Professor

August 8, 2007 -- Lomas Brown knows all about playing next to a new guard on the offensive line, something Jets left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson may have to do this year, with disgruntled Pete Kendall seemingly off the first team for good.

"It seemed like I played next to a new guard every year in Detroit," said Brown, who was brought in as a consultant by Eric Mangini to work with Ferguson during training camp. "But Brick is so young, I think he'll adjust."

Ferguson resembles Brown's (relatively) lanky frame, and the second-year player said he modeled his style in part on Brown, who played 17 NFL seasons, including two with the Giants (2000-01). The retired veteran said he has been impressed with the former fourth-overall selection.

"He listens, which is important," said Brown, adding that he believed Ferguson had the necessary toughness to succeed. "I don't think that will be a problem."

Brown, who is scheduled to leave camp today, may return during the regular season. What the Jets' line will look like when he gets back is up in the air. Adrien Clarke is at left guard in place of Kendall, who continued to work with the backups.

"It's scripted all the same," Kendall said. "I'm still on the second team. I believe I'm a starter in this league. If and when that changes, I don't know if I'll be the first to admit it, but I don't believe that time has arrived."

Kendall said he believes his release is inevitable, and the chance of retaining a spot on the opening-day roster "seems to be less and less likely."

"I'm starting to get a sense that I'm not getting ready for this team, as the days and weeks go by now," Kendall said. "I'm running with the second team and it seems like the situation has been decided. I've considered leaving."









Why would they take that high of a pick and put him at guard. That is crazy.

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