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Report: New York Jets signing veteran corner Logan Ryan to prove it deal

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New York Jets, Logan Ryan, Tennessee Titans

Throughout this offseason, New York Jets GM Joe Douglas has been very active in signing players to prove it deals to attempt to fill critical needs. He’s also been very aggressive in trying to fill one of the Jets’ biggest voids. Last season the Jets’ cornerback group was one of the worst in football. With minimal depth and no proven entities, the Jets had to upgrade the position this the offseason.

They released Trumaine Johnson and Darryl Roberts, two bad signings from the old regime, and added Pierre Desir on a one year deal. They also brought back Brian Poole on a one year deal as well. The Jets still have Bless Austin, Nate Hairston, and Arthur Maulet, but they looked to upgrade the position in the draft.

The Jets then came out of the draft with two more new corners—Bryce Hall from Virginia and 23-year-old former second-rounder from the Colts, Quincy Wilson. Although there were reports before the draft of the Jets’ interest in CB Logan Ryan, it seemed as though the team was comfortable with their corners. Well, apparently they were not. The New York Jets have reportedly signed Logan Ryan to a one year deal per Manish Mehta of the NY Daily News.

Who is Logan Ryan?

As we’ve covered extensively here at ESM, Logan Ryan is a reliable veteran coming off a very successful season. Ryan is a hometown kid who attended Rutgers University. After a solid career there, Ryan was drafted in the 3rd Round of 2013 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. When Ryan debuted, he immediately carved himself a role with the Pats. Ryan was an excellent corner with them until he left in 2016.

He then joined the Titans, where he’s been coached by Mike Vrabel. He comes from a very good coaching tree, and he’s got a championship pedigree with two rings under his belt. Ryan is also 29 years old; he’s still got a few years of good football left. After remaining unsigned for the first two months or so of free agency, he now goes to a team in need of a reliable lead corner.

How Will Ryan Fit?

Logan Ryan is coming off a season where he had 113 tackles, 4 INTs, and 4 TFLs. In one of the best years of his career, he also picked off his former teammate, Tom Brady, in what was ultimately the last play of Brady’s time in New England. Now the former Patriot is coming home to the Jets.

Ryan will be tasked with leading a young cornerback group while also trying to perform well to earn himself a long term deal. What better coach to have with that pressure then one of the best defensive coordinators in the game, Gregg Williams. The opportunity to play under Gregg has been a critical reason that players like Brian Poole and Jordan Jenkins took such cheap deals to return to the Jets and is likely a reason Logan Ryan is coming to Gang Green. Williams gets the best out of his players, and he will try to do that with a veteran player who’s had a lot of success.

Even if this move bombs, the Jets have loads of young talent in the secondary that need mentorship. Bryce Hall and Bless Austin could both benefit from learning behind an experienced player, and even Quincy Wilson and Pierre Desir could pick up a thing or two from Ryan. Overall, the Jets have solidified their secondary for the upcoming season and formulated serious competition for the starting roles.

If there is anything you can pull from this offseason, it’s that Joe Douglas likes two things, leadership and establishing competition. By adding a talented player like Logan Ryan, he did just that. 

Brooklyn Nets: Spencer Dinwiddie Weighs in on possible continuation of NBA Season

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Brooklyn Nets, Spencer Dinwiddie

Recognized as one of the most active Brooklyn Nets on Twitter, Spencer Dinwiddie had a few drinks on Sunday night and decided to share his thoughts on the NBA possibly salvaging the rest of this season. Here are a series of Dinwiddie’s tweets from Sunday night:

So according to Dinwiddie, saving this season is not worth it the reasons he listed. He also has a very creative thought process as to how the NBA could play next season without fans. I personally find Dinwiddie’s plan for the NBA extremely feasible and really think the NBA could stand to gain something from listening to his and other players’ suggestions.

Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for your latest Brooklyn Nets news and listen to the Fireside Nets w/ Spen & Nick podcast!

 

The New York Jets could pursue Pro Bowl offensive guard Larry Warford

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New York Jets, Larry Warford

You probably read that headline and thought, “Sheesh, how many more offensive linemen can this team sign?”. Quite frankly, Joe Douglas has spent loads of resources between draft picks and money towards fixing the offensive line. Although he’s done a great job, the New York Jets could add another offensive lineman who would turn the line into an above-average line. That lineman is the newly released 3-time pro bowler, Larry Warford.

Who is Larry Warford?

Larry Warford was a third-round pick by the New Orleans Saints during the 2013 draft. At 28 years old, Warford has started on the Saints offensive line since his inception into the NFL. He’s only missed a handful of games in that time, and he’s received three Pro Bowl nods in the last three years. Warford is a durable and talented guard. Had he hit the market at the start of free agency, he’d have been a hot commodity. Now, with the addition of Saints’ first-rounder Cesar Ruiz to pair with their other young offensive linemen, the Saints felt that Warford and his $12.9 million dollar cap hit (2nd highest next to Drew Brees) were not worth it anymore. Warford now faces a likely extensive market.

The New York Jets Should Target Him

As I previously mentioned, although the Jets overhauled their offensive line, you never say no to a Pro Bowler. The tackles and center position may be solidified, and the Jets may have established competition at guard, but Warford is an instant game-changer. His durability and leadership would make him an asset. If you release Brian Winters and allow Alex Lewis, Cameron Clark, and Greg Van Roten to compete for the other guard spot, then Warford can be a starter on the line.

The fact is, the Jets need to continue to improve and establish completion at a position that is still not all the way improved. Adding a Pro Bowler in his prime would take the Jets’ offensive line to another level.

Report: New York Jets to face off against Buffalo Bills in week 1

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New York Jets, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

As the NFL prepares to release the official schedule this evening, Manish Mehta of the NY Daily News has now leaked the New York Jets‘ first opponents. The betting favorites to win the AFC East, the Buffalo Bills will be hosting the Green & White in week 1.

The Jets will visit Orchard Park after facing the Bills in Week 1 & 17 of last season. They’re reportedly slated to play at 1 PM to kick off the season. Although there were initial reports that the NFL would structure the season with AFC vs NFC games for the first four weeks to kick off the season, they’ve now shown that’s not the case, at least for two AFC East teams.

Breaking Down The Matchup

A brief look at the Bills roster shows you how talented they are. Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane have built an excellent squad of high character guys in Buffalo. They’ve used lots of resources to build through the trenches, just like Joe Douglas has done for the Jets. The difference between the teams to me is in the coaching staff(s). The Jets are still looking to build an identity under second-year coach Adam Gase. The Bills have constructed that identity under McDermott and now been to the playoffs twice under his guidance. As Josh Allen continues to develop and the team added pieces like Stefon Diggs, Josh Norman, and AJ Epenesa to an already talented team, they look primed to contend for the AFC East title.

As for the Jets, although they’ve had a great offseason, the team has one of the hardest schedules in football and is facing a lot of pressure. There’s real skepticism about Adam Gase, and if he’s the right guy to lead this team, if he wins this year and shows he can win with this team, he’ll keep his job, but if he does not prove that he can lead this team to wins, the Jets will be looking for another coach. The Jets QB 1 also faces pressure. As his third year approaches, Darnold has shown flashes of brilliance. When he’s not hurt, the Jets have also been a productive offensive team. If he can stay healthy and produce, he will prove he’s the true franchise QB, but another average or slightly above average season could lead fans to question his ability to lead this team.

Both teams are young with loads of potential, and with pressure to win on both sides of the ball, week 1 can’t get here soon enough.

Q & A with former Brooklyn Nets star PG Kenny Anderson

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New Jersey Nets, Kenny Anderson

Last night on Fireside Nets w/ Spen & Nick, we interviewed former New Jersey Nets Point Guard Kenny Anderson. For those who don’t know, Kenny Anderson is arguably one of the best point guards to ever play for the Nets. Although he only played for New Jersey for 5 seasons, Anderson averaged 15.3 points and 7.8 assists with the Nets and formed a lethal combination with big man Derrick Coleman. He ended up playing 15 seasons in the NBA, playing for 8 different teams during his career. Anderson is also one of the greatest high school players to ever come out of the five boroughs (NYC) and had two unbelievable years at Georgia Tech.

Here are a few excerpts from the Fireside Nets (FN) interview with Kenny Anderson (KA):

FN: You had two unbelievable years with the Yellowjackets (Georgia Tech) before moving on to the NBA, what did it feel like the night you scored 50 points?

KA: 50 was great. I’m glad I still have the record down at Georgia Tech. That whole week I think I scored 90 points in 2 games. Against Georgia I had 42, and then 50 against Loyola Merrimount. It was a crazy weekend man, I was just balling. I felt just felt good.

FN: Tell us a little bit about the beginning of your career with the Nets?

KA: In 91, I went #2 in the draft to the New Jersey Nets which I loved because I was at home, my mother lived in New York, my family, my friends, my high school coach was in New York, but I was holding out for more money and I came into training camp late. We already had a great guard on the team in Mookie Blaylock, so I didn’t play a lot my first year, he (Blaylock) got hurt, and I played half of the year and played extremely well, so my coaches told me to stay ready, when they call you just go out and play. But I didn’t play a lot so I had time to learn how the NBA game was played, so that’s what I did.

FN: What was the reputation of the Nets organization at the time in 1991?

KA: You could tell it was about to turn, they had made the playoffs the year before. But we had seven owners, and that’s where it got a little difficult. You need one owner, one idea, and to just go for it. And then they brought myself and Derrick Coleman in after the draft, but they were always firing coaches, until they brought in Chuck Daly.

FN: You bring up Chuck Daly, what was it like for you playing for such a great coach like Chuck Daly?

KA: Oh it was awesome. He was great for a young Derrick Coleman, we had Drazen Petrovic, and Kenny Anderson, I came in (with Chuck) and was doing everything the right way. It was a great fit, he did a great job. That was the year we were on our way, and then I got a bad foul by John Starks, he pushed me out of the air and broke my wrist. I think we were in 2nd place, we were rolling and then I had to sit out the rest of the year.

FN: Was it (the Starks Foul) a dirty play?

KA: Yeah everybody do, my moms, my family thought it was a dirty play, it was a hard foul, who knows. But I didn’t take anything from it, just moved on. The Knicks that year, they played a very physical game. Very stout. And that’s what you had to be aware of, and I was. It is what it is.

FN: Top 3 Nets point guards of all time?

KA: Michael Ray Richardson, I’ll put Kenny Anderson and Jason Kidd.

Kenny was an excellent guest and we look forward to our virtual game of HORSE with him in the future! Check out our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for your latest Brooklyn Nets news and listen to the Fireside Nets w/ Spen & Nick podcast.

What does New York Jets’ rookie Ashtyn Davis bring to the defense?

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New York Jets, Ashtyn Davis

The New York Jets selected a defensive back in the third round to the initial dismay of the fan base. The Jets faithful either wanted another receiver, an edge rusher, or a corner. Ashtyn Davis was listed as many as a safety, but that’s in the same way some listed Isaiah Simmons as a safety and some as a linebacker. Versatility is key, and that’s what Ashtyn Davis brings to the table.

Who Is Ashtyn Davis?

Ashtyn Davis began playing football in Santa Cruz, California, as a wide receiver. Davis has incredible athleticism, and he put that on display outside of the game. Davis was an electric hurdler for Cal and began in high school. He was a champion in 110-meter hurdles. On the field, his athleticism is one of his greatest assets.

Davis tracks balls like a center fielder. He’s got phenomenal sideline to sideline ability. He’s dynamic in the return game and on special teams as a whole. He’s a solid cover safety or potentially corner and a fun weapon for Gregg Williams. His athleticism allows him to be versatile. Wherever he can make an impact, he will. Davis has all the makings to be a great defensive back in this league.

How does he fit?

Heading into his rookie year, Davis doesn’t have a clear cut role. What’s more likely is he will be used in a multitude of ways. He can be trusted to come in wherever and make an impact. Davis will immediately be trusted to take over Rontez Miles’ role on special teams and as a backup safety. In the long haul, a good performance in 2020 could make him a franchise building block.

With Marcus Maye’s contract up along with Jamal’s in 2021, the Jets can’t afford both. Adams is the priority, but the Jets can’t tie up all that money to one spot. Despite being Jamal Adams’ running mate, Marcus Maye could still find his way out. Ashtyn Davis could be groomed to fill his shoes. With his incredible physical abilities and impressive on-field play, if Ashtyn Davis takes advantage of his opportunity, he could be an excellent pick for Joe Douglas.

Brooklyn Nets: Ian Eagle & Sarah Kustok Both Sweep New York Emmy Awards

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If you have been watching Brooklyn Nets games on TV over the last 25 years, try imagining any significant Nets moment and not hearing Ian Eagle’s voice in the background announcing. You can’t do it, it’s an impossible task. Not your traditional play-by-play announcer, Eagle has been calling Nets games for the last 26 years and specifically, on the YES network for the last 18 years. His enthusiasm and pure excitement for big moments is rivaled by few in the industry. During the team’s last several years in Jersey, instead of running more promos for players, YES would constantly run a promo featuring one of Ian Eagle’s greatest soundbites as an announcer for the Nets.  You can hear it below:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bxXMKRKGkI&w=560&h=315%5D

Ian Eagle and Sarah Kustok were honored with the New York Emmy Award for Play-By-Play and Analyst this past weekend, the first duo to ever sweep the awards. For Kustok, who has now worked with Eagle as the primary Nets analyst for the past three years, this was her first individual Emmy. She also becomes the first woman to ever win a Sports Analyst Emmy in New York. The 2019-2020 Brooklyn Nets broadcast team finished with 5 out of the network’s 8 Emmy wins, including producer Frank DiGraci, who won the category of Live Sports Producer. For Eagle, winning the award has almost become an annual tradition, having netted his 5th straight win and 6th in 8 years.

It’s clear Eagle has a special bond with the Nets. Just a few weeks ago, he interviewed Joe Harris on Instagram Live to update fans on how the Nets were handling the quarantine. You can read more about their conversation here. What makes Eagle an all-time great announcer, is his willingness to put himself in the shoes of the fan. Here is a direct quote from Ian regarding how he approaches each broadcast:

“I try and separate myself in a way from the broadcast and visualize myself sitting on a couch. Would this be entertaining for me? And if the answer is no, then you have to shift gears on the broadcast. If we stray too far away, you’ve got to get it back on track. The job is a little bit traffic cop, but it’s also based on common sense, and having good instincts on what works and what doesn’t.”

While the Nets play on the court hasn’t always been elite in recent years, we as Nets fans should be grateful to have had a superstar in the booth like Ian Eagle for as long as we’ve had him. And now with the arrival of Sarah Kustok, I think it’s safe to say we have the privilege of getting to hear two superstars call Nets games on a nightly basis.

SIDENOTE: Eagle was even congratulated by fellow New York play-by-play broadcaster (for the Yankees on the Yes network) Michael Kay earlier this week on The Michael Kay Show, who has also won the award in years past.

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New York Jets land durable offensive tackle Cameron Clark on day 3 on NFL Draft

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New York Jets, Cameron Clark

The New York Jets continue to load up on offensive linemen. Joe Douglas has reiterated his desire to build through the trenches and this pick continues to do that. Cameron Clark was a 1st Team All-Conference USA recipient last season and two year Captain for Charlotte, and now the formidable leader and solid offensive lineman joins the Jets.

Who is Cameron Clark?

Cameron Clark joined the Charlotte 49ers in his Sophomore year and made an impact at left tackle. Clark won team MVP for how he stepped up and made a difference. Then, in the past two years, he’s been a durable left tackle who’s started every game for the team. Clark is a very good run blocker who can assert his presence on opposing defenders. He likes to throw guys around. He didn’t get much time against high-level competition except for one incredible performance against Clemson.

He threw Clemson defenders around like rag-dolls. Clark is likely going to transition to the interior and become a guard. Having played left tackle, he could move to left guard and compete with Alex Lewis right away. Quite frankly, if he can develop into a formidable offensive guard, he would form a nasty combo with Mekhi Becton. Although he has flaws and will need development, I like this pick and it’s probably my favorite pick so far on Day 3.

On this Date 8 years ago, the Nets played their last game in New Jersey

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Nets, New Jersey Nets, Brooklyn Nets

On April 23rd, 2012, the Nets played their final game in the Izod Center after their 2-year stint in Newark, thus ending the franchise’s run of 35 seasons in New Jersey.

The Nets lost the game to the Philadelphia 76ers, 105 – 87. Players that scored in double figures that night for the 76ers were Jrue Holiday (15), Andre Iguodala (14), Elton Brand (15), Lou Williams (11), Evan Turner (13), and Thaddeus Young (15).

Marshon Brooks (18) and Kris Humphries (16 pts 12 rbs) lead the Nets in scoring while Gerald Wallace, Johan Petro, and Armon Johnson all scored in double figures. Also on that Nets team was Gerald Green, Anthony Morrow, and DeShawn Stevenson. Deron Williams and Brook Lopez were inactive for that game. In Avery Johnson’s 2nd to last year as Head Coach, the team finished the season 22 – 43 that season. Here is one of the few highlights from that season:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKRPU6GXvsI?controls=0&start=11&w=560&h=315

It wasn’t until their move to Brooklyn and acquisition of Joe Johnson that the team finally started winning again. But from 2007 to that final game in 2012, the New Jersey Nets were one of the worst franchises in the NBA, finishing each of those five seasons with losing records.

It’s the horrible seasons fans are forced to endure that make the successful ones that much sweeter. When Brooklyn holds that championship trophy in the next few years, the same Nets fans that suffered from 2007-2012 will be the loudest ones cheering, and I will be among them.

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NFL Draft Top 5 EDGE Rusher Rankings

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With the NFL Draft rapidly approaching, over the next few days, I plan on breaking down the best and brightest talents in this year’s class. This class is full of some unique prospects. There is a plethora of depth, but there are 5 guys who really stand out to me.

1. Chase Young, Ohio State

Pro Comparison: Jadeveon Clowney

I don’t know if there is a single-player as talented as Young in this class. Young wreaked havoc on college football this year. Young is going to be an absolute ANIMAL at the next level. He’s going to be an absolute superstar. There’s not much for me to nitpick in his game so I won’t even try. Clowney is a physical specimen just like Young and I think Young is going to be that type of game wrecker at the next level.

2. Zach Baun, Wisconsin

Pro Comparison: T.J. Watt

Zach Baun is one of my favorite prospects. Baun is another high IQ linebacker who is very good with his hands to come from Wisconsin. He’s explosive and he’s put up solid numbers at Wisconsin. Baun could struggle if he doesn’t gain a little more size, but Baun has the makeup to be a very talented player at the next level. Watt was a great edge rusher from Wisconsin and Baun can continue that trend.

3. Yetur Gross Matos, Penn State

Pro Comparison: Cameron Wake

Gross Matos was one of my favorite players to watch last year. He was so good against the run, in fact, he was a lot better than Chaisson and Epenesa last year, two guys he’s often bundled with. He was a very productive edge rusher last season. He was able to be a force against the run and against the pass. He also allowed for stellar production from the guys around him. At the very least, he’s going to be an average defensive end. At best, Gross Matos could be a very productive edge rusher. The ceiling is high, but his floor isn’t low. He’s a safe prospect. He lacks the speed that guys like Chaisson and a Young have, but he makes up for it in strength and size. Wake was a productive edge rusher who’s a unique blend of size and speed is reminiscent of Gross Matos.

4. K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU

Pro Comparison: Vic Beasley

I’m not entirely sold on Chaisson. I think he’s a very good edge rusher. He’s good at disrupting the pass with good speed and good hands. Overall, Chaisson has great potential as an edge rusher. However, Chaisson has bust potential. He struggles with the run and he definitely needs to develop as a run stopper. Chaisson reminds me of Beasley because of his ability to be a productive sack producer and average in the run game.

5. Bradlee Anae, Utah

Pro Comparison: Kamalei Correa

Bradlee Anae is a unique prospect. Anae plays with a chip on his shoulder and demonstrates a lot of heart on the field. He’s a good run stopper and a good pass rusher. He’s not elite, but he’s efficient. Anae has good speed and strength. Anae does struggle with really asserting his dominance and using length to an advantage. He’s kind of the opposite of Gross Matos where Anae would be best suited at linebacker rather than at the end. Anae reminds me of Correa because if their abilities to play with lots of energy and effort and both are high character guys with versatility.