1 year anniversary, and free agency approaches once again...

I started this blog one year ago and the cycle begins again. Free agency is creeping up and this year the Jets will be handcuffed severely because of the final eight rules. We won't be able to chase the Bart Scott's, the Kris Jenkins or the Alan Faneca's of this years FA class. Mr. Tannenbaum will need to help us get better the old fashioned way... through the draft.

Players who are released are fair game, but in most cases they are dumped for a reason. Some huge names have been 'fired' over the past week. Westbrook and Tomlinson are both unemployed and a lot of people are probably wondering why Thomas Jones is still on our roster, and if he is next on the chopping block. I feel very confident that TJ's ship has sailed. He hit the wall dramatically late this season, and we were very lucky that we had the young rookie Greene to pick up the slack.

Normally I would say that it is time to drop the old man, but 2010 is a very unique year. It doesn't mater how much Jones costs us... he could be a good insurance policy... if his carries are limited he might be useful in the post season... he's a good leader... and if we dump him I can almost guarantee the Patriots sign him in less than 24hrs. I can also guarantee he will run all over us when we play them. He may only have 2 good games left in him, but Belichick will make sure it's the two against us in 2010. Let the Pats get stuck with LT's washed up ass or the concussion case from Philly.

There are some ridiculous rumors regarding the Jets and Raiders working on a trade for Nnamdi Asomugha. Will this ever happen? Al Davis can't do anything that would shock me at this point, but I think even he would be too smart to dump their only elite player. I still feel that Richard Seymour is the missing piece to or D-line puzzle. Seymour would make Big Jenks and Ellis so much better. That front line combined with Pace, Scott, Harris and one more impactful pass rushing OLB would be possibly the best front 7 to ever play in any 3-4 scheme.

As for the draft, Mr. T has effectively given away most of our picks. We have a late 1st rounder, a late 2nd rounder... and a 6th and 7th. Mr. T had better hit two more home-runs this year like he did with Mangold & D'brick, Revis & Harris and Sanchez & Greene. If we end up with two Gholston-like busts it could be a real disaster. You can't skip a draft in the NFL and have any long term success. Considering his track record, I will give him the benefit of the doubt like a good fan should. I just hope that the picks he gave away for unproductive players like Edwards and Sheppard don't come back to bite us in the ass in years to come.

Mr. T and his staff are pretty damn good talent evaluators. I can't take that away from them... that being said, I wish that they had more pitches to swing at, considering their excellent batting average.

Our "apartment" is being demolished...

... and we can now call ourselves homeowners! The largest pile of shit in the history of the planet earth (better know as Giants Stadium) began demolition earlier this month.

My wife and I are going to officially become homeowners in a few days, and we are excited. I must say that I feel so grown up now that I will own my home, instead of leasing for so many years. I am kinda' embarrassed that my favorite professional sports team is also sharing this experience with me after 50 years of existence.

For the first time in their storied history the Jets and their fans will have their own home stadium... well kinda'. When Woody Johnson become the owner of the Jets almost a decade ago he promised one thing; that our beloved football team would no longer be second class citizens. He promised to remedy the situation that had Jets fans supporting the only team in the NFL without their own shrine.

For over twenty years I have had only two desires as a Jets fan. #1, I want to see the Jets win the Superbowl before I die. #2, I want to be able to go and cheer for my team in THEIR house. I even had a name for it: "Namath Field". A massive statue of Broadway Joe with his index finger held up while running off the field after Superbowl III at the entrance.

In true agonizing fashion, which has been the best way to describe my decades as a die hard fan of the Green and White, Woody and the boys began to tease us with mind blowing drawings of the future 'West Side Stadium', also know as the New York Sports and Convention Center.

It was everything I ever dreamt it could be. Woody was willing to put up 800 million of his own money, and because a retractable roof was going to be included the NFL conditionally awarded the 2010 Superbowl to NYC (if the NYSCC was approved). NYC was also in the running for the 2012 Olympics.

The stadium was apposed and defeated by the evil powers that own Cablevision and MSG. The NYSCC would have been major competition for MSG, so they started a marketing champaign of miss-information persuading the vote against our stadium based on the fact municipal funds would be necessary to make it happen.

If the NYSCC would have materialized, NYC would have a Superbowl every four years... guaranteed. The revenue the city of NY would have collected from just ONE SB would have more than re-paid the taxpayers, not to mention the Olympics.

Jets fans were left with a vision of what could have been and a short time later the deal was announced to continue to SHARE a home-field with the Va-giants. At least I won't have to stare at a massive sign that says "Giants Stadium" anymore when I'm tailgating. I know this joint-stadium makes a lot of sense especially considering the state of the economy... for any other teams I wouldn't say it is such an abomination.

If two teams share the new stadium that is being planned in L.A. I would say that could work out well. However, if you are Woody Johnson and you own the only team in NFL history to never have it's own home-field... in the biggest market in all of pro-sports, you have to have a better plan-B than the stadium that will most likely be know as Jet-Blue. There are more important things in life than football, but considering the amount of time and money true Jets fans spend on this team... we deserve a place that is exclusively for us.

I for one will NEVER pay for a PSL or season tickets in our new home. And, if the NYSCC would have happened, I would have begged, borrowed and stole to have been able to be a part of that. I have excepted that I will never realize my dream of the Jets having their own home in my lifetime... but... please Lord... let their be a Lombardi Trophy in our (near) future.

Post Superbowl rumors start to percolate...

The Saints and their divine QB, who has been nicknamed "Breesus", have brought home the hardware to N'orlins. They didn't steal it, or have it given to them... they rose to the occasion and were simply 'great' when it mattered. People use 'great' very loosely and way too often.

The way Jonathan Vilma and the Saints defense shut down #18... the way Sean Payton called the game with no fear... and the way 'Breesus' drove the team down the field on that final drive when they were trailing 16-17, hitting 7 different receivers... thats what I call 'great'. So, the Saints and their fans are finally world champions. This was their year, the only thing on my mind now is who's year will 2010 be?

One rumor that has been being passed around is about Nathan Vasher potentially being released from the Bears. He's 28 and is costing Chicago a ton of money. He had an excellent run from 2004 to 2006. Over the past few years he has struggled with some injuries and therefore his production has dropped off dramatically. All of this will most likely equal a pink slip for Mr Vasher and a possible answer for us regarding the the big gaping hole at the #2 CB spot.

Sheppard needs to be released. We have a up and coming young corner in Strickland, but he is not ready for the #2 spot. Dwight Lowery should be moved to safety (possibly as a replacement for Rhodes if he is moved). Our goal in 2010 is not to just be the number one defense in the league, but to be a dominant, game changing squad that materializes once every 10-12 years in the NFL. We are close, but if we start a guy like Stickland opposite the best CB in all of football, he will certainly be targeted and exploited all season. With the right player at FS and a high quality savvy veteran at the #2 CB spot, we could start looking like the 99' Ravens.

No one is talking about the impending release of Reggie Bush from the Saints considering the week long after glow and euphoria that is flowing like hard liquor and bowls of gumbo in the french quarter. That being said, the honeymoon will be over shortly and the Saints are going to have to bite the bullet and set Bush free. He will count as over 8 million on their salary cap in 2010, and even though the upcoming season looks like it will be uncapped, it is impossible to justify that kind of pay check for what he produces on the field.

My hope is that Bush hits the free market, and because he would be released, he would be fair game for any team including those who are restricted by the final eight rules. I'd drop Neon Leon and pick up Reggie to fill his role. I feel very strongly that we need to revamp our backfield this offseason. Our young QB will need to be able to lean on an elite running attack again in 2010 the same way he did in in 09'.

We have an exciting young back in Shaun Greene and we certainly have the O-line. But, Jones is well past his prime, and I don't have faith Leon can return to his previous form after such a devastating injury. I would like nothing more than to see #29 slicing through defenses and changing games with his electrifying kick returns. But his game is based on speed and agility, and not only is it very likely that he will lose a step but he is 28 going on 29 years of age. I'd choose Bush over Washington in a NY minute.

Superbowl XLIV

In a few short hours the two premiere QB's in the NFL will go head to head in south florida. This is tough call for me. I predicted that the Colts wouldn't make it to the big game, and I also started calling the Saints the best team in football back in June ( June 1st post ) and September ( September 28th post ).

So, obviously I think the Saints will win SB XLIV... right? It's not that easy when you are playing against the greatest QB in the leagues history. When I say he is the greatest, it's only my opinion. However, all I can say is not only is he a MVP and a Superbowl champion, he will also hold every passing record when he retires. His resume is not why I hold him in the highest regard... it's because he plays the position on a completely different level than any of his legendary predecessors. I could spend hours singing #18's praises, but this post is about the biggest game of the year.

I am choosing the Saints to win this game because I want to trust myself. Over and over I have pointed out how balanced and well coached this squad is. Even though the Colts have stepped it up in the post season and are also playing well on both sides of the ball, I think the Saints advantage is in the coaching department. The Colts best coach and football mind is going to be in uniform behind center... the Saints have the best offensive mind in the league as their head coach and their defensive coordinator Greg Williams has done a brilliant job this year and has been getting it done around the league for decades.

Jonathan Vilma is my player to watch in this game. He has an unbelievable skill set for a LB and is very intelligent. He came up in a semi-professional football program at the University of Miami and was the defensive rookie of the year and a probowler for the NY Jets. He has picked up right where he left off in the big easy, and I truly feel he has a championship heart. I see him with at least one sack, 1 INT, and a dozen tackles... oh, and one defensive TD.

As for the final score... Saints 38 Colts 24. WHO DAT?!?!?!?!

Keep em' or Cut em'

Some thoughts regarding players who I hope will stick around and those who I hope won't be in the green and white next year.

Lets skip the appetizers and get right to the main coarse.... Vernon Gholston. In an un-capped season, players who have grossly underachieved and are grossly overpaid can be dumped and the cap hit can be absorbed all at once. It's kinda' like a get out of jail free card. In this case it is impossible for any outsider to be able to make an evaluation. He is simply never on the field. Our coaches know if he is worth holding on to or if he should be dropped. There is no reason to look at his stats because they are pretty much non-existent. If they decide to keep him I'll give him the benefit of the doubt... one last time.

Lito Sheppard looked absolutely horrible in 2009. I'm not sure what else to say. He played the sloppiest coverage, constantly holding and grabbing receivers. I was not an expert on his career with the Eagles, but I do remember him being one hell of a playmaker. I have a suspicion that he was struggling with more injuries than were reported. He was a huge disappointment, but now that the Jets have become the defense every player want to play for maybe he can get healthy and more importantly inspired. He and Gholston both seem to have some issues with motivation.

Kris Jenkins has had some pretty major injuries in his career and certainly gets the damage prone warning label. I would hold on to him because he is an amazing game changer on the field

and a true leader in the locker room. As a team we need to make sure we have some solid young talent backing him up. Pohua is a serviceable lineman, but we need to start thinking about the future.

Sean Ellis has been an overall disappointment as far as I am concerned. I remember when he and John Abraham were drafted together and how he was the stable, "safe" investment and Abraham was the wild child. He was awarded the big contract and Abraham was pretty much shown the door. He played very well this season, and as far as I am concerned he has created a small trade value. I would love to see him and Kerry Rhodes offered up to the Raiders for Richard Seymour. I won't say much more about #25, I have been clear that I don't think he belongs on this team any longer.

I was unimpressed by Braylon Edwards this past season to say the least. I think he has the most upside of any WR in the entire NFL. If he was to sell out and dedicate himself to his craft, and if Sanchez develops into the QB we all hope he can be, Edwards could have a 4 or 5 year stretch that any player would kill for. He has been given an amazing opportunity here in NY. I really feel that 80 yard TD pass in the AFC Championship game could have real ramifications next season. One play can really change things.

Finally I will mention Thomas Jones. He hit the wall before our eyes during the playoffs this year. Thats how it happens with RB's in the NFL. He also might draw some interest on the trading block, but his cap number is pretty big in 2010 and that could be very useful for us. If he gets released we would have a real chance at pursuing a moderately priced UFA. He has been a real value to us for the past 3 seasons, but this is a business, and he is past his prime.

Rex flips the bird and I couldn't care less...

Rex Ryan flipped off some douche bag Dolphin fans at a non-NFL event and the press was mesmerized.

Some members of the press were calling for a fine of $250,000 to match the fine handed down to the owner of the Titans for doing the same thing. Others suggested a suspension for the beginning of the 2010 season.

Ok, the Titans owner was at another teams stadium and they were fans who paid to attend the game. And as for a suspension, if Bill Belichick wasn't suspended for video taping other teams signals how the hell can you justify punishing Rex like that?

I am really thrilled with Ryan's overall approach to the game. He has made some pretty big blunders in his first year with this team, but his players would walk on hot coals for him and the fans have embraced him.

The most important ingredient required for success is knowing when you're wrong, admitting it and learning from it. He will be a much better coach next year and it's because he is not afraid to be himself.

A look at the 2010 Free Agent Class (defense)...

Our defensive line is our number one weakness, and I have been saying that since last year at this time. I warned that if Jenkins was to go down our defensive line would be useless. Well, the worst happened and to my surprise guys like Pohua and Sean Ellis really stepped up. That was a bit of a shock, but if we plan on staking our future on a 32 year old DE and a DT like Pohua who is turning 30 himself I would be a little concerned. Now is the time to start to infuse this squad with some youth. But, this post is about free agency.

Because the Jets made it to the final four, we are very limited by the league rules regarding free agency. We won't be able to chase any big names like Julius Peppers unless they are under contract and released. Players like Calvin Pace and Bart Scott who were signed as UFA's after their contracts expired with their previous teams are not an option for us.

However, if a guy like Joey Porter was released from the Dolphins he would be fair game. If we were to release a high priced veteran like Rhodes for example, we would then be allowed to sign a player of equal or lesser value off of the FA market. Trades and restricted free agents are not effected.

We will be stuck aiming for guys like Watson and Gradkowski who I mentioned in my last post. It will be interesting to see if Mr. T decides to try and trade Thomas Jones and/or Kerry Rhodes, or if he just dumps them so that we can bid on some prime UFA's. We are almost sure to dump Sheppard, so that might help out a little.

You have to dig deep to find guys who we could realistically land if we don't release a big name guy. If noting changes I'd target Barry Cofield from the NYG, Anthony Montgomery for the Skins' and Tank Johnson from the Bengals to address the D-line. They all have great upside and would probably flourish under Rex.

As for our LB's ad secondary we are pretty well stocked. That's a lucky thing because the pickens' are slim. As for trades, I have already recommended making a move for Richard Seymour of the Raiders or Osi Umenyoria of the NYG.