Chatman off to Greener Pastures… or not!

The Jets officially released Jesse Chatman last night in a move that cements Leon Washington and Thomas Jones as 2008’s dynamic duo. Chatman did a great job this preseason and should definitely land a job with someone like Detroit. This provides Gang Green with little depth in the backfield which is somewhat worriesome. I’m a little worried that we are one injury away from putting Leon Washington in the backfield full time. Don’t get me wrong, he is the most talented offensive player on the team, but the reality is sometimes you need 3 yards and a pile of dust. Washington, the Jets version of Dave Meggett, should get the ball early and often, but they also to pound the ball and wear out defenses.

That comes in the form on Thomas Jones. According to Rotoworld.com, “The Jets have decided that Jones’ goal-line struggles last season was the fault of the offensive line. We agree. Getting Chatman off the roster should help Jones bounce back from his fluky two-score season in 2007.”

Let’s hope so! The Jets also released Jehuu Caulcrick who is expected to land on the practice squad. At least there will be another banger in waiting, just in case. The addition of Tony Richardson should also help Jones and Washington down near the goaline.

The other moves the Jets made were fairly predictable. They released Poteat, Schable and Thomas Johnson. I understand the release of Poteat and the potential release of David Barrett today, but I have to agree with Jayvers… what the heck was Chansi Stucky doing in the defensive backfield? See his blog for more info!

As far as the last game action with the Eagles, I loved the way Erik Ainge looked! Apparently the Jets are going to roll 4 deep this year. Brett Ratliff once again looked more confident than Kellen Clemens, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the #2 slot! If this is the case, I wonder what a team like Baltimore would give up for Kellen Clemens? It would be interesting to see if the Jets could get good value for him now if they are confident in turning to Ratliff as the backup! Plus, Erik Ainge had surgery during OTA’s which is why he has been so far behind the ball. If the Jets know that it will be Ratliff or Ainge in the future, then there is no point in holding onto Clemens at his highest value. They’d be lucky to get a late second day pick if he ends up burried on the bench all season.

Either way, all things look good to go headed into Week 1!!! I know It’s crazy to say, but this one is a MUST WIN with New England and San Diego up next. We all know Miami’s going to try to run the ball all game long. The Jets need to stay close to the line of scrimmage and force Pennington to try to beat them deep. Stop Ricky and Ronnie and we’ll have the momentum to host Billacheat in Week 2!!!

UPDATE: CHATMAN WAS SUSPENDED 4 GAMES FOR VIOLATING THE NFL’S STERIOD POLICY! HE WILL RETURN TO THE ROSTER AFTER THE SUSPENSION WHICH PROVIDES THE DEPTH THE JETS NEED AT THAT POSITION. NOW THAT MAKES MORE SENSE!