So we have a pretty good picture of what our 2009 NY Jets are going to look like this year. We will probably make some-sort-of move for a WR and will hopefully work something out regarding the defensive line, but we should be about 80-85% completed with the roster.
The QB depth chart should be interesting. Right now I guess it would be Clemens #1, 'Dirty' Sanchez #2, and Eric Ainge #3, with common sense telling us the coaching staff has every intention of Sanchez being our starter by opening day. I have been confident that we would sign a veteran back up as an insurance policy like the Titans did with Kerry Collins backing up Vince Young. However, letting Jeff Garcia sign with Oakland leaves a big question mark regarding the signal callers left on the market.
The Jets officially released Brett Favre yesterday insuring he can not drag us into his annual "Favre-Fest" where he rides the fence until training camp releasing little statements to the press about how he is not sure if he is ready to hang it up. I am glad this circus is over and I will put the forgettable 08' season behind me gladly. For all of you who ran out to buy a #4 jersey please go file it up in the attic next to you Esiason, O'Donell and Lott jerseys. Maybe it will start to sink in that past their prime, big name players are only good for one thing: absorbing cap space.
The only FA WR I was interested in was Tory Holt. He is no longer available after signing with the Jags so frankly I don't care who they bring in. Having a gaping hole at wide out and not selecting one in a draft that was so deep at the position is simply ignorant. As for Plaxico Burress I have said before that we have nothing to loose if we sign him as long as it is for short money. 4-5 million for 2 years would be appropriate and for that money who cares if he is suspended for the beginning of the season?
I really expect to see our offensive line take it's place amongst the top 5 in the game. This will be year two that the same five players will be together and at this point in their respective careers they should be a rock solid unit. If Thomas Jones forces a trade or to be released it will be his loss. He has the chance to finish his NFL run behind an excellent O-line. He should see at least 15 touches a game and 1500 yards if he just shuts his mouth and plays.
I have only one reservation about giving 'Neon' Leon Washington a nice extension. I feel he may only have a few more productive years left in the league. He is small and not afraid of contact. I just don't know how much his body can handle. That being said I don't want to see him leave, he is a game changer with a great attitude, I just hope we don't over pay. Jones, Washington an Greene could be a nice backfield.
Our secondary is probably one of the best in the AFC and with players like Owens, Evans, Moss, and Welker to defend in our division we will need to be. Loosing Abrahm Elam is a blow to that squad, we now have no depth at saftey, so hopefully we stay healthy. My eye is on #25 Kerry Rhodes this year. He has been a bit over rated since being drafted via the 4th round in 05'. To deserve that big contract extension he received last year I am going to need to see a probowl performance this year.
Our LB's should be an interesting bunch as well. They are big and can hit hard, I just hope our new '2 gap' 3-4 scheme fits them a bit better when it comes to defending the pass. I hope Scott lights fire under Gholston and David Harris our young talented ILB doesn't get lost in the mix.
Our real achilles heal is our D-line. We have a B+ DT in Jenkins and no depth behind him. He have a C- DE in Ellis and no book end opposite him. We need at least one more big man in the middle and 2- 3 more tall 280 lb-plus DE's including a starter. How Chris Canty slipped through our fingers and over to the Giants dumbfounds me. I have to say this group has me concerned. If you can't stop the run and rush the passer consistently you are not a post season threat in this league.
This team is coming together, but the few missing pieces to the puzzle can make all the difference. One warning to Jet fans everywhere, please be realistic about this season. A rookie QB can only do so much. Don't expect the light bulb to go off in Sanchez's until late 2010 or early 2011. I just hope he survives that long.
J.Wagner
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