Fourth-year cornerback Justin Miller has found a new home in Oakland, and this Jets' fan couldn't be any more upset about it. Earlier this summer, I believed that Miller was ready to shine with the New York Jets.
Now he'll have an opportunity to brighten up the black hole and give the poor Raider Nation something to cheer about.
When the news broke that Miller would no longer be a member of the New York Jets in favor of veteran Ty Law, most fans took the news in stride.
He had been bitten by the injury bug over the last two seasons, and found himself inactive for the last few weeks. How much would he really be missed.
Despite reports praising him for strong showings during training camp, the 2005 second-round draft pick out of Clemson struggled to cement a role as a starting cornerback.
Many people have realized that the potential is there—it was only taking a while to materialize. He's fast and he's aggressive. His coverage abilities leave something to be desired, but Jets' fans believed it was something that could've been developed and cultivated.
That was until he was released.
In typical
fan fashion, people were quick to dismiss and denounce him. Since he struggled to become what they envisioned a second-round pick should be, he became absolutely expendable.What kind of flip-flopping arrogance is this?
He's the last man to have represented the New York Jets in Hawaii, and now he's not worth the cheers and praise we showered upon him?
So it is true—NFL fans are of the "what have you done for me lately" variety.
When Miller was lost for the 2007 season, Leon Washington emerged in his place and matched Miller's touchdown total in kick returns. Some would believe that defines expendable—but they'd be wrong.
Leon Washington is the exact reason Justin Miller was still needed in New York.
Yes, Washington is fantastic at returning kicks. But he's also the second—and last—running back on the depth chart.
When the St. Louis Rams game was winding down, Washington received primary clock-killing duties. But when he needed a rest, Thomas Jones had to return to the game. There is no depth.
If Washington were to go down, he would be lost in two crucial positions—both of them being places where there are no alternatives.
Sure, Miller may not have been the cornerback fans wanted, but his fast, fearless, and powerful running style was needed on kick returns while Washington spelled Jones.
Going into the home-stretch of a season where playoffs are a legitimate possibility, it's unwise to release a man that has provided Pro Bowl-caliber production.
Now Miller finds himself in the black hole, and hopefully in a situation where he can be utilized and appreciated. In fact, playing time in the secondary could be up for grabs as everyone on that team should be auditioning for jobs in 2009.
It's a unique situation for Miller to prove himself at a place looking for any kind of talent, and I wish him the best.
Good luck, J. Millz.
Angel Navedo is the Head Writer at NYJetsFan.com, boasting Jet Fuel Radio, frequently updated news and opinions, and a premier fan community. He is also the Community Leader for the New York Jets on Bleacher Report.
11 comments Last one added 6 months ago — Leave a Comment
LEX 7 months ago
That sucks to hear. But the Raiders sure could use a boost of any sort. I hope he's able to be productive out there. I must've been under a rock tho, cause I didn't realize we re-signed Ty Law. I hope he's able to shine out there with Revis and Lowery. The Secondary needs to tighten up it's 3rd down stance a little. The Rams exposed us . . . . j/k!
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Angel Navedo 7 months ago
Yeah man, it's a little but of a heart-breaker for me. I really liked the guy. He was even my friend on Facebook!
I like the Ty Law pickup though. His veteran leadership is gonna come in real handy.
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Nick Condit 7 months ago
Good article. The Jets probably needed a decent contract to release and Justin Miller's second round pick salary was high enough to make room for Law.
I agree he's valuable for a Jets team, but when he's healthy. This is shaping out to be the Jets year, they need to win right now, in fact, later tonight. Who knows when Miller would get back to help this team.
As long as Ty Law adds a solid veteran presence in the secondary and isn't too washed up, it will be a good move.
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Angel Navedo 7 months ago
That's a good point. I really didn't think about the money with the way the Jets were spending this year.
Law played really well on Thursday. I don't hate having him here at all. It's just going to be weird seeing Justin in silver and black.
The dude really loved the Jets. Shit.. his AIM name had Jets in it after he was drafted.
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GustakoSuso 7 months ago
Oakland is where players go to either kill their career, or put it on hold until they move on, to be reborn as a player.
It's almost like you take a blase' pill once you land in Oakland, and the only cure is being signed elsewhere once Davis pulls an Al Davis.
In Miller's case he has no career to kill.
We'll have to get a ruling on how this is to play out.
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Raider Card Addict 7 months ago
Funny. Considering guys like Willie Brown, Jim Plunkett, Mike Haynes, and others came to Oakland and LA, and thrived. Those were products of Al Davis.
So was Rich Gannon, Jerry Rice, Rod Woodson, and Charlie Garner, on a shorter scale.
If you want to base it off of Randy(i'm a quitter)Moss, or DeAngelo(burned like Atlanta)Hall, then you're obviously only seeing the last 5 years...and need to go study some history.
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Neil Johnston 7 months ago
it was nice to see him return the kick for the Raiders for a TD. Too bad the jets dont have him anymore. He needs to be put on offense.
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Angel Navedo 6 months ago
There's a guy that posts on NYJetsFan.com that's called for the same thing for two years now. gmany3k has suggested that Miller be tried as an RB for a while.
I can see his running style translating well there. He's the kind of guy you give the ball to and ask him to go from Point A to Point B, and he'll do it fearlessly. If he gets a seam to open space, he has the breakaway speed to make a team pay.
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Neil Johnston 6 months ago
well i went to the same high school as him and im a freshman in college this yr. I will be there in a few years. But I know his game he could be like a randle el or chris johnson. He has better offensive skills then defense. I know football, Miller would have been a beast in college if he would have played offense. Just try him on O raiders!
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Neil Johnston 6 months ago
damn the jets really screwed up. two returns in two weeks. now they just need to put him on offense.
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Angel Navedo 6 months ago
Yep! I saw that replay and it stung.
We've been discussing it on NYJetsFan.com, and it really looks like it may have been a personal conflict. Miller had trouble getting back to the field even after he was healthy again. I think he might have been on the coach's bad side, and never got the time again.
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