The End of the Braylon Edwards Era Should Mark the Beginning of the Ryan Spadola Era

Aug 24, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara (20) intercepts a pass intended for New York Jets wide receiver Ryan Spadola (85) in the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/The Star-Ledger via USA TODAY Sports

You know that expression, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”? Or, the one about how one’s misfortune marks the opportunity for another? Well, that is exactly what we have here in NY.

Many people were shocked about the release of Braylon Edwards. The complaint was that he is the best playmaker on the team, and they are getting rid of one of their only weapons. But I say no. I say it is the right move, as they are trying to get younger.

Enter Ryan Spadola. The Lehigh graduate has been turning heads from the moment he walked into Jets headquarters, and his play is one of the main reasons that Braylon was given his walking papers.

Look at yesterday’s press conference for the evidence.

Rex began the press conference by singling out Ryan for his play during the weekly video review he has been doing:

We’re going to start the press conference like I have the last two weeks, going over some real positives that I’m seeing on tape and a couple individuals this time. We’re going to talk about Ryan Spadola, Spicoli if you will. He’s up at the top, comes here in motion. You’re going to see this young man, no, he’s been doing a great job. Obviously, this one is just a touchdown we’re going to show you, but he’s had production now the last several weeks. Also on the practice field and things, the Green and White scrimmage. We’ve seen this kid, all he does is show up and make plays. (He’s) also doing a good job on special teams. (I’ve) been really happy with the way that this young man’s come in here. The other thing, too, that jumped out at all of us was the kind of shape that he showed up in. Obviously, he was in great shape in the conditioning drills and everything else.

He then talked about Spadola again when addressing Edwards’ release:

Well, again, every decision we make is made on the principles that I always talk about – the team, the team, and the team, and that’s it. Both those guys, both Joe and Braylon had tremendous moments for us and they contributed a lot to our franchise without question. But we’re trying to move forward. We showed you Ryan Spadola, some young receivers that we think can help us and I think that’s the direction that we’re moving in. Will we close our door on a player returning? No, I don’t believe so. But right now, again, this is what we felt was in the best interest of our football team overall. Recognizing the contributions that both those young men had for us, and the other guys that we let go, again that’s the toughest part of this job. And I know people are going to say it’s the media. That’s not true. The toughest part is when you have to cut people.

Ryan is a great kid, and has even had discussions with Wayne Chrebet. He is doing all of the right things, and I can’t wait to see his play during the season.