I'm going to keep this as streamlined and simple as possible. We aren't losing games because of Mark Sanchez. Our defense and their lack of conditioning is to blame. Sanchez, Schottenheimer, and our offense are the strength of our team and will be the key to our future. I'm done with complaining about the decision to start the rookie, and all of the other miscues I have warned about since before the draft in April. If you are interested in reading about that, feel free to go to the archive. I want to talk about today... and tomorrow.
Our "#1 defense" is a complete fraud. We are on track to make history this season. We will most likely end up as the first team to have the #1 ranked defense and not make the playoffs... sickening. We have some excellent young players on the defensive side of the ball, but we also have some overpaid underachievers. Guys like Bryan Thomas, Kerry Rhodes, and Sean Ellis have huge contracts. They have all been inconstant over the past few years. The Jets response, or lack there of, is what's wrong with this team today.
A few weeks ago I suggested the termination of or GM Mike Tannenaum. Mr T has done some very good things as our top guy, but we are facing our 3rd straight year with out a playoff birth, that would be 3 out of four years if you are counting. As an organization we need to hold every member to a high standard based on performance. For me, the Favre debacle, coupled with 3 straight years without even a sniff at the postseason, is enough for me to say goodbye with no regrets.
We need to send a clear message to players, coaches, and even those in the front office that your pay check is based on delivering when it counts. That would eliminate slacking players like the trio I just mentioned, and it would also help to prevent losses like the one this past week against the Falcons. Our defense continues to let us down at key moments. They aren't opportunistic, and no matter what the stats say, they may not even be a top 10 squad right now... not to mention "#1".
We have to dump the dead weight on this team, and Rex needs to run a tighter ship. Sloppy special teams mistakes like 3 missed field goals this week or two back to back TD returns against Miami are the result of a lack of preparation. The 'swagger' is great, but in 2010 Rex needs to incorporate a lot more discipline.
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