Today we have our third interview on the Jersey Jets Fan. This time it is not with a player, rather Jets beat writer for the NY Daily News Manish Mehta. He is the author of the Jets Stream, the premier blog for the latest Jets insider news and analysis. Manish was a pleasure to interview and is great in response to fans on his Twitter. I’m proud to present you fans with my interview with the one best writer out there, Manish Mehta.
Manish Mehta: Author of the NY Daily News "The Jets Stream"
Jersey Jets Fan- How do you first become involved in writing for the New York Jets?
Manish Mehta- I began as the primary backup for Dave Hutchinson at the Newark Star-Ledger about five years ago. For the past two seasons, the Ledger used a two-man team to cover the Jets, so I attended every practice and home game. It gave me an opportunity to familiarize myself with the players, coaches, etc.
When Dave Hutchinson decided to step down as the primary writer, I took over his responsibilities until the Daily News opportunity presented itself a few months later.
JJF- After taking over for the recently departed Rich Cimini at the NY Daily
News, many people have been very satisfied with the way you deliver the
latest Jets news. How do -you keep it fresh and interesting everyday for
your many readers?
M- I try to put a different perspective on common topics. For example, everyone has followed Mark Sanchez’s knee rehab this offseason. I wanted to delve a little deeper and find specifics on what he’s been doing to improve. For months, he told us that he was watching film and studying to get better. I wanted to know exactly what that education included, so I asked Brian Schottenheimer to break it down for me.
There’s always ways to put an interesting and thoughtful spin on common topics if you take the time to explore.
Jersey Jets Fan- How do you gather facts and form opinions for your articles? Do you watch
a lot of film? Personally attend the OTAs, minicamps and practices?
M- I try to talk to as many people as I can – players, coaches, etc. – to get a full picture of whatever topic I’m writing about. During the season, I’ll watch the game tape to get a clearer understanding of what I saw that week in person. I attended OTAs once a week (that’s the only access we have). I’ll be attending the three-day minicamp next week and make the hike up to Cortland to report from training camp.
JJF- What advice would you give to an aspiring Jets journalist/blogger?
M-Work hard. Be diligent. Most of all, be fair. Every debate, every argument, every discussion has two sides. Don’t be quick to rush to a conclusion. Be thorough and efficient.
JJF- If you could write for one other team in the NFL who would it be and why?
M- If you asked me this question 15 years ago, it’d be a no-brainer: The Eagles.
I’m a Philadelphia native who grew up watching Randall Cunningham and Reggie White. I guess I’ll always bleed Eagles green to some degree, but I don’t really have a true rooting interest any more. Covering the Jets is my job and I take that very seriously. That being said, how can you not have fun covering pro football? It’s the best sport in the world.
Thanks for reading guys, I hope you enjoyed my interview.. Next to come is New York Jets OLB Jamaal Westerman!
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This post was written by...
Payday – who has written 561 posts on Jersey Jets Fan- a New York Jets Blog with Attitude.
Rob aka Payday is the founder of the Jersey Jets Fan and BROcrastinator. Rob is a 21 year old college student that has been a New York Jets fan for all his life, as well as a Qdoba burrito eating enthusiast, military history junkie and proud resident of New Jersey. Follow Rob on Twitter @JerseyJetsFan and Facebook
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