All-Time Playoff Record: 8-10
Previous Playoff Results: Click Here
Strengths:
The New York offense features a strong rushing attack led by the ever-consistent Curtis Martin, which complements Chad Pennington's abilities very well. The Jets' QB is one of the best play-action passers in the league, and he becomes doubly dangerous when Martin is on his game and has to be accounted for. However, Pennington's shoulder is still causing him problems and could be a factor if defenses continue to force him to throw the deep outside patterns.On defense, the Jets have a solid front seven in their hybrid 3-4/4-3 scheme, but star defensive end John Abraham has been hampered by a knee injury and will probably see limited action early in the playoffs. On the flip side, when Abraham is put into the game in obvious passing situations, he should be fresh.The emergence of Jerricho Cotchery as a kick-return specialist has been a boost for the team by adding some much-needed explosiveness to their special teams. And it may take a big play or two from the special teams if the Jets hope to upset some of the Goliaths in the AFC.
Weaknesses:
The Jets offensive line, which is generally very good as a run-blocking unit, struggled somewhat down the stretch. Overall, they are a bunch of big, strong maulers, but they lack athleticism and will probably have some problems against some of the strong front sevens in the AFC playoff field.
Also, New York's receivers just have not provided the consistent deep threat needed to stretch opposing defenses.On the defensive side, the secondary is suspect, and without a solid pass rush they will be picked apart in the playoffs. If Abraham is not able to produce in some capacity, look for the Jets backup-quality corners to really struggle. With the diversity of some of the offenses they could face, they won't have the luxury of blitzing their linebackers often, so the Jets hopes could hinge precisely on how well they get to the opponent's QB.
Overview:
The Jets stumbled down the stretch somewhat, which doesn't bode well when you consider the level of talent the will be forced to beat in the AFC if they hope to land a berth in Super Bowl XXXIX. This team really needs Abraham healthy and back in the lineup if they hope to compete. Without him, Shaun Ellis has been their only consistent pass rusher.The Jets interior line must really step it up, and consistently open holes for Martin to run through. However, that will be a huge challenge against teams like the Chargers and Steelers. And along that same vein, receivers Santana Moss, Justin McCareins, and Wayne Chrebet have got to step up and make some big plays to loosen the opponent's focus on the running game.This season, the Jets have proved they are a contender with a healthy Pennington, but they aren't quite on the level of the Steelers, Patriots, or Chargers. Most likely this will be a one-and-done appearance in the post-season for New York.
Team Roster:
Offense
5 Brooks Bollinger QB
17 Quincy Carter QB
10 Chad Pennington QB
14 Ricky Ray QB
35 B.J. Askew RB
34 LaMont Jordan RB
28 Curtis Martin RB
33 Jerald Sowell RB
84 Jonathan Carter WR
80 Wayne Chrebet WR
89 Jerricho Cotchery WR
81 Justin McCareins WR
83 Santana Moss WR
86 Chris Baker TE
88 Anthony Becht TE
85 James Dearth TE
68 Kevin Mawae C
77 Marko Cavka OT
69 Jason Fabini OT
79 Adrian Jones OT
67 Kareem McKenzie OT
78 Jonathan Goodwin OG
66 Pete Kendall OG
65 Brandon Moore OG
64 Dave Yovanovits OG
Defense
94 John Abraham DE
92 Shaun Ellis DE
97 Trevor Johnson DE
99 Bryan Thomas DE
72 Jason Ferguson DT
98 Alan Harper DT
93 James Reed DT
63 Dewayne Robertson DT
50 Eric Barton LB
55 Mark Brown LB
56 Sam Cowart LB
58 Jason Glenn LB
54 Victor Hobson LB
57 Darrell McClover LB
51 Jonathan Vilma LB
52 Kenyatta Wright LB
29 Donnie Abraham CB
36 David Barrett CB
39 Roderick Bryant CB
27 Terrell Buckley CB
21 Derrick Strait CB
45 Oliver Celestin S
26 Erik Coleman S
38 Jon McGraw S
25 Reggie Tongue S
42 Rashad Washington S
Kicker/Punter
6 Doug Brien K
4 Toby Gowin P
Coaching Staff
Herman Edwards – Head Coach
Paul Hackett – Offensive coordinator
Donnie Henderson – Defensive Coordinator
