Lange is editor-in-chief of newyorkjets.com. He covered the Jets for 13 years for The Record of Hackensack, N.J.
File Under: C.J. Mosley, David Ball, Jesse Chatman, Erik Ainge, Vernon Gholston
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08/28 — Erik Ainge is finally showing some of that Tennessee talent he displayed in four years of running the Vols' offense. He stays in to run the Jets offense through the second half and produces his first pro touchdown and gives the visitors their first lead of the game.
The score comes on a needle-threader through the hands of leaping LB Andy Studebaker, past the defense of CB Kyle Arrington, and into the hands of WR David Ball. The 6-yard TD is also Ball's first pro touchdown, and it gives the Jets a 17-13 lead.
Ainge also mounts a 12-play march to a Mike Nugent 34-yard field goal and a 20-13 lead with 11:25 left in the game.
Jesse Chatman continues to be used heavily. Through the FG drive he has 175 yards from scrimmage.
Make that 183, since Ahmad Carroll recovers a muffed Eagles punt at the Philly 17, then Chatman bowls 4 more yards, the final 2 for the TD that gives the Jets a 27-20 lead with 6:26 to play.
Reverting to the first half briefly, although the "ones," as in first units, for both teams are not playing, the Jets' "ones," as in first-round draft choices, saw a lot of action in the first 30 minutes.
In particular LB Vernon Gholston lined up as the left OLB in the base and as the left outside rusher for the nickel front on defense and TE Dustin Keller got a lot of reps with the first offense.
Gholston had some nice-try plays. On Philadelphia's first drive, No. 56 couldn't close down on Correll Buckhalter, who cut inside him for a 6-yard run, but on the next play Gholston played off his block well and caught Buckhalter from behind for a 3-yard run. Then VG had a seemingly nice outside speed rush that appeared to beat RT Winston Justice, but Justice stayed with him and pushed him past the pocket, as Kevin Kolb stepped up and hit WR Hank Baskett for 25 yards.
Keller had two catches for 11 yards. Gholston had three tackles. I didn't see either in the second half.
If you saw uniform numbers in unusual places on the Jets' "D", you weren't losing your marbles. David Barrett made what is believed to be his first start as an NFL safety (the ninth-year CB played safety for the first time during the Giants game).
And yes, WR Chansi Stuckey was on the field as a DB in the Jets' sub and was credited with the tackle of WR Bam Childress after a 7-yard completion in the first half and with three more tackles in the second half.
Finally, this night in Philly wouldn't be complete without a progress report on C.J. Mosley. Jets fans remember a year ago when Mosley had three sacks of and forced two fumbles by the Eagles' A.J. Feeley — all on one first-quarter drive.
Tonight Mosley didn't sack Feeley, but he did chase the Birds' No. 3 QB from the pocket late in the third quarter. The result? Feeley threw a sideline pass right to Jets S Abram Elam for a turnover that started that FG drive.
Lots of people love New York. Mosley loves Philly.
Due to logistical problems here at 'the Linc," I don't know when I will be filing my postgame Radar entry. Eric Allen's game story will be live shortly after the end of the game and my final blog out of the Green & White locker room will, perhaps later rather than sooner, focus on Chatman's busy night.
Fans Respond
Here's your chance to tell Randy what you think! Add a Comment | Hide All Show All (31)Josh Said:
Thu, August 28, 2008 - 9:21pm EDT"Ainge is looking good. He is looking very poised and calm. It's going to be interesting to see him challenge for the QB spot in a few years."
J.L. Davidson Said:
Thu, August 28, 2008 - 9:27pm EDT"Eirk Ainge IS the back up to Brett Favre!!Can you see the Tennessee blood Lines? ( P.Manning )"
sharif Said:
Thu, August 28, 2008 - 9:42pm EDT"i like what i seen out of ainge....he might have a future with us...and ratliff just continues to make plays...i like kellen but this kid is showing flashes....if "4" retires again next year it will interesting to see kellen and the "other" ratliff battle it out....BUT NOW JET FANS ENUFF OF THIS PRESEASON GAMES!!!.....THIS SEASON WE ALL WAIT FOR ISS HERE!!!!!!!!!!! GO JETS!!!!!!!!!"
DBall Fan Said:
Thu, August 28, 2008 - 9:48pm EDT"Great to see David Ball get some time, his hands and in traffic he is awesome. Hope to see him more with #4. Way to go Dave and the JETS"
stunna Said:
Thu, August 28, 2008 - 10:12pm EDT"nice to see ainge n chatman get out there n show their skills, but randy how did m.henry play, if he played at all? "
Randy Lange Said:
"stunna, Marcus Henry made two strong catches, for 27 and 13 yards. Both went for first downs inside the Eagles 12 and both set up Jets touchdowns."
Drew Said:
Thu, August 28, 2008 - 10:13pm EDT"I assume all of the Gholsten bashers will be out tonight. It was a not a great showing. I bet every fan watching had their eyes on #56 like I did on every play. He continually shows power on his bull rush but has yet to use his speed to beat guys. Got some pressure and played the run...okay. Still looks unsure (which is expected) Will stand by my week 8 prediction. He will be ready then."
Wayne Said:
Thu, August 28, 2008 - 10:14pm EDT"Randy, I like Ainge a lot and Jets need to keep him. I also like Ratliff and although it may be unpopular with the coaching staff, I think KC should go if we don't carry 4 QB's. I don't think Mangini will cut him but maybe we can work out a trade although unlikely."
Drew Said:
Thu, August 28, 2008 - 10:25pm EDT"More concerning is our lack of depth on O-line. Those guys are horrible. We better have our scouts looking for some guys that will get cut..... Chatman ran well and Ainge just got himself a job on another roster. He will get signed pretty fast. I wish we could keep him. Overall a bad game but at least it's over and we are ready to roll......Oh by the way Brett Favre is a our QB. How great is that!"
razmataz Said:
Thu, August 28, 2008 - 10:38pm EDT"Stuckey, the guy that was hurt the past 2 years with foot problems, and who is battling for the 3/4 recieving spot playing defense????? Jets will probably try to trade a QB, they may wish later on that they kept Ratty and Ainge, and perhaps let KC go. TE will be another interesting situation"
cliff Said:
Fri, August 29, 2008 - 2:52am EDT"Honestly with Rattliffe at 6 foot 4 and looking as composed as any starter, he is a given to stay. And Ainge at 6 ft 5 and a strong arm, he isn't going any where. He is a SMART kid who improved drastically at Tennessee every year annd became their 3rd best EVER QB. The Jet's would be insane to let him or Marcus Henry go. Ditch KC, the guy looks completely lost and I think since Farve, he has no "
cliff Said:
Fri, August 29, 2008 - 2:58am EDT"Marcus Henry has tremendous hands and is tall and fast. I think he could be as good as Cotchery given time. And you can't beat two tall, speedy recievers with great hands on your team. Kellen, I think he's to upset they got Favre. Let him go and let someone else give him a shot. He's to small at 6 ft barely 2 inches. Ideally you'd want to keep all 4 because you'll get 1 year out of Favre. "
Mathew Said:
Fri, August 29, 2008 - 6:39am EDT"Its dissapointing that I even have to think about Ainge and Ratliff not being a jet. I sure hope something can be worked out. I dont think Kellen Clemens has looked spectacular in any way shape or form. Keep in mind people, that we do have a re-vamped offensive line this season. If Clemens plays during the regular season, then he has no excuses to do horrible. I love Favre, but lets be realistic. "
Dunnie Said:
Fri, August 29, 2008 - 7:54am EDT"Drew ... I too was watching VG on every play. I agree with you. He does look VASTLY improved from week one though. I am worried by the lack of speed !!! His power looks very good, he consistently collapsed the pocket. But he looks slow or apathetic. Where is the blinding speed ?? I really hope he can be a complete OLB. I'm still in his corner ... for now. I want to see the hunger and passion."
Anthony Said:
Fri, August 29, 2008 - 8:17am EDT"Randy I really think that Favre, Ratlif, Ainge should be our three guys behind the center. It doesn't make sense keeping Kellen Clemens when all he seems to be good at is studying the playbook. The guy can't get a td drive if his life depended on it. I mean I Know he was here under Chad but justl iike in ANY JOB if you can't do the work you should be let go."
ScottinAfghanistan Said:
Fri, August 29, 2008 - 8:54am EDT"I do not envy the Jets coaches over the next few days. These are the toughest cuts I've seen for our roster. I'd like to keep ALL the QBs, 9 WRs!, and 4 TEs. We need to keep 4 RBs, too. (where's the back-up FB?) Our OL depth seems a little thin, so we may lose someone to provide more depth there. Good luck Tangini, we'll support whatever you do!"
Ira Said:
Fri, August 29, 2008 - 9:15am EDT"Yes Stuckey will be the next Troy Brown. Henry had a nice slant route catch which he should've scored on but he just isn't that fast. But hes a very good possesion WR with great hands and is a big target. Randy, You're right Mosley has the Eagles and Feeley's number. Spencer had a good night and nice to see Elam have a pick."
nnyspaz4jetfan Said:
Fri, August 29, 2008 - 9:36am EDT"I also would like to see ratliff and ainge kept , trade kc and pickup a good young defensive lineman or lb. They need to get to those qb's and cause turnovers if they want to be a major threat to those top teams and to give Favre that extra edge when the offense takes over so he can weave that magic he still has to win games."
ddh Said:
Fri, August 29, 2008 - 9:48am EDT"like to see the jets keep all the qbs, and (most) all the wrs, come draft time that allows them to put a lot of chips on the table, while my hopes are high for this season we're still building next year is more realistically our break out year for a SB run."
Charles F Said:
Fri, August 29, 2008 - 10:25am EDT" I don't believe the Jets will cut a qb. If anything Ainge get put on practice squad. Mangini will keep all qb's mark my words, unless some how we trade or release KC. The TE are another story the rest get cut except , DK,CB and BF. I'm curious to find out tomorrow who gets cut and who stays. Jets in 08 dominate."
Ken Said:
Fri, August 29, 2008 - 11:01am EDT"RATLIFF for President! I am telling you guys when FAVRE retires in 1 or 2 or 3 yrs, RATLIFF is the QB to take his place for the JETS. RATLIFF is by far the better QB than Clemens. Mangini & the JETS better NOT trade away BRETT RATLIFF. RATLIFF put TDs on the board when he plays. Clemens has not scored a TD yet in preseason. RATLIFF should the #2 QB. IRA and the rest, what do you guys think?"
Ken Said:
Fri, August 29, 2008 - 11:08am EDT"I agree with what a lot of the JETS fans that are saying about CLEMENS. I think they should let CLEMENS go! And keep RATLIFF and AINGE. CLEMENS is sort of like CHAD, Clemens move the ball down the field, but can't score. I think AINGE has more up side to him than Clemens. I like AINGE's height. And RATLIFF should DEFINITELY be the #2 QB. Keep RATLIFF & AINGE. Get rid of Clemens!"
Wayne Said:
Fri, August 29, 2008 - 12:15pm EDT"Jet fans get behind me. We need to keep Ainge & Ratliff which have showed far more than KC.Lets face it those two guys have more talent & potential than KC & have showed it in games when it counts. Please Mangini, don't let them get away. Let's face it, in a year maybe 2 we're going to need one of these guys to step up. Miami is going to cut Beck & the Jets should cut KC. Don't blow it Mangini."
Ray Said:
Fri, August 29, 2008 - 2:02pm EDT"Charles F, unfortunately, unless I am mistaken, in order to put a player on the PS they have to cut him first. Then he can't be claimed by another team before he is signed to the PS. And at that point any team in the league can sign him off our PS, the only stipulation is that they must put him on the active roster for the rest of the year. So basically, if we put a qb on the PS he is gone."
ddh Said:
Fri, August 29, 2008 - 2:42pm EDT"went through the roster picked everyone I thought they have to keep, made 53 seem easy, as if. I like KC, but do what you must to keep Ainge off the practice squad, an injury on the OL is scary, better shore it up. since Bakers back maybe bye bye Bubba. If Jets beat pats they win divison . "
Patrick Said:
Fri, August 29, 2008 - 4:14pm EDT"I truly believe we need to keep Ratliff and Ainge.Ainge has always been good with Tennesee,and looks like a Pro quarterback.I hate to say it ,but if we are only gonna keep 3 quarterbacks,I would let Clemens go.I also think Chattman will be the starting RB by midseason.I would hate to be the one making these cuts,there's so much talent."
Patrick Said:
Fri, August 29, 2008 - 4:19pm EDT"I also think Amad Carrol can be a Play maker in this league.Look at his KR numbers.He does have speed. "
Row Said:
Fri, August 29, 2008 - 5:47pm EDT"Start Elam, spend the next two weeks learning how to run the football because we are LAST in the league. Anyone read the NY POST lately? We are averaging 2.7 yards a game, this will be a HUGE problem! I am sorry fellow Jets fans, but unless Brian changes how we run the ball, we will be last in the division! I can already see Favre dropping back 40 times a game and throwing picks. "
Josh Said:
Fri, August 29, 2008 - 11:19pm EDT"Ainge is going to be a good QB. He put up better stats than Matt Ryan and he played in the SEC. The thing that hurt Ainge is when Robert Meachem skipped his SR year and Ainge had to break in new below average WR. Thats what stopped Ainge from being a day one pick in he draft. This guy has all the tools and has a way bigger upside than KC."
MikeMc Said:
Sat, August 30, 2008 - 11:42am EDT"DREW- #56 is a one trick pony & that one trick is not that good. Week #8 I'll hold you to that, just in time for the lighter part of the schedule, thanks Vern."
Drew Said:
Sat, August 30, 2008 - 3:21pm EDT"Cmon MikeMc...A one trick pony?? The guy has unbelieveable power and once he is sure of what to do his speed will become a factor. I know there are haters out there but give the kid time."
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davidballfannn Said:
Thu, August 28, 2008 - 9:15pm EDT"Finally David Ball is getting some time and doing what he does best. He has a great pair of hands and can jump like no ones business. Love to see him get some time and score his first TD. Hopefully the Jets keep him on the roster. GO JETS!!!"
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