^ Eric Smith got top billing over Brodney Pool (who wasn't even mentioned)....wow. oh wait a minute, I forgot E.Smith is white.
Jim Leonhard Winner of the 2009 Wayne Chrebet Award for excellence by an overachieving under-sized white man.
I hope Eric Smith has at least an outside chance of winning the job going into training camp. He's been a good soldier and a decent player. Personally, I thought he had a really good game against the Panthers when Kerry went down with the bruised ego. Maybe I'm not giving enough credit to Pool's skill set, but I'd like to see an open competition for that starting FS spot. I think the progression of the defense over the course of last season suggests that individual talent isn't as important as understanding the scheme in Rex's D.
So do I. He's not your classic safety, but he has a ton of roles in the defense and Rex loves to use him. Thankfully, he didn't get cut in the offseason of 2009. I was telling WSW in PMs, I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility that with the upgraded secondary, E. Smith gets close to double-digit sacks in 2010. And that's in a hybrid role, with Pool as the starter.
Pool gets written off because of the concussion history. His skills are far superior to Smiths, but he has the dreaded "one hit away" label. He's going to be a huge player for us this season.
FREE DANNY WOODHEAD!!! In all seriousness, the Jets have the best secondary in football for one reason: Darrelle Revis. His extraordinary cover skills are the starting point for everything that we do on defense, and it's why he's eventually going to get signed (even if it takes a massive overpayment.)
Pool is not for sure the starter. Smith and Pool will compete for the starting job, and either way both will see the field. May the best player win.
I love the White Lightning!! (Jim Leonhard) I recently learned that was his nickname--- Whoever has his AAJ sig, get that put in!! Best NFL nickname ever.
Thats hilarious Strangely Jim Leonhard has been one player that has been rarely talked about this off-season. I mean their isnt any controversy around him he is just a damn good safety and I look forward to him making plays this season
I don't think Pool and Smith will have a competition per se, I think they'll be used situationally and both will be in and out of the game as required. I don't see the point in anointing either as "starter" over the other, what does it mean anyway?
scary thing is that even without revis christ we have a good shot at having the best back field. crom/wilson both have the man/man-shut down tag associated with their names. time will tell!
I love the way he hits. He doesn't show fear. Of course some who put their heads in there pay for it with neck problems and concussions. And E Smith has been injured. But still...
