Football Thoughts

New York Jets (4-12)
After a very slow start, the Jets could never take flight in 2007

2007 Summary:
For two years now, experts have looked at the Jets roster and laughed. I mean seriously, there was no way this team could cotend right? Well in 2006, the Jets proved people wrong and made the playoffs. Even after a 37-16 defeat to the New England Patriots in the Wildcard round, Jet players were satisfied with the outcome of the season. They had high hopes for 2007, and why wouldn't they? The team would go on to add running back Thomas Jones to the roster, which at the time made the offense twice as powerful. However, If the Jets were to go far, it would be due to the great coaching of Eric Mangini

The season would begin with a rematch of the Wildcard round against the Patriots. It would be a simmilar outcome. New England would go on to demolish them by a score of 38-14. This matchup would be very symbolic of how the Jets season would roll on. Quarterback Chad Pennington would even get hurt, opening the door for the young Kellen Clemens. After a loss to Baltimore, the Jets realized this might not be their year. They would even go as far as go into a 1-8 hole. This wasn't the same New York Jet football team we had seen last year, and Eric Mangini wasn't looking like a "genious" he had been crowned the season before.

They would end the season 4-12, and land the #6 pick in the NFL Draft. This is NOT a bad football team, but some things need to be fixed if they want to be in the playoff hunt come next December. A lot of holes have been filled this off-season, including the additions of defensive end Calvin Pace, defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, and guard Alan Faneca, so they're on the right track. Expect a better fight from the Jets in 2008, but because of a tough conference it will be hard to return to the post-season.

TOP 3 NEEDS FOR 2008:

1.) Inside Linebacker:
- We all know the Jonathan Vilma story. Turns out he just couldn't adjust to the 3-4 scheme, resulting in him being traded to the New Orleans Saints. A replacement will be needed.

2.) Corner Back:
- With Andre Dyson gone, the Jets only have one solid cornerback on the roster, and he is only in his second year (Darrell Revis). They'll need a true number two going into next season.

3.) Offensive Tackle:
- Anthony Clement shouldn't be starting. New York has come a long way in re-doing their entire offensive line, and right tackle is the last piece remaining.

2008 Offseason Moves

Notable additions: DT Kris Jenkins, G Alan Faneca, TE Bubba Franks, RB Jessee Chatman, FB Tony Richardson, DE/OLB Calvin Pace, OT/OG Damien Woody

Notable resignings: None

Notable releases: CB Andre Dyson, WR Justin McCareins, OT Anthony Clement, G Adrien Clarke

Notable Departures: OLB/ILB Victor Hobson, S Erik Coleman

Grades:

Quarterbacks: C
- The Jets may have finally realized this season that Chad Pennington is not the answer. Kellen Clemons had a shaky season, but he should be able to progress more next season.

Runningbacks: C
- People thought Thomas Jones would be very productive with the Jets, and people were wrong. Leon Washington is a very good kick returner, and new comer Jesse Chatman brings good depth at the position.

Wide Receivers: C
- Laveranues Coles just isn't what he used to be, and Jerricho Cotchery is nothing more than a number two. The Jets need a real stud wide receiver to throw to.

Offensive Line: B
- New York beefed up their offensive line with the signing of Alan Faneca. They now have revamped the whole line other than the right tackle spot. They were better off sticking kicker Mike Nugent there rather than starting Anthony Clement. Hopefully free agent addition Damein Woody can do better.

Tight End: C-
Chris Baker "The Touchdown Maker" isn't exactly a homerun threat. Not their biggest need, but an upgrade would be nice.

Defensive line: C-
- Nose Tackle Kris Jenkins was brought to beef up the defensive line, but they better pray he doesn't get injured. Other than him, the Jets line is average at best.

Linebackers: C
Bryan Thomas and Calvin Pace make for good outside linebackers, but an inside man is still needed to make up for the loss of Jonathan Vilma. Rookie David Harris preformed very well last year as well.

Defensive Backs: D-
- Darrelle Revis and Kerry Rhodes are studs in the secondary, but more help is needed. Corner back Justin Miller is better used in the slot, and there is a big hole at the free safety spot.

Special Teams: B+
- Leon Washington is one of the better kick returners in the league, and Mike Nugent is looking like a future star at kicker. Punter Ben graham is solid as well.

Coaching: B-
- Eric Mangini hopes to bring back his "genious" identitiy this year in his quest to bring the Jets back to the post-season.

2008 Schedule: