Jets head coach needs to “Man” up in play-calling

By Adam Sweeney  |   Friday, October 31, 2008  |  Comments( 1 )

New York Jets
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Jets quarterback Brett Favre has made his fair share of mistakes this season. Evidence: He has thrown an NFL-leading 11 interceptions. But the biggest mistake of the season so far for the Jets has been head coach Eric Mangini's reluctance to take risks. Unlike his mentor, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, Mangini hasn't adapted his game plan enough to fit his personnel. The result has been a team high on potential and low on excitement.

Commentary: The 4-3 Jets have pulled the reins on Brett Favre, something Mangini might have been inspired to do after Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy had success in doing so last season with Favre. But what Mangini needs to realize is that Favre is going to make his share of dumb plays regardless of whether you have him throw a slant pattern or a deep post. Teams will at least respect the deep threat if you attempt it more during the game, and if he throws a pick, then it will be 60 yards downfield; that's equal to or better than a punt.

The argument against this would be that the Jets are eighth in the league in scoring at 26 points a game. But if you wanted a game manager, then why didn't you just keep Chad Pennington and a draft pick? Favre's strength is his ability to make things happen. He can't do that throwing screens and slants all game. It's time for Mangini to loosen up or lose the trust of his offense.

Fan Pulse: Jets fans have some interesting things to say about a poll that voted Mangini the second most likely for players not to want to play for.

Fantasy Football Commentary: I wouldn't start Brett Favre this week against a Bills defense that will be pretty ticked off after losing to the Miami Dolphins. Now Pennington, the former Jet, is another story. He's been great in the last month and is a solid start.

Injury Watch: WR Jerrico Cotchery was a limited participant in practice Thursday with a shoulder injury but is still probable for Sunday's game.
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About Adam Sweeney

Adam Sweeney spent 4 years as an opinions and arts & entertainment columnist with the Lone Star Lutheran, also working with Sports Illustrated.com. Along with his work on Realfootball 365 he currently is a contributor for Film School Rejects, SLAM Online, Talkhoops.net, and C-Heads Magazine.
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