Mike T Recalls a Favre Play That Resonates
Published: Fri, February 20, 2009 - 1:20pm ET
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: Indianapolis, Mike Tannenbaum, Curtis Martin, Wallace Wright, Rex Ryan, Brett Favre, NFL Combine
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02/20 — The Jets have spoken in Indy.
Head coach Rex Ryan and GM Mike Tannenbaum both had their news conferences at Lucas Oil Stadium at the NFL combine workouts this morning as scheduled. We're having some technical issues in getting reports to you, but I can tell you that Ryan, far from shying away from his confident statements upon being named Jets coach on Jan. 21, repeated one of his mantras to the national reporters at the combine, saying:
"We will have our defense playing at the level of Baltimore's defense this year. We are one or two players away."
Tannenbaum's media session began with questions more about the combine process rather than where the Jets have been and where they're going under Ryan. But Mike T did invoke Curtis Martin a few times, including in his response to just how much of an effect Brett Favre's one year as a Jet had on the team.
"I think when you build a program, you try to bring people in that can affect people for years to come," Tannenbaum said. "Just to go back to Curtis Martin for a second. He came in in 1998, and I'll never forget Coach Parcells saying, 'Our best player is now also our best worker.' His work ethic resonated with people for years to come, with Leon Washington and Thomas Jones.
"I think the effects of Brett Favre will be felt on our program for a long time. Was he with us for a long time? No, but I think the tangible effect he'll have will last a long time."
The GM reflected on what he called his "favorite play of Brett as a Jet," which occurred during the week of practice before the season finale against the Dolphins.
"There was a 1-on-1 competition between the receivers and the DBs," he said. "On the last play, Wallace Wright, one of our backup receivers, caught the pass to win the period. And here's Brett flying down, 40 yards down the field — looking pretty unathletic, as I reminded him — jumping over the pile.
"That was Brett really in a nutshell, his unbridled enthusiasm to play football. And I think that will resonate with a lot of people, not just Erik Ainge, not just Kellen Clemens but a lot of people, to go out to practice, compete, make it fun, get your work in. I think that's Brett's legacy with us."
I'll bring you more of the comments from Rex and Mike as they come in.
Fans Respond
Here's your chance to tell Randy what you think! Add a Comment | Hide All Show All (67)35 year fan Said:
Fri, February 20, 2009 - 2:27pm ET"Look the jets have got to be smart. Derek Anderson is a good deal. The jets have cap room. Go after Larry Johnson ,he's not happy. Try goin' after Tony Gonzalez those guys are wasting away in K.C. its ashame. Draft young smart linebackers ,and defensive ends and rebuild the entire defensive attack. These are lean times, take a cut in pay and come to New York and play."
mike Said:
Fri, February 20, 2009 - 2:39pm ET"Curtis Martin was the perfect role model for the young guys on our team. He is the reason why I became and always will be a Jets fan. Hopefully guys like Revis and Washington can carry this team on there shoulders as Curtis did for so many years."
scjoe Said:
Fri, February 20, 2009 - 4:23pm ET"Word to the wise front office, do not give up on Chris Baker. He has a fair contract, I can almost guarantee you he will excel somewhere else. If you need cap space, release or trade Coles, he is never happy it seems, besides we have Clowney and Stucky to take up the slack."
Peter Said:
Fri, February 20, 2009 - 4:38pm ET"The JETS need a BIG WR! I am so tried of these SMALL WR the JETS have. I want a 6'5 or taller WR with LONG ARMS, with SPEED, that can catch. "
Frank Said:
Fri, February 20, 2009 - 5:30pm ET"I understand the reasoning in releasing Baker he has big roster bonus due in March. However, he was their best TE I love Keller but he is not an every down TE he is an H back. I agree with Ira they should do their best to resign him. "
barbara Said:
Fri, February 20, 2009 - 5:55pm ET"we love you brett...(favre).......ratliff is also going to be great!!!"
jak, 29 wk jet fan Said:
Fri, February 20, 2009 - 7:33pm ET"favre' s enthusiasm was really infectious in his younger days.green bay of the mid 90s was circuslike [ Lambeau leap. ect ].i hope a charismactic qb emerges for the jets.one capable of leading and inspiring as well as an efficient strongarmed field general.."
Jetfan74 Said:
Fri, February 20, 2009 - 8:01pm ET"Even Tanny can't remember that we have a 3rd QB and I believe that Ratty is the best of the bunch. Get rid of Coles and his ability to whine all the time. Bring in the Raven FA's and draft a big nasty DE/DT to play next to Jenkins and take some of the pressure off of him. DEFENSE WINS ladies and gents!!!!!!!!!!!1"
jaired Said:
Fri, February 20, 2009 - 8:58pm ET"SCJOE obviously not the biggest jet fan but chris baker has been good to us but 9 million is what we save cutting him and since a young Dustin Keller seems to be better then the aging chris baker it seems to be a smart Front office move. OH and cutting or traiding coles brakes even we dont save any money just a spot in the roster so coles well stay one more year since hes free. and well be gone"
Drew Said:
Fri, February 20, 2009 - 9:26pm ET"Just read that B Moore is going to get cut. I was hoping they would restructure but looks like it over. I like Moore but his cap number was crazy high this year. RG is the easiest position to fill on the OL but was hoping we could keep him.....Baker getting cut?? Not a big deal. Get a blocking TE and let Keller become a star!!"
Jay Said:
Fri, February 20, 2009 - 9:34pm ET"This off-season is going perfectly. Mr T is ragged on but may be the top GM in the league- assuming we come home with Bart this year. And if he grabs McAlister or Joselio Hansen of Philly, we're golden. At that point Leonhard is just gravy. A cb, inside lb, and safety makes us a top 5 Defense. While I would love canty, we can't afford peppers. Go D in FA, draft Maclin or K. Britt, and a TE."
Mike Jet Vet Said:
Fri, February 20, 2009 - 9:40pm ET"Hope Rex go's after Mcalester Ravens cut him good fit for us .. Here's what I believe I said it early little bill will tag Cassel & In return he will throw Tom Brady under the bus just like he did to Drew Bledsoe. So fans if you want a QB vet who better then T Brady ..Let's go after him we have the Cap room to do so that will solve any QB situations we have .. Sweet Revenge win win 4 us "
Mike Jet Vet Said:
Fri, February 20, 2009 - 9:52pm ET"Cont. Lets go after Jerry Porter Oakland released him we can get him for almost nothing he's a big strong receiver that never had a chance to show what he can do in a good offence.. Lowery & Coles need to go Baker take him or leave him he dropped to many passes this season .. Watch how good VG will be this season under a real coach.Now you will see how good Pace Jenkins Harris & Thomas really are"
35 year fan Said:
Fri, February 20, 2009 - 10:35pm ET"Curtis Martin was the best running back the jets ever had . Such a beautifull cutback move. He'll always be remembered and loved by all who were lucky enough to see him play ball. OF course he was good example. Too bad we dont still have him in there now. See you in the hall of fame ."
matt Said:
Fri, February 20, 2009 - 11:31pm ET"a list of our FA's: WASHINGTON, BARTON, ELAM, RICHARDSON, NUGENT, FEELY, MOORE...which of these guys were resigned and which ones are cut?!?!?!i think we should keep FEELY hes got a strong leg,RICHARDSON was borderline pro bowler,ELAM, is a rising star,BARTON led the team in tackles...ok i think we should go for a good CB or LB in the FA.i think LAURENITIS is the next URLACHER, JENKINS is the next REVIS"
Jumbo_Jet Said:
Sat, February 21, 2009 - 4:43am ET"Randy, Is it me or does it seem the Jets HC & GM have dropped a few hints that they Think Erik Ainge just might be the answer to the QB question?"
Drew Said:
Sat, February 21, 2009 - 9:01am ET"We can also move Woody to RG and go get a RT in the draft. We are now 20+ under the cap. B Scott is good as a Jet already and B Leonhard is looking like a real possibilty. and we still have some cap room......We can load up on OL, LB, WR, CB in the draft and what ever money is left over...."
sal Said:
Sat, February 21, 2009 - 11:10am ET"Randy, i see they adjusted the roster w/ Bowens and Kassel not on it, but Favre is still on, trying to start rumors? and maybe they might want to loose Law and go after Bly"
Jim Said:
Sat, February 21, 2009 - 11:35am ET"If Brett the Jet hadn't have hurt his arm in the game against the Broncos, the Jet's would have won the Super Bowl. Mangini should have taken him out in that game and got that arm/shoulder checked out but he didn't and he's in Cleveland now. Long live Rex Ryan."
Drew Said:
Sat, February 21, 2009 - 12:31pm ET"Rumor mill has the Jets trading a late (possible a 7th) for J Kitna?? Anyone hear this? While I dont hate Kitna (I like him better than Leftwich or any other scub vet) I hope he is coming in as an insurance policy not as the starter though"
Frank Said:
Sat, February 21, 2009 - 1:26pm ET"Another move I predicted Moore is overated and was too slow to pull. This allows Woody to slide inside where he belongs and now we can go after a RT who can pass block. This also dismantles another piece of the Mangini legacy of playing people out of position. Good move however I do hope they resign Baker."
charlie Said:
Sat, February 21, 2009 - 1:58pm ET"i heard we have just traded a late round draft pick to the lions for jon kitna. this can not be made official until the 27th, but I really hope this isnt true. If it didnt work with a 38 yr old legend, what makes mr. T think it will work with a 37 year old career back up."
Anonymous Said:
Sat, February 21, 2009 - 2:21pm ET"please do not cut brandon moore. aside from mangold he was our most consistant offensive lineman this year. Why mess with our offensive line right now after a good season in the run game. if rex says he wants to have a running offense the o line is where it starts and with no clear replacement at right guard it would be stupid to get rid of brandon moore."
Brad Said:
Sat, February 21, 2009 - 3:35pm ET"letting go of B Moore will be a huge mistake. Ryan wants to run the ball and Moore and Woody were excellent this year on the right side, the OL is the most important posistions on offense, I dont know what Mike T is thinking I would pay him whatever he want, (ridiculous)!"
Jets Fan Since '64 Tom Said:
Sat, February 21, 2009 - 4:24pm ET"Hey Jumbo Jet, I just watched that Erik Ainge Highlights clip again. There are a couple of throws on that clip that Chad couldn't have made in his best days! And they sure don't spare the compliments in assessing his smarts and mobility, if he can stay healthy. So maybe you're right and this is the year that Ainge is unleashed. Southernlady and dale, I await your comments as usual."
Ira Said:
Sat, February 21, 2009 - 5:07pm ET"Just hope they have a better plan for RG than they had for LG in 07. I understand there isn't enough money to go around for everybody. But the best part of the team was the o-line. Why mess with it when you are getting ready to start a QB with either no experience or 8 starts. Moore will get a 25-30 million deal in the FA market and he will be the top OG available."
omar Said:
Sat, February 21, 2009 - 6:03pm ET"Hey guys,`Interesting comments by all. ratliff will be our QB opening day. bring in a couple of these ravens players and we need to draft Knowshawn Moreno at RB behind Jones, Leon will do everything as usual and we need a big Receiver and Clowney needs to play more...the one play he was in this season was a one handed 25 yard grab for a much needed 1st down. we will be a very good team!"
Ray Said:
Sat, February 21, 2009 - 11:24pm ET"Ex, Cassell was franchised for one reason and one reason only. They aren't sure Brady is going to be 100% to start next year. The second they feel Brady is back to being himself Cassell will be dangled out there as trade bait. There is no way in hell NE lets us get our hands on either of them."
Ray Said:
Sat, February 21, 2009 - 11:34pm ET"On the radio today they were talking about A Smith from Alabama and how much his stock may have dropped by leaving without telling anyone today. They are talking about him dropping to the end of the first round. This guy was projected at #2. If he's there at 17 do we pass him up as a headcase, or look at it like an incredible bargain dropping in our laps?"
Frank Said:
Sun, February 22, 2009 - 8:23am ET"Personally I would sign Jon Stinchcomb from the Saints as our RT. He is a 3 year starter and part of an O-Line that only gave up 13 sacks last year. He is relatively young at 29 and in his prime and has started 48 straight games."
Ira Said:
Sun, February 22, 2009 - 10:15am ET"The jets have had success drafting RT's in the last 10 years. They drafted R.Young in the 7th rd in 99 and with the pick they got for trading Foley to Seattle. And they drafted McKenzie in the 3rd in 01. Now they need to trade for {LC} a CB or sign a FA so they can take a WR and RT in the 1st 2 rds. "
Ira Said:
Sun, February 22, 2009 - 11:13am ET"Frank, Disagree with you about Moore. He will be the top OG in the FA market and will get something like a 6 yr deal for about 38 million. About 15 guaranteed. I felt he had a very good year last year. Its a shame they had to release him."
Greg form Albany Said:
Sun, February 22, 2009 - 11:13am ET"I am a firm believer that this team needs to find a QB within its own ranks. While I cringe when I think of Clemens not setting his feet in the pocket, but who knows, maybe a year behind Favre has helped. I'd like to see Ratliff get a shot, but not because of one pre-season pass to Clowny down the left sideline. Coaches have been touting him since August. An open competition will be fun 2 watch."
wayne Said:
Sun, February 22, 2009 - 12:07pm ET"The best freind a young QB can have is great running game and great defense.If Jets are going to spend 20 mill on a defensive player, that player better not be 34yrs old.And Bart Scott isn't worth that much.The only play worh that much in FA is Hanynesworth and he make everyone else on defense better.You then move up and get inside guy from USC and finally take a big bruising back in 2nd round."
wayne Said:
Sun, February 22, 2009 - 12:14pm ET"Mr. Clemens has had 3yrs to make his presence felt.Your talent, if it's there, always makes room for you.Leaders have fire, courage under fire and they raise the level of those around them. He's gonna need to show those things this year."
Drew Said:
Sun, February 22, 2009 - 12:43pm ET"Frank...While I am not losing any sleep over the potential loss of Moore....he was hardly overrated. He was by far our best run blocker and we continually ran his way for tough yards. I stated also moving Woody inside and getting a RT would be a upgrade. Love Stinchcomb but he will be looking for a big payday. I like what Rex and the Jets are doing right now. Get me B Scott and a FS and I'm good"
Mike Jet Vet Said:
Sun, February 22, 2009 - 1:02pm ET" Agreed letting Moore go is a mistake but this year's draft has a huge wealth of talent at OL men .Rather The Brick the bust go but what do I know .. Ray believe me Tom Brady will be very upset at Little bill for tagging Cassel he knows whats coming take my word there will be in fighting cause of it .. Little Bill has no loyalty Tom will have to Complete again for his job imagine the irony "
Mike Jet Vet Said:
Sun, February 22, 2009 - 1:07pm ET"Cont. You can't possibly think Little Bill tagged Cassel to sit on the bench do you ? There in cap trouble as it is & 14 million doesn't warrant it.. Tom Brady will be on the market "
Ira Said:
Sun, February 22, 2009 - 1:12pm ET"Frank, I have no problem with Stinchcomb or Andrews. We will just have to wait and see after they are done with their FA shopping to really determine what they will try to get in the draft."
Frank Said:
Sun, February 22, 2009 - 1:53pm ET"Ira its addition by subtraction Woody needs to be inside our pass protection and outside running game was not good. We sign (Stinchcomb) or draft a tackle which happens to be pretty deep in this draft. This will be determined by our free agent signings. I would love to try and unload Coles and a draft pick on the Eagles for Sheppard. Sign Stinchcomb trade for Sheppard and draft Laurinaitis at 17."
steve blaine Said:
Sun, February 22, 2009 - 1:59pm ET"jets shouldr just stick with the qbs they have in camp hopefuly brett the sequel will grow and please go after the wide out from fla he looks like he has the tools and heart of leon"
Leon Said:
Sun, February 22, 2009 - 2:03pm ET"Hey randy, any word on the Jon Kitna trade? And has the Brandon Moore release been made official?"
Randy Lange Said:
"Leon, I have nothing on either angle, but I saw that the Detroit Lions said late Friday there was no truth to the Kitna rumor. "
Ray Said:
Sun, February 22, 2009 - 2:45pm ET"Apparently Kitna fully expects to be a Jet next year. He is actually the perfect choice if they are intent on bringing in a vet. He is the only one who understands he will be here to be a back up/insurance policy. After the disaster in Detroit he knows he will have no team out there giving him a starting gig. He's played that role before behind Carson Palmer. Now who is the odd man out?"
michael Said:
Sun, February 22, 2009 - 3:12pm ET"hey Ira what you think of Darius Heyward-Bay Wr? he is 6'2 and he is fast."
Alexander Said:
Sun, February 22, 2009 - 5:17pm ET"Hey Randy, a few weeks ago I asked to bring up a stat of how many times the Jets brought pressure and recorded sacks the first 8 games versus the last 8 games(Pressure being defined as bringing 5 or more guys). Just checking in to see if you got it. Thanks Randy, love yoru stuff; I'm on here every day."
Randy Lange Said:
"I remember, Alexander, but I haven't completed my charting of every game's pressures this season. I'll finish that work and let you know what I've found at the end of one of this week's Radar entries."
Alexander Said:
Sun, February 22, 2009 - 6:05pm ET"Greg from Albany, do you live there or attend college there?"
mike Said:
Sun, February 22, 2009 - 6:23pm ET"Cutting Moore allows us to move Woody to RG where he will play better, draft a RT in the 2nd round. Sign Bart Scott and Leonhard and also draft a LB in first round. Go with a playmaking WR in 3rd round, stick with our QB's, Rex Ryan said himself that he thinks the Jets starter is on the roster. I've never been so excited going into a season, only cause defense wins championships and we have it."
Michael Said:
Sun, February 22, 2009 - 8:18pm ET"hey randy is it rue the jets let go brandon moore??"
Randy Lange Said:
"Michael, I can't confirm that."
Ira Said:
Mon, February 23, 2009 - 7:15am ET"Frank, Why would you draft Laurinaitis after they pay Scott 45-48 million this Friday? Michael, Great 40 time but can he play football at the NFL level? I prefer Maclin, Britt or Nicks. And lets not forget we already have Clowney who runs a 4.3."
ablity mowuon Said:
Mon, February 23, 2009 - 7:58am ET"i dont think we should let go of moore that will b e dumb he is better than woody and dbrick, we will be dump to let him go, i say release woody"
Drew Said:
Mon, February 23, 2009 - 8:51am ET"If we sign B Scott we dont need a ILB in Rd1. But I love Maualuga....To the WR's, they all ran crazy fast 40 times. The top ten all ran under 4.5. Luckily for us this is a class. I actually really like Robiskie from OSU. He had a nice Senior Bowl and did really well at the combine. He is not a burner but is big with great hands and can be had is round 2. Things are shaking out well for us so far."
Frank Said:
Mon, February 23, 2009 - 11:27am ET"Why Ira because if you want to change the entire culture of an organization that has been beaten into the ground by the previous staff you bring in Ray Lewis for a year or 2 and you groom his replacement Laurinaitis. Lewis would have a much bigger impact on the entire team than Scott. Lewis will teach these guys how to prepare and transfer that to the game with energy, confidence and enthusiasm."
Frank Said:
Mon, February 23, 2009 - 11:36am ET"I also mentioned drafting Laurinaitis if the other pieces fall in place first. Namely we sign or trade for a guy like Sheppard and sign a tackle. I like Andrews as well but didn't mention him because I am not sure how his knee rehab is going. He had major surgery at the end of the season. I like Robiskie in the second round he is big 6'3 and great hands I think he is going to be a star."
Alan Said:
Mon, February 23, 2009 - 11:53am ET"David Clowney is the answer, he will grab the 3rd spot on WR chart, and Gholston will step up this year, he had practically no time in training time, had to switch positions, and only played 3rd and longs and special teams, also remember a guy named Mario Williams taken over Reggie Bush, was a so called "bust" year one the next year he was one of the best DE's in the league, Gholston, is serious"
Ray Said:
Mon, February 23, 2009 - 12:14pm ET"Ok ex, assuming Brady is ever healthy again, let's see who gets let go. The one year wonder or the three time SB winner and league MVP."
Ray Said:
Mon, February 23, 2009 - 12:24pm ET"And yes, of course they would franchise him. They weren't going to let him walk out the door and get nothing for him. This way if Brady isn't ready they still have him and if he is they trade him for a high draft pick. They have the best of both worlds right now."
Rick Roucoulet Said:
Mon, February 23, 2009 - 12:50pm ET"Being a D man myself since playing safety in high school (15 yrs ago) im VERY excited that the JETS now have Rex Ryan for their HC & also picked up Dennis Thurman. To be honest, im more excited about this coming season w/these 2 coaches than i was when Parcells & Mangini were picked up... Good luck guys."
Ira Said:
Mon, February 23, 2009 - 1:30pm ET"Frank, They tried that with Ronnie Lott and how did that work. Makes no sense to pay a 34 yr old LB 45 million or more. Rex will change the culture not a 34 yr old LB on his down side. Even Casserly said in an interview he spoke to numerous NFL people and they all said Scott is the better LB right now. They all can't be wrong. Alan, Don't overlook Stuckey. "
Frank Said:
Mon, February 23, 2009 - 2:40pm ET"Ira, I am not opposed to signing Scott I like him as plan 1B. Lewis brings intangibles Scott doesn't have I wouldn't break the bank for him either. I know everyone is going to start hoping up and down but Harris to me is a question mark this year he was hurt most of last year and definitely not the same player. I want Laurinaitis at 17 Maualuga plan B. Drew and I are on the same page with Robiskie"
mike Said:
Mon, February 23, 2009 - 6:23pm ET"Randy, does trying to bring in Ray Lewis at this point in his career mean the Jets are lacking leadership???? Tell me who would be a motivational player on there roster. Jonathan Vilma and Chad Pennington were clearly the leaders in 07 but it doesn't seem that they have a leader on either side of the ball since."
Hogan Said:
Tue, February 24, 2009 - 10:43am ET"Mike, th leaders right now are KERRY RHODES and THOMAS JONES"
Row Said:
Tue, February 24, 2009 - 10:36pm ET"I don't care what anyone says, Baker is twice the TE Keller is. Keller had several key drops, and can't run or pass block. There was no reason to trade up for him. Marvin Harrison would be an amazing 3rd down possession receiver that we should get. I also think we need a big 3rd down back. If we get a LB it should be JONATHAN VILMA. The Jets owe him, I want him back. "
taab Said:
Thu, February 26, 2009 - 9:05pm ET"When you start letting core guys go then you see whats going to happen.What s the difference if u sign guys to fill one position but open up holes elsewhere? Keller is a good player but I assure you he s not ready to handle D.E. or even linebackers. Maybe later but not now. Contrary to what the Jets might think CB wont be back.And for all those out there who think its ok Be careful what u wish for"
james Said:
Sun, March 1, 2009 - 2:59am ET"man you guys arent fans, stop flaming about every trade we make and have confidence thats our teams problem, a little confidence goes a long way, keller is dangerous and you guys know it were gunna make some solid decisions we just have to be aggresive"
jimmy Said:
Mon, March 2, 2009 - 4:56am ET"i'm a dolphin's fan so you probably aren't going to like my opinion much, but i'm not here to bag on the jets as much as i just did brady on the patriots web site. first off, i'd like to say thank you for chad! i've always liked chad and thought that people needed to shut up about his arm strength. he's a great qb and that's all that matters, and i think he threw down the field quite well."
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Ira Said:
Fri, February 20, 2009 - 1:37pm ET"Randy, Curtis was in a class all by himself. Read reports that Baker was informed he will be released but they might resign him after he tests the open market. The FA list of TE's aren't much and i think Baker will get his price this time. I hope not and he resigns with the Jets."
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