Poor perception irks Clowney and other Jets receivers

DENNIS WASZAK JR. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: August 3, 2009

CORTLAND, N.Y. David Clowney has had enough with people saying the New York Jets have no wide receivers other than Jerricho Cotchery.

No, really, he’s tired of all the doubters and naysayers who insist the Jets lack a No. 2 receiver. Clowney is so fed up, in fact, he needs to censor his thoughts.

“I can’t say it over the mic,“ the speedy wide receiver out of Virginia Tech said Saturday at training camp, laughing and shaking his head. “Write that down. I just can’t say it.“

Clowney is among a group of inexperienced receivers trying to win the starting spot opposite Cotchery that was vacated when Laveranues Coles was allowed to leave as a free agent.

“It’s the perception, and it’s pretty strong out there,“ said Brad Smith, taking a toned-down approach. “Everybody has a right to their own opinion.“

Not that the receivers have to like it.

“I don’t think anyone’s taking it personal,“ Chansi Stuckey said. “Every one of us has thick skin, so I think we’re just going out and want to prove everybody wrong by just making plays and hushing all the talk.“

That “talk” stems from the fact that Cotchery, a five-year veteran, has 260 career receptions while Stuckey, Smith and Clowney have combined for just 86 career catches. The prevailing thought has been that help is needed, and the Jets did little to quell that when they acknowledged having inquired about Plaxico Burress before the draft.

With Burress’ legal status uncertain, it’s up to the guys on the roster at SUNY Cortland to make the idea of the former Giants star joining the team a non-issue.

While none of the three - or any of the other five receivers on the roster - has the combined production of Coles or Burress, coach Rex Ryan likes the group’s versatility. And perhaps there could be a rotation for the No. 2 spot, depending on formations.

“Everybody knows Stuckey’s a great receiver in the slot,“ Ryan said. “Well, it seems to me maybe he ought to be in the slot. Clowney’s got great vertical speed. OK, there he is. And then you’ve got Brad, and maybe someone else will emerge. I’m comfortable with those guys, I really am.“

Stuckey has been practicing almost exclusively with the starting offense after having 32 catches for 359 yards and three touchdowns last season.

Smith is a converted college quarterback who had 53 career receptions in three seasons at Missouri, but he had only 12 for 64 yards last year. He credits new receivers coach Henry Ellard, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, for an improved approach.

“Not playing the position before, there were basic things I just didn’t know coming in and people kind of assume that you know it,“ Smith said. “He’s getting me back to scratch.“

Smith has focused this summer on getting off the line of scrimmage better, running crisper routes and improving his separation from defenders.

“He can do everything,“ Ryan said. “I don’t know why he can’t be an excellent receiver, and he’s going to be given every chance to be the No. 2 guy.“

Clowney has speed to burn and excited fans with an exceptional preseason a year ago before missing several games with a shoulder injury. He then reminded everyone of how valuable he could be when he hauled in a pass from Brett Favre with one hand and turned it into a 26-yard gain against Buffalo in Week 15.

“That play by itself didn’t make me hungry,“ said Clowney, a fifth-round pick by Green Bay in 2007. “I’ve been hungry since I was drafted.“

All three receivers insist having a tight-knit relationship makes things easier as they compete against each other.

“We’ve got a depth chart, but that could always change,“ Clowney said. “You’ve got guys who start doing better, and guys who start doing worse. So, those names start switching spots. We’ve all just got to make it happen.“