh at FB and both Joe-Ko and Jason Pociask lined up or motioned to FB at Dallas. Mangini also announced a practice-squad switch, releasing CB Manny Collins and signing David Ball ? no, not D-lineman Dave Ball, who was with the Jets in 2005-06, but the rookie free agent WR from New Hampshire who had been with the Chicago Bears into the regular season. The head coach started his news conference off with a reference to Washington safety Sean Taylor, who died Tuesday of a gunshot wound during a burglary at his home. "It's sad when these things happen," Mangini said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the Redskins organization."
This kid was a human highlight reel in his senior year, though it was not against strong competition. Interesting...
I kinda like Kowalewski @ FB...but we rarely use a FB in this offense. So I don't understand Mangini's statement. "If you're not contributing on a regular basis," Mangini said, "that makes it hard to be active consistently."
Right on! David Ball broke Jerry Rice's IAA completion record. A monster pickup. http://nfl-prospects.blogspot.com/2007/01/next-jerry-rice.html
Well we do, but as a blocker. The FB isn't really used much in the passing game in this offense. It was the main reason why Barnes was sign, he was a crappy receiver, but a very good blocker in Miami. We really need to get a monster blocking FB for the run game, ala Seattle or San Diego. Just one more need...
Does it not make sense to use a FB that can actually block in a O line that can't? My brain is starting to ache again. Mangini obviously didn't get it when Woody said that we need more Balls.
We rarely use a FB between the 20's regardless.... We're usually in either a shotgun or a singleback set.... In my opinion, that is one major reason for our running game is so unsuccessful.... If your OL sucks, why not use a true lead blocker once in a while?
Strange that an offense that is based around 5 yards of the field(even when it's 3rd and long) decides not to use a decent FB.
Being cut by the Bears isn't a good sign, but I'll take a chance on another WR. A pretty amazing catch by him here even though it's out of bounds.. I'd like to see JMac give it a try: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltfr...at-Hands-Impressive-OneHanded-Catch-Blog-4006
Ball is a very good pickup. He was w/ us during training camp and was pretty impressive. If it wasn't for the numbers game, he would still be a Bill.
our management is hopeless. not because of the release, but because they cant make up their mind between a good player and football fodder. mangini the ultimate stupid hire of the jets franchise!!!!!!!!!!!!
