Antonio Cromartie arrived at Jets training camp four months ago armed with a new four-year contract and something to prove.
The Jets signed Cromartie to a $32 million deal only after missing out on prized free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. When Cromartie showed up for the Jets’ first day of camp, he promised big things this season and said he would play with a “chip on my shoulder.”
“I still have it,” Cromartie said yesterday.
But it has been a season filled with ups and downs for Cromartie, one of the most inconsistent players on a team that has several. The 27-year-old found himself in the middle of another huge sequence in Sunday’s game with the Bills. Cromartie was called upon as an emergency punt returner in the third quarter and muffed the punt. A play later, Bills receiver Brad Smith caught a tipped ball over him for a game-tying touchdown.
“I’ve had my ups and downs, but I think overall [the season has gone] pretty well,” Cromartie said. “Some of the plays, if you look at it, there are some plays that didn’t go my way: fighting for a touchdown against Dallas, this past week for a touchdown.”
Jets coach Rex Ryan said he has been happy with Cromartie’s play.
“I think Cro, at times, has played well,” Ryan said. “He had a tough break on the one Brad Smith caught. He had great coverage, tips the ball up and the kid stays with and makes the catch for a touchdown. The fumble I think was leading into that a little bit. … Overall, I’ve been pleased with the way Cro has played. Do I think he can play better? I absolutely do. I really do, but I feel that about a lot of guys.”
Cromartie’s biggest problem this season has been penalties. He has drawn seven penalties (one declined) for 56 yards. According to profootballfocus.com, only three cornerbacks in the NFL have drawn more flags. Cromartie had four of those penalties against the Raiders in Week 3 of the season.
The website, which does film analysis and grades players, has Cromartie ranked 37th out of the 45 cornerbacks who have played 75 percent of their team’s snaps. He has given up five touchdowns, tied for fourth most in the league.
Cromartie has had some good games this year, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his game against the Jaguars in Week 2. But he knows that there is a lowlight reel for him this season featuring two touchdowns allowed against the Cowboys, losing Brandon Marshall against the Dolphins and Smith snagging the ball over him this week.
“If you have one mistake, things can look very bad,” Cromartie said. “We’re out there on that island all by ourselves. Half of the people don’t know what they’re talking about because they don’t know what kind of coverage we’re in or what kind of scheme we’re in.”
Earlier this season, defensive coordinator Mike Pettine spoke about Cromartie’s inconsistency and did not hold back.
“That’s something we’ve had many discussions about behind closed doors,” Pettine said. “ I’m not sure [what the cause is]. … It could be a horoscope thing. I’m at a loss. I think we’re all searching for that answer.”
Pettine said at the beginning of games he usually asks defensive backs coach Dennis Thurman if the Jets have the good Cromartie or bad Cromartie that day.
Cromartie might be coming under more fire if Asomugha had lived up to expectations in Philadelphia this year. Their big signing has been a disappointment so far this year.
Playing opposite Darrelle Revis, Cromartie is going to be tested in the coming weeks. His teammates hope that the good Cromartie shows up for the playoff push.
“I think it just comes down to technique,” safety Jim Leonhard said on WFAN this week. “When he’s patient and puts his hands on receivers, he’s extremely tough to beat. He’s got away with his physical gifts for a long time. There’s times where it comes up and bites him, just being off on his technique.”