File Under: tackles, special teams, Wallace Wright, Brad Kassell, No. 15
10/20 — What'll it be for Wallace Wright on Sunday in Cincinnati?
In this week's installment of Special Teams Saturday, it's time to reintroduce you to Wright, although you probably remember seeing No. 15 flash by on your TV screen a few times this season — Wright makes at least one noteworthy play a game on teams.
It's no accident.
"I want to make a tackle every time I step on the field," the second-year man with the infectious personality told me this week. "I want to make every single tackle. Every play, that's what I'm thinking."
He doesn't make them all, but he makes a lot. Here is a game-by-game rundown of all the right things Wright has done on special teams this season:
Game 1 vs. New England — 1 tackle (also first pro reception for 11 yards).
Game 2 at Baltimore — 2 tackles, kickoff return for 28 yards.
Game 3 vs. Miami —1 holding penalty caused on Jason Allen.
Game 4 at Buffalo — 1 holding penalty caused on Ryan Neufeld.
Game 5 at Giants — 2 tackles, punt downed at Giants 8.
Game 6 vs. Philadelphia — 2 tackles, punt downed at Eagles 4.
Wright's seven ST tackles are second on the Jets behind Brad Kassell's eight. And the opponents' average start after his 11 "defensive" plays (seven tackles, two penalties caused, two punts downed) is their
"I have that attitude that I'm not going to be beat," Wright said. "When you stop having that kind of mentality, that's when you don't make the play. That's when you do get beat."
Wright's kickoff coverage unit has made progress since yielding Ellis Hobbs' 108-yard return on opening day. The punt coverage, with Wright as one of the gunners, remains strong (although Reno Mahe's 32-yard return for the Eagles was the first opponent punt return of at least 20 yards in Eric Mangini's 23 games as head coach.
The Green & White will need a little more of the Wright stuff to help them survive and thrive in "The Jungle" in a little more than 24 hours.
Row Said:
Sat, October 20, 2007 - 7:07pm ET"This is a great article. What college did he play for? I am about the only one who thinks our season isn't over. It takes a coach to make a player. Mangini must have a pretty good system going. I have been impressed on kickoff D and especially punt D. I don't know how many times punts were downed inside the 5. "
Randy Lange Said:
"Row, Wallace Wright played at North Carolina. And Ben Graham has had two of his punts downed inside the opponents' 5 and four inside the 10."
Wayne Said:
Sat, October 20, 2007 - 8:04pm ET"Wright has done a great job this year.We need more like him on ST's. Too many long returns against us this year. Last year, Brad Smith was a star on ST's. I wish they used him more on gadget plays. He can play QB, RB, WR and there are so many wrinkles to throw defenses off balance. Have the Jets not noticed hes probably the most athletic & talented player on the roster.He's so under under utilized"
Jonathan Said:
Sun, October 21, 2007 - 1:14am ET"I was supportive of Chad until last week. We finally had the potential of a balanced attack with great running of T Jones. Chad just plain missed and missed again. Play KC we need to rebuild right now. Special teams are great. Congrats to you Leon, I told you in August you will be a star! Defense where are you??? Go get um J-E-T-S!"
kelejets Said:
Sat, October 20, 2007 - 1:48pm ET"randy, good spotlight on an unsung memeber of the squad. I, like most fans have given up hopes on the playoffs and it is time to look into the future which does not bode well for CP. DB's are just waiting to pounce on his soft balls and we deserve better than that. Time to rebuild, which means inserting the future QB. Let him gain experience when the games do not matter rather than when they do, "
Offensive Comment?