Rich Cimini

  (1:02 PM)

Greetings, everyone. A belated Happy New Year to all. Nothing much happening with the Jets, so it might be hard to generate some buzz. Ha!

Russ (Oregon)

Do any of the offensive lineman on the roster have enough talent to contribute in the next year?

Rich Cimini

  (1:03 PM)

Absolutely. They have 2 Pro Bowlers and an almost Pro Bowler. It's not like they have to rebuild the line.

Rob (Coral Springs, F)

Bart Scott is losing it. He's like Rex, talks real big and delivers real real small. Do you think we should cut him?

Rich Cimini

  (1:05 PM)

Easy for me to say because it's not my money. He's due $4.2M guaranteed. In getting him to take a pay cut last summer, they agreed to guarantee his '12 salary. Bad move. He's a first and second-down LB on the downside. Cap fig is $6M. Not worth it.

Joe (NJ)

Hi Rich, Do you think it was smart of McElroy to make those comments? Should a third/fourth string QB be calling others in the locker room? It seems that McElroy and Namath are on the same page when it comes to thoughts on the Jets attitude. Do you think McElroy was an inside source for Namath this year?

Rich Cimini

  (1:06 PM)

A source for what? It wasn't like Namath was breaking news, he was simply stating his opinions. And, no, I don't think McElroy should've made those comments.

Jeremy (Fair Lawn)

how could Rex not know about the locker-room and chemistry issues? that's usually a sign of when a coach needs to go (not that I want him to get fired).

Rich Cimini

  (1:08 PM)

Of course he knew. That whole "I didn't have the pulse" stuff was just a front. He had the pulse, he just couldn't change it.

josh (ny)

A 5tg overall pick is supposed to have the potential to be an upper-echelon Quarterback. If the Jets are realizing that at best he will be more of a complementary piece and not a true franchise player, then wouldn't they have to move on from him and try to find a real qb of the future?

Rich Cimini

  (1:09 PM)

Fair point, Josh. But where are you going to find a real QB of the future? They hitched their future to Sanchez and it looks like they're gonna ride it out.

Joe (NJ)

Rich, I know there were reports that Cavanaugh was going to get fired, but have the Jets said anything about him coming back?

Rich Cimini

  (1:11 PM)

The Jets are saying they don't expect any changes, but that's a bunch of hooey. We know they're going to be changes, they just don't want to sabotage the coaches from getting jobs elsewhere. Cavanaugh told friends he expects to be fired.

IRA (Staten Island)

Rich, With all the bad press you know Woody's head has to be spinning. Hope he doesn't make his usual splash to cover up their problems but i think Manning is a real possibilty.Your thoughts?

Rich Cimini

  (1:13 PM)

A play for Manning would be the classic overreaction from Woody. It wouldn't surprise me at all if they check into Manning. I'm not buying all these votes of confidence for Sanchez. Now, when push comes to shove, would they get Manning? No, I can't see him coming here. Let's not overlook the neck; it's a serious issue. Wouldn't shock me if he retires.

Jim (NYC)

Rich, great work this season (wish i can say the same about the jets). My constant hair-pulling regarding Schotty has come to a peak. Who is this guy? "I'm a terrific coach" - REALLY?! Mr T says he's done some great things over the last 6 years, how come no reporter asks the obvious follow-up, "WHAT?". How can this guy possibly come back, he's horrible. How much worse can an offense be before they wake up? He should have had to book his own flight home from Miami. Also, can writers please stop calling him a skapegoat? That implies it isn't justified, which is ridiculous.

Rich Cimini

  (1:16 PM)

Relax, Jim. Schotty has done some good things -- 3 playoff appearances and two trips to the AFC title game. He's worked with 3 different QBs and done a decent job. This season, not so much. Serious issues on offense, starting with Sanchez's regression. He won't be back. He will get another job, maybe not a HC job, but it'll be something. The Jets are telling everyone they want him back as their OC. I'll believe it when I see it.

Melissa (Syracuse)

Great column today about what went wrong for the Jets this year. I agree with most of your sentiments, but I wonder why everyone is questioning the release of all the teams so-called leaders. Ellis and Richardson were old and the jets seem to have found capable replacemts for them. Woody was injured and Hunter showed at the end of last season that he had skill (as a side note I wonder why Hunter fell off so much after showing promise last year). To me the issue wasn't that they cut leaders who were past their prime anyway but that those who were not cut (Sanchez, Holmes, etc) didn't step up as leaders

Rich Cimini

  (1:18 PM)

Some fair points, Melissa. At age 40, it would've been tough to bring back T-Rich. But Ellis could've come back for a year. Ditto, Woody. They could've found a way to make J-Co happy. But you're right, their chosen replacements as leaders didn't get the job done -- namely Sanchez and Holmes.

kev (nyc)

behind closed doors, do the jets have any real "leaders" left? if so, who are they...

Rich Cimini

  (1:20 PM)

Contrary to the public perception, the Jets do have some good leaders, like: Tomlinson, Moore, Pouha, Leonhard, Mangold.

Marco (New Jersey)

Great work on Jets coverage all year, Rich. Loved the "Loss of Identity" article this AM. Right on.Question: There has been a lot of talk of "questionable quality guys" on the team but I am wondering - besides Santonio, who we all agree is one, are there REALLY others? Or has this become a generalization unfairly applied to the team as a whole when there is really only one bad actor? It's not readily apparent who the others might be. Who are they? Care to name any names?

Rich Cimini

  (1:24 PM)

This is a great question, Marco, but I think, to a certain degree, the entire team has been thrown under the bus because of one bad apple. Plaxico didn't cause any problems, as best I can tell, although I don't think he took a real leadership role. I think some players questioned him missing practice time, but he wasn't a major headache. Bart Scott was a sour puss all year and became a pain because his PT was declining. Other than those 2 or 3, I don't think there were any major problems.

MM (Boston)

Hey Rich: Before the season I asked you if Mike T. was a good GM - I think he trades way to many draft picks (thus no depth on this team)- signs fa's based on names not talent - lets to many good locker room guys go. So my question - how long until he is on the hot seat?

Rich Cimini

  (1:25 PM)

His seat is warming up. If they don't make the playoffs next season, he tush will be feeling it.

Jonathan (New York City)

Do you really think the Jets will their first round pick on a pass rusher when their OL is is shambles?

Rich Cimini

  (1:26 PM)

I don't think the OL is in shambles. Yes, pass rusher is a bigger need.

Sean (NYC)

Hi Rich,Yesterday wrote about a search for a legit #2 QB. You mentioned about 6 QB's that were possibilities. Of which I think Kyle Orton would be the best option. Also how about Chad Henne? Do you think he would be a good option if Orton finds a starting gig?

Rich Cimini

  (1:26 PM)

No. Henne has a good arm, but he's short on intangibles. Couldn't handle NY.

Sean (NYC)

Despite everything Tanny and Rex are saying about Schotty. I would seriously doubt he is able to land a head coaching job next season. In your opinion do you think he will be the OC next year? Also what do you think will happen to Callahan? Personally with the way the team is built, the mentality of our head coach, and the limits of our starting QB, I think Callahan would be best suited to run the ground and pound philosophy.

Rich Cimini

  (1:28 PM)

It's amazing how people are buying this Schotty spin from the Jets. They're doing everything they can to find him a job. What does that tell you?

Jimmy (Huntington)

Was there any news that D'Brickashaw was hurt this year, or was it just a bad year for him? Also, please tell me that all this talk of Schotty coming back is fluff!

Rich Cimini

  (1:29 PM)

I think I just answered the Schotty question. Brick was bothered by a foot injury late in the season. He was limping noticeably the week of the Miami game.

JD (Boston, MA)

Rich, Concerning the Jets defensive difficulties covering TEs, if Maybin is light for his size and fast, it's not clear to me why he couldn't cover guys like Gronkowski or Hernandez. Also, while I'm not trying to sound like a Brick apologist it seemed like some of the sacks he gave up were because the right side of the pocked was collapsing and Sanchez was forced to the left side. Any thoughts?

Rich Cimini

  (1:30 PM)

Maybin is light and fast, but he can run in only 1 direction: straight ahead. He doesn't have to agility or lateral quickness to cover. Interesting thought on Brick, but I don't think so.

Jim (Columbus, OH)

Going to be hard to address all needs this offseason (LB, S, WR, RT). That said, do you see a position here that can mostly be fixed from the inside through development?

Rich Cimini

  (1:34 PM)

Good question, Jim. Hmm, lemme see. Mauga has potential at LB. They like him. Nothing at safety. Kerley at WR, but that's not exactly a revelation. I like some things Patrick Turner did. At RT, it would be Vlad and I don't think he's ready.

Joe (Rockland)

Great Coverage all season long, one of the only objective beat writers and a pleasure to read. One the defensive side of the ball, besides for not having safeties who can cover tight ends, the other major flaw with the defense has been a lack of a pass rush without blitzing. Mario Williams is an unrestricted free agent and I think Tannenbaum will give him a call. Coming off an injury I am not certain the Texans will put the franchise tag on him. What are your thoughts?

Rich Cimini

  (1:35 PM)

Thanks, Joe. I think Williams would be a consideration, if he's healthy. In the 06 draft, they had Williams and Bush rated ahead of Brick.

Jim (Columbus, OH)

I thought LT looked good enough for one more year at a small salary . The question remains, though, whether Powell can come in and hold down the 3rd RB spot. What do you see there?

Rich Cimini

  (1:37 PM)

I think LT looked great in the last game, but I think they've decided to move on. I didn't see enough of Powell to make an evaluation, but what I was nothing special. They need a No. 1-type back to complement Greene.

bkjetfan15 (Brooklyn, NY)

Hello Rich, Do you see Brian Shottenheimer leaving NY for a HC job and if so, will it be soon or are we waiting on Jacksonville? Also, who do you see the JETS getting from the draft?

Rich Cimini

  (1:39 PM)

I think Schotty has a chance in Jax. He's interviewing today, in fact. He's charismatic and will kill the interview. He has Florida ties (former Gator) and has exp with young QBs. If he doesn't get that gig, it'll be tough to find a HC job in the NFL, but I could see him moving for an OC job.

Andrew (Hoboken)

Have you ever seen a National Autopsy like this ever performed on an 8-8 team? I know it is a new day with media, but this is off the charts. I barely realized there are playoff games this weekend.

Rich Cimini

  (1:40 PM)

It is amazing, isn't it? Some people might not even know the Giants are playing.

Jim (Vienna)

Back in '12 or not, Schotty? Holmes? LT? Burress? Scott? Pace? Any other's you see as being cut?

Rich Cimini

  (1:41 PM)

Schotty -- no. Holmes -- undecided (Jets say yes, I wonder). LT -- no. Burress -- no. Scott -- no. Pace -- yes.

Greg (Woodcliff Lake, NJ)

Afternoon, Rich! I just read your article about how D Brick has given up one more sack than Wayne Hunter has. That being said, does that change your opinion on the position the jets most need to upgrade?

Rich Cimini

  (1:42 PM)

Not at all. Brick still is a good player.

Dec (Ireland)

Hi Rich. How much of the defense drop off this season to you ascribe to Pettine taking over playcalling duties from Rex?

Rich Cimini

  (1:44 PM)

I'm not really buying that. Rex still is very involved. The dropoff was due to lack of coverage ability in the middle of the field and lack of speed on the perimeter.

John K. (Brooklyn, NY)

Hi Rich, There have been a lot of troubling trends this week--even more than usual for a team that collapses the way we did. I feel the major league pile-on is due, in part, to Rex and Mr. T's abysmal presser on Monday. Do they really play us for fools? Let's set aside captains or chemistry. The talent on this team is what held the Jets back. And then we have to sit there and listen to these two that basically argued for continuity. Is this just window dressing and the Jets will do a serious makeover this offseason? Or are they, as you argued in your piece on Monday, going into next year with, yet again, the same strategy of continuity

Rich Cimini

  (1:45 PM)

Oh, no, there won't be continuity. They'll shake it up. But I agree on 1 thing: The Holmes fiasco has overshadowed some of the other issues, like an eroding talent base. I'm not condoning what Holmes did, or the way he's acted, but it's taken the spotlight away from Tannenbaum.

Paul (Erie)

Rex said he wants to be more involved with the offense next year. But that's not happening unless Schotty is gone! However Tanny said Schotty is coming back unless he gets a HC job (which I don't see happening). So how do the Jets spin it so Schotty doesn't come back without making him look bad or the Jets for saying he was coming back? If in fact he does not? I know a lot of ifs....

Rich Cimini

  (1:46 PM)

Schotty will get a job. It might not be a HC job, but he'll get one.

Oz (CT)

Hi Rich, There's been signs all season about chemistry issues. There was Derrick Mason. There was Holmes and Moore. There was Sanchez yelling at somebody right after he throes a touchdown to Holmes in the Buffalo game. Then towards the end, there's Holmes blowing off Sanchez and quitting in Miami and McElroy blasting pretty much the whole team. I love Rex, for a "players" coach with an open door policy, how's it possible that he didn't have the pulse of the team. I can't fathom that none of the players or coaches didn't realize the magnitude of the issue and share that with Rex. Thoughts ?

Rich Cimini

  (1:48 PM)

Like I said earlier, Rex knew what was going on. He just didn't do a good job of managing it.

Kicky (Kearny)

rich,As a beat guy, how do you feel when Mike Tannenbaum comes to a press conference with a straight face and tells you that the Jets probably won't bring in a QB to push Mark Sanchez because they have confidence in a guy like Kevin O'Connell, who's been let go by the Jets twice and by the Lions and Dolphins as well? I mean, it's so absurd that it's basically insulting. Is Tannenbaum serious with answers like that or is it a way to stick it to the media?

Rich Cimini

  (1:49 PM)

Press conferences aren't Mike's strong suit, that's for sure. In this case, I took it the opposite way. I read it that they're going to bring in competition for Sanchez.

David (New York)

Rich, I've been critical of your work but thought today's article was excellent. I can't remember how many times I was screaming at the TV for them to run the ball, the Jets on offense got away from who they were. Now to the disharmony issuue, the rhetoric last summer was that Braylon was disliked -do you think that was another reason for them to justify going after Holmes over Edwards?

Rich Cimini

  (1:51 PM)

Thanks, David. Bottom line on Holmes-Edwards: They felt Holmes was the better player. I asked a couple of GMs around the league, and they felt the same way. Edwards was no picnic, either, with his attitude. He was a diva, although I don't think he was as divisive as Holmes, if at all.

Jimmy (Huntington)

Rich, Do you believe that Rex and Mr. T will make a bunch of moves this off season, or just little tweaks here and there. Also, is Bart Scott guaranteed this year because of the restructuring this past off season...if so, guess they can't cut him right?!

Rich Cimini

  (1:52 PM)

They can still cut Bart, but they'll have to pay him. Bad move when they re-did his contract. and, yes, they will make moves, especially on D.

Chubby (North Arlington, NJ)

rich:I understand that Mr T and Rex don't like criticism, but that presser was from outer space. The Jets "have a locker room filled with guys like Victor Cruz"? Talking about Patrick Turner and Caleb Schlauderaff? Do you think the Jets are developing a bunker mentality with the media where they're just going to refuse to admit any mistakes at all?

Rich Cimini

  (1:53 PM)

The Schlauderaff reference was hilarious. I bet you Schlauderaff was stunned to hear his name mentioned. I know what Mike was trying to say, it just came out wrong.

Sal (San Diego)

Hi Rich...Thanks again to you and your colleagues for another great season of coverage....I was curious if you have a pulse on how Woody Johnson feels about all of this. I read an article recently that mentioned Mara once sat down with Coughlin and gave him a stern directive to change or else. Do you think Johnson has it in him to give such a directive to his management team beginning with Rex?

Rich Cimini

  (1:54 PM)

Thanks, Sal. Why should Woody have a talk with Rex? He's brilliant, according to the owner.

Craig (Manalapan)

Rich, I am not as down on Sanchez as most. The guy looked jittery and lack fundamentals most of the year but I believe, based on what we saw in years 1 and 2, the guy can be a winning QB for the Jets. He will never be Tom Brady but if we improve the O line, get back to being a top defense and get in alot of work with Sanchez this off season I think we will be fine. Your take?

Rich Cimini

  (1:56 PM)

he has been a winning QB, so, yes, I think he can remain one. He has a lot of work to do. His confidence was shot and he had no trust in his starting WRs. That's why he was throwing to Keller and Kerley in Miami.

John (Smithtown, NY)

Since letting go of "insdie" character guys (i.e. Cotchery, Woody), what's more optimal; bringing in "outside" character guys OR hoping "internal" character guys project a bigger role on the team?

Rich Cimini

  (1:57 PM)

Both.

Greg (Woodcliff Lake, NJ)

Should the jets hang on to Wayne hunter? Performance aside, I love his attitude. Challenging Holmes like that.

Rich Cimini

  (1:57 PM)

The players love Hunter. Good dude, works hard.

Baldy (Harrison, NJ)

What's your gut on Holmes? Coming back or not?

Rich Cimini

  (1:58 PM)

I'll take Mike and Rex at their word: He'll be back. I'd say 90% back, 10% not.

Lucas (Scarsdale)

Hey Rich, what's your view of how secure Rex and Mike T.'s positions are under Woody? Would either be at risk if the team underperforms again next season?

Rich Cimini

  (1:58 PM)

Yes.

Matt (Madison)

Hi Rich, Love the Chats and the Blog.Rex and Tanny can't be serious about bringing Schotty back in the same role. Please tell me this is a smoke screen and they have a better plan they're not telling us about.

Rich Cimini

  (1:59 PM)

Smokescreen.

James Bond NYC (piscataway)

Hello Rich, Thanks for taking the chats. We Football fans appreciate your hard work this season. How do the players feel about Rex Ryan? This season was filled with drama and adversity and they came up way short of expectations. Do the players feel differently about Ryan now? Also the way how he has cozied up to Holmes a little too much? Are they going to second guess him? I just don't think he is as popular as he was just a year ago.

Rich Cimini

  (1:59 PM)

Not as popular, but still has strong support.

Noah (Westchester)

How toxic is the locker room stuff Rich? Can it really be fixed with one offseason?

Rich Cimini

  (2:00 PM)

Sure it can.

Jim (NYC)

Talk us off the ledge Rich! Please tell me claims of the OC coming back are just fronts until they can/will make the move. Also, will my second favorite Jet (sarcasm) Eric Smith come back as a starer?

Rich Cimini

  (2:00 PM)

Eric Smith is cap-friendly and still does a lot of things. I expect him back.

Oz (CT)

Hi Rich, Do you think Rex will change his coaching ways ? I'm not talking about the bravado to the outside world. A lot of his Superbowl "Gaurantees" get a lot of play, but I don't really think he gauranteed it. He said he believes they will win. Subtle difference, but it is a difference. But guys like Cowherd and Lupica run with that. I'm more concerned that he does a better job building and coaching the product on the field.

Rich Cimini

  (2:01 PM)

No, he actually used the word "guarantee."

IRA (Staten Island)

Rich, Wouldn't you think Callahan will hire Brunell as the QB coach?

Rich Cimini

  (2:01 PM)

No, they need an experienced guy.

Bill Douglas (White Plains, NY)

Answer to QB of the future - Matt Flynn. He comes out of the box already assembled. Cut the cord with Sanchez now. Esp if you are forced to keep Holmes. OK, what is the counter to that plan, Rich?

Rich Cimini

  (2:02 PM)

Flynn is interesting. I have to think there might be a market for him, and I don't think Jets would spend big $. But he's interesting.

jeff (NJ)

Rich, will McElroy still be here next season? and how will the players react to him if he is?

Rich Cimini

  (2:03 PM)

He'll be here. I'm sure Mr. Holmes might have something to say to him ... assuming Holmes knows his name.

Anthony (NYC)

Rich which due you feel is the most important position for the Jets to address with their 1st round pick in the draft, should it be ROT or DE-OLB or S?

Rich Cimini

  (2:03 PM)

Pass rusher.

Peter (NYC)

Rich - I read somewhere that Pettine is getting some consideration for HC vacancies. Any truth to this?

Rich Cimini

  (2:04 PM)

Not that I know of.

Brian (Ridgewood)

Rich, do you think they would look into anotehr quarterback in the same class as a Kyle Orton and then have a competition in camp?

Rich Cimini

  (2:04 PM)

Absolutely. That's happening.

PIN (Mt Olive NJ)

If the Jets stopped Cruz's 99 yd TD, would we have a Vice Versa effect for both NY Teams?

Rich Cimini

  (2:06 PM)

One of those what-if questions ... Hmm. What if they tackled Tebow? We'll never know.

Rich Cimini

  (2:06 PM)

Unfortunately, I'm out of time. Sorry I didn't get to everybody's question, but I think we set a record for most questions. I really appreciate the interest. We'll do it again next week. Take care. Rich