1. Shonn Greene
2. LaDainian Tomlinson
3. Joe McKnight
1. Shonne Greene
Greene enters the season as the Jets #1 running back and the replacement for last years star Thomas Jones. Many people are looking at it as a mistake that the Jets released Thomas Jones after the season but Greene proved in the playoffs that he is more than capable of carrying this team. As I said repeatedly last season Greene runs harder than any running back I have seen since Jerome Bettis and a young Jamal Lewis. His running style leads to injuries and I hope that will not be a problem this year. Despite the worries about the injuries I think Green will have a relatively injury free season. I see 1,200 yards and 8 TDs for Greene this year.
2. LaDainian Tomlinson
Tomlinson enters this season as the backup to Shonne Greene and should play a prominent role out of the backfield. The Jets are hoping that Tomlinson can regain some of his previous form and serve as a good backup to Greene. He should get a lot of touches around the goal line and should catch passes out of the backfield. I see about 500 yards and 8 TD's for Tomlinson this year.
3. Joe McKnight
The only thing we have really heard about McKnight this offseason is that he threw up in his first practice. McKnight probably will not see the field much but he will be the Jets answer for the trade of Leon Washington. They are hoping McKnight can develop into an explosive change of pace runner who can grow into the number 2 role behind Greene.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Position by Position Overview: Quarterback
Depth Chart:
1. Mark Sanchez
2. Mark Brunell*
3. Eric Ainge
Missing Out:
Kevin O'Connell
Kellen Clemens
1. Mark Sanchez
Mark Sanchez comes into the season leading a revamped passing attack which should feature more prominently in the Jets offense this year. With the additions of Santonio Holmes and a full offseason of working with receivers Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery I expect better things from Sanchez this year. Last season Sanchez was responsible for many early season losses and really only came alive in the playoffs. Sanchez should be able to replicate the playoff success he enjoyed last year.
2. Mark Brunell
Brunell hasn't been signed as of yet but he should be a veteran presence who can mentor Mark Sanchez and help guide him through this season. At this point in his career Brunell doesn't have much to offer on the field but he cannot do much worse than Kellen Clemens has done as a backup. More comments to come during training camp after he actually signs.
3. Eric Ainge
I believe that Eric Ainge will be the third quarterback on this team beating out Kevin O'Connell. He shouldn't see much playing time this year and if he does we are in serious trouble.
1. Mark Sanchez
2. Mark Brunell*
3. Eric Ainge
Missing Out:
Kevin O'Connell
Kellen Clemens
1. Mark Sanchez
Mark Sanchez comes into the season leading a revamped passing attack which should feature more prominently in the Jets offense this year. With the additions of Santonio Holmes and a full offseason of working with receivers Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery I expect better things from Sanchez this year. Last season Sanchez was responsible for many early season losses and really only came alive in the playoffs. Sanchez should be able to replicate the playoff success he enjoyed last year.
2. Mark Brunell
Brunell hasn't been signed as of yet but he should be a veteran presence who can mentor Mark Sanchez and help guide him through this season. At this point in his career Brunell doesn't have much to offer on the field but he cannot do much worse than Kellen Clemens has done as a backup. More comments to come during training camp after he actually signs.
3. Eric Ainge
I believe that Eric Ainge will be the third quarterback on this team beating out Kevin O'Connell. He shouldn't see much playing time this year and if he does we are in serious trouble.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Projected Depth Chart
QB: Mark Sanchez, Mark Brunell*, Eric Ainge
RB: Shonn Greene, LaDainian Tomlinson, Joe McKnight, Danny Woodhead
FB: Tony Richardson, John Conner
WR: Braylon Edwards, Jerricho Cotchery, Santonio Holmes, Brad Smith, David Clowney
TE: Dustin Keller, Ben Hartsock
T: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Damien Woody, Wayne Hunter, Robert Turner
G: Vladamir Ducasse, Matt Slauson, Brandon Moore
C: Nick Mangold
DE: Shaun Ellis, Matt Devito, Vernon Gholston, Ropati Pitoitua, Marques Douglas
DT: Kris Jenkins, Sione Pouha, Matt Kroul
OLB: Calvin Pace, Bryan Thomas, Jason Taylor, Jamaal Westerman
MLB: David Harris, Bart Scott, Kenwin Cummings, Lance Laury
CB: Darelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, Kyle Wilson, Dwight Lowery, Drew Coleman, Marquis Cole
S: Jim Leonhard, Brodney Pool, Eric Smith, James Ihedigbo
K: Nick Folk
P: Steve Weatherford
LS: Tanner Purdum
The Start of the 2010/2011 Season
We enter year two of this blog with the Jets in a completely different situation than they found themselves in last year. Last year at this time Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan dominated New York headlines as the media followed Mark's every move while picking up great quotes from new Head Coach Rex Ryan. The run last year was as special and amazing as any I have ever seen and I can't wait to see how the Jets can improve on last year and make this season the one where we break through with a Super Bowl berth. The Jets have gotten a lot of media attention this off season with the signings of super athletic cornerback Antonio Cromartie and former great running back LaDainian Tomlinson. The signing of Cromartie should improve the unit (minus Darelle Revis) that was carved up by Peyton Manning in the AFC Championship game last year. Pairing Cromartie with Revis gives the Jets the best cornerback tandem in the league and should allow Rex Ryan to call even more blitzes than he did last year.
The Jets were handed a gift in the first round this year when Kyle Wilson, arguably the best corner in the draft, fell to their position at pick 29. Wilson has impressed in OTA's and minicamp and has solidified himself as the 3rd corner behind Revis and Cromartie. If Wilson can play up to his potential there is no question that the Jets should be near impossible to pass against.
With all the new faces around the locker room this year there were bound to be players that were left out. Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, Alan Faneca, and Jay Feely are among those who played significant roles last year (not as much for Washington) and will be sorely missed this season. The release of Faneca was something I supported as he was sub par last year and I thought it was time for the Jets to move on. The drafting of Vladamir Ducasse sets up a position battle for LG between him and Matt Slauson. Whoever wins this battle will be playing between two pro bowl caliber players and will hopefully fit seamlessly into one of the best offensive lines in the league.
The swap of Thomas Jones for LaDainian Tomlinson is one that has gotten way too much media coverage this offseason. Tomlinson WAS NOT brought in to replace Jones. Tomlinson was brought in to backup second year running back Shonn Greene. Greene's running in the playoffs last year showed the Jets what he can do and if he stays healthy I see great things from him this year. Tomlinson should be able to fill the role of the complementary back and will provide a good change of pace from the backfield.
The Jets relied heavily on the running attack last year and will be looking to open up the offense a bit more this year with Mark Sanchez entering his second year and with the addition of Santonio Holmes to an already good Jets receiver core. This addition (despite the fact that he is suspended for the first 4 games) gives the Jets another great weapon on offense. Between Braylon Edward's big play ability, the consistency of Jerricho Cotchery, and the big game experience of Santonio Holmes I believe that the Jets now have a receiving core which could rival any in the league. For the Jets to fulfill the preseason expectations this year Mark Sanchez will need to progress as a starter and show that he is the quarterback we saw lead us to the AFC Championship and not the one who lost us multiple games during the regular season. Sanchez's maturity will be a interesting subplot to watch as the season unfolds.
When last season opened up I had no idea what to expect from a team with a new head coach, new quarterback, and completely new philosophy. In contrast, my hopes are higher this season then they have ever been and I expect great things from a team that was greatly improved in the offseason.
The Jets were handed a gift in the first round this year when Kyle Wilson, arguably the best corner in the draft, fell to their position at pick 29. Wilson has impressed in OTA's and minicamp and has solidified himself as the 3rd corner behind Revis and Cromartie. If Wilson can play up to his potential there is no question that the Jets should be near impossible to pass against.
With all the new faces around the locker room this year there were bound to be players that were left out. Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, Alan Faneca, and Jay Feely are among those who played significant roles last year (not as much for Washington) and will be sorely missed this season. The release of Faneca was something I supported as he was sub par last year and I thought it was time for the Jets to move on. The drafting of Vladamir Ducasse sets up a position battle for LG between him and Matt Slauson. Whoever wins this battle will be playing between two pro bowl caliber players and will hopefully fit seamlessly into one of the best offensive lines in the league.
The swap of Thomas Jones for LaDainian Tomlinson is one that has gotten way too much media coverage this offseason. Tomlinson WAS NOT brought in to replace Jones. Tomlinson was brought in to backup second year running back Shonn Greene. Greene's running in the playoffs last year showed the Jets what he can do and if he stays healthy I see great things from him this year. Tomlinson should be able to fill the role of the complementary back and will provide a good change of pace from the backfield.
The Jets relied heavily on the running attack last year and will be looking to open up the offense a bit more this year with Mark Sanchez entering his second year and with the addition of Santonio Holmes to an already good Jets receiver core. This addition (despite the fact that he is suspended for the first 4 games) gives the Jets another great weapon on offense. Between Braylon Edward's big play ability, the consistency of Jerricho Cotchery, and the big game experience of Santonio Holmes I believe that the Jets now have a receiving core which could rival any in the league. For the Jets to fulfill the preseason expectations this year Mark Sanchez will need to progress as a starter and show that he is the quarterback we saw lead us to the AFC Championship and not the one who lost us multiple games during the regular season. Sanchez's maturity will be a interesting subplot to watch as the season unfolds.
When last season opened up I had no idea what to expect from a team with a new head coach, new quarterback, and completely new philosophy. In contrast, my hopes are higher this season then they have ever been and I expect great things from a team that was greatly improved in the offseason.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Some Offseason Thoughts
It has been a long time since I have had the chance to post but here's a little summary of my thoughts of what is going on around Jets football.
1.) I am extremely pleased that Mark Sanchez is back on the practice field and fully participating in 11 v. 11's. Sanchez needs this off-season to get comfortable with new receiver Santonio Holmes as well as with the guys who were around last year.
2.) The Revis contract situation is something that has gotten a ton of attention in the media recently. The other day Revis skipped a voluntary minicamp on the day that Hark Knocks was filming promos for the upcoming show. Revis is looking to become the highest paid corner in the league and I can't say I blame him. The problem with this is that the current highest contract (belonging to Nnamdi Asomugha (sp?)) is absurd compared to the people behind him. Asomugha has a contract averaging around 16 million per season and Revis wants to earn above this. There have been talks of a training camp holdout but I do not see this being the case. Tennanbaum is slowly submitting offers to the Revis camp and I would bet that a deal is signed sometime before the middle of training camp. Even if these negotiations run into camp I expect to see Revis there for the majority.
3.) The rest of the contracts also need to be taken care of. Nick Mangold needs to have his contract addressed shortly after (or at the same time) as Revis. Mangold is part of the "core 4" (Mangold, Revis, Harris, Ferguson) and needs to be signed soon.
4.) Vernon Gholston is making the switch to defensive end with the Jets being very thin in this area. This really isn't news until Gholston gets off his ass and decides to become a real football player. However, it is worth noting that you will have to watch Gholston screw up this season from a three point stance.
5.) Mark Brunell will be a Jet come the end of July. I guess it is a good thing that we are getting a proven NFL player to back up Sanchez rather than Clemens. Clemens was a failure for the Jets and I have never been a big fan. He will catch on somewhere as a 3rd QB and hopefully someday he gets a chance to start. Thankfully, it won't be for us.
6.) Hard Knocks should provide an interesting look into Jets camp this August. My lack of HBO will make watching this show interesting but I look forward to see the interactions between the many different personalities in Jets camp.
7.) I find it weird that Tomlinson got a Jets tattoo. It's great and all that he's happy to be a Jet but I wonder if he realizes that he's probably one and done.
8.) The expectations are higher this season than any I can remember as a Jets fan (except for maybe 1998 but I was too young to notice then). How the Jets handle these expectations will go a long way in determining the success of this season.
1.) I am extremely pleased that Mark Sanchez is back on the practice field and fully participating in 11 v. 11's. Sanchez needs this off-season to get comfortable with new receiver Santonio Holmes as well as with the guys who were around last year.
2.) The Revis contract situation is something that has gotten a ton of attention in the media recently. The other day Revis skipped a voluntary minicamp on the day that Hark Knocks was filming promos for the upcoming show. Revis is looking to become the highest paid corner in the league and I can't say I blame him. The problem with this is that the current highest contract (belonging to Nnamdi Asomugha (sp?)) is absurd compared to the people behind him. Asomugha has a contract averaging around 16 million per season and Revis wants to earn above this. There have been talks of a training camp holdout but I do not see this being the case. Tennanbaum is slowly submitting offers to the Revis camp and I would bet that a deal is signed sometime before the middle of training camp. Even if these negotiations run into camp I expect to see Revis there for the majority.
3.) The rest of the contracts also need to be taken care of. Nick Mangold needs to have his contract addressed shortly after (or at the same time) as Revis. Mangold is part of the "core 4" (Mangold, Revis, Harris, Ferguson) and needs to be signed soon.
4.) Vernon Gholston is making the switch to defensive end with the Jets being very thin in this area. This really isn't news until Gholston gets off his ass and decides to become a real football player. However, it is worth noting that you will have to watch Gholston screw up this season from a three point stance.
5.) Mark Brunell will be a Jet come the end of July. I guess it is a good thing that we are getting a proven NFL player to back up Sanchez rather than Clemens. Clemens was a failure for the Jets and I have never been a big fan. He will catch on somewhere as a 3rd QB and hopefully someday he gets a chance to start. Thankfully, it won't be for us.
6.) Hard Knocks should provide an interesting look into Jets camp this August. My lack of HBO will make watching this show interesting but I look forward to see the interactions between the many different personalities in Jets camp.
7.) I find it weird that Tomlinson got a Jets tattoo. It's great and all that he's happy to be a Jet but I wonder if he realizes that he's probably one and done.
8.) The expectations are higher this season than any I can remember as a Jets fan (except for maybe 1998 but I was too young to notice then). How the Jets handle these expectations will go a long way in determining the success of this season.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
April Moves: Draft and Others
The Jets have been active and have made some huge moves during the draft. I will start with the draft:
First Round: Kyle Wilson: CB
The Jets drafted Kyle Wilson with the 29th pick of the 1st round. Apparently the Jets did not expect any of the top cornerback prospects to be available with this pick and they were absolutely thrilled when Wilson fell so far. Wilson should be able to fill in right away as the 3rd cornerback and could serve as a replacement to Antonio Cromartie if the Jets are unable to resign him after this year. Rex Ryan loves cornerbacks and this move should free up the Jets to blitz even more than they did last year.
Second Round: Vladimir Ducasse: OL
Vladamir Ducasse is a monstrous offensive line prospect who should take over the starting job right away for the Jets. His measurables are 6'5 332 pounds and he should fill in at guard. The Jets were ready to take him late in the first round before Wilson fell. This move prompted the Jets to release Alan Faneca.
Fourth Round: Joe McKnight: RB
McKnight was drafted by the Jets in the fourth round to be the replacement to Leon Washington as the 3rd running back. McKnight is a good change of pace back with good speed and elusiveness. He may not be Leon Washington but he should be able to contribute right away.
Fifth Round: John Conner: FB
Conner was drafted by the Jets to be the eventual replacement to Tony Richardson. Conner will be able to contribute on special teams right away and is a favorite of Rex Ryan.
Released/Traded Players:
Alan Faneca: The Jets said goodbye to Alan Faneca when they drafted Vladimir Ducasse in the second round. Faneca was horrible in pass protection this year and the Jets hope that Ducasse can fill in and do the same kind of job. The Jets will miss Faneca's leadership and veteran presence up front but his salary was far too high to keep for this year.
Leon Washington: Washington was traded shortly after the Jets drafted Joe McKnight in the fourth round. He was traded for a 5th round pick where the Jets drafted John Conner. Washington has been my favorite player for years and I was in shock when I heard he was traded even though I had been expecting it. The Jets did not get the value that I thought they could get for a player with Washington's abilities and therefore there must be some legitimate concern about whether he can return successfully from his horrible injury last year. I hope Leon fully recovers and becomes a great player in Seattle.
Overall, I think the Jets made some necessary and unnecessary moves yesterday. The release of Alan Faneca and the plan to replace him with Vladimir Ducasse is a good one and should give the Jets a solid left side of the line for years to come. However, the trade of Leon Washington for a 5th round pick was hard to stomach as Washington has been a fan favorite for years.
I don't like draft grades but I will give the draft a solid B.
First Round: Kyle Wilson: CB
The Jets drafted Kyle Wilson with the 29th pick of the 1st round. Apparently the Jets did not expect any of the top cornerback prospects to be available with this pick and they were absolutely thrilled when Wilson fell so far. Wilson should be able to fill in right away as the 3rd cornerback and could serve as a replacement to Antonio Cromartie if the Jets are unable to resign him after this year. Rex Ryan loves cornerbacks and this move should free up the Jets to blitz even more than they did last year.
Second Round: Vladimir Ducasse: OL
Vladamir Ducasse is a monstrous offensive line prospect who should take over the starting job right away for the Jets. His measurables are 6'5 332 pounds and he should fill in at guard. The Jets were ready to take him late in the first round before Wilson fell. This move prompted the Jets to release Alan Faneca.
Fourth Round: Joe McKnight: RB
McKnight was drafted by the Jets in the fourth round to be the replacement to Leon Washington as the 3rd running back. McKnight is a good change of pace back with good speed and elusiveness. He may not be Leon Washington but he should be able to contribute right away.
Fifth Round: John Conner: FB
Conner was drafted by the Jets to be the eventual replacement to Tony Richardson. Conner will be able to contribute on special teams right away and is a favorite of Rex Ryan.
Released/Traded Players:
Alan Faneca: The Jets said goodbye to Alan Faneca when they drafted Vladimir Ducasse in the second round. Faneca was horrible in pass protection this year and the Jets hope that Ducasse can fill in and do the same kind of job. The Jets will miss Faneca's leadership and veteran presence up front but his salary was far too high to keep for this year.
Leon Washington: Washington was traded shortly after the Jets drafted Joe McKnight in the fourth round. He was traded for a 5th round pick where the Jets drafted John Conner. Washington has been my favorite player for years and I was in shock when I heard he was traded even though I had been expecting it. The Jets did not get the value that I thought they could get for a player with Washington's abilities and therefore there must be some legitimate concern about whether he can return successfully from his horrible injury last year. I hope Leon fully recovers and becomes a great player in Seattle.
Overall, I think the Jets made some necessary and unnecessary moves yesterday. The release of Alan Faneca and the plan to replace him with Vladimir Ducasse is a good one and should give the Jets a solid left side of the line for years to come. However, the trade of Leon Washington for a 5th round pick was hard to stomach as Washington has been a fan favorite for years.
I don't like draft grades but I will give the draft a solid B.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Jets Sign Tomlinson
The Jets have agreed to a two year deal with Ladainian Tomlinson. This deal will bring in one of the best running backs in recent history to be the 3rd option on the Jets roster. Tomlinson should excel in the role of getting 5-10 touches a game behind the best offensive line in football. Although he has lacked production in recent years, behind this Jets offensive line and with a reduced role I believe that he will get his YPC average up over 4 and be a great boost to an already good Jets running game. I am excited and overjoyed by this move as it provides an insurance policy if Leon Washington is unable to return to his old form after the broken leg. Great signing by the Jets.
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