Ty Law doesn't scare me.
The 5-time former Pro Bowl corner is 34 years old and hasn't played a game since the end of the 2007 season with Kansas City. That season Law came away with two interceptions, 13 passes defensed, and declining play. If he was still good, K.C. would had kept him over Patrick Surtain.
Law said he stayed in shape by playing simulated games. That worked really well for the 2007 Colorado Rockies as they waited to start the World Series. The Boston Red Sox used the momentum of winning a seven-game American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Indians to sweep the Rockies. Ty could play by himself all he wants, but it doesn't compare to actual games.
To be fair, he did get some practice time in. Two practices with his new Jets teammates, and he expects to be ready for a Thursday night game? I don't see it being enough.
The New York Jets coaching staff isn't stupid, though. Law won't start and his playing time should be limited. Maybe Ty will come in handy in sub packages or as part of the dime unit. Maybe they'll just use him in zone because he hasn't played all year.
But if the Jets feel most comfortable with Law playing one-on-one, then be my guest. The first target would probably be WR Randy Moss as Moss doesn't do well against bump and run. Considering Moss incinerated the Jets secondary last year to the tune of 262 yards and a TD on 14 receptions, anybody would be an improvement over last year's coverage.
Law is very capable of playing a physical game and he has enough size to bat away passes thrown over the head of smaller corners. Moss still has a height advantage, but it won't be several inches like Moss enjoys over the average DB.
Keep in mind the rivalry Law had with Keyshawn Johnson, a big receiver Ty competed against when they were division rivals when Law was a Patriot and Johnson was a Jet. Keyshawn was a physical receiver that used his body well. Law had to deal with Johnson twice a year. There was no better way to fine tune Law's press coverage than taking on Johnson.
Since Moss doesn't play like Keyshawn, Law will be the aggressor in the match-up and could really throw off Moss's timing. But if Moss gets a step on Law, Ty won't be able to keep up.
If Law is used in the slot, then his assignment becomes Wes Welker, which would be more difficult. Welker will have his problems getting off the line if Law gets physical with him, but Law would be no match for Welker's quickness after five yards.
No matter where or when Law plays, it adds to the intense rivalry between the two clubs. T.V. cameras will turn their attention to Ty whenever he steps onto the field. And the Patriots will be watching Law's every step as well.
A few things I'm looking for:
Blue Angles - The Jets defense improved from a talented group of players to a precision unit that performs in unison. The Patriots offense that ran well and moved the ball just enough to win in week two will be challenged.
Doubting Woods -There was no doubting Adalius Thomas' play. He had the deciding 20-yard sack on Jets' QB Brett Favre in week two. With Thomas done for the year, the Jets will go after Pierre Woods and whoever plays in place of Thomas.
Wait a Second-ary -Favre looks a lot more comfortable running the Jets offense now. How well can the Pats' banged-up secondary defend a smooth-running offense with New England's pass rush compromised?
It's Troy Brown night at Gillette Stadium. I'm sure his former teammates don't want to let him down. The Jets are a better team from week two, but the Patriots came a long way as well. But losing Adalius with little time to adjust to life without Thomas will be the difference in a Jets win.
