Lange is editor-in-chief of newyorkjets.com. He covered the Jets for 13 years for The Record of Hackensack, N.J.
File Under: Nick Mangold, Kerry Rhodes, Leon Washington, Pro Bowl, alternates
12/18 — It's been one of those seasons for the Green & White this year, and that season continued today when the Jets learned that at the moment they have been shut out of the Pro Bowl.
The thoughts and hopes had been that Leon Washington had a real good chance of following Justin Miller a year later to Hawaii as the AFC's Pro Bowl punt and kickoff returner. Also, safety Kerry Rhodes had been making a strong second-half pitch to be included in the NFL's annual all-star game, and C Nick Mangold certainly deserves some recognition for his second straight strong season as the Jets' young pivotman.
The trio finished out of the running for the initial 42-man team that will represent the American Conference on Feb. 10. But at least all three have been designated as alternates in the voting that combines the ballots of players, coaches and fans. And that means that each could wind up making his Pro Bowl debut based on needing to fill roster openings once the playoffs are finished.
Washington is the first alternate at kick returner behind Cleveland's Joshua Cribbs.
Rhodes is the third alternate at safety. The three safeties on the AFC roster are starters Ed Reed of Baltimore and Bob Sanders of Indianapolis and reserve Troy Polamalu of Pittsburgh.
Mangold is also the third alternate at center. The conference's two centers are starter Jeff Saturday of the Colts and backup Dan Koppen of the Patriots.
All three are Jets Pro Bowlers-in-waiting, as are others on the Green & White roster that you all can think of. Hit me with some comments if you wish about Leon, Kerry and Nick, other Jets you think will be recognized in the future, and other observations on this year's Pro Bowl rosters unveiled today by the league.
Two Vets Let Go
Early this evening the Jets announced the releases of two veteran linemen, DE Eric Hicks and T Adrian Jones. Both had been little used of late. Hicks has been inactive in three of the Jets' last five games, while Jones has been deactivated for seven straight games. A news story will appear on newyorkjets.com shortly.
Fans Respond
Here's your chance to tell Randy what you think! Add a Comment | Hide All Show All (55)Jason Teixeira Said:
Tue, December 18, 2007 - 6:40pm ET"Again they shut Kerry Rhodes out when he is so deserving to go...Leon and Nick should be there too...absolute garbage they didn't make it."
Row Said:
Tue, December 18, 2007 - 6:48pm ET"Marques Colston should have been selected, he's a monster who has almost 1,100 yards receiving & 9tds. Mario Williams has 13 sacks. I expected the Jets turnouts, it's ridiculous Leon wasn't named. Faneca is a pro bowl lineman we could pick up next year. We should take a shot at McNabb, Imagine our gimic offense with Donovan as QB. We will struggle vs the run. My pick on Sunday Titans 24 Jets 3"
Ablity Mouwon Said:
Tue, December 18, 2007 - 7:30pm ET"That is the most mess up thing i every heard, leon is the best "KICK!"returing in the leauge to me and he may not have the best speed but his vision back there is supernatural and that can be real fun to see in the pro blow and Ed Reed team had a terrible season, he played bad and still because his name his Ed Reed he gets to go and polumalu to, fan voting is getting out of control Kerry Rhode"
Dunnie Said:
Tue, December 18, 2007 - 7:31pm ET"I don't want Donovan McNabb. I want a younger QB. I am not sure about KC yet. We need Faneca ... It will be interesting to see if Mike T can pull that deal off ... I am not super optimistic about it. We need two studs on the OL. Then T Jones will be amazing ... as it is he is going to bust 1000 yds this year. Don't think we can pass on McFadden if hes available, but I want one of the Longs."
SCJoe Said:
Tue, December 18, 2007 - 7:54pm ET"Lets face it Randy, we are what we are. There is no question in my mind that Mangold will be making that trip often, probably beginning next year. The same can be said for both Leon and Rhodes. Problem is, when you look beyond those three you would be hard pressed to find any others. But I will say that it should not be to long before you can add both Revis and Harris to that list."
BigEd Said:
Tue, December 18, 2007 - 7:54pm ET"This is just more fall-out from having a terrible season. When the fans don't care they don't vote; no vote, no Probowl. Miller made it last year because of more fan support."
mikemcc Said:
Tue, December 18, 2007 - 7:57pm ET"how do yall expect any players to be selected to the pro bowl with a record of 3 and 11 its supposed to be about individuals but we all know its not maybe next year."
Ira Said:
Tue, December 18, 2007 - 8:13pm ET"Randy, No surprise about Hicks or Jones. They should've kept B. Hamilton he would've helped more. I guess there will be more releases in the next few weeks. Rhodes and Leon should've have made it. Nice to see that Mangold was picked for an alternate spot. Row, Sorry but McNabb will be in Chicago next year. The big question is who will be competing with Clemens for the starting QB spot next year?"
Donny Said:
Tue, December 18, 2007 - 8:50pm ET"Champ Bailey has had an awful year with only three picks and selected to the big game and Leon is not picked because he only led the league in kick return touchdowns. Kerry should of went in front of the overrated Troy Polamalu. If this happens again next season they should stop allowing fans to pick the pro bowl. "
chris N Said:
Tue, December 18, 2007 - 10:31pm ET"do you think perhaps that Vilma may best be suited for the OLB job in the Jets new defense rather then ILB. Barton is pretty solid and Harris seems ready especially after he had 24 tackles in one game about a month ago. I could see Hobson and Vilma on the outside with Harris and Barton on the inside "
Drew Said:
Tue, December 18, 2007 - 10:32pm ET"Wished Kerry would have made it but as I posted weeks ago it would have taken a miracle for him to jump the Big 3 in front of him. Troy Poly has had an relly mediocre year but just like last year with Lynch his rep helps. I cannot complain about Cribbs over Leon. Cribbs team is much better and he is a dominate coverage guy... We will have 5 there next yr. Rhodes,Mangold,Harris,Revis and JAKE LONG!"
Chris N Said:
Tue, December 18, 2007 - 10:34pm ET"In the draft can you see the Jets taking McFadden or will we go with a DE or a guard"
Xavion Said:
Tue, December 18, 2007 - 10:44pm ET"I think its rediculous that our players got Snubbed again. i think They open the polls 2 early and they should go back to putting the stats on the Ballot. I think we have a lot of future probowlers, Leon rhodes and Mangold, also revis maybe Harris, and Possibly Nugent with another good offseason. I really think Revis should be condsidered for ROY,"
Xavion Said:
Tue, December 18, 2007 - 10:48pm ET"Im going to start Campaining for Revis Defensive ROY. He has 3 picks that could easily be 6 or7 if he held on to a few more balls. Hes gone against some of teh Best WR in the leauge and made them look like nothing special. Hes second on teh team in tackles I think. and hes started every Game this season after coming into camp a few weeks Late... "REVIS for ROY... Because he cares" lol : )"
Sally Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 12:05am ET"Its all about the popular team names. who has the best record, gets more recognition, and is talked about more on tv. no one looks at the jets period. yeah we have had a sucky season, but every team goes through that @ one point. need to look at what some of our players have done this season. they have been great and definitely should have been recognized. "
Anonymous Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 1:34am ET"This is getting ridiculous already. First of all do you think it's a coincidence that "Americas" team has 11 players going against New England's 8 and Green Bays 4? Just because the team you play for may not have a lot of fans or the fans don't vote doesn't mean you should be robbed of a pro bowl berth. Rhodes it's getting pushed out for his second straight year. But Washington? look at his TD/att"
zartan Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 1:55am ET"Thats 2 years in a row, that Kerry has gottin shuned for the pro bowl. Derrelle would had made it this year if the jets played like they were sapposed to. he has next year to menace the secondary with Vilma and Harris in the middle."
Josh Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 6:24am ET"Kerry Rhodes got completely robbed. Troy Polamalu has done absolutely nothing this year."
Frank Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 6:54am ET"What is everyone complaining about? Do you really think 3 Jets would make the pro bowl when they play for the worst team in the NFL. I agree on the talent level of each but awful teams don't send pro bowlers to Hawaii. HEY Woody WAKE UP! SIGN Parcells NOW before Atlanta??? does. All the guy did was make this a legitimate organization when he was here and it has steadily declined since he left. "
Ira Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 7:08am ET"Personally i think its rewarding for a player to be picked for the pro-bowl. Thats where it should stop. They should cancel the game. Too many risks of a player getting hurt. With alll the $ the owners pay these players do you really think the owners want them to take a chance and get hurt in a meaningless game? Robert Edwards' career was ruined in a sand touch game in Hawaii. "
Jeff Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 8:13am ET"If anybody should have went to the probowl this year is Kerry. Outstanding player, having yet another outstanding season. But like always, this is nothing more than a popularity contest. It's sickening how deserving players get the shaft every year. Another miss is Mario Williams, having a probowl season, leading the AFC in sacks yet he's not selected. That's why people don't watch the game."
Jesse Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 8:17am ET"I can't believe it, but then it's no surprise that Rhodes, Mangold, and Washington was not picked seeing the record we had this yr. Next yr. we might just see 5 players going with Revis and Harris playing the way they are! I can't see the Jets passing on Mcfadden either if he's available in the draft, but they seriously need to fix that line."
Jim Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 8:32am ET"I think that David Harris should be considered. Romo made it last year after not starting the season and having a bad December. Harris has replaced a Pro Bowl caliber linebacker in Vilma and has made him look like he was average. Ask Maroney if Harris can hit!!!!"
Ira Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 8:58am ET"Three players the Jets should make a play for after this season, Faneca,Haynesworth and if they don't get a shot at drafting McFadden bring back L.Jordan to use as a short distance power back. He would be perfect in the red zone and goaline plays. He is 15-20 lbs bigger than Jones. BTW with Parcells linked to the Falcons VP job i wouldn't be shocked if Curtis is buying into that team."
Charlie Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 9:49am ET"It's tough to get recognition when the record is bad. A little surprised Polamalu made it with all the injuries he's been through this year. He's missed a bunch of games and I don't think he has an int or sack. Also a little surprised A. Jones was released. Don't think we have much depth at tackle."
Charlie Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 10:02am ET"On the qb issue. It's way too early to write off Clemens. He has to be given at least a second year of starting before he can be judged. We were spoiled with Pennington b/c he came in and was effective from the start. Remember how bad Cutler looked last year. The giants are still deciding on Manning. Even D. Anderson wasn't that good last year and didn't win the job to start this season."
Ira Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 10:39am ET"Now with Parcells in Atlanta who will offer Mr. T more for Chad ? Peterson from KC or Parcells. Atlanta would be the perfect place for Chad. 8 home games indoors, 1 road each at Tampa and indoors again at New Orleans. It sure seems that Atlanta would now be the perfect spot for Chad's career to start up again. Plus Parcells drafted Chad and he brought Bledsoe to Dallas when he went there. "
Dunnie Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 10:53am ET"Ok .. let me be clear ... I am not writing KC off. My only issue with his progress so far is that we have not seen flashes of brilliance .. all i have seen is mediocrity to slightly above average .... i do think he has some good qualities .. but since I never saw him in college ... I don't know his capabilities. Ill just wait and see."
Charlie Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 11:08am ET"Ira, great points on Atlanta. I bet you're right about Curtis and Pennington. Also, don't forget Abraham is down there. I believe they were all tight. Wouldn't be surprised if Coles and Ellis try to find their way down there. Maybe it's time I stop cheering for a uniform and start following players!! If Carolina lands Cowher, that frees up Fox for Parcells to hire. Ahh speculation!!"
Stunna Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 12:10pm ET"the Jets dont need an upgrade at QB however that line is terrible, take a look at the New England line and how much time they give Brady. the guy has got time to go home and come back to the game before he gets sacked also our defense just needs help from the offense otherwise that defense is one of the best in the league!!!!! COME ON JETS !!!!!!!!"
Nick Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 12:15pm ET"This season was an absolute disaster. From the coaches to the players to the fans in Gate D. The only thing a Jet fan ever has to look forward to is the future. With that said. Revis, Harris, Mangold, Rhodes and Washington are the future and can hopefully be the core of this team moving forward. Coaches need to stop messing around and get back to the basics. p.s. fire shottenheimer. "
Buddy Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 12:32pm ET"with Kellen hurt and Chad not doing anything and our season going nowhere fast they might as well start Brad Smith!"
steve Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 12:41pm ET"Pro Bowl????? You've got to be kiddin me!!! This team stinks. And, that being said, no player has performed to a "Pro Bowl" level. Nobody on this roster deserves to go to the pro bowl!"
Schuyler Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 12:59pm ET"This is the second straight season that Kerry Rhodes got slighted for the pro bowl. As far as I'm concerned he's the best strong safety in the league. 62 tackles, 5 int's, 1 sack, 2 ff, 1 td, 7 stuffs and 9 pd's. He belongs in the probowl and is the most complete safety in the game. "
Ira Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 1:11pm ET"Charlie, Fox is a good bet. Garrett is another name but i would go with Fox. I have said it before and would hate to see this but i do believe LC would want to follow Chad wherever he goes. Then Parcells needs to get Becht from Tampa and like you said get Ellis and that 2000 1st rd draft class will all be reunited in Atlanta. Everybody knows Parcells likes to bring in his old players."
Thomas Spicer Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 1:40pm ET"Do what you have to do but get McFadden he is a game changer the type of guy who can score every time he touches the ball. "
Row Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 1:47pm ET"I think Hicks was a dumb release, but these front office guys never cease to wow me. Coles will be 30 this year, it's time for a new WR, we can pick up O lineman with free agency. Someone get on the Desean Jackson jr. bandwagon. I was taking a stab at our pitiful 4wr set offense when saying get Mcnabb. Our O line would be better if they didn't have to pass block 40 times a game. Revis for RoY."
Schuyler Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 1:49pm ET"I'm looking forward to the draft, as far as I can tell it will be between Mcfadden and Chris Long. I don't know how the Jets could pass up Mcfadden if he falls into their laps, 3 rb formation anyone? Chris Long would surely address the D-line situation and the lack of a pass rush, he can also gobble up two offensive lineman, which he has shown in college consistently and he plays in a 3-4. "
JoeR Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 1:51pm ET"No Pro Bowl selections. No surprise. I know this team plays hard everytime, but they still seem in disarray. Enough of Brad Smith and the option play. You're not fooling anyone anymore. And for God's sake (and ours!) don't let him throw!! Kellen? May not be the answer. Chad? He's gone after this year. This team does not have direction and is getting more lost day by day, game by game."
Ryan Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 2:25pm ET"Harris should be recongized for a great season. Not a Pro Bowler, but he did fantastic filling in for the injured Vilma. Not enough credit is going to him."
Jeremy Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 2:49pm ET"Gotta tip your hat to Rhodes, Leon, Mangold. The JETS clearly got snubbed for their record. Troy over Rhodes? Too many Steeler fans in this country. The guy hasn't even played this year. JETS fans need to speak up and vote, this is ridiculous! I think Revis and Harris should be mentioned too! Harris for sure. Hope TJ gets his 1,000 yards, but this O Line doesn't deserve a 1,000 yd rusher!"
Nick Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 4:20pm ET"Its a shame once again that the BEST strong safety in the AFC is NOT in the Pro Bowl. Kerry Rhodes as had 2 dominating seasons for the Jets. Just cause The Jets as a team arent good Rhodes has separated himself as a premeir player and force in this league. Also Troy Polulmalu has been hurt and out for at least 3 games and his stats are JV compared to Rhodes."
Josh Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 6:51pm ET"What the heck did tryo eve play this year, I think Rhodes shoul of made this and last year i mean he had 4 or 5 game strait with a pick does troy even have 1?!!? "
Adam Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 9:09pm ET"Listen guys- this hurts that we were completely shut down- but at 3-11 can we really expect much? It proves we didnt have any players that really made a difference- they all played pretty bad- and gave us some real let downs- this is juts another let down"
Alex Said:
Wed, December 19, 2007 - 9:43pm ET"Rhodes should've been picked, but you gotta' know by now, this is a popularity contest. Two years in a row Rhodes got snubbed. Last year, Rhodes had 70 something tackles and more than a couple of pic's. John Lynch of the Bronco's got the job because of his name. Lynch only had 55 tackles and fewer pic's. It's a popularity contest. What I will say about future probowlers: Revis and Mangold. Truth."
Brandon Said:
Thu, December 20, 2007 - 9:34am ET"This isn't the first time we've had a probowl caliber safety snubbed from Hawaii. Lets not forget our big hitting ballhawk: Victor Green. he never made the trip, and he put up huge numbers year after year. we've been trying to replace him forever. we could have had Ed Reed... Leon has been electrifying since the beginning, and he'll have his day. I hope he's around a long time."
Cody Said:
Thu, December 20, 2007 - 6:37pm ET"Thats Crazy!!! Rhodes should be there so should Leon. I think we should let Leon Washington carry the ball next year. (if we dont Get McFadden) but first we need to improve the O-line Fanaca would be great. we also need a Right Tackle. I really think Clemens is good but he needs better protection. I think we need to go to a 4-3 defense. 3-4 just isnt working. let me know what you think. Go Jets!!"
Matt D'Alesio Said:
Thu, December 20, 2007 - 7:15pm ET"ayo, kerry rhodes is the best ss in the game and because he didnt make it i have been crying myself to sleep for the last week. Leon also deserved it more than joshua cribbs because leon has all around better stats than no cribbs. whats he got a binky too? he should be watching leon from his cribb insted of playing. Nick mangold is another guy that shoulda made it. healthy coles? i wud hope so"
Chris Said:
Thu, December 20, 2007 - 8:15pm ET"Rhodes should be in... future probowlers, mangold, revis, harris"
Jim Said:
Thu, December 20, 2007 - 8:45pm ET"Anytime the fans vote for the All-Stars in any sport, it becomes nothing more than a popularity vote. Only the players and coaches should vote. Why do they even play the Pro-Bowl game, nobody watches it."
Tutman42 Said:
Thu, December 20, 2007 - 11:56pm ET"Tutman says Draft 1. Chris Long, 2. Shawn Crable ,3. Red Bryant , sign FA Alan Faneca , Terrell Suggs , and Chris Simms . Then trade who ever you need too .we need HELP. What do you think of that."
russ Said:
Fri, December 21, 2007 - 9:59am ET"It's not easy being labeled second rate by your peers.. But in NFL you are what Management wants you to be....end of story"
Ablity Mouwon Said:
Fri, December 21, 2007 - 6:36pm ET"jim you're right, the pro bowl is type boring to watch, i think a rookie vs. shomore game this year would be very exciting althought shomores will blow them out be it would be a fun blow-out"
SF Jets Fan Said:
Fri, January 4, 2008 - 2:24pm ET"The Jets should not miss out on Alan Faneca."
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Revis24: Dreamin about int's tomorrow.
about 1 hour ago
kerryrhodes: gnite twitter land!!! time for me to go to sleep!about 2 hours ago
kerryrhodes: meeting over im in my room getting mind right to music and thinking about plays that are out there to make 2morrow believe it or not! lolabout 3 hours ago
Brendan Said:
Tue, December 18, 2007 - 6:11pm ET"Reed of Baltimore!!? Come on Rhodes got cheated out of the Pro Bowl last year and is having a much better year than that of Ed Reed. Rhodes has more tackles(62) more assists(15) 1 less interception(5) but is CLUTCH. Washington should go in as a kickoff returner but still i think those 2 should be in the Pro Bowl,"
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