Since Plaxico Burress landed in the Big Apple, many have doubted his ability to contribute to the Jets’ offense after two and a half years away from the game.
Another one of Burress’ detractors came out of the woodwork today; and shockingly (or not), it’s the most recognizable man in Gang Green lore.
Appearing on ESPN’s First Take on Tuesday, Joe Namath openly criticized Burress, saying the 34-year-old wideout should count his blessings if he’s just able to get through the entire season unscathed.
“I hope he makes All-Pro, but the realistic side of me … . The reality is, he’ll be damn lucky if he makes it through the season,” Namath said.
Namath, who knows a thing or two about quarterbacking, also doubts whether Plax and quarterback Mark Sanchez will build a rapport over the course of the year.
“When I see Burress, certainly in the past, and Edwards, their route running and adjusting, I didn’t like it — and I still don’t,” Namath told ESPNNewYork.com Tuesday. “I’ll be surprised if Burress and (quarterback Mark) Sanchez click well and I’ll be even more surprised if Burress, after being laid off for two years and change, is going to make it through the season.”
Similar to Jets coach Rex Ryan, Namath has never been one to keep silent, evidenced by his infamous guarantee prior to Super Bowl III. Namath has another bold prediction: Lady Luck will “catch up” to Burress, given his age and the amount of exertion his body will inevitably endure.
It’s fair to question if Plax can hold up this year. It’s highly unlikely he’ll become the dominating possession threat he was before he was sent to prison. The Jets are thrusting him into a major role opposite Santonio Holmes and are counting on his size, 6-5, to help the team’s red zone woes. It’ll be a lot to heap on somebody who, at this time six months ago, was still sitting in the clink.
If the Jets are going to follow up on their three-year promise, and bring home a championship for the first time since Namath ran off of the field with his finger famously thrusted upward to the heavens, they better hope one Super Bowl hero proves the other wrong.
