Braylon Edwards is a NY Jet...

As a football team the NY Jets have never had a premiere WR. Even when we picked Keyshawn Johnson as the #1 overall pick in the draft, he never really panned out as an elite wideout. We have had some great players at the WR position... guys like Maynard, Walker, Toon Chrebet, Coles and Cotchery were/are all great contributors. They have all helped the Jets win games. None of the afore mentioned players are elite receivers.

Today the Jets have traded for a true elite receiver, Braylon Edwards. So, if he's so amazing, why was he available via trade? His production has dropped, he has had a few off the field issues, and he was one of many players that are unhappy with the new coach of the Cleveland Browns. We gave up a player who was an amazing value. Chansi Stuckey has a very bright future in the NFL. He was a 7th round pick who has shown he is capable of playing at a high level. That being said, there is no question that Edwards is a far superior WR.

With a guy like Stuckey you know exactly what he brings to the table. He's very professional in his preparation, and has conducted him self off the field equally as professional. He is a B- receiver and won't ever be more than a 1,000 yard 5-7 TD a year guy. Edwards has the potential to be an A+++ wideout. Over the next few years, as he enters his prime and he and Sanchez develop chemistry, he could be a 1300+ yard and 15+ TD WR. There's still a lot of question marks about this player, but the basic philosophy regarding risk and reward dictates the benefits of taking a chance and the reality that there are no guarantees in life as well as football.

On March 5th 2009 I explored the possibility of trading for Edwards (The veteran wideout carousel). Even before the blockbuster draft day trade in April, I identified the relationship between Mangini and Tannenbaum and how it was not damaged when Eric was fired earlier this year. I knew their was the potential for some swapping of players and draft picks. I love Braylon's upside. His recent slump that followed a fantastic 2007 season (1,289 yards 16TD's) is due in large part to the lack of stability at the QB position for the Browns.

I was interested in Edwards because I am a believer in the idea of buying low. We gave up Stuckey and a useless special teams player. There was also something mentioned that always sends chills up my spine, especially when your GM is Mr T... "undisclosed draft pick(s)". It is impossible to know if this trade has the potential to be a good value for the NY Jets until we know exactly what we gave up.

I am not thrilled about losing a guy like Stuckey, and the only way the timing of this move makes sense is if we gave up a couple of mid-round picks to go with Stuckey. If there is a first round pick involved with this trade I have to ask one question: Why didn't we do this during the offseason so Mark and Braylon could have had time to work together? Realistically I don't see much of an impact from Edwards until week 7 or 8.

Welcome to the green and white #17! Edwards, Cotchery, Keller, Washinton and Sanchez could really make some waves in the NFL in the coming decade.

Our first loss. Week 4: NY Jets vs. The New Orleans Saints

The Jets dropped a frustrating game in N'Orlins' but we did get to learn some important things about our team. Obviously #6 struggled and looked very much like a rookie today, but the big story to me was our defense. They are the real deal, and they are making their reputation without Sheppard, Strickland and Pace. The good news is that by next week our two injured CB's will probably be back and Pace will also rejoin his teammates. For the first time I am really believing we may end up as the #1 defense in this league when all is said and done.

I am not disappointed by Sanchez. The first pick was a result of our non-existent running game. As a young QB Mark needs to play situational football a little better. If you are trailing early in the game by 3 points and it's 2nd and 8, there is no need to force a pass. Again, if he had an effective running game that he could count on I don't think he would have been so rambunctious.

Mark should have been a little more aware on the fumble play, but #60 D'Brickashaw Ferguson is to blame for that one. He was badly beat by the DE and as a veteran he should know that he needs to grab that defender and take him down. Considering what's at stake, a holding call doesn't really cost us much compared to allowing a defender to attack you QB's blind side untouched. We should have been running the ball in that scenario, a rookie QB needs to be protected.

I have been calling the Saints the most balanced and complete team in football since before the preseason (my analysis of the Saints on June 1st), and I predicted this game as a loss in April. If they stay healthy, the Black and Gold are the team to beat.

When I referred to this game as a frustrating loss it was not because of Sanchez. The unexplainable non-calls from the refs today made my blood boil. First their was a 3rd down play early in the game where Keller was tackled short of the 1st. The defender pushed Keller to the ground as he was trying to get to his feet. Thats know as un-sportsman like conduct and should have resulted in a first down. No Call.

Next was a screen play to Thomas that almost yielded a TD if not for the amazing effort of Harris (#52 has been simply amazing so far this season!). On the play Brees was under pressure and escaped from the pocket to deliver the ball to the RB. Marques Douglas had great penetration and would have sacked the QB if not for a blatant hold from the Saints offensive linemen. It was as clear as day, and again... No Call!

At the start of the second half Sanchez was the victim of a obvious face mask as Charles Grant sacked him. Again, no call and not a word from the CBS broadcasting team. They replayed the sack 5 times, and they didn't have the courage to call out the refs for missing it. Two plays later Shonn Greene runs the ball up the middle and is brought down by a flagrant horse collar. The refs, who were very consistent today, again kept the flags in their pockets.

I didn't watch the Patriots game today, but on the NBC recap of the game they pointed out how each of their scores were set up by questionable roughing the passer calls. They showed a post game press conference where the Baltimore coach was obviously upset about favorable ball spots. If NBC is calling out the refs for handing the game to New England it must have been pretty bad.

The Jets and Patriots have the same record (3-1), but they are not tied for 1st place. We are undefeated in our division and the Pats are 1-1, and we beat the Pats head to head. So we are in first place according to league rules. So every time you hear or read an ignorant report that the Jets are tied for first place, know that is incorrect.

The first 4 games are history and the next 4 are winnable. We will see the Dolphins twice, as well as the Bills and Raiders. I can easily see us 3-1 after this next quarter of the season is complete. I think we will drop one game to Miami. My feeling is that we win next week in Miami, but when they come to our house on November 1st they will squeak out a close one. 6-2 at the halfway point would be a beautiful thing.

This next 4 game stretch is the least demanding of our entire schedule. We need to establish a consistent running attack. We need to find a way to get players like Neon Leon more touches and involve Clowney and Greene. We have only scratched the surface of what our offense is capable of.

We are 3-1 after four very tough games and we have no major injuries. Losing today was disappointing, but Jets fans everywhere should be feeling pretty darn good.

"Absolut Bullshit"... Jim Zorn on the hot seat

Jim Zorn has done a quality job as a headcoach. He went 8-8 during his rookie season in the toughest division in football, the NFC East. He was 6-2 at the halfway point and the team struggled a bit during the second half of 08'. After a promising rookie season what did the Redskins do?

They explored replacing their headcoach and starting QB throughout the entire offseason. As I have said in the past, Washington's owner simply wants players and coaches with big name recognition. Synder has no idea what he is doing. On the first day of free agency the Redskins gave Albert Hanesworth an absurd contract. I expressed my feelings about how mismanaged the Redskins organization is in my previous post.

Zorn and the entire Redskins organization suffered a black eye last week by losing to the Detroit Lions. Thats a tough one, no question. That being said, Zorn and Co. have earned the right to try and make it work. It's not the coaches fault that the owner, who's trying to imitate a GM like a 13 year old playing the Madden video game, doesn't understand that teams don't develop chemistry by just throwing together random FA's.

Obviously you can't fire the owner. The fans need to demand that Synder hire an experienced GM to help this team get back on track and stop hemorrhaging money because of absurd contracts. Just because you are a fan with a lot of cash that doesn't qualify you to run an NFL team. Snyder will allow Zorn to continue as a lame duck coach, and unless he wins the Superbowl he will be out on his ear and Snyder will give one of the elite unemployed coaches on the market a RIDICULOUS deal.

I hope he fires Zorn and no coach will want to touch that job. If the fans want to have an impact, just stay home. An empty stadium sends a much larger message than crying and complaining on talk radio.

#25 Kerry Rhodes... don't believe the hype

This former up and coming, budding young star has turned into a monster. Not on the field like we had hoped, but off of it.

He jumps at any opportunity ... not to make a play, but to deliver a sound byte. He is a relentless force ... not in the weight room, but on his twitter page. I was a fan of #25 when he was a quite young 4th round pick who was making a name for himself as a playmaker. I remember his rookie season when he battled Oliver Celestin for the starting safety spot. He emerged in camp as a smart, hard hitting, tall, and athletic DB.

Good teams have to be able to find talent through out the draft, and for a while the Jets were on quite a streak. We have three stand out 4th rounders including Rhodes, Cotchery and Washington. However, after 3 years of hard nosed playing the Jets rewarded Rhodes with a big contract making him one the highest paid safety's in football. Since that extension he has run his mouth with much more ferocity than how he runs on the field.

He had a grand total of 2 picks last year and was averaging about 3.5 unassisted tackles a game. So far this year, no picks (not even anything close to a pick), and 10 unassisted tackles... which is about 3.5 per game. In last weeks game Chris Johnson had a big run to the strong side and got past the second level (the LB's) which he does quite often. He was streaking down field and Rhodes had him dead to rights. At this point we have a 7 point lead. Rhodes try's to arm tackle Johnson, who is much smaller, and simply slides off of him. Luckily Vernon Gholston, who has amazing speed, didn't give up on the play and was able to chase Johnson down and save the game tying TD.

I have been ultra critical of Kerry and to back it up I always keep an eye on him and often replay defensive snaps to see what he is up to. He has become a player who is content to stay out of the way and has no desire to deliver a big hit or make the big play. With his size he should be punishing receivers.

I hope our defensive strategy this week involves David Harris covering Jeremy Schockey. If our coaches try to put Rhodes on the big TE he will no doubt have a career day in receptions. I don't feel #25 is hungry anymore and he is only motivated by seeing his name in print or his face on TV. I would be happy to offer Rhodes and a 3rd round pick to Mr. Mangini for the struggling WR Braylon Edwards. His stock hasn't fallen yet, and I think we could still get something in return for him.

... In the hoooooooouse of the riiiiiiisin' sun...

Sean Payton had some kind words for Rex Ryan and our rookie QB this offseason:

"If I had to choose one non-playoff team from last season that has a chance to make it into the 2009 postseason it would be the Jets. I think Rex Ryan will do a great job of creating a culture that lends itself to winning. I also love Sanchez as a young quarterback prospect. We will find out soon enough."- Sean Payton

The NY Jets are off to the Big Easy for a game that should be anything but. Our defense is ranked top five in every important category. Now we face the best and most dynamic offense in the NFL. We also face a very underrated defense led by former Jet, Jonathan Vilma. I predicted the New Orleans Saints as an elite squad this year and I also predicted us to lose in week four playing in their dome. Brees is deadly in the controlled conditions that the dome provide.

The key to this game simply revolves around our ground game. In order for us to keep winning we need our two pro-bowl backs, and our VERY highly paid O-line, to start imposing their will. I don't care what defense we face, 14 carries for 20 yards is unacceptable. Our secondary will have it's work cut out for it, but I am interested in how our LB's with respond. Having the luxury of two outstanding ILB's will pay off this week. Former NY Giant Jeremy Shockey could be a real X-factor in this game. Who will be assigned to shut down this University of Miami alumni?

I like to look at the season in four quarters much like a game. If we are 3-1 and healthy after the 1st quarter of the season we will be in an excellent position moving forward. A loss this week may take the wind out of the sails for some Jets fans, but I am confident that Rex won't let his team turn this into a let down. I feel the Saints are the best overall team in the league right now and they are my choice to represent the NFC in the Superbowl. If we can somehow squeak out a win in their house, I will officially rank us as a top 5 team.

My top 10 teams after 3 weeks...

Sorry but the Jets are not number one, and barely make my top 10. Sports Illustrated, ESPN and quite a few other news outlets have the Jets ranked top 5. They always consider a teams record when they make their lists. I don't, I simply look at how the teams would match up head to head in a 'win or go home' playoff game. Here's my list (which the Jets have moved up on this week):

#1) The New Orleans Saints. They proved they could win even when Breeze doesn't have a lights out performance. Underrated defense, bionic offense, and some scary playmakers on special teams.

#2) The Minnesota Vikings. Despite the selfish ego maniac know as #4 this team is complete. They have fielded the best defense in the league for years, finally some credit.

#3) The Baltimore Ravens. Very solid in all three phases and their QB is not content with just managing the game and hiding behind the defense. Love Flacco!

#4) The NY Giants. The WR corps. is a bit better than I thought they would be, but if they are going to move up this list to #1 where they belong, those wide outs are going to have to show better hands. The loss of Phillips is a sin, that kid is the real deal at safety.

#5) The Indianapolis Colts. #18 is showing that the reports of his demise were greatly exaggerated.

#6) The Green Bay Packers. Lots of young talent, some fierce playmakers, great coaching and a newly installed 3-4 defense.

#7) The New England Patriots. Brady... Belichick... Moss... thats a guaranteed 8 wins even if they don't try. I know we beat them, but all things being equal, a rookie vs. Brady will loose 9 out 10 times.

#8) The San Diego Chargers. Vincent Jackson is twice as good as some of his more famous counterparts in the league. Guys like Roy Williams, T.O., and Ocho Cinco are not half the receiver Jackson is.

#9) The Pittsburgh Steelers. 1-2 after 3 games, OMG fire the coach, trade the QB and sell the team to an owner who would know what he is doing. This is an elite organization. Everything will work out as the season progresses for the defending Superbowl champs. Holmes catch at the end of last years big game may be the greatest play I have ever seen in my 20 plus years of watching the NFL if you factor in the circumstances and what was on the line.

#10) The Mighty New York Jets!!!! I would have ranked them at about #20 before these first three impressive victories. Beat the Saints and I will officially be drinking the Kool Aid and talking playoffs and Superbo......... Superbo...... Damn, still can't write it.

I predicted us to be 8-8 at best this season, and 2-1 at this point of the season. So, I am not shocked at our record so far but I am surprised at how good our defense is. If the running game starts to click... watch out.

I am thrilled with Rex's decision to hold Clowney out of this weeks game because of inappropriate 'tweets' regarding his dissatisfaction with his lack of touches. That-a-boy Rex! No one player is bigger than the team. Nip a problem like this in the bud, it may seem a bit of an overreaction today, but if #87 continues to grow and develop as a WR we don't want another T.O. on our hands in 2 or 3 years.

Keep Rollin'! Week 3: NY Jets vs. Tennessee Titans

The "Titans of New York" beat the "Tennessee Oilers" this week as the Jets and Titans take on their throw back alter egos. Apparently the Jets couldn't afford to clothe their assistant coaches in the yellow and blue throw back gear. Why they would ever have players and coaches in two different colors with different team names on their chests is beyond me. On to the game...

Our team really peaked in the 1st quarter. That has been our high point of the season thus far. Offense, special teams and defense looked elite. The Titans, who are now 0-3, are one hell of a talented football team. In the blink of an eye we were up 14, but one thing was for sure... Jeff Fishers squad wasn't going to curl up and die. They fought their way back and our defense finally gave up the first TD of the season... 10 quarters into the season. Thats something to be proud of.

On the Lendale White rushing TD I was shocked by his individual effort. That guy has some real heart. He broke a Jenkins tackle (wow), then broke a Leonhard tackle, and willed his way to six. One thing that stood out to me on that play was how Kerry Rhodes was manhandled by a smaller WR. He is quickly becoming my least favorite player. He also missed a tackle in the 2nd half that would have given up the game tying TD if not for the speedy LB Gholston saving the day. If you are going to run your mouth... back it up big boy. Make a play once in a while #25!

Sanchez struggled a bit with the wet ball. He also threw at least two interceptions that were dropped. This is what you expect from a young signal caller. Bumps in the road are par for the coarse, but so far #6 has shown some luck to go with his natural ability... and that can never hurt. He was a bit careless today, but he's 3-0 and the first rookie QB to ever achieve that in the history of the NFL. Very exciting!

The Eric Smith interception towards the end of the 2nd quarter was excellent. I really like our secondary, they are truly the strength of the defense. I am a big Chris johnson fan and after the play he showed his tenacious attitude by fighting with Smith for the ball. If you watched closely as the scuffle broke out Kellen Clemens came from off the bench to defend his teammate. I really like that guy, obviously you have to be thrilled with Dirty Sanchez, but Kellen is a hell of a guy.

Love the hail mary call at the end of the first half. So many teams skip that these days, but I think it really shows that winning is more important that stats. Now for the second half...

The Titans came out strong took the lead for the first time. They scored 17 unanswered points and our offense had slowed to a complete stop. Our special teams ended up making another game changing play in the second half that was as impact full as their previous one. Mike Westhoff, our special teams coach, gets a lot of attention and I'm sure there are a lot of fans who just don't appreciate this guy.

He has survived 3 head coaches and almost a decade, and through it all one thing has been consistent... our special teams have been amongst the best the NFL has to offer. Two of our 3 TD's were set up by big special teams plays. If you want to have a chance to win each week in the NFL you need to produce in all THREE phases of the game, and right now the Jets are doing that.

With two fumbles and one interception the Jets rookie QB never lost control of the game. He has won the support and confidence of his teammates and coaches, and I don't know how else to put besides to say he just doesn't seem like a rookie. Our running game is suffering, and one of the reasons is because teams are daring Sanchez to throw. There is also another reason. Thomas Jones has officially hit the wall.

That dude has no burst, can't break a tackle and is obviously the second best RB on this team. I think he should be second on the depth chart and Neon leon Washington should become our official #1 RB. Jones isn't costing us much this year and I would limit his carries. 8-10 touches at the most for Jones and 20 plus touches for Washington. Let Leon prove he can carry the load and earn that big contract. Use Jones in short yardage situations and keep him fresh for the playoffs. I would also like to see the rookie Shonn Greene who has yet to touch the ball. We traded up to score this player, I would expect to see him make some-sort-of contribution, and soon.

Some other quick observations about this game and the NFL in week 3:

• #77 Big Jenks was a force this week but by the end of the game he was shown on the sidelines in obvious back pain. I'm glad he's on our side, but his durability will be a concern for the rest of his career.

• Gholston was all over the field today and it shocks me how much he draws a double team. For a dude that has never recorded a sack he gets a lot of attention.

• Bryan Thomas was very productive today and he has really filled the void during the Pace suspension. Beginning in week 5 a starting LB squad consisting of Pace, Harris, Scott and Thomas may very well be the best in the NFL. It's probably the most expensive as well especially if you factor in #50 and his insane salary coming off the bench.

• Cotchery is making a case for himself as a 'go to' #1 wideout. Clowney didn't even dress for this game and you have to place him as #5 on the depth chart.

• Kenny Britt is starting to receive some attention as a rookie WR. He is a prototype NFL wideout and Tennessee hit home run drafting this Rutgers product.

• Deshawn Jackson is quickly becoming an elite receiver in this league. He was explosive last year and has raised the bar this season. He has a TD of over 60 yards each of his first three games.

• Mcnabb is in the HOT SEAT. Kolb is looking ready to take the reigns, Vick is taking snaps and Garcia is waiting in the wings. WOW.

• Ahmad Bradshaw is an explosive back who is going to really push Jacobs for carries. Love his playing style.

• Washington loses to Detroit. I'll say it again, that team is just a mess. Huge contracts to players with name recognition, and no substance.

• Cincinnati is making waves. They should be 3-0 and they are hungry and determined. That last second loss in week one only made them stronger. Fear the big cats!

• T.O. is just about ready to explode in Buffalo. The heartbreaking loss against the Pats in week one. Then his catch-less performance this week and the awkward press conference that followed equals lots of fun in the weeks to come. Getcha popcorn ready!

• Drew Breeze puts up less than 200 yards and no TD's this week. Thats a real shocker. Maybe this trend will continue next week when the Jets go to visit him in the big easy (fingers crossed).

• My favorite quote from the CBS broadcast of the Jets game this week was from Dan Dierdorf. He commented on the overall status of the Tampa Bay Bucs... he said "...they are a young team devoid of talent". Wow, that is pretty rough.

• Mr Mangini is 0-3 and spiraling. He has already pulled his QB and I would love to see Cleveland pull the plug on the penguin by seasons end in order to make a run at one of the elite coaches that will be on the market.

I hope the team will not waste anytime running their mouths about the Titans this week and everyone involved with the Jets organization will be focused on one thing... The New Orleans Saints. We shall see what our defense is made up of this week for sure.