2012 NFL Season Preview: New York Jets

New York Jets

Front Office:

Owner:             Robert Wood Johnson

GM:                 Mike Tannenbaum

B+:       I love aggressive ownership, especially when they work hand in hand with the GM and HC.  This brashness has given the New York Jets an identity.  This mindset has finally put the Jets into the public’s eyes and made them one of the more entertaining teams in the NFL.  I love it; however they have yet to go to the Super Bowl so that keeps the grade from being an A.

Coaching:

HC:                  Rex Ryan

OC:                  Brian Shottenheimer

DC:                  Mike Pettine

A:         Rex was never known for an X and O kind of guy…that has changed.  He is an excellent leader, motivator, and defensive mind.  He gives the Jets moxie and the players love playing for him.  Shottenheimer is largely responsible for Sanchez’s development.  I believe if the Jets offense has another solid year, Shottenheimer will be a major HC candidate.  Mike Pettine is the DC and he works heavily with Ryan.  I love this group.

QB:                 B+

Mark Sanchez is a game manager.  He is cool under pressure and can lead a team to many come back victories.  He is not, however, a game changer.  He can not will a team to victory by himself.   I think he is a good fit but lets not get over our heads on this kid.  Mark Brunell is a great veteran QB to help mold Sanchez.

RB:                 B

I do not know what to make of Shonn Green.  He has elite potential but has some glaring holes in his game that he did not improve upon from year 1 to 2.  Pass blocking, receiving, and fumbling issues have kept him in a rotation instead of being a star.  With young talent like Bilal Powell and Joe McKnight on this team, Green will have competition.  Let’s see if it brings out the best in him.  At the very least he owes me 25 bucks for my fantasy team last year in which I used him as my first round pick.

WR/TE           B+

Santonio Holmes is a stud.  He loves the limelight and comes up big in pressure situations.  Holmes is complemented very nicely by Braylon Edwards.  If these two ever stayed out of trouble and if Braylon would become more consistent than they could be one of the best 2 tandems in the league.  Jerricho Cotchery gives the Jets depth and I do not think they can resign Brad Smith if they resign Holmes and Edwards.  Dustin Keller is a huge weapon whose numbers do not show it duo to the number of weapons the Jets have.

OL:                 B+

Ferguson and Mangold are elite All Pro Talents at Center and LT.  Brandon Moore and Matt Slauson are rock solid at OG.  Only hole or chink in the armor is RT.  Wayne Hunter is a versatile backup but not a season long starter and Vladimir Ducasse, second round pick from 2010, is still very raw.  We will see what happens.

DL:                 B

Shaun Ellis is still good but old and with the number of FA on this team he will probably not be back.  Kris Jenkins was let go…so the Jets are going with a youth movement.  Mike DeVito and Muhammad Wilkerson will be young DE that will surround Sione Pouha.  Pouha is 32 but will be spelled from time to time by the recently drafted Kendrick Ellis.  In time this could be a dominate group.

LB:                  B

Bart Scott and David Harris aren’t the flashiest pair but are physical and consistent.  Harris needs to be resigned for his leadership, blitzing, and run stuffing ability.  Bryan Thomas and Calvin Pace are not capable of 10 sacks but are all around solid.  Only problem with this unit, besides Harris, is they are on the wrong side of 30.  Next draft needs to bring young talent to this position.

DB:                 B/B+

Darrelle Reevis by himself gives them a B.  I have never seen a CB like him.  Antonio Cromartie is very solid as well…only problem with him is vs. quick wide receivers that can beat his press.  Kyle Wilson struggled last year but I see him taking a step forward this year.  They have nothing special at safety.  Jim Leonard and Eric Smith or Brodney Pool gets by on intelligence, not physical ability

2011 NFL Draft

I thought they got a steal in Muhammad Wilkerson.  As with Kyle Wilson he might need a year to develop before contributing consistently.  I liked the Kendrick Ellis selection, as long as he does not get deported.  Bilal Powell was a very prudent selection giving Shonn Green’s above mentioned problems.  Rest of draft gives them depth.  B

Offensive/ Defensive Sleepers

I know I bashed him but I want to believe Shonn Green will fit within this team.  He will always need to be in a tendon due to his lack of receiving skills but if he can improve upon pass blocking and cure his fumbling issues he should receive a solid amount of work.  He is capable of 1200 plus yards and 10-13 TD’s.

I believe we will see a more prepared Kyle Wilson this year.  Last year was a huge step up in competition for him and he was trusted to step up…he was not ready and it showed.  I like this kid though and I think he will work hard to improve.  The lockout will hurt him but in time he will take over Cromartie’s position.

Season Preview:

They will not have the juice to go to the Super Bowl if they do not win the AFC East and get a bye week.  This team has played too many playoff road games the past two years.  I did not like how they stopped their bravado vs. the Steelers.  Need to keep that every week…it works for them.  I can see them winning 10-11 games but unfortunately the Patriots will win more.   I can see them losing in the second round of the playoffs.