FanHouse Andre Wadsworth

When the New York Jets announced their roster cuts yesterday, there were a few surprises on the list. Sure, most people expected Andre Wadsworth and Anthony Schlegel to be released, but Kimo von Oelhoffen, Bobby Hamilton and Danny Ware? At least in some small degree, they came as a bit of a shock.

Ware, a rookie running back out of Georgia, had a good preseason for the Jets and appeared to have a spot locked down. However, Coach Eric Mangini thought otherwise and decided to cut him loose, thinning an already shallow pool of running backs for New York.

Like Ware, and up until this week, it seemed like von OelHoffen and Hamilton's jobs were secure. But at 36 years old and commanding significant salaries, Mangini decided to save the Jets some money ($1.85 million on von OelHoffen alone) and get younger.

Other notable cuts: Defensive end Michael Haynes, tackle Na'Shan Goddard and cornerback Manny Collins.

Surprising non-cut: Quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo.

The New York Jets rounded out their preseason with a 13-11 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, which concluded on a game winning field goal off the foot of Mike Nugent.

Marques Tuiasosopo led the Jets in passing, going 9 of 16 for 78 yards. And while the statistics aren't that impressive, he was the catalyst on the Jets final drive. He showed some good poise and leadership ability on that series, possibly winning him the third quarterback job over Brad Smith.

The rushing attack was also something to behold tonight for New York. Even with Leon Washington and Thomas Jones sitting out, the Jets were able to gain 113 yards on the ground. Stacy Tutt led the way with 48 yards, while Danny Ware added 33 of his own.

Defensively, things weren't quite as positive. While the Jets did manage to hold the Eagles to 11 points, quarterback Kevin Kolb was able to pick their secondary apart. He ended the night going 22 of 33 (33 passes in a preseason game, are you kidding me?) for 220 yards and a touchdown -- obviously not a positive thing for the Jets second and third team secondaries.

It was quite a surprise when Andre Wadsworth, a former third overall draft pick, announced his return to the NFL. After missing seven years with chronic knee problems, it seemed like a bit of a stretch, but he was determined. That determination eventually led to an interview with the Jets.

When head coach Eric Mangini originally sat down with Wadsworth, he didn't have any intentions of actually signing him. In fact, Mangini urged Wadsworth to reconsider his decision to return to pro football. However, that didn't happen and Andre eventually sold himself into a job.

"In interviewing him and getting to know him, he was so impressive that as much as we tried to scare him off and get him to reconsider, he was too determined," Mangini said.

That determination is something to admire. If Wadsworth is still as good an athlete as he is a salesman, the Jets got the steal of the offseason.

When the Jets signed Andre Wadsworth, someone that had not played a snap in six years, it was already considered a reach; not only for New York but for Wadsworth as well. Now it appears they are reaching a bit further. With the starting defensive ends all but secure, the Jets and Wadsworth will try their luck at linebacker.

While the Jets are not considered "weak" at linebacker, they aren't really considered "strong" either. Because of that Wadsworth will have the chance to come in and win a starting spot opposite of Jonathan Vilma in the 3-4 system; something that could prove very pivotal for the Jets.

If he can stay healthy and has remained in shape, we might be looking back on this signing while considering it a total steal. The potential is most certainly there, now it just has to be followed up.