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.
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