Commentary

Observation deck: Pennington is happy camper

Jonathan Vilma is committed to becoming a steady playmaker in the system favored by head coach Eric Mangini., writes Jeffri Chadiha.

Originally Published: August 2, 2007
By Jeffri Chadiha | ESPN.com
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Five observations from New York Jets training camp, gleaned from the team's July 31 practices:

1. Spotlight on Vilma

Expect a better year from inside linebacker Jonathan Vilma now that he is entering his second season in the Jets' 3-4 defense. Despite having the quickness and speed to be a good fit as a middle linebacker in a 4-3 scheme, he is committed to becoming a steady playmaker in the system favored by coach Eric Mangini. It is not just Vilma's lack of size (6-foot-1, 230 pounds) that made playing in a 3-4 defense difficult for him. His new responsibilities also hurt his productivity.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Jeffri Chadiha

NFL
Jeffri Chadiha, formerly of Sports Illustrated, is a senior writer for ESPN.com. Chadiha first attended Wyoming on a full football scholarship before injuries led him to transfer to Michigan after two years. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from Michigan in 1993 before pursuing a career in journalism. Chadiha is also a frequent contributor to ESPN TV.

SPONSORED HEADLINES

MORE NFL HEADLINES

MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM