Santonio Holmes Will Break Out in 2012

June 14, 2012; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes (10) runs a pass pattern during minicamp at the Atlantic Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

There has been a lot said about this guy to the right, Santonio Holmes. Heck, he has given us a lot of reasons to say the things that have been said. Public feuding with offensive linemen, culminating with on-field feuding will do that to a guy’s reputation.

He had some off the field problems as well, before he got to New York, and the one incident right after he arrived. He was traded to the Jets, a former Super Bowl MVP, for a fifth round pick.

After a career year in 2009 with Pittsburgh, he was a clutch receiver for New York. He caught a game winner against Cleveland in 2010 as well as a game winner against Houston. We all remember his huge catch against New England in the playoffs.

The question becomes, which Santonio Holmes will we see? The answer as I see it is, the good Santonio Holmes. Specficially, one along the lines of 2009 and 2010. Turn the page and we’ll talk about why.

Guys like Holmes step up to the plate when they have something to prove, thanks to their arrogance. Don’t get me wrong, Santonio Holmes has proven time and time again that he is an arrogant guy. To cause that much trouble just solely on the amount of passes your are being thrown proves that.

But, arrogance will be used to our advantage here. We all said, myself included, that we wanted him off the team. I’m sure people still do want him off the team. It was written and said that he is a cancer, and the Jets cannot exist with him on the team.

Well, a guy with that much pride and arrogance won’t stand for that. He will undoubtedly be out to prove himself in 2012. Holmes will want to show the world that he is an asset to the New York Jets, so just because he is arrogant, he will do everything he can to prove everybody wrong. How? By being an extra good boy, and working extra hard, that’s how.

If you look at his past, he came out of his legal troubles in 2008, by being named the MVP of the Super Bowl in January of 2009, and putting up careers highs in catches (79), and yards (1,248) in 2009.

When he needs to show himself, he does.

And he is doing the right things so far in 2012.

He has gone out of his way to work with Mark Sanchez, and show the world that they are working to be on the same page once again. He spent time with Mark this off-season, and did attend workouts, except for when he was overseas visiting troops.

Furthermore, Santonio removing himself from workouts the other day was not a problem. In fact, it is evidence that he is on board for 2012.

Everyone thought that Holmes had a temper tantrum that day when he slammed his helmet down. And maybe he did have a small one. But later, we found out what that was about. He was frustrated that he was feeling tightness in his hamstring. He was frustrated, as he wanted to work out, but knew that he couldn’t.

He wasn’t rude when he explained the situation afterwards, he very calmly explained how he talked with the coaching staff about having too many reps, and that he had to take himself out to avoid injury. This is the mark of a veteran that knows his body. It shows that Holmes wants to be ready and able for the season.

He is on board for 2012.

Santonio Holmes, despite all that has happened, will be ready to go week 1. And he will deliver.