FanHouse Manny Collins

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.

Tonight, the New York Jets open their preseason in a 7:00 pm (est.) showdown with the Michael Vick-less Atlanta Falcons at Giants Stadium.

Spotlight:

Unfortunately, the biggest story surrounding the New York Jets tonight won't be about what happens on the field; it will be about what hasn't happened off of it. The team and first-round selection Darrelle Revis have been unable to agree to a deal and he, along with the Raiders' JaMarcus Russell, remain the only two rookies without a contract.

Because of this holdout and some injuries in the secondary, the Jets expect a lot of their young talent to see significant time tonight. Manny Collins, Alphonso Hodge, Raymond Ventrone, Jamie Thompson and James Ihedigbo will all get to play quite a bit and have their best chance to make a lasting impression on Coach Eric Mangini and the rest of the Jets coaching staff.