Football Diner 2008 Team Reviews / Previews
New York Jets
by Michael E Lawrence
21/7/2008
 
Overview
 
The Jets have been the epitome of middle of the pack, parity-era teams, yo-yoing year on year between double digit losses and playoff qualification depending on strength of schedule. The Eric Mangini regime has been no different, with 2007's letdown 4-12 performance following on the heels of a surprise wild card berth in '06. A year after being christened 'Mangenius', the third year head coach faced job security questions as last season petered out, and will feel further pressure to win in '08 after a free spending off season. New to Hofstra this summer are top flight free agents OG Alan Faneca, LB Calvin Pace, OT Damien Woody, FB Tony Richardson and trade addition DT Kris Jenkins, not to mention fourth overall draft pick LB Vernon Gholston. With plenty of benjamins set to exit owner Woody Johnson's bank account to pay for all Mangini's new toys, he and GM Mike Tannenbaum need to produce this season or the pink slips might be in the post.
 
Quarterbacks
 
Off season additions or otherwise, the Jets season will hinge on the quarterback position, with gutsy yet noodle armed Chad Pennington set to take on former second rounder Kellen Clemens for the starting nod. The bad news is that Pennington is a known quantity who limits what the offense can do, while Clemens regressed badly in his sophomore season and is yet to take the leap forward the organisation expected. The Jets want the younger gun to win a training camp battle, but don't be surprised to see Pennington overcome the odds once again. If he does, the Jets will struggle to get downfield and won't fancy their chances in shootouts.
Grade: C-
 
Running Backs
 
The offense lacked va va voom in '07 and Mangini and Tannenbaum were targeting Arkansas running back Darren McFadden in April with the aim of adding big plays out of the backfield. Instead the status quo has been maintained, with pounder Thomas Jones spelled by jitterbug Leon Washington once more. Jones had a difficult first season in New York behind an offensive line that has since been upgraded, and just might be poised for a bounce back campaign. Washington saw his role reduced after a strong rookie season, but excelled on returns in the absence of injured Justin Miller. New arrival Tony Richardson should add serious blocking punch, while reserves Jesse Chatman and Musa Smith will battle for power carries.
Grade: B
 
Receivers
 
Former fourth round pick Jerricho Cotchery has developed into a great route runner and run after catch receiver and should be the Jets' number one aerial threat moving forward. Iron man veteran Lavernaues Coles suffered with injury in '07 but returns with indefatigable effort and toughness, while sophomore Chansi Stuckey appears to have overtaken converted QB Brad Smith as the third receiver. Stuckey's quick twitch abilities are one reason the Jets didn't draft a day one wideout in April. Another is rookie TE Dustin Keller, for whom Tannenbaum traded back into round one. Keller is to all intents and purposes an oversized wide receiver, and should add some pep over the middle. Longtime Packer Bubba Franks and holdover Chris Baker, if he turns up to camp, make up a plentiful tight end unit.
Grade: B
 
Offensive Line
 
The line might have been the single biggest reason for the Jets' implosion last year and the unit has since been overhauled. Former Steeler All-Pro Alan Faneca arrives to play alongside third year tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson in what the front office hopes is a ferocious left side. Ferguson has added strength this off-season and will be counted on to deliver on his mammoth potential. C Nick Mangold is a Pro Bowl talent who will benefit from the arrival of savvy veterans Faneca and RT Damien Woody. Woody played well at tackle for Detroit in '07 but was handed a contract well above his market value. RG Brandon Moore remains a sold presence but depth across the board is lacking.
Grade: B
 
Defensive Line
 
It all depends on NT Kris Jenkins, who arrives from Carolina with a tonne of talent but a penchant for outspokenness. If Jenkins can occupy blockers along with former Pro Bowler Shaun Ellis and unspectacular Kenyon Coleman, the Jets' traditionally leaky run defense could take a step forward. It remains to be seen how hard Jenkins will play if losses start mounting, but a change of scenery might also kickstart a previously stellar career. Mangini feels it's the first time he has the personnel up front to make his 3-4 actually work, but a lack of quality depth could scupper his plans here.
Grade: C
 
Linebackers
 
New York sent former star Jonathan Vilma packing and will usher in the David Harris era immediately. Harris was a terror in the middle as soon as he took over a starting role, and improved the entire unit around him while he was at it. He even flashed surprising zest as a pass rusher. Veteran Eric Barton pairs with Harris inside, while on the outside the Jets have spent big on new blood. With Bryan Thomas underwhelming after a contract extension, Calvin Pace and rookie Vernon Gholston arrive to juice up the pass rush. Both are boom or bust propositions and could define the franchise's 2008 season.
Grade: B
 
Secondary
 
The Jets traded up for Darelle Revis in the 2007 draft and he did not disappoint, shadowing opponents' top receivers and improving throughout the year. It's not yet known who'll run opposite Revis with David Barrett, Justin Miller, Hand Poteat and rookie Dwight Lowery in contention. At strong safety Kerry Rhodes is an emerging star with a much deserved contract extension in place. His skills in the box and in the open field are crucial to the success of the entire defense. Abram Elam is the holdover at free safety heading into training camp.
Grade: B-
 
Special Teams
 
The special teams were a perennial strength under legendary coach Mike Westhoff, and it remains to be seen how much his retirement impacts the unit. Kicker Mike Nugent is automatic inside 40 yards but has not consistently displayed the accurate long leg that made him a second round draft pick. His streakiness unnerves the coaching staff. Punter Ben Graham was once a strength but regressed in '07 and will be on a short leash. Westhoff's return units flourished with Leon Washington excelling as a returner after the loss of Miller to a knee injury. His return gives the unit two Pro Bowl calibre returners.
Grade: B
 
Coaching
 
Mangini was heralded as a genius this time 12 months ago, but has since suffered the agonies of a woeful second season. Will the real Eric Mangini please stand up? His discipline and exacting practice habits are tolerated by the team as long as it's successful, but started to wear thin last season as the campaign unravelled. OC Brian Schottenheimer, also celebrated a year ago, is in the same boat. He'll be aware that former Oakland and Nebraska head coach Bill Callahan has arrived on the scene as line coach and offensive assistant and will be peering over his shoulder. The Jets failed in a spring bid to lure Raiders DC Rob Ryan to New York.
Grade: B
 
Outlook
 
With a vanilla schedule and personnel upgrades on the offensive line and defensive front seven in particular, the Jets might fancy their chances to turn their fortunes around in 2008, in a carbon copy of Mangini's rookie campaign. Still, New York will only fly as far as certain key veteran additions and holdovers can carry them. If Schottenheimer can establish a consistent passing game with one of Pennington or Clemens and Jenkins can solidify the defense as hoped, Mangini and co. might yet be sniffing around a wild card spot. But do they really have what it takes to pose any serious challenge to perennial AFC powers New England, San Diego and Indianapolis? A lack of playmakers on both sides of the ball suggests they don't.