E-Boland & Gang Green

By Tom Rock

Just a few thoughts before the Jets announce their cuts this afternoon. Some of this may be out-dated by the 4 p.m. deadline.

Nice goal-line stand by the Jets in the 20-17 win over the Eagles on Friday night. Even nicer was Andy Reid’s decision not to kick a tying field goal on fourth-and-goal from the 1 in the final minute. That’s the way a veteran coach should handle the preseason – test the young players in situations, then get out of the rain!

It was good to see Brad Smith under center, and he has become an instant fan-favorite between his reverse run for a touchdown against the Redskins and his head-down plunge into the end zone on Friday. Smith’s NFL future is at WR, but the Jets will likely tinker with his abilities within their play-calling.

Mangini said he liked some of the things he saw from Kellen Clemens. I’m not exactly sure what those were. He made only three first-downs and botched a snap, which has become his chronic problem. He said the last fumble was a result of him not riding the center long enough on what was supposed to be a QB sneak on third-and-1. Ramsey was not spectacular – 1-for-2 passing, those aren’t even Brad Smith numbers!!! – but he did what you want from a backup QB. He came in, controlled the huddle, and didn’t make any mistakes.

Cedric Houston was running against the Eagles scrubs, but 100 yards is 100 yards. If nothing else, he elevated his worth to other teams that could be looking for a RB. Imagine that, the Jets, a team that two weeks ago was begging for a running back, could be putting one on the market.

Kevan Barlow’s contract apparently excludes him from preseason games. Just kidding. I guess Mangini feels he sees enough of Barlow in practices to pass judgement.

The Deion Branch deal seems to be in a coma (in other words it’s not dead yet), and it would be difficult to pass up a player of his ability if the pricetag is reasonable. But if Branch were to come to the Jets, it might behoove the team to re-examine its quarterback situation. What good is having a deep-threat WR if you have a QB who can’t make the long pass. If the Jets get Branch, it’ll probably be the best thing to ever happen to the Jets careers of Patrick Ramsey and Kellen Clemens.

Trader Mike has been wheelin’ and dealin’, bringing in a lot of the pieces the Jets need to solidify before the regular season kicks off. I’m wondering what it means for the guys who have been through Camp Mangini and might get cut in favor of others who just got here. Will that affect the chemistry in the locker room?

A sad thought: Was Friday the last time Ray Mickens will wear a Jets uniform? We’ll find out this afternoon.