Honoring Hard Working New York Jets on Labor Day

Jul 31, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets center Dalton Freeman (right) blocks defensive tackle Damon Harrison (94) during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

On the day each year where we honor the working public, we take a few minutes to honor some of the hardest working New York Jets this summer:

DAMON HARRISON

We know how great a story Damon is. Coming onto the team as an undrafted free agent last year, making his way to the active roster by the end. Now, he reached a point where he had the cap on during the final preseason game. He’s been so good, the Jets didn’t even need to see more from him in the final game. Kudos to Damon!

In the game against the Giants, Damon posted seven tackles. His rating for the game, per Pro Football Focus, was tied for second on the team with a 2.4 overall.

He will clear the way for many tackles for the guys around him.

RYAN SPADOLA

We cannot leave a guy off the list that already had signs in the crowd, after being on the team for just a few months!  Who doesn’t love Ryan?

He worked his way up the depth chart to lead the team in receiving with 13 catches for 216 yards and one TD.  In the stat of “Yards per Pass Route Run”, by Pro Football Focus, Spadola was #10 in the league with a 2.35, just two hundredths behind Reggie Wayne, and beating guys like Demaryius Thomas.

It was a well deserved roster spot for Ryan Spadola, who should impress us for years to come.

RICKY SAPP

What a difference being healthy makes, huh?

Ricky Sapp finally had the opportunity to make an impact off the edge as a pass rusher, with the 9th best total in “Pass Rush Productivity” with an 11.9.  When you look at it coming from the right side, Sapp was 5th overall with an 18.1 rating.

Ricky has worked his tail off, and will be a guy that opposing offenses will need to watch out for.

MATT SIMMS

Excellent work by Matt Simms this summer as well.  Yes, he performed against backup football players, but you cannot hold that against him.  Matt finished the preseason with a QBR of 102.59, ranking him third in the NFL.

He earned the job as third stringer, whether or not he gets considered for the starting job.  He earned his spot, fair and square.

Happy Labor Day!  There are many more guys worth singling out than this, these are just four I have chosen.