AlCroTraz takes over for Revis Island
Antonio Cromartie intercepts the ball during a preseason game. (Aug. 27, 2010) Credit: David Pokress
Look for the Jets to use cornerback Antonio Cromartie in a similar capacity this year, meaning he'll be assigned to shadow the opposing team's top receiver each week. That's what the Jets did last year after Darrelle Revis went down with a knee injury in Week 3 against the Dolphins.
"Last year, when Darrelle got hurt, we assigned Antonio to the team’s best receiver," defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman said. "He did a wonderful job for the most part of shadowing those guys. I don’t see that changing that much."
Thurman hopes Dee Milliner can quickly get up to speed and contribute early. Milliner is expected to be fully recovered from shoulder surgery in time for the start of training camp.
"When you draft a young man that high, we feel good about his skill sett," Thurman said of Milliner. "We feel he’s the most complete corner in this year’s draft. We feel like he’ll come in and compete with the others. May the best man win. It’s about competition here. He’s got to earn the job. If he earns the job, great. If he doesn’t, it means someone else stepped up."
