JETSerious on Wideouts: If Cro’s in, who’s out?

Recently, Antonio Cromartie came out and said that he’s the 2^nd best WR on the team. This sparked a controversy.

We wrote an article on the topic already…and you can check it out here.

However, I’d like to go into greater detail…

Chaz Schilens’ response was an interesting one:

I think it’s a slight, I’m not going to lie… I just wouldn’t say it. It’s not something I would say, but I’m not him I guess… I kind of thought it was a joke, but then I guess he said it and it shows he feels. So it’s my job to, I guess, fix that situation. We’ll see, we’ll see what goes on in practice, but he’s entitled to think whatever he wants.”

Rex Ryan was asked about the situation and if there will be a problem in the locker room, again.

This is what Rex had to say:

Listen to me when I tell you this. I’m aware of what was said. OK? I’m on top of it. I’m telling you that right now. I’m on top of it. And it will not be a problem. And that’s all I’m going to say about it.”

The fact that Cromartie came out and said what he did…. well, it’s over with.

Was it fair? Not really.  But Chaz gave the media some extra nuggets unnecessarily. If he had a problem with what Cromartie said, then he should’ve told him face to face. That’s the best way to handle it as a PROFESSIONAL.

It bothers me that the Jets players CONTINUE to provide the media with negative information on the team. Isn’t there enough media coverage on the Jets?

Message to Chaz: Tell Cromartie to his face… not a reporter who will take it to ESPN! Come on, Man!

Now, as for the Jets depth at WR, it has to be clear who will be getting more reps than others. If the coaching staff would like to use Cro as a WR, I’m all for it. But taking reps away from Rookie Stephen Hill is something that simply cannot happen. As a rookie in the NFL, you need all the reps you can get. That’s a fact. So for Cro to be taking snaps at WR, someone must come out…. And it better not be Hill.

If Chaz Schilens isn’t getting the job done and we’re using Antonio Cromartie at wideout, then release Chaz. It doesn’t make sense to keep him on a roster, which is lacking depth at Running Back and Right Tackle. If the front office decides to go in this direction of cutting Schilens, it will benefit the team in a couple of different ways.

1) More reps for Stephen Hill2) Money saved—can be spent on another position.

However, this could also hurt the Jets. If one of the WR’s happens to get injured, there is not much depth. It wouldn’t be fair to leave out a few WR’s, who deserve a shot—Jeremy Kerley, Jordan White, Raymond Webber or DaMarcus Ganaway. They have potential… but truth be told, there are pros and cons that come with releasing our offseason acquisition.

I like Schilens.He impressed me in Cortland, but this is on the shoulders of the front office and their belief in his role. If they feel Cromartie is a better receiver than Schilens, then so be it. But don’t take away practice reps from the other younger receivers. Go out and get Cedric Benson or Joseph Addai. Get a proven veteran that can contribute to the Jets run first philosophy. What about Tackle Vernon Carey, who is familiar with Tony Sparano from his days in Miami? We can really use some extra depth at positions that don’t exactly have “hidden depth” beyond the starters.

Won’t that take away reps from McKnight, Powell, or Ganaway, you ask? Well, it’s a depth issue… we can use some extra depth at Running Back. There’s no “hidden depth”, like there is at WR if Cromartie plays both ways.

The same goes for RT. Wayne Hunter doesn’t exactly scare anyone. If we can save money by releasing Schilens, and use that money to add depth at another position, I’m all for it.

If Schilens is just standing on the sidelines (like he is in this picture), then it’s a waste of a roster spot. Give somebody else a shot.

Something needs to happen. It will eventually. I highly doubt GM Mike Tannenbaum is done making moves this offseason… so keep your eyes peeled!

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And as always… Thanks for reading!