SO MANY Jet holes. So little cap room to close them.
They can’t put all their money into a defense that couldn’t be fixed in one offseason with the entire Johnson & Johnson fortune regardless. What’s the sense of tying one arm behind the back of a dynamic quarterback by not giving him the full complement of receiving types he needs?
But with Chad Pennington, John Abraham, Shaun Ellis, and Anthony Becht all due to be re-upped, plus a big receiver and at least one linebacker and defensive back having to be wooed (or commanding a high first-round bonus), there are too many pieces to be cut in this pie to keep the Jets from taking another one in the face next season.
That is, unless, they find some answers in unlikely places, like a former first-round pick unable to properly feed himself. It would help if Bryan Thomas, the 22nd choice overall in 2002, can anchor the right side of the defensive line. That would make the dynamic, but oft-injured, Abraham a luxury, leaving money for necessities, including the restoration of GM Terry Bradway’s credibility following bumbling and stumbling leading to rumbling he’s not the man for the job.
If Thomas can play, Bradway’s first two drafts that brought Santana Moss, LaMont Jordan, plus Kareem McKenzie in 2001; then Thomas and Jon McGraw in 2002, don’t look so bad, pending the development of 2003 picks Dewayne Robertson, Victor Hobson and B.J. Askew.
Guard Jonathan Goodwin (No. 5, 2002), is another backup who possibly could earn a starting role and save the Jets money to spend elsewhere. But the jury is so far out on these guys, it has just asked for sandwiches and instructions.
At the risk of being fair, Josh Evans’ suspension tossed Robertson into waters far over his head. Historically there are few impact rookies along the trenches, Exhibit F certainly being Thomas, who – Holy Cedric Jones! – suffered The First Year from Hell.
Thomas was accused, apparently falsely (no charges were filed), of hitting his girlfriend during an airport curbside argument, lost 30 pounds from bad wisdom teeth and worse eating habits. This became one sad sack, who wound up with only half a sack for a season spent wasting away on the bench (pun fully intended).
Last Sunday, Thomas, back up to 275 pounds, got a game ball for his improved efforts. “He played the run very well,” said Herm Edwards, “did things to contain the quarterback, made a great play to duck underneath on a draw and came back and made the tackle. You can see he’s a more confident player.”
If Edwards, too, can stay happy for Thomas, the Jets have license to pay Ellis, then concentrate elsewhere.
“[The game ball] indicates I’m getting more comfortable out there,” said Thomas. “I have to take a shower after games. I don’t like when you play one play and don’t have to take a shower.”
The Jets, not exactly bathing in positives at 4-7, could use one from a likable Alabama coal miner’s son whom Curtis Martin says teammates refer to as “little brother.”
“He keeps us laughing,” said Martin, not meaning the NFL community at the Jets over using the 22nd overall pick on a malnourished pass rusher. The kid apparently has taken stock and maybe that means the team can spend for other needs.