Jets’ von Oelhoffen can’t replace Abraham

By Krupka  |   Monday, July 31, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

New York Jets
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On March 23, the New York Jets completed a three-team swap with the Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons that sent Pro Bowl pass rusher John Abraham to the Falcons in return for a first-round pick, No. 29 overall, used to select center Nick Mangold from Ohio State.

A week prior to dealing Abraham, the Jets inked longtime Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen to a three-year contract worth $9.2 million.

Initially, there were thoughts the 12-year veteran wouldn't be taking over for the traded Abraham. It didn't take long for the team to part ways with the unhappy defensive end, and draw up plans to plug in the Boise State product. While there was never any doubt von Oelhoffen was brought in to start, he wasn't originally slated to take over for Abraham, either.

The 6-foot-4, 299-pounder decided to leave the Super Bowl champs for a few reasons. First, he was impressed with head coach Eric Mangini and the direction of the New York defense. Secondly, von Oelhoffen is already familiar with the scheme, as the Jets' base defense will be a 3-4, which also happens to be the same as the Steelers'. And lastly, although the 35-year-old may never admit to it, he wanted to get paid, as this is likely his last big contract.

Nobody should expect von Oelhoffen to replace Abraham even though he will line up in Abraham's old position, right defensive end. Not many players can, and the two players' styles are polar opposites; von Oelhoffen a stout run-stuffer, and Abraham a prolific pass rusher.

In a dozen NFL seasons, von Oelhoffen has only amassed 25 ½ sacks compared to Abraham's 53 ½ in six years.

Although the veteran can't replace the production of Abraham, he will still help solidify the defense because of his toughness and ability to stop the run. Von Oelhoffen provides the team with a much needed proficient two-gap lineman.

The defense as a whole got pushed around too many times last year. Ultimately, the toughness and experience that von Oelhoffen brings to the defensive line should help keep opposing offensive lines from imposing their will and pushing the New York Jets around. Undoubtedly, a stronger run defense can help open up things for Shaun Ellis, the lone pass rusher left on the line.

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com

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