Bleacher Report - Articles by TERENCE O'NEILL

New York Jets Top Five Biggest Draft Busts

TERENCE O'NEILL — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:40:04 -0400

Jets fans are hoping/praying that trading up to draft Mark Sanchez fifth overall will bring the Vince Lombardi trophy back to New York for the first time in 40 years. Over the years, the Jets have drafted quite a few first round clunkers . In fact, its been a staple in Jets history to acquire some forgettable names. Here are the top five biggest busts for the New York Jets.

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Ferguson, Faneca, Mangold, Moore, and Woody; The Best In The Business?

TERENCE O'NEILL — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 12:15:59 -0400

The key to a great football team is the strength of its offensive line. In a sport where contact is everything, these colossal men truly are the foot soldiers in the trenches.

They are the unsung heroes, men whose faces are hidden behind giant face masks and rarely receiving the credit they deserve. Most of what they do cannot be put down on a stat sheet, yet their contributions are invaluable.

The Jets offensive line is almost an exception to the general rule of anonymity for linemen. Prior to last year, to Jets front office went out acquired two big name players in Alan Faneca and Damien Woody, from the Steelers and Lions, respectively.

Add that to the Jets two first rounds picks in 2006; D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold, throw in veteran Brandon Moore at right guard and you have an extremely versatile front line for the Jets.

Ferguson and Mangold were the first pair of offensive lineman picked by the same team in first round since the LA Rams in 1975. Ferguson was the Jets first selection in 2006, going fourth overall. The Jets sent John Abraham to Denver in order to acquire Mangold 29th overall.

The picks have paid off for the Jets, seeing as neither Mangold nor Ferguson have ever missed a start in their first three seasons.

Mangold, the Jets center, is the anchor of this O-line. Amazingly he has only been flagged for a penalty four times in his entire career, with only one flag in the 2008 season.

The 2008 season was a landmark year for the Jets on the offensive side of the ball.

The Jets reached 400 points for only the third time in franchise history. They posted 42 offensive scores, making that the most for the Jets in a decade, and both Thomas Jones and Leon Washington were voted to the Pro Bowl. Thomas Jones also rushed for over 1,000 yards behind the Jets offensive line.

With two inexperienced quarterbacks duking it out for the starting spot, a veteran offensive line is going to be key. Part of the controversy with the Jets and Mangini last season is that they sought out these big name lineman to give them a power football edge, while the play-calling down the stretch was questionable and the Jets stumbled.

Brandon Moore, the Jets starting right guard, has taken a different road, working his way up the ladder to becoming a starter.

He was signed as a rookie free agent in April of 2002 and is the only member of the Jets offensive line remaining from 2004 when Curtis Martin won the NFL rushing title.

D'Brickashaw Ferguson, the highly touted number one pick out of the University of Virginia, has completely lived up to his billing. His monstrous blocks at left tackle allow Jones and Washington to run between the tackles consistently.

Both Faneca and Woody have been selected to the pro bowl (seven consecutive times for Faneca) and both have played in the Super Bowl, bringing serious postseason experience to the line.

With Ferguson and Mangold entering their fourth season, the Jets arguably have one of the toughest lines in the entire league.

Experience in their running game will help open up a passing game with no proven number one receiver.

The Jets will need the standout year expected from the O-line in order to compete with the AFC East's tough divisional rivals.

Leon Washington Vs. Reggie Bush: Who Delivers More Bang for the Buck?

TERENCE O'NEILL — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 17:31:48 -0400

Reggie Bush was expected to go first overall in the 2006 draft, after an amazing college career at USC, every football analyst and fan alike were convinced it was a certainty.

The Houston Texans final game in 2005 against the almost equally hapless San Francisco 49ers was dubbed "The Bush Bowl." Whoever lost that game was expected to take Reggie Bush with the first pick.

The Texans lost the game in overtime then surprised the football world by choosing Mario Williams, leaving the New Orleans Saints to get Bush with the second pick and signing him to a six year, 50 million dollar contract.

Three rounds and 115 picks later the New York Jets chose Leon Washington from Florida State with a pick received from the Kansas City Chiefs as part of the Herman Edwards reimbursement.

Both Bush and Washington were known as an all-purpose backs, and while Reggie Bush was on top of the world, Leon Washington trying to prove himself in order to get carries with the Jets in his rookie year.

In the 2006 season, Bush got off to a slow start, not scoring a touchdown in the months of September or October. However, in the second half of the year he posted nine scores total; six rushing, two receiving, and one punt return during the New Orleans Saints magical run that reignited their devastated city.

His monster second half of the year lead to him being named Rookie of the Month for December and was named to the NFL all-rookie team.

While it seemed that the former Heisman Trophy winner was going to live up to his billing, he has not played a complete season since his rookie year.

In 2007, Bush missed the final four games of the season with a knee injury; in 12 games he averaged 3.7 yards per carry and scored six touchdowns (four rushing & two receiving) for the year. He returned only three punts the entire year for a measly 12 yards, down from 28 punts returns in 2006.

In 2008, Reggie Bush came out of the gates fast, posting over 100 total yards in two of the first three games. However, once again Bush was not able to escape an injury-filled year, as he played in only 10 games, matching his career high of nine touchdowns during that time.

On the flip side, Leon Washington has played in all 16 games each of his first three seasons. In his rookie season Washington took almost as many carries as his next two years combined, which is due to the fact that the Jets acquired Thomas Jones in 2007 to split time with him in the backfield.

In his rookie season, with four less carries than Bush, Washington posted 75 more rushing yards, and averaged 4.3 yds per carry, compared to Bush's 3.6.

Washington showed flashes of serious talent his rookie year with the Jets, as his 650 rushing yards in 2006 were the most by a Jets rookie since 1976. His best game of the season was a 129 yard effort in a game versus the Lions, making that the highest one-game total for a Jets rookie dating back to Matt Snell in 1964.

Once Thomas Jones arrived the following year however, Washingon's rushing average went up to an even five yards per carry. His receptions have also steadily gone up since Jones acquisition. Washington caught 11 more balls in his sophomore season and posted an amazing three touchdowns on kickoff returns in 2007.

This great performance led to him being voted the Jets MVP by his teammates.

In 2008, Leon Washington's rushing average jumped to 5.9 yards per carry, compared to Reggie Bush's average of 3.8, although Bush got 30 more carries in six less games.

Washington caught a career high 47 passes in 2008, 11 more receptions than 2007 and 22 more catches than his rookie year in 2006. In comparison, Reggie Bush had 52 receptions in the 10 games he played in 2008.

Leon Washington gets more versatile every year.

In his rookie campaign, he scored four touchdowns, all coming from rushes. The next year Washington scored six touchdowns, three rushing and three on kickoff returns. In 2008, he found the end zone nine times, scoring six rushing, two receiving, and one return.

Washington is an electric charge for the Jets, a playmaker whenever he touches the ball.

If Reggie Bush can stay healthy for an entire year, he may just live up to the hype and recapture the athleticism he showed during his rookie season and final year at USC.

In comparing the two picks, Washington came into the league virtually unheralded, while Reggie Bush was quickly becoming a superstar. Bush signed for millions and had endorsement deals before even stepping onto the field.

However, three years after the 2006 draft, Washington has shown vast improvements every season and garnered a pro bowl appearance, while Bush has struggled for the break-through year Saints fans have been waiting for.

Rex and Brian: The Rising Sons

TERENCE O'NEILL — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:43:44 -0400

SONS OF FAMOUS COACHES LEAD JETS INTO 2009 SEASON

Jet fans are hoping Rex Ryan can repeat the defensive magic he worked during his time with the Ravens. His father, Buddy Ryan, was part of the Jets coaching staff in 1969 when they beat the then Baltimore Colts.

That Jets win remains the biggest upset in Super Bowl history, even more so than the 2008 New York football Giants.

On the flip side, Marty Schottenheimer, as head coach of the San Diego Chargers, lost to the underdog Jets in overtime during the 2005 playoffs.

Current Jets offensive coordinator and son Brian Schottenheimer was the quarterbacks coach for the Chargers at that time.

Ryan followed in his father's shoes, and became known as a defensive stalwart. The younger Schottenheimer also followed his father into the NFL, but on the other side of the football.

Marty Schottenheimer was a NFL linebacker, Brian played quarterback at Florida behind Heisman winner Danny Wuerffel.

The elder Schottenheimer earned his NFL stripes as the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in 1980 before taking over the reigns to the team in 1984.

The Jets defense is expected to fulfill their potential, equipped with an athletically gifted squad. However, the Jets offense is where the season can be made or lost.

Rex Ryan's strongest move to-date as head coach is retaining Brian Schottenheimer as the offensive coordinator after being passed over for the Jets top coaching job.

With the Chargers, Brian Schottenheimer is given credit for reviving Drew Brees' all but dead career.

With the Jets, he implemented a shotgun offense into the playbook a few years back, and has accomplished a lot in less than ideal circumstances considering the frequent change of quarterbacks in his four years as offensive coordinator.

While in San Diego, he watched one quarterback competition play out back in 2005, with Brees and top five draft pick Philip Rivers.

Being through that experience will help him manage this year's battle between Kellen Clemens and Mark Sanchez.

He has a solid running game right now with Thomas Jones leading the way and Leon Washington (thankfully, he's back), and possibly even third round draft pick Shonn Greene will get some touches.

What remains to be answered is whether a powerful running game will be enough to open up a successful passing game with two unproven quarterbacks and a young wide receiving corps.

Schottenheimer claims Cotchery is ready to be given the chance as a number one wide receiver (hey, he has had 80 receptions two of his last three seasons) and a supporting cast of Chansi Stuckey, Brad Smith, and speedster David Clowney will try to make up for the loss of Laveranues Coles.

Schottenheimer has all summer to hone his offense, as does Ryan on the D.

If the Jets are going to make a Super Bowl appearance within the next four years as Rex Ryan has promised, the second generation of two famous NFL coaches are going to have to make the tough decisions in order to once again reach the Promised Land, 40 years after Rex watched his father help lead the J-E-T-S to victory.

Rex Ryan: "WE'RE GOING TO ATTACK"

TERENCE O'NEILL — Sun, 31 May 2009 21:47:06 -0400

"Read and react is for somebody else. We're going to attack..." newly named Jets head coach Rex Ryan stated about his approach to defense.

A good attitude is contagious, especially when that attitude comes from the head coach. It's one of those intangibles that, no matter how much analysis there is, you can never put it on a stats sheet.

It's what makes the mediocre teams overachieve, and it takes the good teams to the next level. That's what Mike Tannenbaum hopes new head coach Rex Ryan brings to the Jets.

Jets fans were initially skeptical and impatient bringing in another defensive-minded head coach.

That all changed Coach Ryan's first week with the Jets, as, after his first press conference as Jets head coach, he warned the league "The Jets are coming...you take a swipe at one of ours, we'll take a swipe at two of yours." This had both the reporters and players salivating, counting down the hours until the start of training camp.

The Jets have the players, and now they have the attitude. It's an attitude that says "I don't care who you are, we're not backing down."

This is exactly what the Jets need while facing nemesis Bill Belichick. Instead of dreading those two games every year against the Pats, Jet fans are now saying "bring 'em on!".

There shouldn't be a long adjustment period with the coaching change, since Ryan utilizes a seemingly interchangeable defense from last year. He plays a 3-4 defense, which is what the Jets already have in place, with monster-man Kris Jenkins in the middle and Calvin Pace right next to him.

One change in the defensive play-calling Jets fans may see is a lot more blitzing. Whereas Mangini was conservative with blitzes, Ryan is a believer and has no problem rolling the dice in order to get quick pressure on the opposing quarterback.

It also seemed obvious at times to the average fan that Mangini was on a learning curve, figuring out certain situations by trial and error. Ryan has great defensive football genes pumping through his blood (his father Buddy was the famed defensive coordinator on the 1985 Bears).

Ryan is coming into this job much more seasoned than Mangini, who had only one year's experience as defensive coordinator before joining the Jets. Ryan is confident in his play calling and will not second-guess himself, because he has been in all the tough situations before.

Ryan brought Mike Pettine with him from Baltimore, naming him defensive coordinator, which means they should be on the same page as far as a defensive scheme.

Pettine was formerly the outside linebackers coach for the Ravens, who employed one of the most fearsome linebacker corps in the league.

One thing to watch for is if Ryan employs the 46 defense to free up the linebackers. Ryan brought back the 46 in Baltimore, which his father made famous with the '85 Bears.

Mangini was always a little too much of Belichick, but without the rings. His expressionless face on a failed play would sometimes anger fans more so than the play itself.

Jet fans who bleed green and white want to see someone getting fired up after a play backfires, and Ryan just may very well be the guy for that.

Will Giselle Decide the AFC East?

TERENCE O'NEILL — Sat, 30 May 2009 15:47:33 -0400

The dark cloud that has been cast over the AFC East by the Patriots in 2001 with the infamous Tuck Rule (Tom Brady's first NFL rule creation) is starting to break. Two years ago the Patriots were on the verge of becoming the first team to go 19-0, while the Dolphins won only one game. The very next year the the Dolphins seemed to accomplish the unfathomable, winning a tiebreaker with the Patriots and garner a playoff berth with both teams finishing 11-5.

Jets fans remember all too well Chad Pennington throwing for 200 yards in the regular season finale to crush the last threads of hope the Jets had for making the playoffs in 2008. Last season's Dolphins MVP may not be anyone on the field but rather their Vice President of Football Operations Bill Parcells; who specializes in the "quick fix."

The acquisition of Chad Pennington righted their ship, as well as bringing in galvanic head coach Tony Sparano. Pennington was the perfect guy to turn around the franchise, being looked at as the benchmark of consistency.

However, his limits in throwing the football makes it seem he can only bring the Dolphins as far as the first couple rounds of the playoffs.

You would have to be living without electricity to not have heard of Terrell Owens going to Buffalo. The Bills had people talking last year after starting off 4-0, only to fold once conference play started. The 6.5 million dollar question is whether T.O. can bring the Bills to a competitive level in-conference.

Owens' greatest asset to the Bills will be opening up Lee Evans for a stellar year. However, if history has shown us anything, just when Lee Evans will start putting up good numbers and Trent Edwards starts to feel comfortable, Owens will start complaining about how he does not get enough balls thrown his way and lead the Bills to their demise in the second half of the year.

As long as Brady is healthy and Belichick is calling the shots, the Patriots have to be counted as the favorites. Although they lost legendary GM Scott Pioli and three year offensive coordinator Josh Mcdaniels, Brady is still throwing passes to Randy Moss.

With Giselle living in NYC, can we get her to take some tips from Jessica for the Jets game? Count on the Jets who almost always give the Patriots a good game (beating them on the road two of the last three years) to continue to challenge the Pats.

One thing that will be missing this year is the icy handshake at the end of games between Belichick and Mangini, who has moved on to the Cleveland Browns.

The AFC East is going to be survival of the fittest. Each team is poised to make a run, although they all have noticeable weaknesses (i.e. a seasoned quarterback in the Jets case).

If Sanchez can be the savior this season fans are hoping/praying for, then they will be in the thick of things come December. The Bills need a few things to go their way and a certain receiver to stay happy. As of now Miami and New England are leading the way but New York and Buffalo will challenge.

Change We Can (Hopefully) Believe In

TERENCE O'NEILL — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:28:21 -0400

With an untested first time head coach, no starting QB, a new stadium and a pricing plan that may leave many fans staying home, The New York Jets 2009 season may define the Woody Johnson/Mike Tannebaum era.

There is an upbeat feeling in the Jets organization with the drafting of Mark Sanchez, the highly photographed QB out of USC but there are a lot of question marks.

New head coach Rex Ryan starts his first stint as an NFL head coach following 10 seasons coaching the brutal Baltimore Ravens defense and Jets fans' have their fingers crossed this isn't deja vu' all over again. Ryan's father, Buddy Ryan the defensive genius of the 1980's Chicago Bears never managed to be more than a controversial so-so head coach with the Eagles, Oilers & Cardinals. And with Gruden & Shanahan available after the close of the '08 season - Tannebaum is counting on Ryan following in Mike Tomlin steps and not Pops.

This year's training camp will bring a different type of excitement than 2008 when Brett Favre flew into Jetdom with a Namath level celebrity. 2009's camp will find highly touted first round pick Mark Sanchez battling Kellen Clemens for the starting QB job at the new training facility in Florham Park, NJ. He'll also be facing the doubts of Jets fans wondering if Tannebaum should have pursued Jay Cutler; or even if this was the right year to pick a QB in the first round (Sanchez was the starter at USC for only one year). They could have picked Brady Quinn two years ago or waited a year for Bradford/Tebow/McCoy.

Sanchez has the size and arm needed for a NFL QB with good speed and an athleticism that reminds many of another USC QB, Carson Palmer. An early test for Coach Ryan will be his handling of the prize number 1 pick and whether he nurtures Sanchez like Palmer, or lets him start as a rookie hoping he is another Matt Ryan.

Jets fans are counting on the running game with Thomas Jones coming off a 2008 season rushing for 1,312 yards; and with one of the best offensive lines in the NFL returning intact, a healthy Jones is poised to match or improve on a career season.

Add in the explosiveness of Leon Washington who averages 6 - 8 yards every time he touches the ball and the Jets offense will be moving the chains. Jerricho Cotchery will be the primary receiver for the Jets, and with the loss of wide receiver Laveranues Coles to the Bengals; will attract the attention of every defensive back the Jets face this season.

Defensively, Ryan should have an immediate impact bringing the Ravens aggressive style to a solid Jets group led by linebackers Eric Barton, Calvin Pace and Bryan Thomas. Shaun Ellis and Kris Jenkins anchor a strong defensive line and Darrelle Revis has grown into one of the best defensive backs in the game.

Leon Washington will continue to excite the throngs of Jets fans with his explosive brand of punt returns and kickoff returns.

Mike Tannebaum and Woody Johnson have placed big bets on Head Coach Rex Ryan having the Jets defense playing Ravens style and Mark Sanchez emulating Matt Ryan's rookie season in order to fill those very expense seats at the new Jets Stadium with the faithful chanting J-E-T-S, JETS! JETS! JETS!