New York Jets 2009 Quick Preview

The New York Jets were 8-3 coming off a huge win against the undefeated Tennessee Titans and were looking like one of the best teams in the NFL.  Then it all fell apart.  The Jets had one win in their next five games and ended the 2008 season with a 9-7 record, good for 3rd place in the AFC East.  The Jets fired head coach Eric Mangini after the season and hired Baltimore’s defensive coordinator, Rex Ryan.

Offense:  The Jets drafted USC quarterback, Mark Sanchez, with the fifth overall pick and he will compete with Kellen Clemens for the starting quarterback job.  If Sanchez doesn’t begin the season as the starter, I think he’ll take over by week four.  The Jets also have questions at the running back position.  Their top two backs, Thomas Jones and Leon Washington, are unhappy with their current contracts and have missed some offseason workouts.  The Jets need to take care of business and either pay the men, or take a different action.  The offensive line remains the same and is poised for a solid season.  Laveranues Coles signed with the Bengals, leaving the Jets with a subpar receiving corps.  Jerricho Cotchery will be the top receiver and Chansi Stuckey, David Clowney, and Brad Smith will be behind him.

Defense:  Rex Ryan, one of the greatest defensive minds in the NFL today, was able to persuade linebacker Bart Scott and safety Jim Leonard to follow him to the Jets and they come with great experience with Ryan’s defensive scheme.  The defense should be much better than last year.  As Bart Scott has said, the defense will be very ‘violent’.  The Jets also acquired cornerback Lito Sheppard from the Eagles.

Overall:  The Jets will be better on defense and will rely on the defense to win some games  Offensively. they will have to run the ball often.  With young quarterbacks and receivers, the Jets will need to figure out what to do with their running backs before they cause a ruckus in the locker room.  They need Jones, Washington and third round pick, Shonn Greene, to be very productive and to keep drives going.  The Jets are going to play a lot of low scoring games in 2009.

Prediction:  The Jets have a very tough schedule and I think it’s going to be very hard for them to get into the playoffs.  I think they win eight or nine games.  From top to bottom, there are no breaks in their schedule and every week will be a battle.