Don't you remember the line of just a few years back when Martin was in his prime? None of those guys were overly huge by any stretch of the imagination. Tall yes- huge, no. It was also the period where the Jets were regarded as having one of the best OL's in the league for several years. Clement started last year because Jones fell flat on his ass. The team saw that Jones didn't have the the skills to be our starting RT and went out and found their stopgap in Clement, and there's no argument that it worked out pretty well. Where is Clement today? I'm agreeing that the team needs to keep upgrading the OL, but am simply adding my two cents that I figure they go towards the smallish side, rather than tons of beef in the middle. The team wants Brick to add extra weight because his playing weight at the end of the season was equiv to some tight ends and just about 30 pounds heavier than the Giants 2nd string QB. Mangold putitng on extra weight I don't see as much of a need- he held his own and played at a pro-bowl level in his rookie season.
I don't agree with this. Statistically, last year was not one of Clement's better years (gave up the 2nd most sacks of his career for instance), but he was still very solid. I've looked at all the numbers and you can argue that A.C. was our 2nd best lineman last year. This has nothing to do with his play last year, and is all about money. If you read the quote again, they did not say they are releasing these players, rather letting them go to free agency. What that means is that they haven't been able to come up with a deal that both sides can agree on. A.C. is a veteran and is probably looking for another pay day before the end; strike while the fire is hot. The Jets know he is not the long term answer and do not want to give up a multi year deal. Wouldn't surprise me if he still comes back. I would love to resign him at our terms and bring in a young guy to start grooming for the long term. Clement does not get the credit he deserves for his play last year, the Jets had their highest rushing average when running over RT. Anyway, if they can't resign him I would look at Tony Pashos from Baltimore. Another FA, but younger who seems to be rounding into a nice player. I've been reading all of the Ravens boards and their fans agree he is a player on the rise. In fact, I would raid all of the Raven FAs; A. Thomas, Aubrayo Franklin and Tony Pashos. That could be a potential coup. Throw in Kenyon Coleman and I'm a happy man. Okay, a guy could dream can't he....
we shouldve kept clement, nobody else is going to give him primo starter money. they must seriously plan on addressing RT in free agency or within the first two picks of the draft. otherwise this is idiotic. sure hes a journeyman but theres no depth on what already is a very average line.
I totally agree and I have to think Tanny and Mangini must have something up their sleeves. They just don't seem like the kind of guys who paint themselves into a corner and let someone go before lining up an equal (or better) alternative. It just doesn't make sense, given their past record.
it's not like we have absolutely no one. as some have mentioned, Blanton and a few others will probably make the roster as depth if not starting. so there's the depth, and then we can either sign/draft someone to start or compete for the starting spot. cheers
Well it is not that difficult to conclude that if you let your starting RT walk that you have to address this in the draft. I do not consider them being clever if they draft an RT. If they address it in the draft we really won't know if they have a better alternative. With respect to their "record" this is only their second draft, so they really do not have much of a record to speak of. I do not like this move, clement was a solid player for us.
With this move there might actually be some truth about us going for MaGahee. I mean, seriously, how could we have a MaGahee and a BJ Askew in the same locker room.
Given the state of our O-Line, who is going to block for MaGhee. Run Blocking has not been a stregnth for this team.
Koz....I read alot of what you say & respect your opinion alot. But this OL quote you make......OL regressed the day Redskins signed Randy Thomas away. Jets' had a strong right side of Thomas & McKenzie..... & if I can remember correctly, there was a different RT there & McKenzie replaced him. Jets' problems with OL .....they didn't respect there offensive limeman & had a habit of not resigning them & letting them walk away & replacing them with make/shift downgrades...never upgrades. My annual post....you might have read.....I looked back in archive & couldn't find it....Anyway..."3rd & 2....Who do Jets' run behind" ? This is the annual question with me & it hasn't beeen answered or sufficiently addressed by the Jets' staff as of this date. Big roadhogs needed & RG & LG. Force undrstands force....Kendall is finished & the whole right side needs to be upgraded. I liked Moore , but he isn't very good. Blocking TE also needed. Becht's position hasn't been upgraded.
