Have you guys noticed that this random dude (signed off Philly's practice squad when Maye when down) has become like a spiritual cornerstone of our defense? Any time somebody make a play, Riley's the first guy jumping into his face with a huge smile. This dude is competing so hard and having a blast doing it. I adore guys like this. That energy is infectious.
He also goes downhill into tackles and piles. At least 5 times today I saw Ashtyn standing there while 3-4 people gang tackle. He's a free safety, so I don't expect he will get his hands dirty very often... But there's this insane thought he's a hard hitter amongst some people. He's as soft as downy.
He’s better than Davis but that’s not saying much. That being said, he’s a noticeable presence in a positive way and considering the turds we’ve tossed out there this season, that’s a W
He's part of the Culture Club. You need one of those on every team but it starts slow and then it builds and soon everybody is hopping around after a big play. It is infectious and the best teams (notably excepting the Patriots) all have it.
Jay Feely mentioned early on in the broadcast that Riley was his favorite story on the Jets roster and that he'd bring up why throughout the game. However, we the audience, never got said explination.....
He and DL Williams combined for the big stop on 3rd and 2 at the end of the game. He gives the jets a lot of energy at the S position, and he is not afraid to tackle.
https://jetswire.usatoday.com/2021/11/30/new-york-jets-elijah-riley-long-island-robert-saleh/ He got some pub 2 days after this thread was posted.
Another gold star for JD? Kid never had a tackle in a real game before JD snagged him off the Eagles PS. JD saw 'something' in this kid...JD probably had 100 different options to bring in a Safety.
Feel good story for sure... Seems like a really good kid. Needless to say we need more guys like him. Jets S Elijah Riley: Hometown Fan, Army Product, Competitor and Now Starter https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/je...n-fan-army-product-competitor-and-now-starter
Getting value without having to give up anything. This seems like something that this GM does pretty well. Would be really, really great if the kid sticks.
Douglas has proven time and time again that he is VERY good finding late round picks and low key free agents that turn into solid players. It's a great recipe for the future of this franchise. It will all come down to next offseason. I can not express how important this will be for this team and for this organization.