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It was Week Two of the 2006 NFL season when Jerricho Cotchery emerged as the tough-as-nails receiver on the New York Jets' roster.
The Jets were behind against the New England Patriots when the pocket collapsed on Chad Pennington. Under severe pressure, Pennington lobbed a pass to the right side of the field into Cotchery's waiting arms.
Making the difficult reception between two defenders, Cotchery absorbed a hit from Rodney Harrison, immediately knew that his knees never touched the turf, and sprinted 71 yards for the touchdown.
In his third season, Cotchery's emergence became an NFL highlight.
The former fourth-round pick from North Carolina State spent his first two seasons under Herman Edwards as a special teams player. A 4.54 time in the 40-yard dash was an obstacle he fought to overcome.
Despite breaking collegiate records held by Torry Holt and impressing in practice, Cotchery didn't receive his opportunity until 2006 when Eric Mangini arrived. His work ethic no longer went unnoticed as Mangini rewarded him with Justin McCareins' starting job.
Cotchery responded with 82 receptions and 961 yards, earning him a contract extension through 2012.
Now that Laveranues Coles has negotiated his way out of town, Cotchery has received his well-deserved promotion after complementing Coles for three seasons.
But make no mistakes about it, Cotchery has been the Jets' best receiver since becoming a starter, racking up 2,949 yards with a 12.5-yard average on 235 receptions.
The promotion was merely a formality.
Remembering the Forgetful 2007 Season
The 2007 season was a tragic one for the New York Jets. The offensive line was in shambles, the running game completely stalled, and Kellen Clemens was seeing his first NFL action after a 1-7 start to the season.
To further complicate matters, Coles' season was shortened by injury, thrusting Cotchery into a starting role during a lost season. It was good practice for the future as Cotchery crossed the 1,100-yard threshold despite playing on a miserable offense.
His only help came from Leon Washington during that five-game stretch.
Although Cotchery's production saw a slight decline in 2008, the drop in numbers can be credited to Brett Favre's ability to find different receivers, as well as Thomas Jones' Pro Bowl season.
Cotchery Won't Have to Do It Alone
With an improved offense in 2009, Cotchery's output will be contingent upon who the Jets name as their starting quarterback. Expectations should be kept reasonable, as it's unlikely Cotchery will explode with a 1,300-yard season.
Clemens' familiarity with the offense could allow Cotchery to hit the ground running, but the passing game figures to be an afterthought in an offense that promises to run first.
If Mark Sanchez is named the starter, his inevitable growing pains as a rookie could be a hindrance. Cotchery could have a Roddy White-like season, but that would mean Sanchez has to duplicate Matt Ryan's success.
Essentially, it's up to the Jets to determine who's best for that delicate balance between long and short-term needs.
Regardless of who's named the quarterback on opening day, the essence of the Jets' offensive philosophy is not going to demand for Jerricho Cotchery to become Larry Fitzgerald.
With Brian Schottenheimer planning to bring creativity back to his offense, Cotchery doesn't have to be the traditional No. 1 receiver.
If Jones can repeat his 2008 success, then Cotchery's success will be predicated on the effectiveness of the play-action fake. A comfortable balance between pass and run will allow Cotchery the space he needs to make plays.
When the ball isn't handed off, it's likely that Washington will be utilized as the Jets' premier playmaker. Assistance from Dustin Keller should also relieve some of the burden from Cotchery's hands.
If Cotchery's not a 1,000-yard receiver again, it's going to be because Schottenheimer is masking the offensive focal points. Realistically, there could be a rotation of players used primarily at any given time.
For Comparison's Sake
The resemblance between the offenses of the 2009 New York Jets and the 2004 San Diego Chargers is uncanny.
The Chargers drafted Philip Rivers to take Drew Brees' job while he was still developing. Antonio Gates was the dangerous, pass-catching tight end no one could stop. And the wide receivers weren't threatening, but it didn't matter because the team belonged to LaDainian Tomlinson anyway.
Now the 2009 Jets hope their three-headed rush attack can compare to the one-man wrecking crew Tomlinson was for years. And based off his rookie season, Keller could be everything Gates was, and more.
The best receiver on that 2004 Chargers team was Eric Parker, recording 690 yards on 47 receptions.
Jerricho Cotchery can produce superior statistics, easily.
Throughout his career, he's established himself as a strong receiver who isn't afraid to be physical. He can run underneath routes that force a double team from defensive backs. Or he can build upon his fearless reputation and make daring catches in traffic.
Either way, Cotchery is going to open the secondary for Keller to take advantage of the size and speed mismatches. With as impressive as Keller was as a rookie, it's not too far-fetched to envision a passing attack centered upon the tight end.
With Schottenheimer's history as the quarterback coach on the 2004 Chargers, there's no reason to believe he doesn't see it, too.
Hopefully the Jets have a better finish, though.
