2007 Rankings
Rushing: 19th (106.3)
Passing: 25th (188.4)
Total Offense: 26th (294.7)
Run Defense: 29th (134.8)
Pass Defense: 9th (197.1)
Total Defense: 18th (331.9)
What was the Jets’ best move during the offseason?
I’m not sure how anyone could mention anyone other than quarterback Brett Favre as being the best acquisition for the New York Jets during the offseason. The guy is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, no question about it. And though his best years are probably behind him, he did put together a fine season in 2007, even by his lofty standards, which makes the Green Bay Packers’ decision to jettison him even more puzzling.
Another year like Favre had last season in Green Bay would be a dramatic improvement over the option of staying with veteran Chad Pennington or turning to the youngster Kellen Clemens, who doesn’t appear ready to assume a starting role in the NFL just yet. If Favre performs like he did last year, the Jets are going to come away from this deal smelling really good.
Adding Favre, however, was far from the only big improvement the Jets made since ending a disappointing 2007 campaign. They also made a major upgrade at the offensive guard positions by bringing in Pro Bowler Alan Faneca and veteran Damien Woody.
The Jets also traded with the Carolina Panthers for defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, who is penciled in to start at the nose tackle position and should help improve what was one of the league’s worst run defenses in 2007. Former Cardinals defensive end Calvin Pace was added via free agency as well, and should be a nice addition to the pass rush from the outside. Also adding a presence from the outside is rookie Vernon Gholston, who was a first-round draft pick back in April. He is an athletic freak who many view as a boom-or-bust type of prospect, and has the potential to be a monster as a rush linebacker in the Jets 3-4 defense.
What needs to go right for the Jets to succeed this season?
Having missed all the team’s OTAs and getting into camp late put Favre behind the rest of the offense, so he must make the adjustment to a new offensive scheme on the fly, which might mean limiting the playbook somewhat until the grizzled veteran becomes more acclimated to the system. He has, however, looked very sharp in somewhat limited play during the preseason, and he’s certainly a better option than the team was previously looking at with the position being unsettled heading into the preseason.
The improvements on the offensive line should go a long way toward elevating a running attack that averaged just 106 yards per game in 2007, but on the flip side, the team must get much better at defending the run. A motivated Jenkins, who showed up for training camp in great shape, should help tremendously in that department.
Where will the Jets finish the 2008 NFL season?
After putting together a surprisingly good effort in head coach Eric Mangini’s first year as head coach in 2006, the Jets stumbled to a disappointing 4-12 record last year. They’ve made some huge upgrades at some key positions and now appear ready to challenge the Buffalo Bills for second place in the division and a potential playoff spot. Barring a major breakdown by the New England Patriots, however, it’s not likely New York will challenge for a division crown just yet.
Prediction: 9-7 and second in the AFC East.
