2010 NFL Preview: New York Jets
The New York Jets got hot at the right time, and unexpectedly reached the AFC Championship game before falling to the eventual representatives of the AFC, the Indianapolis Colts. After reaching unexpected heights, the Jets went on a signing spree, picking up a lot of proven players in hopes of contending for a Super Bowl.
But a key part is not with the team right now, and without the key part, the Jets go from Super Bowl contender to playoff contending team. Will the reach an agreement with Darrelle Revis? What adjustments does Rex Ryan have planned in Revis' absence? Today, Technorati takes a look inside the New York Jets in the final stop of the AFC East.
Recap:
- 2009 Record (9-7, 2nd AFC East, Reached AFC Championship Game)
- Key Additions: QB Mark Brunell (New Orleans Saints), RB LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers), WR Santonio Holmes (Pittsburgh Steelers), DE/OLB Jason Taylor (Miami Dolphins), ILB Lance Laury (Seattle Seahawks), CB Antonio Cromartie (San Diego Chargers), S Brodney Pool (Cleveland Browns), K Nick Folk (Dallas Cowboys).
- Key Departures: RB Leon Washington (Seattle Seahawks), RB Thomas Jones (Kansas City Chiefs), G Alan Faneca (Arizona Cardinals), NT Howard Green (Washington Redskins), CB Lito Sheppard (Minnesota Vikings), CB Donald Strickland (San Diego Chargers), FS Kerry Rhodes (Arizona Cardinals), K Jay Feely (Arizona Cardinals).
Overview:
Offense: Mark Sanchez will be at quarterback once again, and if the Jets really want to be contenders, they will need him to mature. Although he wasn't much experienced at USC, he did shine in the playoffs, and showed his true potential in the games that mattered the most. If he can translate his playoff performances into this season, he will be extra special. In his first season he only had 12 touchdowns to 20 interceptions. He did not have too much in terms of options in the passing game, despite the arrival of Braylon Edwards, but he has more weapons this year. He also will have an experienced backup in Mark Brunell, who will be able to give him more guidance than Kellen Clemens, who is now third on the team's depth chart. Expectations are not only high for the Jets, but for Sanchez as well. Also keep an eye on how well he recovers from the knee surgery he had in the off-season, and if he learns how to slide when scrambling.
The Jets had the top rushing attack in the NFL last season, largely due to Thomas Jones' 1402 yards last season. The Jets plan was to release Jones and bring him back, but Jones took advantage of an opportunity in Kansas City to play for the Chiefs. But New York responded by obtaining LaDanian Tomlinson from the San Diego Chargers. LT is going to back up Shonn Greene, and be available on third down situations. With the way Greene ran wild on the Bengals and Chargers in the playoffs, there is no reason to say he can not contend for a rushing title in 2010. Especially with the offensive line blocking for him (see below).
Continued on the next page
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