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Wilkerson, Coples Put the Licks on Jags' HennePosted by on December 10, 2012 – 4:20 pm
Not surprisingly, Jets head coach Rex Ryan liked the combination of rushing offense and mostly stifling defense that got the Jets past the Jaguars on Sunday. In particular, he enjoyed the play of a few of his young guns on the front line of that defense.
"Muhammad Wilkerson, I promise you he's getting the Pro Bowl vote from Jacksonville," Ryan said at his midday news conference today. "It was a dominant performance from Mo. For an interior lineman, he's just doing an incredible job. Statistically, he had the one sack, but he beat his guy over and over. Backs were having to pick him up — that's rare when you have interior linemen getting attention from the backs. Usually that's for the outside edge rushers. It just shows you what teams are thinking of this guy."
And top draft pick Quinton Coples came on in the second half with one of his most impressive showings as a Jet.
"Obviously, Quinton's athleticism jumps out at you. We always say he's country-strong, and he is," Ryan said. "What we're starting to do now with him is mixing him up as an inside player, then an outside player. He missed a sack when he went over the top of [Chad] Henne, but he got one sack and he affected three more throws, including that last one at the end of the game. It looked like he was eating that tackle up pretty good over there."
"I think the pass rush has been incredible," said DT Mike DeVito of the Jets' Sunday pressure that produced an unofficial total of 10 QB hits, the most this season. "It's something we've been working on since day one, and to see Mo and Q doing that for us, that's great. You can do so many more things when you can rush the quarterback."
The only black mark on Wilkerson's game actually was incorrectly graded. Referee Al Riveron called No. 96 for a 15-yard facemask penalty on a Henne third-down scramble on the Jags' TD drive, but replays showed it was No. 98, Coples, who got his finger hooked in Henne's mask on the play.
Still, that was the Jets' only penalty of the game, another aspect of the win that pleased Ryan. The Jets are now third in the NFL in fewest penalties and fourth in yards, and they lead the league in both penalty categories since the bye week.
With the push up front and the creative backside play led by Antonio Cromartie and a cast that yesterday included Ellis Lankster, Darrin Walls and Antonio Allen, the Jets rankings continue to rise. If their eighth overall defensive-yardage ranking and their No. 3 against the pass hold through tonight's Houston-New England game, it will be their highest weekly rankings of the season.
The third quarter's been the charm for the Jets D the past two games. The Cardinals gained 6 yards in their third quarter and the Jaguars had the same on Sunday. These totals were the best third-quarter showing by the Green & White defense since they allowed the Dolphins 5 yards in their 2007 win at Miami. And they're the lowest yardage total in any quarter since the 'Fins had 3 yards in the fourth quarter of their Meadowlands win over the Jets in 2010.
Walking Wounded
WR Stephen Hill has an LCL knee sprain and LB Bryan Thomas has a pectoral muscle strain. The Jets are listing both as day-to-day. As for TE Dustin Keller (ankle), who stayed home from the Jags game, Ryan said, "I thought he was getting better as the week went on, but not to the point where he could play. Adding another day this week [for the Monday night game] , hopefully that'll get him back on the field."
This week's first injury reports from the Jets and Titans won't be issued until Thursday.
Bucking the Trend
The Jets on Sunday at Jacksonville did something they had never accomplished in franchise history and that no NFL team had achieved in the 19 previous seasons. They went scoreless in the first halves of back-to-back victories.
This is one of those glass-half-full-glass-half empty deals, akin to winning six fourth-quarter comebacks in a season. It's definitely a good thing that the Jets beat both the Cardinals and the Jaguars despite zero first-half points, but it's not something they want to make a habit of, such as trying for three in a row next Monday night at Tennessee.
On 10 previous occasions, the Jets went scoreless in back-to-back games. Only once did they win even one of the two games, in 1971 when they won at Miami, 14-10, before losing at New England, 20-0. (The Jets actually went scoreless for the first three quarters in both those games.) The other nine times they were 0-2.
But the Jets aren't alone in struggling through two games of not being able to put point one on the board in the first 30 minutes. The last NFL team to do it was New Orleans in 1992. From 1993 through 2011, there were 79 occasions when teams went scoreless in the first half of consecutive games. None of them won both. Less than a third won one of the two games.
Another interesting note is that after 19 years of none of these occasions, the NFL has two teams who have qualified for the distinction this season, and in fact did it the last two weeks. The Jets have been joined by the Rams, who beat the 49ers in overtime, 16-13, last week and took out the Bills, 15-12, on Sunday.
"Inside the Jets"
Radio play-by-play voice of the Jets Bob Wischusen hosts tonight's "Inside the Jets" show at the Grasshopper in Morristown, N.J. The show begins at 7 p.m. tonight and will be aired live on ESPN New York 98.7 FM. Bob's guests are WR Chaz Schilens, QB Greg McElroy and assistant GM Scott Cohen.
Tags: Bryan Thomas, Dustin Keller, Jacksonville Jaguars, Mike DeVito, Muhammad Wilkerson, Quinton Coples, Rex Ryan, Stephen Hill
Posted in Randy Lange | 141 Comments »
141 Responses
to "Wilkerson, Coples Put the Licks on Jags' Henne"
By dougmc on Dec 10, 2012 | Reply
Coples and Wilkerson should be something to build on. Maybe we go 9-7 and make playoffs or don't make it. That would at least be repectable for a team
that is this
injured and lost in confusion and mediocrity. Once again…There's always next year.
By By Jet Fan Since 1964 Frank on Dec 10, 2012 | Reply
At least we won even though MS only threw for approximately 87 yards and no passing TD's. You can not keep this up, you have to have a passing game to compliment the running game. You have to score in the first half as well as the second half. I don't know how MS can be praised for his performance. I don't know of QB in the league who throws for 87 yards and no TD's on a winning team. We got away with on Sunday, which I am glad of. It kept us some what alive for the play-offs, now all we need is to win 3 more games and get some help and where in… The defense played great. Proud of the defense. But I am dis-illusioned by MS.
By Uncle Joe on Dec 10, 2012 | Reply
Ryan forgot to mention Mo on Scott's 1st quarter INT, he turned around to block and blasted two different Jaguars to the floor,AWESOME. I think Coples could've been chasing Defensive Rookie of the Year if he played more,the guy is a beast.
By TONY GARCIA on Dec 10, 2012 | Reply
JET FAN SINCE 1969.young guns on D our playing better.TEAM has not given up gotta give coach credit.ITS been a disaster from day one.and here we our with some winnable games in fron't of us.
By Karan on Dec 10, 2012 | Reply
Jets, please please re-sign Braylon Edwards. We desperatly need a WR. He's the perfect man for the job. Its understandable what he said last week was disrespectful, but the fact of the matter is its true. He apologized so let bygones be bygones. You NEED a WR, Mark Sanchez NEEDS a legit weapon, Braylon Edwards NEEDS a job. Make it happen guys! All I ask for this season is a legit WR, I'm so sick of these no-name receivers with the exception of Kerley. I'm hopeful for a potential 6th seed spot. But we need a weapon, make it happen, lets not be bitter at this time.
By Karan on Dec 10, 2012 | Reply
I ask the great football gods to have the Jets win every single game remaining and the Bengals and Steelers lose every single game remaining.
By Chicago Bob on Dec 10, 2012 | Reply
Nice to see an improved pass rush however we are talking about the Jaguars and not one of the better offensive teams so it is hard to get excited. It has become quite obvious that when the Jets are able to run the ball (like they were able to do MS first two years) they can rely less on his inability to read the opposing defense and hide his deficiencies when he has to throw the ball. I honestly was thrilled when Rex took the job however the more I see and hear him, he is just like his old man – a good DC however not a head coach. It is also obvious Rex still has issues with McElroy's comments about the locker room last year – this kid earned the right to dress yesterday. McElroy is never going to get a fair shake as long as Rex is coach
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom Who's Seen Almost Everything on Dec 10, 2012 | Reply
Hey Rex, the Pats sure are taking the Texans apart with that ol' ground and pound, huh? WAKE UP TO THE WAY THIS GAME IS PLAYED TODAY! Brady gets Stallworth back over the weekend and throws a 63-yd TD to him tonight! And speaking of picking up WRs, I love the idea of Edwards calling the Jets' braintrust idiots and getting his job back with the team anyway. The irony is just too delicious, a talented WR, if one who messed up his chances to stay here, coming home to put Rex and this org in touch with the need to throw the ball well to get anywhere. I'd also get a kick out of seeing Holmes and Edwards back in 2013 but Mr T., Rex, all his coaches, and Sanchez gone!
By MIKE on Dec 10, 2012 | Reply
Wilkerson is playing at a pro bowl level. He has showed up against teams that are in the toilet and teams that are playoff caliber. For all the flak Rex and Mr T get, Mo Wilkerson is one they got right.
As for Coples, he seems to play better against weaker opponents like everyone does, but seems to shy away against better competition.
If Coples can turn in a sophomore season like Mo, that spells trouble for opposing O lineman.
By Howie D on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Boy, am I glad Sanchez was in the game, we couldn't have won it without him. JAX was very very tough, but he sliced and diced 'em. I think he's a lock for the Pro Bowl. Rex proved us wrong again, MS is indeed our best chance to win.
By uncle joe on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
I would take Braylon back in a heartbeat, I don't care what he tweeted! Should've never let him go in the first place.
By IRA on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Randy, Great work as always those 1st half scoring stats are very interesting and lets hope we put an end to it this week.
Wilkerson has really come into his own this year. I guess nobody here is going to give the Jets staff credit for drafting him. Coples shows so much potential i really want to see him on the field as much as possible these next 3 games. Like Parcells would say time to take the training wheels off of him.
Funny as soon as Hill went down i thought of Edwards right away. Sure he has done nothing since he left the Jets but i would sign him and see what he can do with Mark these next 3 games. Its really a no brainer. They should've kept him in the first place.
By Bitter Blinka on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Jet fan '64:
I must commend you for pointing out the truth on Sanchez a long time ago.
One of the sure things we know about this team:
1. Mark Sanchez is real bad
2. Rex is a positive person.
3. This team can't pick players.
In four years, Mo Wilkerson is the only good player drafted? That pretty much explains why this team is where it is. No?
By uncle joe on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Wow Ira,it's like you are inside my head! And what about Cro? thank God we didn't get Ahsumwhatever from Oakland, Cro is GREAT,might be his new hair style, Kyle Wilson should try it out!!!
By russ on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Mc Elroy is smart very smart..Smarter than Sanchez, probably more talented and smarter than his OC…In Jet language that means you don't play…..He will be let go after this year and will eventualy start and be successful, without all the hoopla and adjectives that the Jets need to give themselves credibility…This is not a team improving, that's an illusion, we are a team that can eke out a win against inferior opponents..
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom Who's Seen Almost Everything on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Sorry to throw cold water on all this talk about Wilk and Coples but while they're playing okay, wake me up when they actually play well in a victory over a decent team. I didn't see them doing too much against the Pats…
By IRA on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Getting to WR's one of the biggest mistakes they made besides trading for Tebow was not having a veteran #2 instead of force feeding and leaving with the growing pains of Hill. This really set back the offense bigtime this year. maybe things might have been different if they had Edwards from the start. He and Mark had great chemistry right from the 1st game back in 09 @ Mia when after a few days of practice Edwards had a huge game. Mark was really put in a no win position from the start of the year. They have to give him a WR he can throw the ball to if they want to really evaluate him the rest of the year.
By kenny on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
The Jets will blow it like they always do.We need a QB RB O/LINE W/R NEW GEN MANAGER NEW HEAD COACH
By scjoe on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
As I was sitting there watching the Pats march up and down the field on the 10-1 Texans, I thought to myself, "wow! what a difference a quality QB makes" we watched an "above average" game Sunday for Sanchez with no INTs, only 1 fumble, and 111 yards passing, and then watched just another "average" game for Brady with 4 TD passes. Oh yea, that's right, it really isn't Brady, it is those "elite" skill position players around him! What a crock! I truly believe that score would have been the same no matter who the WRs, RBs, and TEs were. For those who remember that far back, Woodhead was a Jet. Did he turn "elite" the day the Jets cut him and NE signed him?
By scjoe on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Wilkerson and Coples are progressing just fine, but does it make up for Gholston, Ducasse, Wilson, Sanchez, Hill, Greene, McKnight, Ganaway, Griffin,and Conner? That's not even counting those picks that were given away for Sanchez, Greene, Keller and Hill. Great job Millianbaum.
By DOWNHILL SINCE 69 on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
IMAGINE IF THE JETS HAD A COMPETENT QB. ANY QB COULD HAVE DONE WHAT MS DID AGAINST THE JAX IE: McE OR TEBOWE
MAKING THE PLAYOFFS WOULD BE THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN TO THIS FRANCHISE AS IT WOULD JUSTIFY KEEPING MS AND GETTING RID OF McE AND TEBOWE AND NOT SEARCHING FOR A REPLACEMENT
I AGREE THAT RYAN HASN'T FORGOTTEN THE COMMENTS MADE BY McE LAST YEAR.
By Allan O'Dane on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
I was watching the Pats game lastnight..Can you hate a team and envy them at the same time? I watched brady throw the ball lastnight and I used a stop watch just to see how long he holds onto the ball. An average of 3.2 seconds. I look at all the teams that will be in the final four…Giants-Broncos-Pats-Falcons…all four have something in common….Elite QB's! We will NEVER….EVER win with Sanchez as our starting QB. He just doesn't have "it". What I mean by that is the running game can carry us…the defense can carry us….but if we had to put the game in Mark's hands to win……he doesn't have "it". I hate Brady….I hate Bill Belichek…I hate the owner…I hate NE…..But you have to admire the way they run things….
By By Jet Fan Since 1964 Frank on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
I do not think I can ever get on the MS bandwagon until he can guide the Jets to scores in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters, until he can throw for 250 yards plus a game all the time. MS can not gain more then 87 yards a game, can not win like that, especially with no TD's.. As for Edwards I say bring him back. Chicago Bob, I full agree with you as to the reason McElroy is not playing, REX is childish and holds a grudge, perfect example is Edwards.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom Who's Seen Almost Everything on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
This is small potatoes considering all that's wrong with this team but it goes to a larger pt. I can see getting Edwards back for the last 3 games given how many injured WRs we have, but cutting Bell to make room for him is stupid. Bell was a potential find as a waiver pickup. He was about as good as McKnight at UCLA and he has much better pro stats than McKnight, as well as more experience playing RB. He could've been a pleasant surprise next summer for this RB-starved team. But Rex's delusions about the post-season trump all, so Bell is gone and Edwards will probably arrive just in time to catch 3 or 4 passes and help us finish 8-8. out of the playoffs. Ridiculous and insulting to anyone who really cares about this team and its future.
By GaryC on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
finally we can put the Gholston and Coples comparisons to rest,and forget Melvin Ingram,Courtney Upshaw and Dontari Poe also.
By GaryC on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Mcknight went to USC,so you didn't see everything.
By GaryC on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
my mistake on my last comment,read it more closely,second time around.
By Karan on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Oh yea I agree Jet Fan Tom64, I'm all for having Edwards back but cutting Kahlil Bell makes no sense. He's a good back-up and did some things with the Bears when needed. I'd rather have Powell, McKnight and Bell than Powell, McKnight and Greene. They should have cut an unimportant player. But lets hope they sign Braylon.
By Karan on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
A trip to the postseason will do a lot of good things for many players on this roster, especially MS. He hasn't perfomed well in the regular season but he's been pretty good in his postseason career. A trip back and a performance like he has had in the playoffs in the past, he can slowly start to win the fanbase over. But only if we make the playoffs, still a long shot. I don't see the Steelers losing 2 out of their three.
By ron alexander on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
GARY C, come on man,are you kidding? Coples has a long ways to go before we declare him the real deal. Hey, he's starting to scratch the surface, but until he shows in in it for the long haul I remain unconvinced! Clearly he's better than Gholston, but so is Mike Devito.TOM64, right you are about Bell. We should have put Mcknight on I.R and given Bell a shot to show what he can do.mabey they will I.R Hill & resign Bell?(watch the R,B needy Giants scap him up!)MIKE, probowl season are achieved by consistency over the course of an entire season.While I like you love what Mo is doing now, he has been up & down this year.But I think he is on his way now!
By Allan O'Dane on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Well Karen…wishes do come true….Braylon is a Jet again. NYJ should have never released him in the first place. If Mike T. would have done his job right from the start. Edwards-Holmes-Kerley would have made a good wr corps. Not great…be good enough…Let's see what happens now……..
By ron alexander on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
IRA, your starting to sound like Karan now! Everybody is makeing Braylon out to be the 2nd coming of Jerry Rice. Are we forgetting how many passes he dropped while here? Hey, can he help us now?Absoloutely! But lets not forget he has been let go by his last two teams and passed over by a third team(ehh,that would be us) for a 36 year old guy just out of prison. Sadly, the W.R posisition on this team is so bad Braylon could end the season as our #1 option? S.C.JOE, as usual you make two great points; Coples & MO are clearly coming on, but no way that justify's Tannenbaums draft record. And like you,I believe Brady on our team( even with our W.R' ers) would be a whole different ballgame. Great job my man!
By scjoe on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Thank you Ira, that is exactly what I said about the Jets selection of Stephen Hill the day the Jets drafted him. I know 64 and GaryC both remember that.
By GaryC on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
I guess the MESSIAH HAS RETURNED,Braylon Edwards back again,is there any reason why this guy wasn't picked up by anyone else and is still kicking around the league,typical of Jets,the guy bad mouths them up and down and the jets bring him back and brush everything under the rug,but Rex berates McElroy when he speaks his mind and tells the TRUTH about this team.IT JUST GETS MORE LAUGHABLE AS THIS SEASON GOES ON.
By russ on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Watching Pats play is like watching the Yankees..every player is there and performs…winning is planned before the game is played…every attention to detail, scouting and putting the players in position to make the play and get a chance to achieve a Super Bowl…we are not ever w or w/o a quarterback = to this franchise and its achievements…so very sad that lip service from management is all we get….
By Karan on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
THANK YOU for re-signing Edwards. I know he won't be as effective as he used to be but I'd rather have him than then all the receivers we have now. Once again, Kerley is the exception but he needs to step it up again.
By Karan on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Can some please tell Rich Cimini to zip it. He just keeps on nagging about Edwards being re-signed and is sarcastic as ever. We know you don't like the Jets re-signing him, just keep your opinion to yourself. Jets need a new ESPN beat reporter.
By scjoe on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Well, the NY Jets did today whet they SHOULD have done about 10 months ago, before the April draft, but no, it made to much sense to resign Braylon Edwards instead of drafting Stephen "B" Hill in the 2nd round. Who knows how that 2nd rounder or that wasted 4th or 5th rounder they gave up to move up could have contributed to this team, this year. Maybe a RB, maybe an OLB, a safety, who knows. What we do know is the head scratching just goes on and on and on. But on a positive note, with the BE signing, MS should go from a below average QB to an average one…………Right??? That seems to be the logic of some.
By Karan on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Just imagine if Santonio would be able to return as well from IR. I know its not happening, but imagine Edwards, Holmes, Keller and Kerley. Wow. I'm still glad though, I feel better about our weapons now. Edwards, Keller and Kerley need the ball thrown to them.
By scjoe on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Alan O Dane, YES! You can hate a team AND envy them at the same time, I think many Jet fans feel that with NE, how can you not? Consider this, Tom Brady is the only player on the roster left from their 2001 SB win. What does that mean? The entire roster has turned over and this team has not skipped a beat. What is even more fascinating is the fact they normally draft in the high 20s or low 30s. Think Mike Millianbaum noticed that?
By GaryC on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
first of all,isn't this supposed to be a new offense under Sparano,so Edwards is going to drop right in and pick up where he left off.the jets haven't had offense since the first week.again management reaching for the silver rainbows hoping to strike gold.
By Mike Jet Vet on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Guys, As much as it makes some sense, Rex not starting G-mac for comments he made, I really don't think so ,I truly believe it's more protectionism for (OWNER, GM, COACHES, SCOUTS,) incompetence,drafting 6th round players in the 1st paying them a kings ransom constantly keeping us in cap trouble, trading away viable picks instead of accumulating them like all good managed teams do, In my opinion there's way to much at stake just from a few comments made. Just imagine what this Brain thrust would look like if G-Mac came in made the playoffs and beyond, I pity the fools, so no I don't believe it's about comments, I could be wrong
By SCfromNY on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
The fact that anyone would even mention scoreless first halfs is unbelievable. Most of the time in the NFL you have to light it up. I couldn' name any QB OR BACKUP in the NFL that couldn't match Sanchez's stats against Jax. And no QB that would want to. You can look back, I always wanted to keep Edwards, Holmes would have been gone. Having a stubborn, vindictive coach with little ability to understand offense or evalute talent is not a winning formula. Letting Brayon go for the same price as Plax got and thinking mason was going to catch 90 passes is just 2 examples of Rex's ineptitude as a HC. Perhaps a great DC IF he could overlook his love of old players. Will the D stop Johnson like they did Jax's 4th string RB?
By Uncle Joe on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Yeah Braylon, Welcome back. now let's do this,Should've never left!
By joeydefiant on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
the flight boys are having a reunion. now we will see sanchez light the scoreboard up. braylon is back. at least there is one reciever he has a connection with. just in time for the playoffs. go jets.
By Bennett on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
I am not ready to give up on Hill yet. He has all the tools he has, speed, size and is physical. That being said he has certainley not met expectations. My thinking is this kid is a very raw rookie and in need of some serious basic coaching on technique. I think we all have noticed that for some reason he attempts alot of "hand" catches and does not seem to try and position himself to catch the ball with his hands AND BODY ( for lack of a better phrase ). In another probably poor choice of words… he seems not to know how to trap the ball. With the Jets dismal record of developing this raw young type talent I think he would thrive in say a Giants or Pats type program. He has made a few good grabs thought you have to admit
By joeydefiant on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
macelroy inactive. thank god. sanchez throws for 89 yards. macelroy throws for 29. i'll take sanchez any day. thank god rex makes the choices not people on this blog.
we would be 0-16 if "the fans" ran the show.
By Karan on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
I hate the Patriots but you have to give them credit on how they handle their business. Edelman goes on IR, Stallworth is re-signed, Stallworth goes on IR, Branch is re-signed. They just move so quick and waste to time to get good weapons. It took the Jets almost ALL season to sign Edwards or anyone else for that matter. Its a bit disappointing.
By joeydefiant on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
you crotchety fools. kahlil bell is nowhere near the talent of joe mcknight. lets not make a playoff run so we can keep kahlil bell. wow bunch of football savants in here.
say hello to the flight boys for me.
go braylon. go sanchez. jets steamroll into playoffs after only losing one game in the second half of the season on their way to the super bowl.
haters gonna hate. sanchez does nothing but win.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom Who's Seen Almost Everything on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
GaryC, I meant Bell was as good as McKnight when BELL was on UCLA, you think I'd be mad about Rex not knowing how to use McKnight at RB if I hadn't seen every game he'd played at USC? Blinka, I feel like I've been knighted, to have The Great Bitter One Himself compliment me on seeing the writing on the wall on Sanchez. But I can't overly take credit, others did so too and besides who ever heard of a #5 pick playing this way in his 4th yr? Ira, dreaming on, says it's everyone's fault but Sanchez's but as scjoe and Allan pt out, Brady could get our castoffs and throw TDs to them — in fact, that's what he does every time he throws a TD to Woodhead! (Yes, GaryC, I know Woodhead has run for more TDs as a Pat than caught 'em.)
By joeydefiant on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Mark Sanchez doesn't have "it". He is only 4-2 in the postseason and is tied with the most road playoff victories for a QB. Two 4th quarter comebacks in the playoffs.
Maybe you need to watch the divisional playoff game against the Chargers his rookie year where he led the team to victory in the 4th quarter. Watch the wildcard playoff game against the Colts his second year where he leads the team to victory in the 4th quarter. Braylon Edwards was also big in that game. Give the kid someone who can get some separation and not drop the ball and he will win.
He is only 25 years old. Still has a long career ahead of him. Maybe the stupid Jets fan base chases him to another team and he will win a Superbowl elsewhere. Sanchez is clutch.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom Who's Seen Almost Everything on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Common sense from Cimini on Edwards, who was claimed only by us: "Is he even healthy? BE was waived/injured last week (shortly after his Twitter bombshell), which means he didn't pass the SEA exit physical. He's been dealing with knee issues the past two years, so he comes with a buyer-beware label. I think Jets fans are way off base if they're expecting to see the old Braylon. Wake up, this isn't 2010, when he, Holmes and J-Co formed a terrific trio. BE's played only 19 games over the past 2 seasons, making only 23 receptions. He's a shell of the player who recorded 904 yards and a 17.1-yard average in 2010." As for Cimini's pt that the Jets shouldn't forgive BE's remark, it doesn't matter, like many others he won't be back next yr.
By joeydefiant on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
People trying to chase Rex and Sanchez out of NY are the same losers who cheered when Pennington got injured in 2005 and were calling for Jay Fiedler to be the starter. After Chad gave everything he had for the Jets a stadium full of drunk loudmouths who have accomplished nothing in their lives actually cheered to see a man get injured because he had a few bad games. Chad then went to Miami and beat the crap out of the Jets. Replace Chad Pennington with Mark Sanchez and replace Jay Fiedler/Brooks Bollinger with Greg Macelroy/TIm Tebow.
Some things never change.
Mr jets fan since 64 who has seen everything was there cheering when Pennington hurt his shoulder again. Ask him about it. "Start Brooks and see what we have!" Hahaha
By joeydefiant on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Brady has much much better weapons to throw to. Comparing Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd, Gronkowski, Hernandez, and Ridley to Chaz Schilens, Jeff Cumberland, Bilal Powell, Mardy Gilyard, and Konrad Rueland is insane. There is not a team in the NFL right now with less talent at the skill positions on offense than the Jets.
Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez leading a team with so little talent into a playoff race is amazing. Being one game out of the playoffs in Week 15 they should both recieve awards for making something out of nothing.
By joeydefiant on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
The infatuation with Macelroy is insane. Call it as it is. White QB envy. Same people still crying about Danny Woodhead. All he did was fumble on his way to the endzone yesterday. It's a lot easier to run when you have deep threat receivers keeping the safeties out of the box and slot receivers like Wes Welker taking some attention away from the run game. Stephen Hill and Chaz Schilens and Jeff Cumberland don't do that. They stay covered all game and when Sanchez manages to fit the ball in past the defender that is draped all over them they drop it or tip it up for an INT. Drew Brees threw 7 INT's in the last two games. QB's turn the ball over. Every QB averages at least one turnover a game.. Except maybe one or two.
By punchie on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Braylon Edwards wanted one mill to play this season for the whole season i would prefer Braylon to Holmes anyday seems to me kerley is the same skill set reciever as holmes anyway so theirfor is replaceable where as braylon is a BEAST not only in the pass game but the run game too.
By Paul N on Dec 11, 2012 | Reply
Coples has only shown flashes, given, it's his rookie season, but I think more was expected of him as a first round draft pick. Good to hear Wilkerson is getting better, I had high hopes when they drafted him. The pass rush over all this season has been dismal, a big game against Jax is hardly anything to get excited about!
By Tom Spicer on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
I am going to go on the record now & say that if he is the same Braylon we had in 2010 he is the best WR on the team even with Holmes healty. If he is 75% of what he was in 2010 he is better then every WR except for Holmes & that includes Kerley. If he is 50% of what he was he is STILL better then every WR that we have except for Holmes & Kerley.
By Tom Spicer on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Since the Colt game I have been saying that Wilkerson & Coples have been playing well everyone is just seeing it now. It is easy to see with Wilkerson cause at this point he is almost dominate. It is harder to see with Coples cause he does not play as much we need to play him MORE!
By Tom Spicer on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
I think Braylon is going to be the best WR on the team right now (yes better then Kerley). I think he will have a significant & immediate impact on this team. I remember in 2009 he came to us in the middle of the year & we played Miami that week on the road. He had like 5 catches for 64 yards & a TD. He didnt even know the plays!
By Tom Spicer on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Braylon never wanted to leave the Jets & that means alot he is not just coming for a pay check. He actually wants to be a Jet. He was Sanchez favorite WR & made many big plays for us. Just look at the poll posted on the home page all significant plays for us most of them in playoff games. QBS love chemistry, fimiliarity & they have there timing down with there QBS. All of the best QBS have this Big Ben had Ward, Peyton had Harrison which transferred over to Wayne, Brady has Welker, Rodgers has Jennings & Bress has Colston. Some will try to dismiss this I say HOGWASH! to that When a QB & a WR are together long term & the have chemistry it is very VERY hard to defend!
By Tom Spicer on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
The key is not that the Jets brought Braylon back this year. The key will be if the Jet GM is smart enough to bring him back in 2013. If he still looks like the player he was in 2010 there is no reason not to. We really need him, he can probably be had for the veteran minimum at this point in his career & he really wants to be a Jet. Also a little news flash to the GM you need multiple weapons on O in the NFL you cant put yourself in a position where if 1 guy gets hurt (Holmes) your season is down the drain you need other options & not the Chaz Schielins, Clyde Gates & Mart Gilards of the world!
By Biggie Brown on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Jets fan since 64……….Mo made the first play of the game against NE, which resulted in an penalty for brady because he was about to get whacked!! He was in the back field alot during that game…….so once again, you didnt see everything……..since 64 huh….maybe its time for a new team, and a new website to voice ur negative opinions on. You can't get pro bowl numbers like that from NOT doing too much against elite teams. So save your cold water…..you may get thirsty.
By Allan O'Dane on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Hey Mike T. just in case you are still around here's a couple of moves that may put you in good graces with JetNation.
1. Send tebow to jacksonville for a pick or 2.
2. Sign a vet.Qb Henne / Flynn
3. Tell Mark that 2013 he will battle McElory for starting QB
4. Draft a stud RB and WR and (2) LB's to start right away
5. Do everything you can to get Ndamukong Suh ( Lions may listen to offers )
6. Mendenhall is unhappy in Pittsburgh…give his agent a call.
By Allan O'Dane on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Lets play GM here. Give me (4) Players from 2013 Free Agent list that would make an impact on the this NYJ team in 2013
QB's: J.Campbell,M.Vick,J.Flacco,V.Young,C.Henne and M.Flynn
RB's: R.Mendenhall, R.Bush, P.Hillis, C.Benson,S.Jackson
WR's: D.Bowe,M.Wallace, D.Amendola, J.Cribbs
LB's: M.Lawson,A.Spencer,C.Barwin
DE: O.Umenyiora
OL: J.Long,A.levitre
Just (4) Players may turn this team around at least for the 2013 season…
My (4) 1.QB/Flynn 2.WR/Wallace 3.RB/Bush 4.LB/C.Barwin
By Tom Spicer on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
There are 2 articles on NFL.com 1 is "Braylon Edwards more then a rental for the Jets". If he is healthy & can still play at a high level we can only hope that this is true. The 2nd one is "The Jets bring back Braylon Edwards" it is by Dan Hanzus who says "The Jets have brought Edwards back into the fold, re-teaming Sanchez with the only effective deep threat he's ever had." I have said many times that Braylon was the only deep threat that Sanchez has ever had. Holmes is a fast intermideate route runner with great hands & he runs precise routes. But he is all of 5'10 on a good day & is NOT a deep. So please go to NFL.com & tell Dan Hanzus that he doesnt know what he is talking about & that Holmes is a deep threat.
By Tom Spicer on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
SCJoe, So you mean to tell me / us that the score in the Pats vs Texan game would be the same. If Brady was throwing to Kerley instead of Welker, Cumberland instead of Hernandez, Schieleins instead of Brandon Llyod, Mardy Giliard instead of Donte Stallworth? Do you REALLY believe that? More importantly do you really expect us to believe that?
By Karan on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Thank you, joeydefiant. I agree with you about Sanchez. He just needs legit weapons. People need to stop blaming him for everything, BUT he does need to play better, theres that too, otherwise,I'm on the same boat as you about Sanchez.
By Karan on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Ron alexander, really?? Put McKnight on IR? The kid is fast and can be a big playmaker. The Jets don't realize his potential, they need to give him more opportunities. If any RB should be on IR, it should be Greene.
By Tom Spicer on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
To add to my above point please tell me a NFL team with a worse #1 then Kerley? Tell me a team with a worse #2 than Schileins? Tell me a team with a worse #3 than Stephen Hill (he cant catch)? Tell me a team with a worse #4 than Marty Gilard / Clyde Gates? I will give it to you. You were right Sanchez never developed into the QB I thought he would but to think that skill position players dont matter is 100% WRONG! If skill position players dont matter why ever year do the Pats add 1. Why did the Pats have Welker, Gronk & Hernandez but still go out & get Llyod? Why did the Packers have Jennings, Finley, Nelson & Jones but still go out & add Cobb? Why did the Giants have Nick & Cruz but still draft Ruben Randle in the 2nd round? Why did the
By Tom Spicer on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Steelers have Wallace & Ward but still go out & get Brown & Sanders? Why did the Broncos have Decker & Thomas but still go out & add Tamme & Stokley guys Peyton was familiar with? Why did the Saints have Colston, Meachem & Henderson & Thomas but still go out & add Ingram & Sporles? Because it MATTERS THATS WHY! As we have talked about OVER & OVER & OVER it is a passing league. All the rules are now geared that way. The smart teams keep loading up on skill position players to make there passing game better!
By Byrdman on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
JoeyDefiant – Your hate rants directed at the regulars who post here on "radar" vs the Rex, Sanchez detractors – Can you explain the difference? How do we know you're NOT one of the drunk idiots screaming F-bombs at the games? It's obvious that Sanchez has regressed severely, though his completion% QB rating and turnover rate has been in the bottom 3rd his whole career. Mark does not have anything resembling a "pocket presence" when compared to other top 5 draft picks. Take a look at how well ROOKIE 3rd round pick Russ Wilson is performing, looks more poised than Mark ever did. Mark is merely the latest example of almost 50 years of Blown Draft picks by our NY Jets at the ONE position where you simply cannot afford to make blunders.
By GaryC on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
jetfantom,I recinded that comment on Bell right after I made the first one,I got your drift,I know something else,McCourty is still better then Wilson,Scjoe,If you think signing back Edwards is leapfrogging the jets into the playoffs,forgettuboutit.First of all he has three games,you think he is back next year,pipedream,I still will take Hill over Edwards who is done.Teams who have no direction go out and sign players like Edwards,why didn't a playoff team make a deal for him if he is so good.Only a team in a mess like the jets would go after him.
By Tom Spicer on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Ron Alexander, Wilkerson has been up & down? Are you serious? Not only is he one of our top 4 players on D but in the last month he may be our best player on D!
By Tom Spicer on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Ron Alexander, How many passes di dBraylon drop for us? NEXT TO NONE thats how many once he became a Jet the drops stopped!
By GaryC on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Ron Alexander,let's get a good conditioning coach in and whip these guys into shape,then we will see how good Coples and Wilkerson can really be.I like what I see so far,if only a snippet,yeah,after Gholston and even Dwayne Robertson,you have to be a little optimistic.
By Allan O'Dane on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Okay Joeydefiant….I posted a request on this site last week to the bloggers here. You made some good points..but remember this…Those (2) AFC championship games were mostly..read carefully I said Mostly the product of the #1 offensive line in the NFL the #1 rushing attack and # 2 defense in league. What that did was mask all sanchez weakness. Now… I want you to give me 5 things about mark that makes him a good NFL qb.
By Tom Spicer on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Joeydiefant, This "Brady has much much better weapons to throw to. Comparing Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd, Gronkowski, Hernandez, and Ridley to Chaz Schilens, Jeff Cumberland, Bilal Powell, Mardy Gilyard, and Konrad Rueland is insane. There is not a team in the NFL right now with less talent at the skill positions on offense than the Jets." Is 100% right comparing the weapons the Pats have to the Jets is comical at best!
By By Jet Fan Since 1964 Frank on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
No matter how you looki at it Braylon Edwards will make a difference "PROVIDING" "MS" can connect. That is a big "IF" in my mind. I don't care if we bring Wes Welker in, "MS" is no elite QB and never will be. All these excuses for MS not being able to perform is ridiculous. MS has become gun shy. I want to ask "ONE QUESTION" in here, if MS was to go on the trading block this week, "WHO WOULD TAKE HIM"? KAREN, I am sorry I feel this way but MS game after game proved he can not pass for over 150 yards a game (If he is lucky) he can not score in the 1st or 2nd qaurters and in the last 2 games he hasn't put a pass in the end zone. In fact the last passing TD the JETS had was a roll out by McElroy.
By Byrdman on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Edwards is back! Forgive me for being UNDERWHELMED. Loved Braylon @ Michigan, and in 2010 but how much tread is on those tires? They brought back the ghost of Randy Moss in Frisco cause Edwards looked like something off the "Walking Dead" series. Did he make any plays in Seattle? Best case scenario: Sanchez, Keller and Edwards flash the rest of this season then (wait for it…) Jets package ALL 3 to Arizona for their 1st and 4th round 2013 draft picks – What Do you guys think? I make that trade in a heartbeat!
By GaryC on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
the jets resigning Edwards is like when the Mets first started,and they brought in Spahn,Berra,Gil Hodges,Snider and Gene Woodling thinking they were going to ignite their past successes with them,WHEN IT'S OVER,IT'S OVER.
By scjoe on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Spicer, believe what you want! After all, you are the one that "believes" Mark Sanchez is an NFL QB! But just for the record? Yes, I believe that Kerely, Keller, Schliens, and Cumberland are not to far removed from Stallworth (Who they just cut by the way) Lloyd, Welker, "Woodhead" (how elite was he working with Sanchez?) The real truth Spicer, and the truth you just refuse to listen to, is Brady is 20X the QB Mark Sanchez can ever dream of being! THAT is the reason he continues to put up 30+ per game no matter who he is throwing to, and history has proved that, not me!
By scjoe on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Braylon Edwards talents, or what is left of them, can not, and will not be utilized on this team, not with what he has throwing the ball to him, no matter what those few Sanchez supporters say, think or believe, mark my words, it will not happen!
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom Who's Seen Almost Everything on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
joeydefiant and biggie, you're solidly in the Jets loser tradition of (a) Dreaming not thinking and (b) Making a big deal of players in a pathetic effort, and (c) Showing the long-term perspective of fruit flies. Yeah, joey, chad had that "great yr" on the Fins — in which he squeaked out wins vs awful teams, scored almost no pts, then threw straight o Ed Reed on the way to getting crushed in the first playoff game. Biggie, you oughta work for Sparano, finding a few high/lowlights for somebody in a game in which we were as badly crushed as we've ever been and out of the game well before the half. Like the sign says in GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, "A man's reach should exceed his grasp" but you're satisfied with losing big, like losers always are.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom Who's Seen Almost Everything on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
scjoe, put the Hill pick in context. It's so rare that this team drafts big at WR that a tough 1st yr for such a pick registers as some kind of earthquake for us. Meanwhile, other teams that play like it's 2012 like the Giants, NE, NO, GB, even SD turn lots of players no matter where they're picked into quality receivers, high-drafted or not. We should be picking up 2 or 3 new WRs a yr and playing them, not wringing our hands if somebody doesn't work out quickly. Spicer, if you think Brady couldn't put 40 pts on the board with Holmes and Kerley, you must have the worst case of Brady Derangement Syndrome going. Allan, I like your lists especially 'cause they show you living in the real world, which we need more of in Florham Park.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom Who's Seen Almost Everything on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
As for Braylon, I wish him well but for some of you guys — this means you,, joeyd, and biggie — this type of thing sends you into your characteristic unreality. You seriously think this guy, whose only waiver claim was from us and who's caught, what, 23 passes in 2 yrs, is the same guy that shoulda asked for a little less than $25 mil to stay here? And maybe stayed outta bars until he had a new deal? I know, you're programmed to go along with whatever nonsense Rex says, including the dream that getting crushed like the Fins in that 1st-round of Chad's yr there is more important than getting realistic about what this team needs. That's partly why we're where we are and NE, as several say here today, are where they are.
By Jake on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
if anything Edwards will open the field up for kerly like Braylon did for Holmes in '10. I think this is the most positive move they have made all season. I'm happy that Edwards is coming back. I don't know how it will work out but I'm looking forward to sunday.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom Who's Seen Almost Everything on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
And let's talk seriously with our heads, joeyd, instead of with our hearts like obedient children: In what universe can the RB-poor Jets afford to unload a guy like Bell, who's played more RB in the NFL than McKnight and done better at it without getting hurt? And what's this nonsense about "chasing Sanchez" out of NY? You're the one who sounds like an old man who can't change his thinking, telling me 4 yrs of the same mistakes and mediocre play is too short an audition! Look, you wanna be a loser all your life, keep thinking that way. Anybody drafted that high and paid that much on my team had better show strong, consistent improvement. And you might take a look at what some rookie QBs are doing this yr vs the 4-yr rookie starter we got.
By Allan O'Dane on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
JoeyDefiant, I wouldn't say it's White QB Envy…As an african-american I couldn't care less who is throwing the football white/black/Asian/Hispanic…All I want is a leader of men. One who can lead his team..carry them on his shoulders and play this game like it's meant to be played. . Not a QB who stares down his wr's all game long. Not a QB who in the past 2 years has 44 TURNOVERS….Not a QB who throws it to the oppossing team in the redzone. If I had a choice right now who I would want to lead this team to a superbowl, my choice would be Aaron Rodgers hands down..If I had a choice on a QB to build for the future..It would be RG3. I shouldn't matter what color you are…we all bleed green here.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom Who's Seen Almost Everything on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Hey Karan, I'm addressing this just to you because it's nice to talk to someone who can look at all the ramifications of player moves. Yeah, it's a head-scratcher that the Jets would let Bell or any half-decent RB go just to get Edwards back for a few games. What's amazing to me about the way some people think — no wonder we can't do anything about the long-term cost of Medicare and Social Security — is that they lack even the capacity to say, "Hmm, what kind of role is Braylon Edwards likely to play on our team in the yr that we host the Super Bowl?," which is only 2 yrs away. Oh sorry, I forgot, by then Sanchez will have learned basic QB skills that have eluded him for 4 yrs and become elite, sorry, I'll get with the (loser) program…
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom Who's Seen Almost Everything on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Row, wherever you are, that reference to "even SD" turning obscure players into viable WRs is a direct reference to your main man Danario Alexander, who's really starting to light it up on that team. But it's funny, if you go on the Chargers website, you don't find a million fans making excuses for Rivers because he has "no weapons." That's because even in a sub-par yr, Rivers knows how to turn WRs into weapons, like I've seen him do many times. By contrast, Rex and Sanchez turn Santonio Holmes into a bad imitation of Coles on his last legs. Dream on about winning big with this kind of approach on O, losers…
By Tom Spicer on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Since the skill position players do not matter lets do this. We are going to call the Pats they will trade us Welker for Kerley, Gronkowski for Cumberland, Hernandez for Scheilens, Brandon Llyod for Clyde Gates, Steve Ridley for McKnight. The Pats would ask me was I on drugs! Comparing the 2 is like me saying Mark Sanchez is better than Tom Brady IT IS BEYOND CRAZY!
By Byrdman on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Allan – Out of those FA, I'll take one of the LB's maybe Barwin.
QB's – Henne could beat out Sanchez in a true competition, But Henne knows enough about Sparano to scare him off. Flynn is a ONE game wonder against the worst pass defense in the NFL (Detroit) Vince Young is done. Campbell has sort of been exposed as a backup in Chicago.
RB – Mendenhall absolutely ! WR – Wallace and Bowe are intriguing!
DE – we need to draft an elite pass rush End or OLB.
OL – Long would be the perfect right tackle on this line. Need a stud guard too.
SUH – He's become a distraction in Detroit and they have to clear Cap room. I'd offer Cro and a pick or 2 for SUH – our D line could be INSANE !!
By scjoe on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Spicer, using your logic above, explain to me how the following WRs in their FIRST year with their QBs have more receptions for more yardage then both Keller or Kerely who have been with "their" QB for more then two years now. Reggie Wayne IND (94) D. Thomas DEN (74) E Decker DEN (64) B. Lloyd NE (57) Hartline MIA (62) You want me to move on to WRs with 2 years? Where is their "chemistry" Is it only your guy that needs chemistry?
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom Who's Seen Almost Everything on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
And hey, joey and biggie, one more thing from the All That Is Necessary for Evil to Triumph in Florham Park Is For Knowledgeable Jet Fans to Do Nothing file: A couple of yrs ago, Rex actually said of Sanchez, with a perfectly straight face — and this is almost a verbatim quote — "Well, it really takes 6 yrs to tell about a QB." RIGHT, Rex, it's gonna take 6 yrs to tell if Griffin, Luck, Dalton, Kaepernick, Newton, and others have it, so we'll just keep buying into your nonsense about MS! Before you make fun of older people, guys, keep this in mind: Some of us have stopped making the same mistakes over and over. And tolerating the same mistakes from the New York Jets over and over. Let me know when YOU start doing that.
By Bitter Blinka on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Do what I do and watch the press conferences, stop reading the papers and form your own opinions. The idiots covering the jets including the tall radiuo hosts know nothing more than you. They will write and say anything as long as they can connect dots to the real truth.
Yes he may be better tham McElroy, now at least. But stop kidding yourself. An NFL team cannot win with Sanchez unless, as in 2009 and 2010, things have to fall in to place perfectly, have an outstanding defense and running attack to overcome his woefull shortcomings. It not brain surgery to see that winning teams have great QBs. Sanchez is worse than average.
By IRA on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Sorry don't want Mendenhall. He is suspended for not showing up at the game this past week after he was listed as inactive. Don't want that type of player on my team.
Flacco and Amendola will both be franchised this year. The Jets are good at RT with Howard. He has played well and will only continue to get better. All those RB's have miles on them. The Jets need to draft a feature RB and use Powell as the #2. I don't believe Greene will be back and really iffy on Keller too. They are not going to spend a lot of money on a WR with close to 8 mill still due Holmes next year.
You can only hope that Edwards shows he has something left and can rotate in with Hill next year.
By ron alexander on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
BENNETT, I hate to say anything contrary to your posts as I almost always agree and love your humor. However, your makeing me crazy with this cathing against your body stuff.I hate bringing this up but as a former div.1 Q.B who later moved d to W.R & later T.E and later still coached in high school & college I have never met anyone who advocated catching a football against your body(which is exactly what S.Hill attempts to do!) A reciever needs to reach out and catch the ball in his hands because it prevents defenders from deflecting it away. If the ball hits your body it will usually bounce off. Also waiting for the ball allows the defender a split second to deflect or intercept it. Sorry dude, gotta use the hands!
By ron alexander on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
SPICER, please get back on your medication dude. You are boxing your self into a corner here by proclaming Braylon as the cure-all for all out problems. TOM64 makes a good point here that he was waived injured. Hey, if he comes in and plays great that will be awsome. But do you really want to go out on a limb and guarantee greatness? And i agree with S.C.Joe about Brady with our recievers.The thing is Brady throws an accurate catchable ball unlike our guy, so yeah, I believe Kerley would do as well as Welker as he is a better athlete. Not a better reciever as Welker has been doing it a lot longer but again, look who's throwing to Kerley.Did you not see the ball sail 10 feet over his head in the 1st Qtr last week?
By scjoe on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
GaryC, first off, you have to read all my posts, not just a select few. No, Edwards will not be a savior for the Jets this year or any other year, BUT, with that said, and looking around the current roster at the WR position, you would be foolish to believe that BE would not become the immediate #1, declining talents and all. FYI, that would be by default! Would that answer it?
By GaryC on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
we are thrilled bringing in a guy who could not beat out Golden Tate as a wideout.
By scjoe on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
byrdman/Alan O, True, Henne could beat out Sanchez in a NY minute with a "true and real competition" which wont happen, but the fact is Henne is in the 1st year of a 2 year deal. Flynn? Although he has only 2 starts in the league, he is a better option then Sanchez as well. I like Mat Moore in Miami who will be a FA to compete with MS and McElroy. As for Shu? Where would he fit in in either the 3-4 or a 4-3? Who would be the odd man out? I don't think the D line is a priority at this point, QB, RB, WR, OLB, OL, and safety are! Agree?
By MIKE on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Would definitely take Wallace or Bowe. Amendola will be franchises, Cribbs is overrated. Will be tough to get Tackles in offseason since they are such a commodity but Jake Long would be nice and T. Wouldn't touch any of hose RB's unless at a discount. LB is a must this offseason. Can't see Thomas or Scott coming back. Manny Lawson is a solid player. Osi would be like when Jets got Jason Taylor.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom Who Wishes He Hadn't Seen So Much Failure in Green and White on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
scjoe, allan, ron a, and others, I salute you all as some of the leading realists on the site, not just today but on most days. What Florham Park needs is a solid dose of the TAO TE CHING in which we read, "The Master dwells in reality and lets go of all illusions", including the illusion of Mark Sanchez as a potentially elite QB. P.S. to GaryC: Yeah, I saw your correction on the McKnight thing and I think the Mets/Jets analogy is brilliant. But then I've said myself a few times this yr that we're looking a lot like the '62 Mets in some games…
By ELI RODRIGUEZ on Dec 12, 2012 | Reply
Joeydefiant: I'm of hispanic decent like M.S. but do I support him, NEVER. How big of a goof-ball are you. You try to divide jetnation along racial line– M.S. is simply in a line of bad QB (IMO) You are correct in one thing M.S. did have more yards than G-MAC (BUT DID YOU FORGET WHO GOT US THE WIN) A TRUE GREEN QB.
By Chicago Bob on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
Wilkerson has been a blessing however before giving kudo's to Mike T. lets remember that MO was the 9th DL picked in the first round – DL was a priority and there weren't many options left when the Jets picked. Regarding 2013, Jets will most likely cut both starting OLB's and possibly both guards. As much as I would like a pass rushing OLB, they may want to consider Warmack (the guard from Alabama). Some people say he is better than DeCastro from last years draft and he was supposedly the best guard to come out in the last 10 years. With the money owed to MS, Jets are going to do everything to help him succeed which means a better running game so he does not have to pass so much. Putting Warmack next to Mangold could be something special
By Allan O'Dane on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
64Tom, I try to give this kid Sanchez the benefit-of-the-doubt. But week in and week out he shows no improvement. His OWN coaches don't want him to throw the ball because of his turnover ratio. I wish some of his supporters would just take a real hard look on how he plays. Watch his head movement..his decision making skills..One thing I can say..he doesn't have talent around him and that's Mike T. fault. But he doesn't raise the talent of his wr's either. Put any of the top 5 qb's in this league and they would have better stats then sanchez with this wr corps. AND THAT'S A FACT!. They know when to throw the ball away..when to slide..and most important put the ball right where it needs to be!.
By SCfromNY on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
Joeyd are you a relative of Rex or Marks? His QB rating alone shows no improvement and his game presense if anything has regressed this year. You can not compare Drew's 7 INTs to Sanchez unless you look at the whole body of work. It's an insult to compare mark to Breez, it's an insult to Pennington to be compared to Sanchez. Improvimg WRs & TEs will not make Sanchez better. No elite WR can do well scooping the ball out of the dirt or stopping to go back and get a ball. 4 YEARS IS ENOUGH! Getting rid of Sanchez for a white QB? Does that mean the Redskins will be getting rid of RGIII? Byrdman I would make your trades in a minute except for Cro. He has stepped up his game so much that he is one of the best corners around
By SCfromNY on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
I have always liked Braylon. I hope he will return to his old form but acknowledge that it will probably not happen. If he can even make a small difference he will be better trhan most of our WRs. He blocks great and seems to make the great catch when needed. He should have stayed and Holmes left which by NOT extending Sanchez would have left the Jets big bucks for next year. For a bit his speed might keep the DBs honest but when they see Sanchez misses him most of the time they can go back to man. To repeat to the few Sanchez supporters out there: I do not know if McElroy is a better QB than Sanchez BUT I want to see if he is better than Sanchez or Tebow before we let him go like we have so many others.
By Allan O'Dane on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
Scjoe, What I want from this team is an edge. Fear when you play this team. Suh is chaos…imagine with the right coaching can do and add controlled chaos in Suh. This kid has a mean streak..He reminds me of a former LB that played with the steelers…Had all the talent in the world but was so angry inside he played without control. Until Cowher got a hold of him and made him into one of the most feared LB's in NFL history….GREG LLOYD! Suh could platoon with Devito. We need more Landry's and Suhs…get brusing RB's..Have teams know that when they come to play the NYJ it's two days in the icetub..And as for me..personally..add a little black to the uniforms…Black&Green&white…It's time for a change..starting from the very top..
By Tom Spicer on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
Ron Alexander, I never "proclaimed Braylon as the cure-all for all out problems" What I said was if he is healthy that he is the best healty WR we have on the team. Yes better than Kerley that is all I said & nothing more. Also Kerley has half a good year & he is now better than Welker stop drinking the cool aid!
By GaryC on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
Chicago Bob,Brilliant on your part bringing up Warmack of Alabama,a guy definitely flying under the radar,same goes with Fluker if he comes out of Alabama,that is why Alabama will beat Notre Dame in the championship game,they haven't faced a run game like what they have.Also having Lacey and Yeldin running the ball also.
By GaryC on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
Scjoe,even if Edwards would be number one receiver on this team and that is a stretch,what does it prove,He is past his prime and I would of stayed with Jason Hill,who is a lot faster and still has about 3 years on Edwards and less baggage.
By Tom Spicer on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
Tom 64, You said "if you think Brady couldn't put 40 pts on the board with Holmes and Kerley, you must have the worst case of Brady Derangement Syndrome going" This is the thing we dont have Holmes he is out for the year remember that? SCJoe said the Texan vs Pats game would have the same exact score. If he was throwing to the same guys the Jet CURRENTLY HAVE. The Jets do not have Holmes & have not had him for 12 weeks. So to say that Brady throwing to Kerley, Cumberland, Schieleins & Marty Gilard (which is what the Jets CURRENTLY HAVE & HAVE HAD FOR 12 WEEKS) is the same as throwing to Welker, Hernandez, Lloyd, Stallworth & Ridley. Is beyond wrong BEYOND!
By By Jet Fan Since 1964 Frank on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
The Dillusions that some of the "FANS" in here have posted are a laughing matter. We should create a sit-com tv show what a comedy show it would be< have read the pros and cons of MS. In the past 2 years I have not seen anything MS has done that will make him a contender for any QB ratings other then be last in passing, TD's, yardage, fumbles, interceptions and passing percentage. It is said that if MS had good receivers to throw to he would be an elite QB. We have some good receivers (not excellent, but good) to make them excellent it takes a QB that is accurate, knows how to pump fake, not gun shy and knows how to get out of harms way. He must also have some ability to read defenses. MS does not fit into this catagory, nomore then
By Tom Spicer on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
SCJoe, 1st Stallworth was cut cause he had a season ending injury. 2nd "the truth you just refuse to listen to, is Brady is 20X the QB Mark Sanchez can ever dream of being! " In regards to this when did I ever say he was not? Not only multiple times have I said he did not turn out to be the QB I thought he would be but multiple times I have said you were right about him & I was wrong. In my above post for example this is my quote "You were right Sanchez never developed into the QB I thought he would"
By scjoe on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
Ron, spot on about Brady's accuracy, add that to the other intangibles he has to offer that Mark Sanchez can only dream about and you have your answer. As I watched that NE/Houston game I focused on that accuracy and just began to dream about what it would be like to have a QB with even half of his talents starting for our team. So, how ANYONE can come to the realization that he could not obtain similar results with the likes of Kerely, Keller, Cumberland or even Schilens is to much for me to comprehend, all they need to do is watch him play, or, go back and look at his history of just how many different receivers he has been successful with over his career. And make no mistake, it pains me to say all of this.
By scjoe on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
Eli Rodriguez, you said it all my man!
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom Who Wishes He Hadn't Seen So Much Failure in Green and White on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
The problem with building the team around not passing because of Sanchez's limitations, Chicago Bob, is it discourages O players of any value from being Jets, which in turn discourages D players of any value from being Jets, as you see with Revis' growing gripes about MS. We have to change the culture from one in which Peyton Manning doesn't even call us back to one in which a QB like that is dying to come here. But I'm sure you know all this. And by the way, for those who doubted Manning, he seems to be healthy enough at least for 1 yr, doesn't he? That was certainly a tough call about his spinal injuries, but I laugh at anyone who seriously thought we'd be better off with MS. At least getting Manning in any shape woulda meant losing MS…
By Tom Spicer on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
SCJoe, Also your quote above "Yes, I believe that Kerely, Keller, Schliens, and Cumberland are not to far removed from Stallworth (Who they just cut by the way) Lloyd, Welker, "Woodhead". 1 Welker is a future hall of famer & to put him in a conversation with any Jet you mentioned is nuts. 2 Schilens only even plays cause Holmes is out for the year & Hill not only has been in & out of the lineup with injurys but when he has played he can not hold on to the ball. Cumberland only plays cause Keller missed 6 out of 13 games this year with injury. In two TE sets it would be Keller & Rueland who is the best blocker of the 3. Lloyd is 10 times the player that Schilens & Cumberland are. Kerley who you guys think is as good as Welker all of a sudden
By By Jet Fan Since 1964 Frank on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
(continued) Sparano has a good offensive scheme. As for Mr. T I have seen him trade more top knotch p-layers for rejects then any GM out there. As for REX, I don't even want to go there… I have been a JET fan for years and I will remain true to the JETS. But I do not like excuses, for a QB, OC, DC, or GM that keep the JETS from building a solid team. Monday night we play on the big screen around the world. I hate to see the JETS embarrassed again. BUT I will watch and cheer for them. "SO LETS GO JETS"….
By Tom Spicer on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
cause he had half a good year has proved this & only this he is not a scrub. He is a legit NFL #3 a younger faster version of Cothcery NOTHING MORE! What he may become nobody knows. But at this point he is not even close to Welker, Gronkowski, Hernandez & Lloyd. Even with Brady throwing him the ball he would go from a NFL #3 to a very low end NFL #2. Now for 12 weeks he has been our #1. I will ask you again please tell me a team with a worse #1 than Kerley? tell me a team with a worse #2 than Schilens? tell me a team with a worse #3 than Hill? tell me a team with a worse #4 than Clyde Gates / Mart Gilard? Since Holmes has been out Rutgers, USC & other college teams have better pass catching groups than the Jets!
By Byrdman on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
scjoe – Yes, I agree having Suh on the D-line would be a luxury, my trade idea sprang from some inside info about Detroit, and the concept of having a "Fearsome Foursome" line. Did you read the package deal I proposed? MS&Keller to Arizona for #1 pick ? Love to see the Jets build a solid team in the draft not all the castaways T-Rex seem to favor. Liked Matt Moore until he got exposed somewhat this year. Flynn is an NFL mirage in my estimation, doesn't have much athletic ability. QB free agent's in '13 are a mediocre bunch.I'd rather draft a blue chip athlete in the 3rd round and groom him, who knows maybe hit a Russell Wilson type jackpot. QB coach Cavanaugh needs to GO before we'll see any progress at QB – he's horrible!
By ron alexander on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
TOM64, Thanks, comming from you thats high praise.KARAN, I think you mis understood my point. McKnight is pretty banged up at this point between his recurring concussion issues plus the ankle he sprained it might be in his best interest to take the last 3 games off? I like Mcknight too! Alan O'Dayne, please accept my apology as I am embarrassed by the comments made here by the knucklehead who's name I wont mention.Like you (and i would bet 99.9% of the other posters here) I could care less what race,color,religion or whatever a player is. Just play hard, play smart and play like a Jet! I always enjoy your posts so please dont get disgusted by one clueless knucklehead!
By ron alexander on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
SPICER, as much as we all love going back & forth I have to ask you, do you really not remember Braylon's first season as a Jet? Dude, he dropped several long bombs that your boy Mark actually threw pretty much on the money? I cant imagine you as such a Sanchez guy not going beserk? IRA, I liked your thoughts on Allan's free agents. We dont need any more knuckleheads on this team,especially now that Braylons back. Spicer, bye the way, Mo's had a great run since after the Colt game as you point out. But where the heck was he before that? And where the heck was he when the Bills & several other teams ran for close to 300 yds? Thats what i meant by up & down season. Its not only about sac's.
By ron alexander on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
SPICER, According to "pro football Focus" Braylon dropped 14.7 % of the catchable balls thrown to him during the 2008 through the -2010 seasons.Now that includes 13 games in 09 plus the 2010 playoffs and the 2010 full season.In total he dropped 34 passes. As a Jet some notables were the bomb he dropped vs.Buffalo in Dec.2009, the bomb vs. Miami in his first game as a Jet,the deep pass vs. the Bengals in the Jan. 2010 playoff game vs. the Bengals…Of course if you want more I got it? And lets not forget the 3 passes he dropped for the 49 ers vs. the Cards which got him benched last year or the endzone drop in Seattles opener this year which led to his slide into obscurity.
By scjoe on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
GaryC, it proves nothing! I am not sure what the extent of Edwards injuries are at this point. Who does? He is already on the injury list. he hasn't played very much at all since he left the Jets,why? so, all you can do at this point is assume. If he is 100% physically, if his attitude is good, if the price tag is logical, I don't have a problem signing him to a 2 year deal, You can compare him with J Hill, or Schilens, or whoever, the fact remains the team will carry 5-6 WRs.
By ron alexander on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
SPICER, please re-read my above post concerning Welker Vs.Kerley. I did not say Kerley was better! I said at this point Kerley is a better athlete as he is faster & simply more athletic. Welker has had an amazing career and deserves mad props. But Welker is now into his 30's and I think Kerley would do very very well with a Tom brady throwing him the ball. But no way is Kerley better than Welker today.
Hey, mabey in a few years we can revisit this?
By scjoe on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
Byrdman, I would agree that the quality of the QBs both in free agency and in the draft is limited, but I would still contend that a Mat Moore (FA) or a Henne (trade) or Flynn (trade) would be an upgrade to Sanchez. Best case scenario? A high mid round pick, McElroy and one of the above in a true competition for the 2013 starting job. As for your trade proposal? Keller and MS? Heck, I would throw Greene in to that mix as well for Arizona's #1 There are some great defensive options in that top 5 this year.
By scjoe on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
Spicer, one thing you are not taking into consideration when you compare WRs, slot receivers or TEs is who is throwing the ball to them. There is no doubt in my mind that Kerely would be all pro with Brady throwing to him. Consider the fact that Edelman became elite with Brady throwing to him when Welker was hurt, so how can you possibly believe Kerely wouldn't as well? Tell me, how do you think Holmes stats would have changed had he signed with NE instead of NY? Injury notwithstanding, think they would have changed? If you say no you are fooling yourself, if you say yes, I rest my case.
By Byrdman on Dec 13, 2012 | Reply
Scjoe – I'd rather Jets trade players for draft picks instead of the other way. Yeah a month ago Jets were looking at a top ten pick or better, I joked on here that they'd screw that up and sure enough they did. LOL Look how fast Indy went from worst team last year to SB contender in 2013. Fans just had to suffer through ONE horrible season without Manning and they hit the JACKPOT. We had a similar scenario this year losing Revis, Holmes, Pouha and Keller several games. Imagine if Jets dropped to last in the AFC east. We land the #7 pick and grab Manti Te'o then every single round we're getting (potentially) a better player with than our division rivals – NE finds HOF players everywhere, Jets need multi top ten picks to close the gap.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Ready for Change on Dec 14, 2012 | Reply
Allan, I agree with all your pts about Sanchez, from trying to cut him a break to his failure to make WRs better. I didn't like him at USC, didn't think he threw well enough or played hard enough but I got taken in by Rex's hype. Turns out my instincts were right, he's not big-time NFL material on the key levels. Spicer, I'll admit not even Brady could make an All-Pro out of Chaz Schilens but yeah, he'd get the ball to Kerley, Cumberland, and probably woulda had a healthy Hill doing very well too. As usual, scjoe and ron a, I agree with just about everything you say here today. Same to you, GaryC, on Edwards — we don't even know if the dude is really healthy enough to play yet! (SEA didn't think he is.)
By By Jet Fan Since 1964 Frank on Dec 14, 2012 | Reply
Brady and Kerly on the same team along with Welker, Gonzales, and the rest of the WR's. Brady would definitly make Kerly into a pro bowler. How about Wilson for the Giants now that he is getting playing time. The coaching staff need to put McElroy in, we talk about next year lets put some of these younger players in and see what they can do the remainder of the season. As for REX'S dilusions of the playoffs Pittsburg would have to lose 2 games for us to even consider it. HOWEVER, I do not see that happening. Now is the time to start preparing for 2013, and see who is worth keeping for next year on the player side of it. As for Tant, Rex, Sparano and the rest of the coaching staff that has got to be replaced. Your right about the
By scjoe on Dec 14, 2012 | Reply
Byrdman, the last sentence in your post above speaks volumes! It really doesn't matter where you select in the April draft if your FO and your scouting dept are competent. NE is that perfect example, you can also add Pit, Balt, Giants, and maybe a few others who almost always pick in the high 20s or low 30s but still maintain talent, and even more important maintain competitiveness. The Jets, under Tannenbaum can never achieve that, and how W Johnson has not realized that at this point is a complete mystery to me.
By By Jet Fan Since 1964 Frank on Dec 14, 2012 | Reply
Colts being a contender with approximately 25 plus new players. The DRAFT is the only way to build a team instead of picking up other team rejects. AS for MS and the money the JETS paid him, I still don't understand this. How do you pay someone who has not performed in 2 years. Unbelievable. OH WELL!!! Monday the Jets are on National TV at Tennessee and they have been playing good football the last several weeks, gonna be a tough game for us on the road. all I can say is. "LETS GO JETS"…
By Tom Spicer on Dec 14, 2012 | Reply
SCJoe, Kerley would be a all pro if Brady was throwing to him? I have not seen even close to that talent level from him. Tom 64, So now Brady is going to make Hill no how to catch the ball? What does he have magic?
By Jet Fan Since '64 Ready for Change on Dec 14, 2012 | Reply
Byrdman blasts it out of the park again about multiple draft picks! I just wrote on another story about how I'll be happy if I live to see the Jets have more than 1 1st-round pick again. Woody's inaction in the face of this hapless team is baffling. If we unloaded Sanchez and many others, we could have a yr like NE or CLE with 6 or 7 picks in the first few rounds. Not only do we need that next yr, we need it for about the next 3 yrs. The lack of talent on this team is shocking and it gets worse when we make terrible decisions like cutting a promising RB from UCLA for an ex-rugby player who'll never be an NFL-caliber TE. The torture never stops, as FZ said…
By Jet Fan Since '64 Ready for Change on Dec 14, 2012 | Reply
Spicer, Kerley catches every lousy pass Sanchez throws to him and gets YAC against all odds. And if you're so excited about getting back Braylon, who needed 5 yrs to stop dropping balls, you should have a bit more patience for Hill. Actually, a great QB CAN make a WR much better by way of timely, accurate throws, which make it easier for the WR to catch the ball, which in turn increase the WR's confidence, which in turn spreads the opposing D out in its attempt to cover all possible weapons. You think it's an accident that QBs like Brady, Rodgers, Brees, Manning, Ben R, even Rivers are always surrounded by great WRs even though you never heard of half of 'em before? You've almost kicked the Sanchez Excuse habit, pal, but not quite yet…
By scjoe on Dec 15, 2012 | Reply
Spicer, I can tell you in just 2 words why you haven't seen that kind of talent level from Kerley…… Mark Sanchez!
By Tom Spicer on Dec 17, 2012 | Reply
Tom 64, Again so you are saying the reason Hill drops balls that hit him in the chest is because Mark is inaccurate? If that is correct not only do you need to get your perscription checked but you need to take your meds!
By Tom Spicer on Dec 17, 2012 | Reply
SCJoe, Yes Kerley who has 1 game with over 85 yards recvieing in 2 years is an all pro. The only reason he is not in the pro bowl every year is Mark Sanchez LOL COMICAL AT BEST!


text: Our Mesh Bags give you the tools to divide and conquer clutter. Choose the ones you need to get a handle on combs or cosmetics in a purse or backpack or toiletries in your suitcase or overnight bag. They're versatile enough to contain pens, pencils and other small office supplies in your briefcase.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Associated Press
VATICAN CITY (AP) -- The Middle East Airlines jetliner had barely taken off from Beirut when I was escorted down the aisle to the first-class section and seated beside Pope Benedict XVI. He had just ended a delicate two-day visit to Lebanon as civil war raged in neighboring Syria, and he looked and sounded weary.
It was my 92nd trip aboard a papal plane -- first with the master of papal globetrotting John Paul II, then over the past eight years with Benedict.
As I was planning to retire, the pope's journey in September was to be my last, and Vatican officials thought I should share the moment with him.
I sat beside the pope and shook his hand. "Congratulations on your retirement," he said in Italian as a Vatican photographer recorded the occasion. Speaking in a soft voice, he asked me how many years I had been covering the Vatican. When I told him more than 30, he looked surprised and said my retirement "is much-deserved." Did his thoughts drift to important plans of his own that he was concealing from the world?
There's no way to tell.
But Benedict appeared pleased with our conversation and in no rush to end it. It was his aides who motioned to me that it was time to return to my seat.
The encounter did not prepare me for his stunning announcement five months later that he planned to retire on Feb. 28 -- the exact date I had chosen to retire myself.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Rome Bureau Chief Victor Simpson has chronicled four papacies in 35 years covering the Holy See. A Vatican institution in his own right, Simpson has had a unique vantage point on history, enjoying the ear of Vatican insiders and chatting with the pope himself on foreign pilgrimages. He looks back on a storied career.
I know a bishop who says he is jealous of the "Vaticanisti" -- reporters on the Vatican beat -- because we get to ask the pope questions that no bishop would dare to broach. And we're often rewarded with a remarkable response.
Sprung from Vatican confines, airborne popes seem to feel freer to speak out.
John Paul II used just such a papal flight in 1988 to issue a ringing endorsement, one of the strongest of his papacy, of fellow Poles striking against communist authorities in the Gdansk shipyard.
It was on a trip to Uruguay, and the pope came to the back of the plane to take questions. When asked about the Solidarity strikes, he responded that the journalist should read his encyclical on work, which lays out his views on the dignity of labor. At that point, the plane was rocked by turbulence and the pilot advised over the loud speaker that the pope needed to return to his seat.
When calm returned, I complained that the pope had never reached my section.
A few minutes later the pope's secretary, Monsignor Stanislaw Dziwisz (now a cardinal) came and brought me to the pope. He turned off my tape recorder, suggested I ask about the strikes, then turned the recorder back on.
So I asked. John Paul launched into a broadside against communist authorities and lent his full papal support to the strikes.
"Here we are touching the heart of the problem," the pope said. "It is not easy to bring democracy to a system that is by definition dictatorial and totalitarian."
No mention of the encyclical.
The statements, exclusive to AP, hit front pages of newspapers around the world the next day. They were later seen as a landmark in the pope's role in bringing down communism in eastern Europe.
Two years earlier, I was asked to join John Paul for dinner in his cabin of a Qantas 747 on the final leg to Rome -- after a two-week trip to Bangladesh, Singapore, Fiji Islands, New Zealand, Australia and the Seychelles.
I was embarrassed at the way I looked: lots of stubble from having shaved at dawn that morning and in a sloppy safari jacket soaked by a monsoon in the Seychelles.
But the pope put me at ease. When I apologized for "my working clothes," he gripped his white robes and said, a twinkle in his eye: "These are my working clothes."
We were joined at dinner by a papal aide and the Australian ambassador to the Holy See.
That's when I found myself in the middle of a diplomatic incident.
The Qantas steward brought wine to the table and the ambassador grabbed a bottle of red and announced we would be having that. But John Paul protested that he didn't drink red wine and wanted white.


text:
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