Lange is editor-in-chief of newyorkjets.com. He covered the Jets for 13 years for The Record of Hackensack, N.J.
File Under: Eric Mangini, Eric Barton, Chris Baker, Leon Washington, live goal line
07/31 — Tuesday's morning training camp could be called the fall and rise of the Jets' offense.
All offensive units were having their struggles through the first half of practice. Eric Barton was flying around and jawing away at his O-mates. DE Kenyon Coleman was showing some quick feet inside along with his big body. Rookie LB David Harris popped and dropped RB Alvin Banks. David Bowens smelled out a play and took down Brad Smith for a loss.
Finally, when QB Kellen Clemens was having trouble getting Banks in for a play before the playclock ran out, head coach Eric Mangini had seen enough — and sent the entire offense for a penalty lap.
"We had a chip on our shoulders after that," TE Chris Baker said.
And it showed as the offense battled back for a strong finish. First came some nice plays during team drills. Chad Pennington led his unit down the field, then scrambled and finally took off for a 5-yard TD run, at the end of which he looked a little like Air Jordan with his emphatic spike.
Soon after, Leon Washington made a terrific catch from Pennington over Victor Hobson. Washington was looking over his right shoulder but the throw came to his left, so he adjusted quickly, snagged the throw and came down on the side of the end zone for the score.
Throw in a Laveranues Coles over-the-head end zone grab over Hank Poteat and a Clemens Hail Mary completion to Wallace Wright, and the last period of practice was set up:
Live goal line drills!
And on its three plays, the first O scored three touchdowns vs. the first D — on a Thomas Jones run, Pennington play action to an open Baker and Danny Ware's score just over the goal line.
The verdict for the second units went to the defense, which posted stops on two of three plays, including David Barrett's end zone interception and DT Sione Pouha at the bottom of the pile to stop Ware's semi-leap.
So the offense took the goal line event, 4-2, and the balance of power had been reestablished for a likely hotter second practice set to start at 5:45 p.m.
Jake Said:
Tue, July 31, 2007 - 1:46pm ET"Good update Randy it sounds as though competition is heating up wish I could be there I can't wait to tee it up against the Patriots!! I already have that nervous feeling in my stomach. Hope Andre's injury is not too serious. Was L.C.'s grab from Pennington or Clemens? Keep the updates coming!!!!!"
Randy Lange Said:
"Jake, Coles' over-the-head grab was on a pass from Pennington."
Jake Said:
Tue, July 31, 2007 - 4:57pm ET"Ira, you were there last year how does this camp compare as far execution,motivation and talent. Its O.K. to get me pumped up if you want I have been a Jets fan for nearly 40 years. Is it slightly better or quiet a bit better than last year? Go Jets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Moto Said:
Tue, July 31, 2007 - 6:46pm ET"Hey Randy, thanks for the update. Besides David Harris, how is the run defense looking? I haven't heard much about Jon Vilma- is he having trouble making plays? Harris seems like he's showing the signs of a productive playmaker and run stopper."
Kit Said:
Thu, August 2, 2007 - 12:58pm ET"Thanks for the information. As a Missouri fan I try to keep track of Brad Smith. How is he looking?"
Randy's RSS
The fastest way to get Randy's articles. Subscribe now.
Randy's Posts
recent posts
top rated
top tags
archive
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
-
jayfeely: My brothers and I are frying a turkey tonight. Any hints
about 1 hour ago

kerryrhodes: Remember to check me out on "The Wheelhouse" on SNY at 530pm! Let me kno if you plan on watching!about 2 hours ago

jayfeely: Just finished climbing sugarloaf mountain with the family. Than we went to the black rocks cliff jumping into frigid Lake Superior.about 3 hours ago



Ira Said:
Tue, July 31, 2007 - 12:50pm ET"Randy,Good to hear both sides of the ball played well at times. Barrett continues to make plays. Chad really is having a good camp. Bowens, Coleman, and Harris have really improved the speed for the D. Is Clarke getting more comfortable playing along side Brick and Mangold ?"
Offensive Comment?