Justin Miller Close to Being "Back in the Mix'
Published: Mon, October 6, 2008 - 1:04pm EDT
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: mangini, Justin Miller, Eric Smith, Jesse Chatman
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10/06 — The Jets are back from the bye, and at the moment, they don't have any roster transactions to make.
RB Jesse Chatman's roster exemption following his exemption has expired and he's now on the roster. But S Eric Smith's appeal of his suspension hadn't been cleared up as head coach Eric Mangini's news conference this morning
"Nothing's been finalized with this. It still has to go through the appeal process," Mangini said of Smith, who was fined and suspended one game by the NFL for his hit on WR Anquan Boldin in the final minute of the Jets-Cardinals game. When will it be resolved? "I assume either later today or tomorrow," said the coach.
Smith was placed on Reserve/Suspended list today. If he wins his appeal, he would be returned to the 53-man active roster and another player would have to be removed.
One injury situation could be close to resolution with Justin Miller. The fourth-year cornerback and kick returner has been sidelined the first four games with a foot injury.
"The important thing for Justin is to have consistent weeks of practice," Mangini said. "There were a couple of different things with him. He had a string of setbacks. I talked to him, met with him, went through things he can improve. One of the things I really like about Justin is his ability now to look at those things and work at those things. I think he's improved each year in that area. I anticipate him coming out and having a good week of practice and being back in the mix."
Despite being out of the mix for a while, Miller's mind remains fixed on getting back and helping his team.
"That's adversity, just like life in general," he said of his rough patch that also included losing virtually 15 games to a knee injury last season. "I'm not down on myself. I don't feel like I'm having a run of bad luck or anything. Anytime I can get out there and play and compete every day at practice, I'm ready to go."
Miller didn't agree that he felt like he was "out of the loop" since rookie Dwight Lowery has started all four games at right corner.
"I never left the loop," he said. "Every day, I practice. Every day, I do what I have to do to make this secondary a great secondary. Anytime they call my number, I'm ready to go."
Perhaps this is the week No. 21 gets back on track.
Inside the Jets
Later today, Eric Allen will have a story on Laveranues Coles from the media availability session, and later tonight and into Tuesday, Real Football's piece on Brett Favre's effects on the Jets and vice versa.
The guests at tonight's "Inside the Jets" radio show from Charlie Brown's steakhouse in Chatham, N.J., will be a pair of linebackers, Calvin Pace and first-round rookie Vernon Gholston. Also at the restaurant will be Jets Flight Crew members Biance and Anne Marie. The Red Sox-Angels playoff game will take over tonight's regular time slot on 1050 AM ESPN for the show, but we're hearing it will be aired after the game.
Fans Respond
Here's your chance to tell Randy what you think! Add a Comment | Hide All Show All (39)ddh Said:
Mon, October 6, 2008 - 2:43pm EDT" Not all comments about TJ are fair,even Curtis Martin wanted 20 touches just to get warmed up, and the more we have to rely on the pass, obviously takes away from the run, and those 20-30+ touches. And with Chatmans return, Leon's explosiveness, deserving of a larger role, it will be interesting to see how it plays out."
Ira Said:
Mon, October 6, 2008 - 3:12pm EDT"ddh, 100 % correct about that 2 pt conversion. All the HC's should throw out those charts they have and just use that 5 min rule that i think is the way to go. I would estimate that more then 90% of the time if a team tries a 2 pt conv before the 5 min warning say they end up chasing those pts the rest of the game."
Drew Said:
Mon, October 6, 2008 - 3:13pm EDT"I honestly have zero use for J Miller right now. He has yet to show he can cover anyone and his KR skills have been replaced by Leon. Dwight Lowery has made more plays in 4 games than Miller has made in 3 years!!! I really hoped he was going to prove something this year but he was out again. Hope he can contribute but not really expecting much. Hope I'm wrong!!"
Denzil Said:
Mon, October 6, 2008 - 3:20pm EDT"Great to get Miller back and I can't wait to see what Chatman can do to boost our running game. Randy, did you see the recent Dr. Z article on great pass rushers? Dr. Z. gave Gastineau some serious respect by saying he was one of the greatest pure-pass rushers to ever live. Here's the link: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/dr_z/10/03/mail/ Go Jets!!!"
Frank Said:
Mon, October 6, 2008 - 3:40pm EDT"Holy Toledo Batman Drew actually made an analysis of J. Miller that is correct. You have finally shown you can be perspicacious in writing to us Drew my boy I'm proud of you!"
Hogan Said:
Mon, October 6, 2008 - 4:15pm EDT"Gotta agre with Drew. Can not really see Miller doing more than Lowery. Its that 4th round magic!"
Drew Said:
Mon, October 6, 2008 - 4:23pm EDT"These next 3 games are huge for this team. Everyone will yell that they are against weaker teams but every Jet fan knows that there is a chance will can lose one of these....especially the Oakland game. This is where the Jets and Mangini have to make a move. If they want to win the AFC East they have to sweep these games. If not it's fighting for a wild card and a probable 1st round exit."
hmj Said:
Mon, October 6, 2008 - 4:25pm EDT"I think Miller can contribute if he is given a fair chance. I look forward to seeing him in action this week. I agree Lowery is good but Miller could be used a nickel to replace Coleman"
Row Said:
Mon, October 6, 2008 - 5:20pm EDT"Drew, you are off, but your comment will be proven right because Eric will not use Justin, just like he won't use B. Smith or Elam after the E. Smith suspension. We have to establish the run. We have to fix the defense, in the past we had "Hitmen" like Mo Lewis and Steve Atwater, we need more of that. We also needed a good corner, I'd trade Gholston for Lito Sheppard any day. Vernon is a bust."
mike ex jet fan Said:
Mon, October 6, 2008 - 6:38pm EDT" Guys FYI .. we were !1 INT from losing the Miami game facing 1-3 so don't use the excuse we beat Miami don't hold water.... u can analyze this team & coach anyway u want... truth is truth....analyze that 'only fooling yourself no 1 else"
Ira Said:
Mon, October 6, 2008 - 6:55pm EDT"Drew, All the games are tough to win. This week's Bengal game will be a real test for the players and coaches."
larz Said:
Mon, October 6, 2008 - 7:13pm EDT"the jets really need miller with the bengals coming to town. get well soon justin"
Drew Said:
Mon, October 6, 2008 - 7:31pm EDT"Row, I know you have this love for Elam but stopping the run is not our problem right now stopping 3rd down pass plays are. Elam is a liability in the passing game. He hits like a truck but also plays the pass like one also. Do me a favor though if your going to remember "Hitmen" try guys like M Jones, B Cox, Victor Green. not a guy like Atwater. He stole money while he was playing for us."
Howard Said:
Mon, October 6, 2008 - 7:47pm EDT"hopefully j miller can do something in this secondary,maybe he can cover the outside reciever in the nickle so we can move lowery inside,d coleman is not getting it done or maybe poteat can go inside but some one has to"
Zartan Said:
Mon, October 6, 2008 - 8:43pm EDT"1st i'd like to say that the Jets are going to the superbowl.Promise!!! they will blunder the whole way but will be there the same.Elam will play great this week and miller is a bust.Coleman is raw but has potential.IMO. but the superbowl thing is a vision.one that hasnt been wrong yet."
jet80 Said:
Mon, October 6, 2008 - 9:49pm EDT"Glad to see Smith appeal that call.Undeserved seein the replays anyone can see that.If he doesnt win it its because Boldin is a big name and Smith is being made an example.The only need for Miller is on KR thats if he still has it,Washington should be used in the slot with his magic with the return of Chatman and let loose Coleman or Brad Smith.jack of trades my ***"
Davey Said:
Tue, October 7, 2008 - 6:43am EDT"Can someone tell the jets that those titan uniforms have to go,I can;t believe there using them again on sunday-----Then again if they keep putting those kind of numers up GO FOR IT------BLEED GREEN AND WHITE"
Ira Said:
Tue, October 7, 2008 - 6:58am EDT"Row, You are right on. I have been saying it for awhile now. They must establish the run and this is the week to do it. The bengals are giving up 171 yds per game rushing. Do not get into a shootout this week. I too like Elam and think he didn't get a fair shake this summer. Too early to call Gholston a bust. Look at M.Williams his 1st year. Lets see if he makes progress throughout the year."
poobah Said:
Tue, October 7, 2008 - 8:07am EDT"hey miller was doing very well before his injury and can definitely help this team. he probably lost the corner to lowery (and rightly so) but can get time in place of coleman (please). wish we were stronger at safety (smith)"
t.o. Said:
Tue, October 7, 2008 - 8:29am EDT"dude, they gota get chatman in the game! forget earth, wind and fire cuz we'll have the father,son, and holy spirit of running backs!!!! chatmans natural ability to make hard gains look easy will add a dimension to this team we havent quite had yet. now we need the o-line to make holes for them.as for j-miller, lowerys blown the curve. not gona be easy to get that job back."
Ray Said:
Tue, October 7, 2008 - 1:24pm EDT"mike ex, you can't strengthen your argument by using what if's. "If" miami hadn't thrown a pick on that play then it was 4th and 10 from the 18 with 5 seconds. How is it you are able to place miami in the end zone and we lose? Could you be any more negative? Miami has won two games using a trick play that in another two weeks someone will figure out how to defend it and they are back to dink.."
Ray Said:
Tue, October 7, 2008 - 1:30pm EDT"...and dunk. Because as soon as they are able to stop the run on that play it is clear Brown can't throw the ball worth a crap. And he is a lefty so if he goes to the right he will not be throwing at all. And, yes he threw one pass against NE that worked, but if you saw that play, don't tell me Brown can throw a football. If they need three yards for a first or they are down around the goal..."
Ray Said:
Tue, October 7, 2008 - 1:35pm EDT"... around the goal line they might throw the ball as a dump off, but that is a running play. The truth is the truth mike ex, and right now the truth is you sound like more of a miami fan than a jets fan. So why don't you make yourself happy and go out and buy a #10 Fins jersey. Then you can come in here like #1Draft Pick fan and at that point all your negative blather will make sense."
MikeMc Said:
Tue, October 7, 2008 - 3:42pm EDT"Drew, I continue to be impressed with your intelligent banter with equally impressive posters such as Ira, Ray, Row, Hogan& Frank (yes I said Frank) but I'm begging you to stop with MiketheEx , he has targeted you to constantly have to defend your position against his incomprehensible rants. I enjoy reading 90% of these posts& there are many issues to debate,but some have me searching for Advil."
MikeMc Said:
Tue, October 7, 2008 - 3:48pm EDT"Hey Row I'd make that Gholston for Sheppard trade also ( if the years & money are equal)but you need to cool it on the bust word, its not fair and its not accurate.Maybe we can use Miller in more of a nickel safety spot, he has the size & Drew coleman has not been impressive."
Row Said:
Tue, October 7, 2008 - 6:13pm EDT"There is a reason Gholston went from starting in preseason to special teams duty in the regular. MikeMc, Eric just isn't willing to give Gholston the chance Mario had b/c of the drawback. I guess overall I hated the pick and wanted a CB and WR like I stated. Imagine the Jets with a 2nd or 3rd round CB and Desean Jackson.. or Tyrell Johnson back there at safety. "
Drew Said:
Tue, October 7, 2008 - 7:52pm EDT"I hear you MikeMc...i do have to stop with this guy but it is fun. "
Xavion Said:
Tue, October 7, 2008 - 9:10pm EDT"I have a few gripes first of all please quit complaining about the Titan uniforms. They will only wear them 2x a year. I dont think they are so bad but even if they were horrid. I wouldnt care. They have a winning record in those uni's I know whos in the uniforms and am not gonna forget Im watching The Jets Just because they arent in Green. After sunday you wont see them again until next season."
Xavion Said:
Tue, October 7, 2008 - 9:20pm EDT"Second Im tired of the fans that have nothing but critical remarks about the team. How we should have lost to this team or how this team is better than us or how this coach is a better coach than our coach ever was. How about taking the good with the bad how about constructive criticism. For every on the Oline lets cheer the the WR for every Knock on TJ lets praise Darelle Revis support your team"
Xavion Said:
Tue, October 7, 2008 - 9:24pm EDT"next Gripe I know many of you did not want Gholston for whatever reason. Maybe some are michigan fans maybe someone loved Leodis Mckelvin or Just wanted more picks. I think Its very unfair to label him a bust. Hes mainly only playing passing downs as a rushing specialist I have seen him put pressure on QB Right now we have C pace and BT They are performing solidly. He will get his sack soon. "
Xavion Said:
Tue, October 7, 2008 - 9:29pm EDT"I am glad miller is back, that should shore up Our nickle position I want him in Nickle leave Lowery outside unless we need speed. Drop Drew coleman We keep getting beat on 3rd dwn by his man. Id rather have David Barret at safety over Smith and Elam. He is a hard hitter (Ask Houshmanzedah) and he has better coverage skills than the 2 of them. I think he will be the last man standing at Safety. "
CEDRIC Said:
Tue, October 7, 2008 - 11:05pm EDT"Mangini was responsible for the Cuban Missile Crisis."
Ken Said:
Wed, October 8, 2008 - 12:34pm EDT"Justin Miller is NOT a very good DB. Justin Miller is a inconsistent DB, when he is not injured. The JETS are better off with Lowery than Justin Miller."
Ray Said:
Wed, October 8, 2008 - 1:07pm EDT"The Red Sox beat the Angels....Fire Mangini!!!! NOW!!!"
Tom Said:
Wed, October 8, 2008 - 2:36pm EDT"Miller will return kicks, play nickeland dime situations but will not displace Lowery as the starter."
Ed The Jet Said:
Wed, October 8, 2008 - 4:02pm EDT"Justin Miller's return does help us out. He can play the nickle or dime packages as well as returning kickoffs. But I think Lowery should stay as the starter. We need to be on the attack on Sunday hit everything that moves and get the Bengals out early. go Jets...."
Konstantine Said:
Wed, October 8, 2008 - 11:01pm EDT"Is Dwight Lowery the official starting cornerback over Miller? Or is Miller still the starter over Lowery?"
Randy Lange Said:
"Konstantine, no official announcement has been made either way and probably won't be. The best I can tell you is that Dwight Lowery has started the first four games and Justin Miller has been limited at practice so far this week in his attempt to return to action."
Konstantine Said:
Wed, October 8, 2008 - 11:02pm EDT"Is Dwight Lowery starting? Or is Justin Miller."
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Ira Said:
Mon, October 6, 2008 - 1:24pm EDT"Randy, Good to hear that Miller is getting close to returning. They could sure use him back there. I would think he would split time with Lowery or Coleman. Especially for this week coming up. Palmer had a good game vs the Giants a few weeks ago and were clicking in the 2nd half of the Boys game yesterday. The Bengals have much better talent then their 0-5 record shows. "
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