Start for Gholston, More Reps for Clowney
Published: Thu, August 27, 2009 - 4:09pm ET
By Randy Lange
Lange is editor-in-chief of newyorkjets.com. He covered the Jets for 13 years for The Record of Hackensack, N.J.
File Under: Kellen Clemens, Rex Ryan, David Clowney, Vernon Gholston, Kris Jenkins, Danny Woodhead, Mark Sanchez, Shonn Greene
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08/27 — Rex Ryan had the usual number of tidbits at today’s news conference, which followed the final open practice of summer at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center.
For one, he mentioned that linebacker Vernon Gholston will be with the ones on Saturday night vs. the Giants.
“Vernon will start this week. He’s getting all the ‘one’ reps this week,” Ryan said of moving Gholston ahead of Calvin Pace, who can still play in the final two preseason games but then will endure his four-game suspension to start the regular season.
“It’s kind of a fine line. We know we’ve got to get Calvin ready, too. It’s still a new defense and all that stuff. Vernon’s been getting a lot of playing time, but moving forward he’s got to get the majority of the work with the ones. And Calvin certainly understands that.”
Gholston said in the locker room today that he remembers last year’s Jets-Giants game, the third of his rookie preseason.
“I don’t know about a different speed, but it was pretty physical, I remember that part about it,” he said. “I’m not saying this is a full game plan this week but we’re actually preparing like it’s a regular-season game.
“Now,” he said, “it’s about putting it together.”
How true, especially for No. 50. Gholston has a golden opportunity to make some plays at the Meadowlands.
“When I get out there, it’ll be exciting. But whether I’m coming off the bench or whatever, it’s just about trying to help the team win.”
More Clowney Time
Ryan was asked if WR David Clowney might get the same starting opportunity on offense. Almost.
“He’s definitely going to play more with the ones. I think everybody would agree he’s earned that right,” Rex said. “He’s looked fantastic in the preseason. Every time you look around, there he goes. As far as changing his spot on the depth chart, we play to play a lot of those guys anyway, almost by committee. But we want to see him with the first group some. I think he’s earned that right. We’ll see how he does.”
“Of course,” Clowney said, “I wanted to get more time last week [at Baltimore]. But this week I’m looking forward to getting out there a lot. I don’t think it’ll take long for any of the receivers to get on the same page with Mark [Sanchez]. He’s been here since day one.”
He’s eager to keep producing at his sizzling summer rate — he leads the Jets in receptions (5), yards (135) and touchdowns (2), and his 27.0 yards per catch is third-highest in the NFL after two full preseason weeks.
One stat he says he won’t lead in is unsportsmanlike conduct penalties for ripping off his helmet after TDs, as he did at Baltimore.
“The coaches talked to me about it,” he said. “It was nothing premeditated. It won’t happen in the regular season.”
David and Goliath?
One other item from the Rex agenda was perhaps the biggest mismatch that one Jets back could have against one Jets blitzer: 195-pound Danny Woodhead picking up 360-pound blitzer Kris Jenkins.
“That’s probably not the protection we’re looking for,” Rex said with a smile, “putting Woodhead on Jenkins.”
How did that happen? Well, it was the second offense vs. the first defense, and before the snap, Jenkins stood up from his NT position, stepped back and remained standing as the MLB. Then the snap, then a delay, then here comes No. 77 up the gut looking 3½ times as big as No. 22, playing at RB for Shonn Greene (ribs), who was supposed to pick up Big Jenk.
“Did Coach say who the mismatch was against?” Woodhead asked, before admitting the obvious. “There was a little mismatch there. I don’t know what would’ve happened with pads on. That was a funny little deal. If it was live, not so funny.”
Practice Notes
Sanchez, in his second practice as the No. 1 QB, strikes on a 25-yard hookup with Jerricho Cotchery to set up a FG situation during two-minute work. ... Wallace Wright also makes a leaping 25-yard grab from Kellen Clemens. ... On the Jenkins/Woodhead play, Clemens, understandably a little rushed, slightly underthrows Clowney in the end zone, just enough that CB Lito Sheppard makes the strong breakup.
Wayne Hunter, the 303-pound T/TE, has a couple of nice back-to-back catch-and-runs from Erik Ainge. ... Ainge throws a wobbler that finds Drew Coleman for the one-handed INT instead of Aundrae Allison, who is also flagged for offensive pass interference on the play. ... Newly signed RB Anthony Kimble, wearing No. 41, worked on the side with RBs coach Anthony Lynn. ... Greene remains on the stationary bike. Ryan says after practice that the rookie RB will be out for the Giants game and “might not play” in the preseason finale vs. Philadelphia. ... Final-day practice attendance: 2,419. Thanks, everyone.
Fans Respond
Here's your chance to tell Randy what you think! Add a Comment | Hide All Show All (23)Anthony Said:
Thu, August 27, 2009 - 4:37pm ET"Excited that the chemistry with the ones is begining. I think this is a good start. Randy is Revis going to play vs the GIants or Jenkins or are still questionable you could really see the mismatches without them last week. And how about the O-iine any word on if all of the starters will be together playing at one time or is that still undecided? I am kind of anxious to see them all back."
Randy Lange Said:
"Anthony, Rex Ryan didn't specify about the availability of Darrelle Revis and Kris Jenkins for the Giants but both were back practicing with the first defense this week."
Derrick Shirland Said:
Thu, August 27, 2009 - 5:37pm ET"many people are picking the jets to finish 8-8. I believe with our defense, we will finish 10-6. fighting for a wild card. Sanchez will be fine. I just would like to see clowney with the starters in this week's game and if gholston is not a ghost. Also who is number 88? signed......Jets for life. "
Randy Lange Said:
"Derrick, No. 88 is WR Aundrae Allison."
bamajetguru Said:
Thu, August 27, 2009 - 5:45pm ET" Clowney said, "I don’t think it’ll take long for any of the receivers to get on the same page with Mark [Sanchez]. He’s been here since day one.”.......This could be the start of something big, along the lines of Nameth to Maynard, or Vinnie to Keyshawn, or....Penny to LC....of course I'm realistic and not getting ahead of myself and the thirty years I've held the faith. Let's watch and believe."
Raf man Said:
Thu, August 27, 2009 - 5:56pm ET"Clowney must start i didnt see him last week till the 3rd quarter .Sit Brad smith down and let the clown run wild.....Go JETS "
MrJetGreen Said:
Thu, August 27, 2009 - 6:02pm ET"Good story Randy, now here is my GIANT wish list...Vernon, you need to get 3 sacks (or 6 half sacks), Danny Woodhead, you need to break one for 35 yards, Meadowlands Mark, you need 2 TD passes and 0 int's, Brad Smith, you need to get 1 TD rec, Kellen, when your on the field there are no punts, GO JETS!"
Pranit Said:
Thu, August 27, 2009 - 6:25pm ET"Ugh...GHOST-ON....Not a great sign for the Ryan era with Gholston still pretty much being labeled a bust. He looks slow and lost everytime i see him..actually you don't see him near the play...have to find him somewhere in the background (hands on waist)..."
bobtom Said:
Thu, August 27, 2009 - 6:27pm ET"oh boy if we only had a reciever go to guy or as good as revis is on defence a reveiver that good on offence"
Anonymous Said:
Thu, August 27, 2009 - 6:53pm ET"We Need Marshall to make the playoffs!"
Ira Said:
Thu, August 27, 2009 - 6:57pm ET"Big night for VG. He must bring his A game and show he can fill in for Pace. If he struggles they have to give Murrell,Trusnik and Westerman some time. I think we will see more 4-3 fronts early on until Pace gets back. Same holds true for Clowney. He needs to really plays well. Not concerned about fly patterns. I want to see him be an all around WR. GO JETS!!!!"
Row Said:
Thu, August 27, 2009 - 7:25pm ET"I wander what this defense is going to think when they are on the field the whole season. Gholston better show someone something because I would cut him and his 40 million dollars! Still upset at the front office's decision to start Sanchez. "
AOKP Said:
Thu, August 27, 2009 - 7:30pm ET"hey randy, how is sanchez looking with the ones now, is he still making alot of rookie mistakes?"
Randy Lange Said:
"AOKP, from what I saw, Mark Sanchez looked fine the past two practices. No mistakes or turnovers. Several consecutive incompletions early Wednesday but a very nice 25-yard hookup with Jerricho Cotchery among other completions today."
supercooljetfan Said:
Thu, August 27, 2009 - 7:33pm ET"anyone who thinks they are starting Sanchez just cause the $$$ is crazy KC been in this league for 4 years already and even started 8 games in the regular season but yet he looks just as lost as MS out there still....He knew to win the starting job he had to beat out MS by ALOT and he didnt even come close "
Shep Said:
Thu, August 27, 2009 - 8:09pm ET"If I were one of the punters on this team, I would make sure I had a plan B, because it doesn't look like coach is happy with either of them. I'm glad to see that Clowney is finally getting some respect, he's definitely earned it. I'm anxious (and nervous) about VG getting more reps with the ones against the Giants. He needs to step it up big time or we need to make some moves with him and KC."
THOMAS ARQUINA Said:
Thu, August 27, 2009 - 10:52pm ET"If Gholston fails to make any impact against the Giants, it may be time where we have to face the fact he's a mega bust. I've yet to see him make one play, he's non existant on the field."
Jets Fan Since '64 Tom Said:
Thu, August 27, 2009 - 11:14pm ET"I'm down with the Clown but I hear the tough guys (Row, Ray, Mike Jet Vet, others) asking, "Tom, why don't you talk more about D? Are you consciously or unconsciously avoiding the subject of VG? Or Lowery? Or how any vet could get hit with a 4-game drug suspension?" And the answer is...well, frankly, yeah. A good game as a starter by VG would speak volumes, and 29th in pass D ain't gonna cut it."
Vincent Said:
Thu, August 27, 2009 - 11:18pm ET"I just read the above & like always, in the space of a few paragraphs, I feel up-to-date with all things Jets. Randy & co, your write-ups, interviews, etc make me feel like I'm there & part of the team. Sincerely, thank you for keeping my blood Green&White during the off-season & pre-season, & for the very fine work you do. I wish I could do it with you, but alas, we're not all that fortunate."
JP Said:
Thu, August 27, 2009 - 11:54pm ET"I love our depth on both sides of the ball. Hope Clowney can step up and fill in the void at WR opposite JCo. Speed kills and Clowney's got it. At RB we know what we've got with Jones and Washington, lets hope Greene can shine and make some big runs when we need them. Will the real Vernon Gholston please stand up? I beleive if used correctly he can be a difference maker. # 77 RULES!"
Rick ornelas Said:
Fri, August 28, 2009 - 1:39am ET"I love M.sanchez as our starter! He is going to do better than most of you negative fans are commenting! Be positive people! But he needs weapons! The running back situation is perfect. But its obvious we dont have a big play receiver. When we get a one and not a bunch of two`s Mark Sanchez will play with even more confidence! So Rex do something!"
Row Said:
Fri, August 28, 2009 - 3:59pm ET"I agree with Pranit. There was a play vs the Ravens where gholston had already taken the play off and had his hands on his hips, then noticed McGahee was running right by him, VG got the tackle somehow.. Just haven't even seen a football player out of him. Really liked the hit Rhodes had on a WR. Impressed with the safety play vs the pass. Lot of positives, but I look to see #6 struggle tomorrow!"
MIKE Said:
Fri, August 28, 2009 - 4:35pm ET"It would be nice to see Clowney become more of an all around WR than I guy who can only only go deep. Gholston looks so slow in the field and even worse does not have a nose for the ball. He is way out on every play. If VG can't get to the QB in a Rex Ryan system than he better get good at something else, cause there is know room on this team. 2 things a 3-4 D needs, great NT and a edge rusher."
Ray Said:
Sat, August 29, 2009 - 3:01am ET"'64 Tom, our D, pass or run is going to go as far as the D Line takes us. And that means Jenkins has to stay healthy. I love our LB's and I think our DB's are both solid. Our pass D will be much improved this year because Rex puts a premium on pressuring the QB. Without Pace or Ellis in week 1, we are going to have to find pressure from someplace else. "
JettDogg22 Said:
Sat, August 29, 2009 - 9:15am ET"Let Sanchez start and learn, hes the future of the team. To win this year they have to run the ball ALOT, Jones has to run the ball at least 30 times a game, Washington has to get the ball somehow at least 20 times a game, They are the 2 big guns on the offense. Keller and Clowney have to get the ball more also."
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scjoe Said:
Thu, August 27, 2009 - 4:35pm ET"I hope Rex is making the right decision with Gholston starting. Murrell and Westerman both look like a better fit. Of course you all know how I feel about some of these decisions coming from above. As for Clowney? It should not be "by committee" as Rex has put it.Clowney is the best choice to start AND progress opposite Cotchery.Remember, I am only talking about the current roster.Marshall anyone?"
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