The Jets have lost Ferguson, Jordan, and McKenzie. The one that worries me the most is Fergie. I never thought I would say it, but this could be a huge loss. He has been called the leader of the defensive line. He's coming off his best year and he's 30 years old. But he's on his way to Dallas with a 5-year contract. It's really a shame for Gang Green. And all the quality defensive tackles are off the market now. The Jets had some interest in Pat Williams, formerly of the Bills, who's in Minnesota now. If there's a good perspective here, it's that we already re-signed both defensive ends (franchised John Abraham actually). And we're already paying Dwayne Robertson ungodly amounts of money. That money probably needs to be used on other positions because it's not smart to spend all your money on one side of the field. Speaking of the other side of the field...
We knew Lamont Jordan was leaving. He'll go to Oakland and be excellent running back, I'm sure. I hear the Jets may get Derrick Blaylock, who was Priest Holmes' backup in Kansas City. If they do, that would be a great pickup.
McKenzie will be tough to replace. There are no elite offensive linemen available now. This may have to be addressed through the draft. They could trade for Orlando Pace, but how much would you really have to give up for him?
Wide receiver/tight end is my concern here. Housh (and I'm not spelling his full name here) is back in Cincinnati. Derrick Mason is in Baltimore.They apparently have no interest in Plaxico Burress. And there are no really impressive tight ends to get excited about. I mean the biggest name out there is Freddie Jones. Need I say more? If they can't pull off the rumored Laveranues Coles-Santana Moss trade, they should spend one of their top 2 draft picks on a target for Chad Pennington.
The Jets do have some room under the salary cap to do "something bold," according to Newsday. Well, they'd better do something soon. Names are flying off the available list.
Let's go to the Giants. They will probably sign Antonio Pierce of the Redskins as their new middle linebacker. All the papers love this move. I really don't know much about him. I know he's a young guy, just 26. He's supposed to be smart, tough, and a real leader. And I'm glad the Giants are addressing the defense first. Because towards the end of last year as Eli Manning and the offense improved, the defense kept giving up points. Look at the Pittsburgh and Cincinnati games. I know half their starters were injured. But they needed something special besides Michael Strahan. And this Pierce guy may make a big difference. I wanted Kendrell Bell of Pittsburgh, but the Giants let him walk out of Giants Stadium without a contract. Something must have tipped them off, whether it was a physical (he missed 13 games last year or contract demands).
The o-line is the next priority. Jonas Jennings and Mike Wahle are evidently off the market. So hopefully they will get Kareem McKenzie from the Jets to shore up that o-line. Then move David Diehl to right guard and Chris Snee to left guard. Along with Petitgout at left tackle and Shaun O'Hara at center, that's a solid line. If they can get McKenzie, Fred Miller, or another good o-lineman, that will be a great free agency.
Receiver, as I've mentioned, is not looking good with so many guys gone already. But Amani is still capable, they have Shockey. If Tim Carter and Jamar Taylor can stay healthy, they'll have enough weapons. Ike Hilliard may get cut, which is fine since he did nothing last year. So I'd wait until the draft to address that position.
And of course, Los Nueva York Mets. I watched the first game yesterday. We lost 5-3 to Washington. There was some good, some bad. The good was the infield defense. Kaz Matusui made 3 very good plays at second base, including starting a double play on Jose Vidro, who's very fast. Also, Glavine and Looper both looked very strong on the mound. And Jason Phillips had 2 hits and an RBI.
The bad. My 2 favorite prospects, Danny Garcia and Aaron Heilman absolutely stunk. Heilman allows 2 homers and three runs in 2 innings. Garcia makes 2 errors and strikes out to end the game. And Joe McEwing strikes out with the bases loaded. Actually, this one may be good, because he needs to go. We have enough middle infielders already and Miguel Cairo is our utility player now. Omar has got to get rid of McEwing, who hasn't contributed to this team in I don't know how long.
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