The New York Jets converted a ridiculously easy schedule over the second half of the ‘06 season into wins in six of their last eight games, but this year they face the fifth most-difficult schedule based on last year’s winning percentage. These guys won’t sneak up on anyone this season, however, and they can’t count on an easy cruise down the stretch again either.
What's New?
Possibly countering the tougher schedule is the addition of running back Thomas Jones, who immediately gives the Jets the consistency they were lacking in the running game last year. That alone will allow the Jets to employ a more physical running attack that should set up the play-action that quarterback Chad Pennington runs so well.
The team also brought in defensive ends Kenyon Coleman and David Bowens. Coleman will compete for a starting job at defensive end while Bowens will shift to outside linebacker.
NFL Draft Picks
1st Round - Darrelle Revis, CB Pittsburgh
2nd Round - David Harris, LB Michigan
6th Round - Jacob Bender, OT Nicholls State
7th Round - Chansi Stuckey, WR Clemson
Who's Gone?
The Jets were fortunate in not taking any big hits in personnel over the offseason. The list includes mostly backups and afterthoughts:
Derrick Blaylock, RB
Bobby Hamilton, DE
Kevan Barlow, RB
Patrick Ramsay, QB
B.J. Askew, FB
Dave Ball, DE
Trey Teague, T
What Needs to Change?
The team seems to have filled its biggest need with the Jones acquisition, so expect an immediate improvement in the rushing offense, which will only serve to open up more options in the passing game.
Of bigger concern now is their run defense, which ranked 24th in the league overall last year. Keep in mind, though, it was their first year under new head coach Eric Mangini’s defense. A little better familiarity of the system should help, as should the addition of Kenyan Coleman on the defensive line. Although he’s inconsistent, Coleman’s presence adds some depth and competition at the defensive end position.
Under Pressure to Perform
Chad Pennington - After bouncing back nicely in 2006, the pressure is on Pennington to retain that form and remain healthy. If he gets hurt again, he could very well be done in New York with second-year QB Kellen Clemens showing a lot of promise.
Jonathan Vilma - A switch in schemes limited Vilma’s effectiveness during the ‘06 season. He’s more of a 4-3 middle linebacker, but the Jets are determined to make his skills fit their system. Now that he is more familiar with the 3-4, he will be expected to play a bigger role.
2006 Rankings
Overall Offense - 25th (305.7)
Rushing Offense - 20th (108.6)
Passing Offense - 17th (197.1)
Overall Defense - 20th (331.6)
Rushing Defense - 24th (130.3)
Passing Defense - 14th (201.4)
Prediction - The Jets don’t have many superstars on their roster, but they have a lot of solid, well coached players. Mangini’s squad should continue to improve in his second season -- especially with an improved rushing attack -- but could actually win fewer games because of the difficulty of their schedule. They are on the right track, but probably still a year away from seriously challenging the Patriots for division supremacy. They should compete again this year for an AFC wildcard berth.
Record:9-7 and second in the AFC East
