Manish Mehta is the New York Jets beat writer for the New York Daily News. You can find his ‘Jets Stream’ blog with the Daily News here:
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/jets/
Additionally, you can find Mehta on Twitter at:
http://twitter.com/TheJetsStream
As the Ravens prepare to face the Jets in the Season Opener, Mr. Mehta graciously answered some questions from Baltimore Sports and Life.
Baltimore Sports and Life: “Let us start-up front with the Jets offensive-line. Ferguson is coming off of a Pro Bowl season at LT. Mangold has gone to a couple of Pro Bowls himself at Center. How comfortable are the Jets with their other starters – LG Slauson, RG Brandon Moore, and RT Damien Woody?”
Manish Mehta: “There is a transition at LG with Slauson replacing the All-Pro Alan Faneca. Woody is a long-time veteran, and you will see the Jets do a lot of running to their right. Brandon Moore is one of the most under-rated interior lineman in the league, a tremendous run-blocker.”
Baltimore Sports and Life: “When Santonio Holmes returns from suspension, he will team with Cotchery and Edwards to give the Jets a pretty dynamic group of receivers. Edwards though is coming off back-to-back disappointing seasons. He had 12 games with the Jets last-year, and this entire off-season to further build his relationship with Sanchez. Does the team believe Edwards is again poised to be mentioned as an elite wideout?”
Manish Mehta: “Edwards has developed a further relationship with Sanchez, but without a doubt Holmes is the most-impressive, most-dynamic receiver on this Jets team. He is going to be missed during his suspension.”
Baltimore Sports and Life: “Shonn Greene averaged 5 yards a carry last-year, but only had 108 attempts. (The departed Thomas Jones had 331) When the playoffs started, he was huge in the first two games averaging 22 carries, and 131.5 yards in the wins over Cincinnati, and San Diego. Is Greene ready to get the majority of the carries, will Tomlinson be on the field for every 3rd and long?”
Manish Mehta: “Greene is a big-bruising back who is going to carry the ball closer to 20 times a game vs. 25. He is extremely important to this team going forward, and they are going to do what they can to protect him. Greene had zero receptions last-season which is part of the reason Tomlinson (with his pass-catching skills) is a better compliment to Greene vs. Jones. Tomlinson came to training-camp with a chip on his shoulder. He understands his roll in this offense, and can provide a valuable contribution.”
Baltimore Sports and Life: “They say a QB’s best friend is the TE. Dustin Keller has had back-to-back productive seasons since joining the league. Does he take another step this year? How is he as a blocking TE?”
Manish Mehta: “I am not sure Keller becomes an ‘elite’ TE, as he some-times has the habit of disappearing during games or even weeks at a time. He does have a good rapport with Sanchez. Good physical tools, was never known as a blocker out of Purdue. 9 times out of 10, he is going to beat a LB.”
Baltimore Sports and Life: “The Jets Defensive Line played the majority of the 2009 season without former University of Maryland start Kris Jenkins. Is he still capable of dominating the line of scrimmage, and suffocating opposing runners?”
Manish Mehta: “Jenkins looks plenty capable when he is on the field, the question is how much he can play? The Jets are going to rotate bodies on the line. Jenkins return certainly helps the run defense, and could have the Jets finish with a Top 5 run defense.”
Baltimore Sports and Life: “Tell me about the other D-line starters Shaun Ellis, and Sione Pouha?”
Manish Mehta: “Pouha is another under-rated player that played very well in Jenkins absence last-year. There will be times when he is at NT, and Jenkins is moved outside. Ellis has been around forever, and you have to wonder what he has left.”
Baltimore Sports and Life: “With Calvin Pace injured, Jason Taylor became a starting Outside Linebacker. Will Taylor just be asked to rush the QB?”
Manish Mehta: “Taylor was signed with the idea of being the pass-rushing specialist. Obviously Pace’s injury has changed things and Taylor will now be asked to play more snaps, and against coverage. He struggled in pass-coverage with Miami. This is where Ryan scheme’s will play a role.”
Baltimore Sports and Life: “I would imagine one benefit of the Revis hold-out, was that 2010 1st-round pick Kyle Wilson got additional snaps in camp, and in the pre-season games than he would have. What are your impressions on him, and Antonio Cromartie – the former All-Pro acquired by the Jets this off-season?”
Manish Mehta: “Wilson could have been a Top 10-15 overall player in the Draft. Very physical player that did benefit from the extended playing time available with Revis’ hold-out. Will be asked to defend opposing slot receivers and will have good days and bad days like any rookie. Cromartie looked like the Jets’ best defensive player in Training Camp. Had his breakout year with the Chargers playing man-to-man coverage. After his hip-injury the Chargers played him more in zone-coverage and he was not as good. He is not Revis, but he could be a legitimate number 1 corner on a lot of teams. With the Jets he will again be playing man-to-man defense.”
Baltimore Sports and Life: “What maturation have you seen in Sanchez this Summer? Is he going to be asked to be a caretaker of the offense, and avoid turnovers; or is he going to be asked to make plays?”
Manish Mehta: “Sanchez wants to be the Point Guard of the offense that distributes the ball to his weapons. The Jets have talked about wanting to be closer to a 50/50 ratio of runs to passes, but I expect it will still be tilted to a run-first offense. Sanchez will be asked to make some plays, but he will not be putting up 30 attempts a game either. He has great intelligence. The leadership, and intangibles are there. The Jets want to see him take a step-forward this year with his consistency. He has learned a lot, now is the time to apply.”
Baltimore Sports and Life: “Finally, what record are you projecting for the Jets overall? This is a fairly important Week 1 match-up with Baltimore and the Jets, with possible home-field playoff ramifications later this season. Thoughts on this game?”
Manish Mehta: “Love the Ravens offense. Love Flacco, Rice is a Top 5 Running Back. Houshmanzadeh, Boldin, Heap; there are plenty of weapons. Will be a very interesting match-up against the Jets defense. In the AFC East, I really like Miami to improve. If the Jets can keep Sanchez, and Green healthy I like the Jets to finish 11-5 and win the division.”
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Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.