Gilyard to Gang Green

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

Mardy Gilyard was cut from the St. Louis Rams shortly after the team’s final preseason game Sept. 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In that game, Gilyard caught two passes for 33 yards.

However, just hours after being let go by the Rams — who drafted him in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL draft — Gilyard was claimed on waivers by the New York Jets.

Gilyard is now one of six wide receivers on the Jets roster, including Plaxico Burress and Santonio Holmes.

Gilyard tweeted shortly after the deal went through: “Jets jets jets!!!! Leggo!!!!! ... We back n green n white baybeee!!! Ugh!!!”

And so, the Flagler Palm Coast alumnus will wear his old high school colors.

Gilyard caught six passes for 63 yards and four first downs in his rookie season in the NFL. He also averaged 22 yards on kickoff returns.

It’s hard to say what kind of role Gilyard will play in the Jets’ offense. With two proven wide receivers in Burress and Holmes, I’m guessing he will see a lot of time with the special teams units, especially in the return game.

But there’s also a great chance Mardy can become a weapon as a slot receiver. His ability to run precise routes will help him. But he will have to study the playbook and stay healthy — two things he struggled with in his rookie campaign.

Speaking of running precise routes, if you haven’t had the chance to see Mardy Gilyard on ESPN’s Sports Science, go to www.YouTube.com, and search “Mardy Gilyard Sports Science.”

The Jets kick off the season against the Dallas Cowboys on NBC. Game time is 8:20 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11. Good luck, Mardy, with the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets!