Cleveland and New York Deal Over Edwards

October 7, 2009

New York – The New York Jets added a new weapon to their offense today by dealing with the Cleveland Browns for wide receiver Braylon Edwards.

            The Jets picked up Edward’s contract this morning in exchange for wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, special teams player Jason Trusnik, and two draft picks.  After losing Laveranues Coles, the Jets have been looking to establish a deep threat and Braylon Edwards has been called upon to be the answer.

            Acquiring Edwards does several things for the Jets.  First, it shows that Mike Tannenbaum is committed to winning and eager to redeem himself after whiffing on first round draft pick Vernon Gholston in 2008.  It also shows that Coach Rex Ryan and the Jets’ front office have confidence in rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez throwing the football and connecting with receivers.

            Second, with Edwards’ playmaking ability, New York receivers Jerricho Cotchery and Dustin Keller will see less double coverage, freeing them up to make big plays and giving Sanchez more options down field.

            Lastly, Jets opponents will no longer be able to overload the line of scrimmage, stack up against the run, or send an eight man rush after Sanchez.  New York had a particular problem with this last week against the New Orleans Saints who held the Jets to just 132 yards rushing and forced four turnovers from Sanchez alone.

            Edwards’ size, speed, and ability will spread the opposition’s defense and open up the running game for the Jets, which has not produced as expected.  With less opposition in the box, the New York offensive line will have an easier time protecting Sanchez and opening up holes for running backs Leon Washington and Thomas Jones.

            Still, those weary of adding Edwards to the Jets lineup have good cause.  Questions regarding Edwards’ ability, commitment to football, and behavior off the field weigh heavily on the minds of New York fans. 

In 2007 Edwards had a career year with 80 receptions for 1289 yards and 16 touchdowns.  However, he followed it up in 2008 with 55 receptions for 873 yards and only 3 touchdowns.  Furthermore, Rex Ryan has already been questioned about Edwards’ propensity for dropped passes.  But, 1200+ yards and 16 touchdowns is not something that just happens by accident in the NFL.  Edwards has the game.  With a successful New York franchise and under the tutelage of Rex Ryan, Edwards has the speed, the size, and the talent to put up great numbers for the Jets.

As for his antics off the field, just remember what a ‘tire fire’ Randy Moss was with the Oakland Raiders; then think of the numbers he put up in his first year under the watch of Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots.  I believe the New York Jets and the rest of the NFL will see something similar from Braylon Edwards.

Only time will tell if Edwards’ contributions with make the Jets a better team.  If their offense can complement the havoc that their defense causes opponents, the already talented Jets will surely be a force to be reckoned with for the remainder of the 2009 season.  Edwards is expected to play Monday night in Miami.

--Gregory Joss