2010 NFL Preview-New York Jets

2009 Results: 9-7

Lost in AFC Championship to Indianapolis 30-17

2010 Schedule:

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Overview:

The New York Jets came within a game of making it to the Super Bowl and it must have left a bad taste in their mouth as they went on an off season shopping spree for talent that they hope will push them over the top to the next step. In the past we have seen team try the same approach that the Jets have taken and few succeed as the free agents usually hurt the team that lost them as opposed to helping the team that gets them.

Offense:

Mark Sanchez developed and delivered and if he continues along the same path he has a chance to truly be one of the great ones and great winners. Shonn Greene takes over the every down job at Running Back but the Jets picked up future Hall of Famer Ladanian Tomlinson and drafted Joe McKnight who is just an awesome talent. New York grabbed Braylon Edwards during the season last year and he looked great right off the bat but overall he was inconsistent. The Jets picked up Santonio Holmes in the off season and while he is a talent on the field he is an outright mess off the field and will begin his Jets career on the suspended list. When the Jets were down they went big and early in the draft on Offensive Linemen and a few years later it is paying off as D'Brickshaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold anchor a dominating OL and even though the parted ways with perennial Pro Bowler Alan Faneca, they should be just fine.

Defense:

Head Coach Rex Ryan is a defensive guru and he'll need to be as the Defensive Line isn't anything that pops off the chart on paper but Kris Jenkins return from injury is certainly going to help.  Bart Scott returns to lead the Linebacking corps and Jason Taylor was drawn over to sign as a free agent but this isn't a group that is going to be together for years, they need to win now. Darelle Revis is the NFL's best cover corner and he leads the secondary and the Jets picked up Antonio Cromartie from the Chargers who undoubtedly were willing to part with him because he simply can't tackle. Jim Leonhard is the QB of the defense from the Safety spot.

Special Teams:

The Jets kicking game isn't good and in a league where everyone can play and five points can cost a team five games this may be a sore spot. Nick Folk was picked up to do the kicking but if he kicks like he has in his other gigs, he'll be an ex-Jet soon enough. Punter Steve Weatherford is serviceable but who knows what the wind will be like in the new stadium. My guess is McKnight is somehow involved in the return game.

Prognosis:

Anything short of a Super Bowl victory will be a disappointment for this team and to be honest, I'm not so sure they get there. Just as the Jets surprised a lot of people in the playoffs, now it might be them who are vulnerable against a hungry team looking to make their mark.

Comments (2)

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Over the Hill Gang?
written by Joshua Placa, July 14, 2010

What happened to Ryan's pledge to keep the core team intact? After the AFC championship game where he made poor halftime adjustments and the Jets were trounced in the last two quaters, he said he had the players he needed to take the team to the Super Bowl, they were just injured (Jenkins, Washington). Although never a great fan of Thomas, the back was rock solid, a great team player, and importantly, a mentor to the young QB. Leon Washington was electrifying when healthy and all I ever heard or read about the guy was that he should get the damn ball. The Jets had a real shot at signing arguably the best young receiver in the league, Brandon Marshall, but balked at the contract length. The whole Faneca deal was a debacle and didn't even make economic sense. LT has been on the downside of great for several seasons, and San Diego is still laughing that we "scooped up" the soon to be reborn superstar Cromartie. In short, the Jet moves have downgraded the team, not improved it, by importing a bunch of whiny, spoiled head cases and geezers licking their chops for a last, big, greasy payday. The passing game will improve, the running game will fall off significantly, and the defense will slide because major areas of concern were only band-aided. And, by the way, why is Gholston still getting a check? Sorry to say it, Jet fans, our beloved Gang Green may not even make the playoffs.

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Brutal Schedule
written by ROB RELISH, July 15, 2010

While I agree with Joshua that losing Thomas Jones left a leadership void in the locker room, LT will more than make up for that with his work ethic and passion. From the reports I've read so far, his teammates are already gravitating towards him. I think we'll get a better look at that dynamic when Hardknocks premeires. The Faneca move I believe hurts us the most but you cant argue with the numbers concerning his pass blocking where he ranked as one of the worst lineman in the league. When you got so much invested in the young Mark Sanchez, protecting him is a priority. Whether or not an inexperienced 2nd rounder or backup Matt Slauson can handle the job is to be determined. What I do know is that Mr. T and the Jets personnel team have been very consistent in evaluating the talent on their roster. As far as playoffs are concerned or even winning the division, our Gang Green has a brutal road ahead of them. I think the optimism carried over from the AFC championship appearance has us Jets fans dizzy. We went 9-7 against a MUCH easier schedule. While I always like to be optimistic, I think we need to win 3 out of the first four games to even have a chance at making the playoffs, let alone snatching the division crown. This team has to be LIGHTS OUT. While I have no doubt Rex will have these kids ready to play, which such a big target on their back, the media spotlight, and the quality of their opponents, this team will have enormous pressure to win. They did not have the ability to close out close games in last years campaign. What happens if this team with such high expectations loses those same games. Its not far fetched. Everybody is gonna play the Jets like they're in the playoffs. Thats the bar set. Nobody likes us. We talk alotta sh*t. Everyone is gonna trying to make a name off us early in the season and if we are not at least 6-2 or 5-3 over the first half we have no chance at the playoffs. I love the Jets but until I see them win consistently against great teams, I cant get excited. If our schedule was easier I might have a different feeling but....... Baltimore, New England, @ Miami, @Buffalo?????? THAT. IS. BRUTAL. Then the next four games: Minnesota, Denver, Green Bay, Detroit. WOW. Only two of those games are against non-contenders. Dont drink the koolaid yet.

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