If you read my previous post from right before the Divisional game against the Pats the focus of this post season run was the development of Mark Sanchez. The Jets showed over and over this season that they were not a disciplined football team. They developed some bad habits during the regular season, the worst of which was starting slow and playing catch up. They had some exciting last minute victories led by #6... but unfortunately that style of play can only work for so long.
We have the most talented squad in the NFL, but you can't beat a team like the Steelers, at home, in the AFC Championship Game when you are dropping passes, missing tackles and letting potential interceptions bounce off your face mask.
The previous week we played our best game of the season. We outplayed the Pats for 60 minutes and Sanchez showed exactly what we needed to see from him. In my previous post I asked: "Will he become the next dominate force in the AFC East, or that guy who is always chasing Brady's coat tails?"
#6 answered that question with authority. He put up a better QB rating than Brady (again) and our defensive gameplan was nothing short of brilliant. Sadly we peaked against Belichick and Brady and started out the game against Big Ben and Tomlin totally flat.
Again, Sanchez put up a 127 QB rating compared to Big Ben's 37, but our running game was non-existent and Schotty kept calling plays in totally obvious and predictable patterns. He called the same fake reverse to Edwards at least a half-a-dozen times and the same draw play up the middle to LT every time resulting in zero yards. He also called the same screen pass to Cotchery 3 or 4 times, but those plays actually netted yards and even a TD late in the game... so kudos. His mind boggling series of calls on the goal line in the 4th quarter of this game will never be forgotten. Rex is standing by him, but I have a feeling he may step down sometime over the next few weeks.
We came up short, but more importantly our young core of players showed they play even better when the pressure is on. Revis was lights out against 3 of the best QB's in the NFL, Mangold and D'Brick dominated the dynamic pass rushers from Indy and New England, David Harris snagged one of the biggest INT's in our teams history on the biggest stage, Shonn Greene stepped it up in the post season for a 2nd reason in a row, and MOST importantly Sanchez showed everything you can ask for at this stage of his career.
What this team is missing is a dominate draft class of defensive linemen. This is how I would handle things moving forward towards the 2011 season.
Lets start with the offense. Starting QB is covered, Mark has shown he can play through injuries and keeps getting better in all aspects of the position. The back-up QB spot is a major issue. I would offer Brunel another season but he can only fill in briefly. If #6 was to go down for more than one week we would be left high and dry. We need an experienced back up who can play long term if needed. Thats HARD to find in todays league.
I would target David Garrard and Jason Campbell. They are both under contract, but I have a feeling they might both be unemployed sooner rather than later. The Jags will be targeting a new QB in the draft and the Raiders are very interested in trying to land disgruntled Bengals QB Carson Palmer who has officially demanded a trade... and is threatening retirement if Cincy plays hard ball. BTW BRAVO Mr. Palmer!!!!! But I will explore that decision in my next Bengals bashing post. Another nice candidate would be Rex Grossman in Washington. I don't see him coming on the market, but if he does, I would snag him.
Our running back situation is very interesting. LT will play again next year and I guarantee he hits the wall, right before our eyes. He should not be counted on. Greene may develop into an elite runner, I have a feeling this season was just a sophomore slump. I wouldn't be shocked if he breaks through in 2011. But, he can't be counted on either. Joe McNight??? Well, thats a shot in the dark. We need a dynamic young back in this years draft, and Mr. T will need to hit another homerun.
If Miami doesn't take Mark Ingram @ the #15 spot I would try to trade with the Jags and leap frog Bill Belichick at the #17 spot and pick up the Alabama RB. I am sure if Ingram is still there when the Patriots choose they will take him. Belichick has a history with Mark's dad who played for the Giants back in the day. He would be perfect for them. By jumping ahead of them we would get two birds with one stone. I think there is about a 5% chance of this happening, but it would solve a lot of problems for us. Greene, Ingram and McNight would be a formidable backfield and compliment our elite O-line very well.
Our O-line is looking pretty sweet. The aforementioned Mangold and Ferguson are very solid, Brandon Moore has some very good years ahead of him and Slauson got the job done for 16 games this season, replacing Faneca. Turner stepped up this season playing RT and even Center whenever his number was called. Lets not forget Vladimir Ducasse our 2nd round pick from last year. We are set on the line, and I am saying that while also recommending dumping Woody. He is done and will cost us a ton of cap dollars if we keep him.
Keller is an OK TE, but we need to bring in a solid, run blocking veteran like Crumpler who was signed by NE last year. Their two rookie TE's have panned out very well, so Crumpler may be available. Randy McMichael and Leonard Pope should also be out there and would fit very well on this squad.
As for the WR's.... I would keep Holmes and Edwards, but they would have to sign very reasonable contracts. If they want top dollar you have to let them walk. They both have baggage and big money long term contracts are too risky. I would fight to hold on to Brad Smith and unfortunately I would release Cotchery. I think he has become too expensive and he has developed a habit of dropping passes he use to be counted on for catching. Those 3 remaining WR's matched up with a couple of young guys from the draft would be perfect.
On defense I would dump Cromartie (unless he takes a rock bottom deal) and Leonhard is a waste of cap dollars. Rex won't part with him, but he is simply too small, too slow and he is now recovering from a major injury. It's time to cut bait IMHO. Rounding out or secondary is the epic draft bust Kyle Wilson. #20 looks like a player, and seems to be a real high energy guy. He also looks lost most of the time and dropped an easy INT against Pittsburgh that may have won us the game. I wish we could dump him, but that is not realistic. I REALLY hope this kid shows something next year.
The D-line needs a major overhaul. Jenkins, Price and Ellis are simply too old and I wouldn't build my future D-line (the foundation of the entire defense) around Mike DeVito, no matter how much he has overachieved. Mr. T has his work cut out for him re-building this group.
It's the end of January and we are already talking about next season... Sadly.
No comments:
Post a Comment