The Madbacker on Leon, Calvin, 'Who to Hate'
Published: Tue, October 27, 2009 - 10:45am ET
By Eric Allen
Allen is the senior managing editor of newyorkjets.com. He is in his ninth season with the Jets.
File Under: Leon Washington, Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, Bart Scott, Mark Sanchez
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10/27 — Injuries are an unfortunate part of life in the National Football League, but there are so many chilling stories that you never hear.
On Sunday in Oakland, Leon Washington took a handoff from Mark Sanchez early in the first quarter and was stopped by a pair of Raiders defenders after a 6-yard gain. Unfortunately Washington, a beloved figure on this team, suffered a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula in a terribly violent manner.
Almost 3,000 miles away, Washington’s fiancée, Charity, sat watching hopelessly on television with Bart Scott’s wife, Darnesha. Then later in the fourth quarter, Darnesha looked on as her husband remained down on the grass after a play before trainers attended to the Jets’ inside linebacker.
“Darnesha was trying to call me to find out if I was OK, but Charity shot out of there and left their baby with my wife and her hairdresser. They were concerned because there’s uncertainty,” Scott said on the latest installment of “Barking with Bart.”
“When you see somebody go down and you know they need surgery, that’s serious business. Our hopes and prayers are still with Leon and we hope that he comforts his family and that he’s able to have a successful surgery and is back on the field next year.”
We lose sight of it sometimes, but these men are far from indestructible, they have families, and they choose to make incredible sacrifices with their bodies.
Thankfully, the Jets news out of Northern California was positive Monday. Washington had a rod placed in his tibia to stabilize the fracture and the fibula will heal on its own. The two-hour surgery was considered a success and Washington will remain in California under doctors’ observation until he’s given clearance to return to New York.
Washington, undoubtedly the Jets’ most explosive player, is a stand-up person and is well-liked throughout the organization.
“Tremendous teammate, tremendous class act, always represents this organization with first class out in the community,” Scott said. “You never hear any problems about Leon Washington.”
Scott thinks he’ll be fine and that’s good news for Jets Nation as they’ve lost two of their best players — NT Kris Jenkins went on IR the week before — on successive weeks. The "Madbacker" was part of a defensive unit that posted its first shutout of the season Sunday and the “D” was led by Calvin Pace’s three sacks — two of which resulted in takeaways.
“I think we did a better job of not letting Calvin cover so much and giving him the opportunity to beat one-on-ones,” said Scott. “This team had to adjust to the way teams were playing us, keeping guys in. Instead of blitzing, sometimes you have to play coverage and let your pass rushers get to the quarterback and work hard.”
The Jets forced three turnovers on the Raiders' first four possessions. They gave their young quarterback, Mark Sanchez, short fields in the opening stanza before Thomas Jones (26-121-1 TD) and rookie Shonn Greene (19-144-2 TD) pounded away on a beaten-up defense that would yield 316 yards on the ground.
“When you get the turnovers, you put the offense back on there and you’re putting their defense back on,” said Scott. “They have another possession and you put the defense right back on and eventually they’ll wear down.
“It’s like throwing body blows. If you commit to the body early, you can knock the head off later in the fight. That’s kind of the formula that’s good for a young quarterback — the same formula we used for Joe Flacco last year when we ran the ball more than anybody in the NFL. It wasn’t so much for the yardage because it wasn’t always great yardage, but it was to wear the defense down.”
Yielding only 14.9 points a game, the Jets are fourth in the NFL in scoring defense. They’ve played winning ball in six of seven games to date, but the Dolphins beat the Jets, 31-27, on Monday Night Football back in Week 5 and the Fish controlled the play at the line. The Dolphins accumulated 413 yards and 21 points in the fourth quarter.
Miami, coming off a home defeat at the hands of the Saints and clearly once again in desperation mode at 2-4, visits the Meadowlands this weekend.
“This isn’t about 4-3 — this is about us on defense getting our swagger back and they took it from us,” Scott said. “They took our mojo, so to speak. It’s time for us to get our redemption.”
A new face to the Jets-Dolphins rivalry, Scott has a few scores to settle with a couple of linemen he chose not to name.
“Right now I’m starting to understand this division and starting to figure out who to hate. That’s been the toughest thing for me to adjust to — I don’t know who to hate, I don’t know what players to hate,” he said. “You only get that by playing against the guys a couple of times, so I have a couple of guys I want to pick out, a couple of guys I have some payback for.
"That’s the beauty of this, I’m kind of figuring out how players play, what they do, what their strengths are and what their weaknesses are. And when they take a dirty shot, how they like to do it and how for me to respond to it.”
This is a huge game for the Jets before the bye. They’ll either go into their break at 5-3 overall and 2-2 in the division or they’ll be at .500 and 1-3 in the AFC East. On his latest show, Scott implored the fans to play a factor on Sunday.
“It is important for you guys to give us the same energy that you expect from us on the football field,” he said. “You guys are our 12th man, you are our advantage. You set the tone, you set the energy within the stadium. We want you guys to weather the storm and make sure that you keep us energized.”
Fans Respond
Here's your chance to tell Randy what you think! Add a Comment | Hide All Show All (32)36 year fan Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 11:15am ET"Whatever changes we made regarding Calvin Pace,..... it worked. We needed to get some pressure in there. Dont let them shut down our rush."
36 year fan Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 11:19am ET"Can you imagine Bart Scott throwing a lead block out of the I formation on offense. We would have some good holes to run threw."
36 year fan Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 11:29am ET"We have got some serious payback to deliver. I'm sure the fans will show up for Miami come on. They are most reviled. Their pastel pinks and baby blues are going to be blood stained. Its football baby this weekend !!!"
36 year fan Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 11:31am ET"Revenge is one of the most powerfull motivators. Revenge ... Revenge ...... Revenge."
Seth Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 11:38am ET"The injury to Washington is crucial, can't help but feel bad for such a good player, the fact that he will have a full recovery is motivating to him and Jets fans I am sure, all this hotdog fuss is getting a little ridiculous, they won 38-0 and your star QB was hungry what's the big deal, i guess he shouldve done it where he could not be picked up by the cameras, o well. "
BriGuyinFL Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 11:43am ET"This game is a must win for us. What I have seen as of late is that the Jets will capitalize on the opposition's mistakes. If they do not make mistakes, we do not have the team to beat them(elite teams anyway). I watched the Pitt game and that is a team I hope we can be like. This year, I wish we could but I dont think we can beat them heads up. Maybe with a little trickery. Here is to playin"
Jeremy Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 11:44am ET"It's hard to say must win game, but for divisional record-this is a "must win" game. The JETS have to step it up and if the running game is working it will keep the Wildcat off the field. I've been complaining about the lack of sacks for the past couple weeks and it's nice to see Pace back to being a legit pass-rusher. Hope we can create some pressure & get some sacks and turnovers. "
mike Jet Vet Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 11:45am ET"Well hate to say I moved to FL. but its true I am sick about Big Jenks & leon what a blow to the team ..Time for the other guys to step it up & kick the crap of of Miami .."
doc mike Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 11:49am ET"LETS GO D! ITS PAYBACK TIME FOR SURE! HENNE IS A JOKE . LETS STEP UP AND MAN UP LIKE WE DID AGAINST THE PATS AND SHOW THEM WHO IS THE HEAD OF THE CLASS IN THE AFC EAST!!!"
Jason Halliburton Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 11:53am ET"Ok, here me out please. We have a new coach who emphasizes energy, we hav a linebacker, Bart Schott who talks about violence and "swagger" and we have a new stadium, yet our beloved Jets website is so boring, lackluster and dull. You behind the websites creation should go to a Jets home game and watch the entry video that shows a Air Force Jet pilot starting the jet's engine, and the "
scjoe Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 11:58am ET"This Miami game coming up is as close to a must win as you can have. Sure, I know it is only game #8 and anything can happen in the next eight, but a loss to Miami will not only give them the advantage in the division, but for a wild card spot as well. Plus it will be the difference between 2-2 in the division as opposed to 1-3 Huge game, and it will come down to stopping that dumb wildcat."
Ira Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 12:13pm ET"EA, Some very nice words from you and its really true how these players sacrifice things to play this game. Good to hear that he is going to be fine and looking forward to see Leon in camp next year. After a 3-0 start 5-3 is a must. And why not?"
JETSFANFORLYFE Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 12:13pm ET"JETS MAN WE DEF GOT THIS NO DOUBT ABOUT IT MONDAY NIGHT GAME WAS A FLUKE OUR DEFENSE SLACKED BUT U KNO REX AND THE DEFENSE GOT A GOOD GAMEPLAN READY SO SUNDAY WILL BE REDEMPTION AS BART SAID. LETS GO JETTSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS"
Ed in Tucson Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 12:25pm ET"Pound & Ground! Murder time while grinding out the yards & keep the Wildcat on the sidelines. On D we have to bring the OLBs up to the line to plug the gaps & hold position to stop their running game or pressure the QB on pass plays. The priority should be to stop the run, use delayed blitzes if they start passing. This is a must win if we're gonna make the playoffs. GO JETS! Filet the Phins!"
IRISH JET Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 1:18pm ET"HEY BART! I CAN TELL YOU WHO TO HATE,YOURSELF AND THE REST OF THE DEFENSE FOR ALLOWING MIAMI TO RUN ALL OVER YOU. HAS ANYONE SEEN VERNON GHOSLTON THIS YEAR? WHAT A BUM. WE NEED J-CO BACK THIS WEEK BADLY,WE MUST BEAT THE FISH!"
Frankie Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 1:31pm ET"i will be at the game screaming my head off... lets show these fins what happens in our house!!!!! "
Jets Fan Since '64 Tom Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 1:32pm ET"Glad to hear Scott invoke the Ravens comparison. It's absurd to be screwing around with trick plays and high-risk passes before you've established the D, the running O, and a level of consistency for MS. In this sense I see a big disconnect between Scotty/last year's team and Rex/next year's team. And that's why I'm happy to look forward to Rex hiring his own OC next year and letting Schotty go."
Steven Lambias Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 1:51pm ET"It hurts to see two Pro Bowl calliber players go down in successive weeks, but the depth of this team will stand out. The running game will be fine and a committee at nose tackle is mandatory.You just can't replace THE BUICK. The Jets will revenge their loss to Miami. They must get to Henne and hit him over and over. The fans will be very loud as always, at least this one will in SEC 113. Go Jets."
jeff Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 2:09pm ET"Against the Miami we should use 5 linebackers, one corner and two safties. This will force Miami to go conventional and minimize the use of the wilcat offence."
matt Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 4:11pm ET"its terrible to see one of the teams best players go down but some good comes out of this.now shonn greene has a shot to start off his nfl career with a bang and danny woodhead could get mixed in too.hopefully leon is not at all affected by this next season"
pickled doll finn Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 5:15pm ET"is miller in condition? I say use woodhead and mix those 2 in the slot to cause confusion. keep the d simple and stack the line and I believe man to man coverage in the secondary. strickland, revis and pace r the most fun for me to watch on d. pound the run down there throats. use green in direct snaps. this game is for grabs. use zone coverage against henne and make him work for his 1st downs"
Row Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 8:18pm ET"I just want to see some stunts. Bring the guys up, switch them around. Drive Henne nuts! The kid looked like Peyton Manning when we played him. We have to make a statement this game. We play physical football. I am very excited about Miller, he can definitely change our field position problems. Go Jets! "
Vincent Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 9:37pm ET"1st - I feel for Leon. Well written EA. As fans sometimes it is forgotten how violent this game is and the impact that has on families and loved ones. 2nd - One easy answer for Bart's confusion about who to hate on the Dolphins....ALL OF THEM. If they are standing in your way, hit 'em and ask questions later."
J-gross Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 11:04pm ET"ok i know this isnt madden or highschool football, but i know a 4-6 defense with 8 in the box and blitz atleast 6 will work as long as douglas and ellis can contain while pace and harris fill of the end. any one agree?"
Anonymous Said:
Wed, October 28, 2009 - 8:58am ET"Woodhead will likely take over Washington's role as a change of pace and third down back, and Greene will be used in conjunction with Jones. I know we all wanted to see Woodhead succeed, but the way he got his chance is so unfortunate...."
JLugo Said:
Wed, October 28, 2009 - 1:49pm ET"Another good interview, I pray for Leon and for the Jets to RESIGN him! Lets go crush the dolphins, Go Jets!"
carl Said:
Wed, October 28, 2009 - 3:59pm ET"To win this game you must contain Ronnie Brown and stop Ricky's long runs! What kind of def. works against Wildcat ? 4-4 stack ,46?When Pat White comes in he must be shadowed , 9 men in the box when R.B handles the ball.Defensive ends need to get up field early to disrupt the timing.Dont let there running backs get goin or its gonna be a long day. YOU CAN DO IT!WE NEED A DIVISION WIN!GO JETS!"
bkjetsfan Said:
Wed, October 28, 2009 - 6:52pm ET"JETS JETS JETS! ALL DAY WE BRINGING THAT 3-4 RUSH!"
puck Said:
Wed, October 28, 2009 - 6:55pm ET"I agree i hope leon can have a full and speedy recovery and I think the jets wuold be stupid not to resign him we need him in the team's future plans....I hope bart and the D literally knock someone out this week! lets get it gang green"
Gang Green in Idaho Said:
Thu, October 29, 2009 - 1:00am ET"I totally agree that we need to resign Leon, he adds so many dimensions that demands other teams respect and full attention. I pray that Justin Miller can come back in the same form he was in when he was a special teams ace for us. GO J! E! T! S!"
Mo Jets Said:
Thu, October 29, 2009 - 3:58pm ET"Bart, please, serve the swamp fish a nice revenge dish served cold!"
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Anthony Said:
Tue, October 27, 2009 - 10:54am ET"I will be there like I was for the Patriot game giving evverything I got. I just hope the Jets will do the same which I am sure they will. A quote that can get you up "Take from them everything yet give them nothing" Play to that....J-E-T-S.. and are the jets looking into Justin Miller possibly as a Return guy?"
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