By Ken Berger
It's nice to be wanted. So thanks to your overwhelming response, it would appear that this blog isn't going anywhere.
The name will have to be changed now that the draft is behind us -- I wish I could come up with something better than "Ken Berger's Inside the Jets Blog" -- but I just write the stories, not the headlines. (Little known fact about journalism. Writers do NOT write the headlines. Headline writers do. I have to explain that whenever a player or coach doesn't like the headline on one of my stories. They, of course, think I'm passing the buck. But it's true. Honest. ) Thankfully, our headline writers come up with many more good ones than bad ones, so it's rarely a problem.
So the first order of business is deciding what to call this thing going forward. I'm open to your suggestions, keeping in mind that we must adhere to the same high standards for decency that apply to headlines that appear in the paper.
But as you've proved, you're a fairly reasonable, high-minded group. I appreciate that more than one of you has noticed and pointed out the dignified nature of the commentary you've produced here. It's been nothing like the simple-minded, knee-jerk stuff you'd expect if you believed every Jet fan was like Joe Benigno.
I can't emphasize enough how encouraging it has been to see that the vast majority of you rejected the simplistic notion that the Jets had to make some sort of marketing splash in this draft. I've spoken with some colleagues who lamented the fact that the Jets missed a chance to bring in a player who could be the "face of the franchise" and generate "excitement." Pardon me, but wasn't that the flawed logic behind prematurely signing Chad Pennington to a seven-year, $64 million contract a couple of years ago?
The suggestions that the Jets screwed up by not taking Leinart or trading up for Bush that I've read elsewhere are far outweighed by your acknowledgement of informed opinions offered by Gil Brandt and others who said the Jets did a solid job here. Coming from someone who covers the team every day, this tells me that there are plenty of fans out there who want coverage that is intelligent and football-driven -- not the same old recycled tabloid angles that any imp with a laptop could produce.
I'm also pleased to know that a few of you have pointed out that you realize beat writers like myself will be up against enormous restrictions in trying to get you information under this new Belichick-like regime. Few examples of this could be more appropriate than the attempt to report the signing of undrafted free agents. The 48-72 hours after the draft are extremely nervous times for NFL personnel departments. Until the paperwork is signed, it's a free-for-all. Team X is paranoid that if word leaks out of an agreement with an undrafted rookie, Team Y could come along and scoop him up.
I find most of the Jets' paranoia to be unwarranted, but in this case, I understand. Fortunately for you, I work for you -- not the Jets -- and it's my job to get you the information you want. So while I am still waiting for the team to confirm what free agents have been signed, here is a list that already has been reported in various forums. No sense keeping the names from you; if you don't get them here, you can get them elsewhere. Frankly, I'd rather you come here:
DE Darrell Adams, Villanova (born in Jamaica, raised in Bay Shore, and attended Islip HS)
DE Craig Bailey, Nevada
RB Ryan Gilbert, Houston
DE Brennan Schmidt, Virginia
DL Will Thompson, Georgia
P/PK D.J. Fitzpatrick, Notre Dame
LB Blake Costanzo, Lafayette
RB DonTrell Moore, New Mexico
OL Ed Blanton, UCLA
S Jamie Thompson, Oklahoma State
TE Brian Watje, San Jose State
QB Stacy Tutt, Richmond
LB Brian White, Virginia
Lastly, now Glauber says he wants to start a blog. I'm not sure there's room for both of us in this town.
Comments (46)
good news.
how about Jetsbeat or Jetsnet?
Oh please, don't give Glauber a blog!! The last thing he needs is another medium to express his devotion to Bill Parcells! Does he work his name into every conversation, like, "You know, Chuck E Cheese is the Bill Parcells of children's restaurants," and wear WWBPD bracelets?!
Thanks for reconsidering. What about BJ-Blog (Berger's Jet Blog)? Sorry, I couldn't resist. :-)
I would be interested in Jets Fans'current expectation for the upcoming season -- not necessarily in number of wins and losses, but rather tangible progress as the season goes forward. For instance, we most likely will have more losses than wins since we don't yet have all the piece-parts, but I do want to see evidence of:
1) good game planning, & real-time adjustments on Sundays
2) discipline (minimal number of penalties & mental errors)
3) motivation (players giving their all)
4) learning (not repeating same "errors" on the following weekend)
Any comments?
Here is the way I see this team and it's draft right now. I know you can't judge a draft for at least a few year so I will not go there other then to say I like the direction this draft went in with our new regime.Instead of the sexy pick as you said the Jets finaly saw the postion of this team and made the best move for the team. They picked two franchise OL men in "Thew Brick" and ManGold LOL a little joke. These are the two that will anchor this line for the next 12 years.These picks made the team better then any one QB or RB could have ever had at this point. All their picks were high character guys leaders with a big upside. We know where this group learned the ropes.With smart moves like this it leads you to belive these guys are smarter then we might thing and that could meen this team will get better faster then we think. I like what I see so far and I think finaly Jets fans will see that we are on the right road maybe even in time the road to one more Super Bowl because we all know that is what it is all about! Great to see you are doing the blog thing again! Go JETS!
Here is the way I see this team and it's draft right now. I know you can't judge a draft for at least a few year so I will not go there other then to say I like the direction this draft went in with our new regime.Instead of the sexy pick as you said the Jets finaly saw the postion of this team and made the best move for the team. They picked two franchise OL men in "Thew Brick" and ManGold LOL a little joke. These are the two that will anchor this line for the next 12 years.These picks made the team better then any one QB or RB could have ever had at this point. All their picks were high character guys leaders with a big upside. We know where this group learned the ropes.With smart moves like this it leads you to belive these guys are smarter then we might thing and that could meen this team will get better faster then we think. I like what I see so far and I think finaly Jets fans will see that we are on the right road maybe even in time the road to one more Super Bowl because we all know that is what it is all about! Great to see you are doing the blog thing again! Go JETS!
How about... "Kenny and the Jets" or something nice and cheesey like..."Jetscapades" or simply..."Long Suffering Jets Blog" and that one, in true internet fashion can be shortened to "LSJB" and we will be styling into the 21st century.
I like what the Jets did in the draft. A good offensive line can affect the entire team by ball control and keeping your own defense fresh by being off the field. And as far as Lienart goes, there were too many questions regarding his arm strength. If he's so good, why didn't Norm Chow(former USC off. coordinator), Jeff Fisher and the Titans pick him instead of Vince Young? Give the new regime a chance!
Know what would be an interesting what-if scenario. If the Titans grabbed Leinart, would the Jets have taken Young?
As for the free agents, I've seen Watje plays. He's a great blocker and he runs nice routes. He's much better than Doug Jolley.
First, thanks Ken for deciding to keep this blog alive.
Second, thanks to readers (or whatever yer called-I'm new to this 'puter stuff) for your intelligent comments..I enjoy reading your notes along with Ken's commentary.
Third, as for the direction of the Jets this year, no question Tangini are introducing a new management vision in terms of personnel, character of the athlete's, versatility etc. What gets me are the analysts who gave the Jets an 'A' for the first round, a 'B' for Clemens and then 'D's etc for the later rounds . What do they think, that Tangini all of a sudden 'lost it' in the later rounds? My guess is that Tangini did their homeowork and I'll bet they found some real gems in the 4th-7th rounds and I'll further bet some of these athletes turn out to be solid players..maybe not great.. but solid and in the end, I believe a group of motivated 'solid' athletes will take us to the promised land.
What is good to see is a writer who is interested in
giving the fans what we want, INFORMATION!!! I'm
sick of the simplistic mind set of most writers
who want to perpetuate the "same old Jets" garabge.
Keep up the good work.
I'm sick of this mentality that the Jets are going to lose next year. Honestly, they were a FG away from beating the Steelers 2 years ago. If they still had Abraham, I'd gladly take their front 7 over Pittsburgh's any day of the week. (But no, they don't sign Abraham, and overpay for von "Old-Hoffen".) Plus, the Steelers offense and Big Ben are overrated - nothing a healthy Chad (I know the improbability) couldn't beat. Lots of ifs, but if the new O-line jells quickly, if Chad is healthy, if the D steps up w/o Abraham (remember, Barton will be back), they could still contend. Hopefully, the weak schedule they have will give them the time they need to get it together. I'm usually quite negative about their prospects, but let's not overrate these sub-par champions and contenders of the last few years.
What about "Burger and Fries"
Meant to write "Berger and Fries"
keep up the good work. We need an offensive line and we got one.- Successful draft!!!
ps Blog Name :: Behind the GREEN DOOR!!!
(just kidding)
Glad to hear the blog lives on, great job so far Mr. Berger. As for a name I say keep it simple, something likes Jets Beat.
The draft was solid, not spectacular, which is just what this franchise needs right now, as Berger pointed out the Jets now have a clear philosophy and direction and appear to be following it, quite a departure from the last 5 years at Weeb Ewbank Hall. I wouldn't get too caught up in how fast the Jets will be good, or what their record will be this year, the roster does have alot of talent, but it will all be utilized in different ways than it has in the past, and don't forget players will be learning new systems on both sides of the ball, so past success doesn't necessarily imply future production in this case.
How about D'SupaJets for the blog name? This includes (1) the name of our first-round choice who will blow holes in defensive lines for years to come, (2) the ultimate goal, and (3) the name of the team!
Besides, if you are asking if they made the right decision, I can say yes, and sum up my explanation in two words: Paris Hilton!
What about Jawin' on the Jets?
As for expectations of this current season, how about a little (just a little) time and clock management. Wouldn't that be nice?
How about "The Green Lantern" for the blog name? An ode to #80, and represents the light of info you will shine on us long suffering Jets fans. My gripe about the draft is the TE pick (do we need a blocking TE who could have been signed as a FA)? Otherwise I am happy with what we got. I have faith in Chad- if he can be healthy I think we have a shot at 9-7 next year with a decent O-line to block.
- Jets: X's and O's
- In the Huddle w/ Ken Berger
- The 14th Man
- The War Room
Keep up the good work -
How about:
"Contrails"
"From the Cockpit"
"The Black Box"
"Air Traffic Control"
Ken, there really is only one name and that is:
"Why read my blog when you could read the Star Ledger."
nuff said!
For a blog name, how about: Jet’s News and Views!
As far as the Jets next season. If the draft is any indication we all agree to a certain point that Tangini are closely following the Belichek model of New England. No a bad model to follow given they have produced a "mini-dynasty" even in this day and age of wild NFL free-agency spending(see Washington Redskins). As far as play in the field – we will take some lumps no matter how you slice it. It will be a new system on both sides of the line. As of now, we don’t even know who the starting QB is going to be. However, having said that, I believe Mangini and staff will instill/teach good fundamental football techniques, practices and attitude (see Belichek). I think this model of coaching and thinking outside the “box” game planning will provide very positive results on the field. The 49rs in their formative years took many “lumps”. The philosophy held by their coaching staff was: losing is a more powerful lesson than winning and you use those lessons to teach your players how to become a better TEAM and create a hatred for losing! Given the Belichek bloodlines I think Mangini is of that thinking. Of course, the Jets haven't played a down yet so this is just my gut-feeling/opinion. Time will tell. I hope I am right!
Max
Glad to see you are staying. What about "Flight Plan" for the name of your blog?
It was an awesome draft. I've been coaching football for years and I've always said it all begins and ends on the line. I've always looked for coachable, hard-working players over flashy stars. In the end, they'll play more for the team and each other and less for the accolades. It looks to me like that's exactly what Mangini & Tannenbaum did here.
As for a blog name, how about Jet Stream of Consciousness? Or Just Enjoy The Season (a play on Just End The Season)?
Thanks for continuing this lil experiment, Ken!!
If you're name was Stan, I'd call it Jetslandistan...
but Jetslandiken... nah.
Maybe the *Jets Chat Exchange?*
Or simply *JetsSpeak...*
As for how the past week has shaped up...
other than the emphasis on intangibles, what strikes me the most, is the emphasis on competition.
It seems like Mangini will not play any favorites...
it's an open competition. This is a huge change in philosophy, from the Preacher's *stay the course*
MO, where young players wouldn't play, unless a starter had a leg amputated.
It hurt to read the day after the draft that the Jets had a chance to get Leinart at the 9th pick for their 29th and 35th picks. That would have been a great draft. I hope they get something out of those two picks they decided to pick.
Also, I have not heard much about efforts to keep the Jets in NY. Now they're moving their training faiclity to NJ? We are the biggest City in the country. Woodie Johnson has quietly moved the team to another state without all the hype that normally surrounds teams moving. It think we deserve our own NFL team and should make every legal effort to keep the Jets our home team.
Here's a thought for the blog:
JetStreams
Have always felt that the Jets were very slow in not only announcing, but recruiting/signing UFA's. Seems to me, with the draft only 7 rounds, UFA's are a great place to put extra resources and separate yourself from the pack.
Off the top of my head...
A Well Done Berger with a Side of Blog
Too long? Oh well.
One thing I wanted to mention is while I can appreciate the desire to get "character" guys, I hope we're not sacrificing ability for that. While many of the draft picks were team leaders and did well academically and can kill a boar with a knife... their medical histories are not too encouraging.
I also wonder if the new regime is forgetting about a few of the brighter spots that were already on the roster. Why get rid of Mark Brown? Does McClover still have a spot on this team? What was the story with Jason Glenn (old news, I know - just wondering).
And finally, I know we have to give the Dynamic Duo some time to do their thing but these non-answers and the bunker mentality is driving me nuts already. I know it's what Belichick does, but I hate Belichick (not in the literal sense, in the mindless sports fan sense).
How about The Muddy Duck?
I agree with Rudy wholeheartedly. Ken, maybe you can go through the archives, but I distinctly remember Woody promising that the Jets will get their own stadium and move back to NY. And now, not only a 99 year lease (I know I'll be dead) in New Stinky with the Giants, but the HQ to NJ, too? It's as if they left NY all over again.
I'm worried that Tangini are a reflection of Woody - coming in as a person of a high pedicree and capable of big things who operates things privately and secretly, but in the end just shows a level of incompetence to match his smugness.
Yeah Andy, I hate Belicheck too (in the same sense). And Parcells. People emulating them make me want to vomit.
I take that back. Let me put it more eloquently. I'd rather not win their way or with their people (though I'll take the Supa Bowl if it happens). I want to win and lose the Jets way - maddening, gut-wrenching and improbable. I want Herm looking at his watch upside-down and Gastineau and Barton roughing the passer. I want mud bowls and miracles against Miami. I want to blow a 28 point lead in the 4th quarter in the Super Bowl and win it on a 40 yard bomb in double overtime. Yeah!!
Great new. You do a nice job covering the Jets. Don't worry, most fans care about the wins and losses, not the amount of access the writers get. We'd much prefer the Parcells binker approach to the last regime. Maybe Herm should have spent more time in the film room than carrying on with you guys.
Man! The Mac's enumeration was like my life flashing before my eyes just before dying!!!
I think the draft was solid and filled a lot of need. Still have to find someone to help out Curtis, though.
I always felt like no matter what the talent level was under Herm the Jets were just over achievers. These guys might be a little less "inspirational" but I prefer a more focused plan based on competition and results. After all, this is the pro's and these guys are paid to play and produce. It's an emotional game but this isn't High School, they shouldn't need a pep talk to get them over the edge...
Since you started this blog to engage Jet fans in draft dicussion, I think it should be named according to its genesis ... The Jets War Room.
As for the draft Ken, I sincerely believe the two best professional QB's will be the third and forth QB's off the board, Jay Cutler and Kellen Clemens.
Matt Leinart will be adequate because he has no wind to contend with in Arizona as well as no Paris Hilton or China Club, but he'll have plenty of FitzG and Quan to make him look better than he is. Sort of like the talent that surrounded him at USC, this cat just seems to be leading a charmed life.
No such luck for Vince. No FitzG and no Quan, so I'm afraid he's looking at bust city.
Jay Cutler, on the other hand, is the Real McCoy and Kellen Clemens was a heist in round two.
You heard it here first, from J Babba Jet.
Wait!! Don't make a final decision on the Blog name yet! How about "Jets Building Blog". The Jets are rebuilding. Just drafted 2 corner stones (building blocks) to add to the foundation. One of those guys is called D'Brick,
Just my two cents.
Jumbo Jet
I thought we voted that Deluxe Berger should continue his blog. Where are the scoops? Are you covering mini-camp? Are there any other unrestricted free agents worth signing? How much moolah is left under the salary cap?
Here it is. The only name that makes sense:
J.E.T.S. Blog, Blog, Blog
how bout Jets Streams (I think I saw this in another publication but hey, it's not copyrighted)
or Inside the Black Box
I think frank has a winner ... J-E-T-S BLOG BLOG BLOG!!
Good one, frank :-)
None too pleased with the fact that we didn't get any hogs to keep the pressure off Vilma. Can Dewayne's knees hold up at the nose? And passing up Bing for Eric Smith, who by all accounts seems likely to have been available for a few more go-rounds? I'm sure Tangini knows a lot more than me about this stuff, but more than almost everyone who's reviewed the draft?
As for a name, how about D'Brickablog?
I like DBrickablog and Inside the Black Box..
Sons of Sonny (Werblin)?
Requiem for a Ring?
Jetlag?
I guess this is why my blog is uninspiringly titled 'The Jets Blog' ... :(
I love it, J.E.T.S. Blog Blog Blog....that is the best name. Everyone should have figured what the Jets were going to do with the draft when they hired Mangini. You will get football players, not names. We all know the Jets are about 3 years from competing at a decent level, and you do that by building a solid line that gels, by year three I hope that Cedric Houston is busting for 1600 yards and Kellen Clemens is hooking up deep with McCareins.
dude its almost a week, can we get an article or a blog on something?
i mean i know the ledger, post or news haven't written anything lately, so there is nothing to copy, but please give me something. its like we were going 100mph with the draft articles and blog, and then you just slammed on the brakes.
what do you do all day? is this a full time gig? there should be an article or blog every 1-2 days. i cant wait a week, this is ny, we get very impatient here!
my preferred blog name: "Why read my blog when you could read the Star Ledger."
One more name to consider:
Football through the Eye of Stuart Scott
/ok a little obscure...
How about Blog Berger