6 players who we live and die with...

There are 6 players on any team that are the foundation of their success... or lack there of. Three solid leaders on offense, and three solid leaders of defense are required if you plan on winning games in this league, not to mention a championship.

Mark Sanchez is the obvious starting point of this discussion. He has shown me everything I would like to see from an NFL QB at this stage of his career. He had some real tough games and poor performances last year, and he also played some great games as well. Watching him get destroyed in the end zone of that Saints game last year was agonizing. The blind side hit (that should have been protected by our 60 million dollar LT) was vicious and the fumble was the cherry on top. Those moments are the ones that build character.

#6 made some real strides in the 2009 post season and I started to become a believer. I think that he is already progressed to the maturity level of Eli Manning after his 3rd season. He is way ahead of Eli and I expect him to do well again this year. He WILL struggle at times in 2010, there is no way around it. He is still young, but I think he will get it done when it counts. Either way, he is the kind of guy you can get behind as a fan and cheer for. He is likable, a good face of the franchise, and a true leader.

#2 on the offense has to be Nick Mangold. He is the best center in the league and I think it is often overlooked that he took over for a legend. Kevin Mawae was a staple in the green and white and the probowl. To step in the way he did as rookie and take over the offensive line was something to see. 1 game into his career most Jets fans were thing Mawae who??? I feel it is much more of priority to sign Nick than Darrelle. This young man has what it takes to win a Superbowl, with a few more solid players like him on the roster we can get it done. I hope he stays a Jet for life.

#3 on the offense for me is Braylon Edwards. He has never shown any leadership ability, but there is more than one way to lead. Jerry Rice was never a vocal player, but his teammates knew that he set the standard back in his 49er days. #17 needs to do his talking on the field. If he puts up a career season it will completely open up things for Cotchery, Holmes, Keller, and our running attack.

Edwards is one of only 10 or 12 players that can completely take over a game in the NFL. He NEEDS to come out of the gates this year on fire. Everything I have heard about him this offseason says that he is 100% sold out and committed to the Jets philosophy of 'Football First". By watching his BFF Kerry Rhodes get banished to the deserts of Arizona hopefully his eyes have been opened and he is ready to get it on.

My #1 guy on defense is Kris Jenkins. This guy is everything you want as the center piece of your defense. He would be regarded as one the top 10 overall players in the league if it wasn't for his history of serious injuries. If he stays healthy all season I see no reason we don't win the AFC East. We have developed some depth at the DT position and a steady rotation of players should help Big Jenks stay off the IR. These players like him, they respect him, and they are probably a bit scared of him as well. I recently saw him making the rounds on some T.V. sports shows and he looks fantastic (OK, this is officially a man crush LOL). He has dropped a lot of weight and he will be a force to be reckoned with... no question.

#2 is Bart Scott, the 'Mad Backer'. He talks a big game and has a huge salary to go with it. Now we just need to see some impactful plays on the field. I consider 2009 a disappointment for Scott. He is playing a complimentary role to David Harris who is our top ILB, so he should be able to use his savvy and experience to cause some real headaches for opposing offenses. Players won't start following him until he shows he can change games and earn his multi million dollar pay check. He is our real X-factor right now, we will only be as good on defense as he is.

#3 is not Darrelle Revis or Jim Leonhard. It's not either of our two high profile pass rushers Taylor or Pace. For me it's Sean Ellis. He is the longest tenured player on the roster. The Jets have had a few chances to dump or trade him over the last few years and they have kept him for two reasons. He is big and nasty. Thats it. He won't put up double digit sacks, he won't make the pro-bowl, and he is certainly not a great representative of this team off the field. He is still here because he is the type of player who knows how to dig in.

In any battle there are turning points where many men will consciously or unconsciously call it a day. Ellis is not wired that way, he simply can't give up. He is very aware that he has a chance to be a first round draft pick who plays his entire career with the team that drafted him. He is also in the twilight of his run in this league, and he has seen the Jets through some real ups and downs. As his career is ending he is playing for the best defense in the league and knows he has a real chance to go out as a world champion in NYC. Very few players have ever had the chance to do all of these things.

He has the best Defensive End job in the NFL and I think he will play like a man possessed this year. He won't make the pro-bowl, but when it counts Ellis is a post season proven, gritty veteran who knows how to make any RT's day pure hell. Don't squander this once in a lifetime chance Big Kat!

"Absolut Bullshit"

It's been a while since my last installment of Absolut Bullshit, but I was inspired this week by a few topics around the league.

First on my list is the foregone conclusion regarding a 18 game regular season. This is a horrible concept that is obviously motivated by greed. It is also being pushed to the forefront because of the current pre-season structure that has been a debacle for decades. NFL fans who buy season tickets are forced to pay for 2 meaningless pre-season games. Usually coaches will only play starters for 25% or less of the game if they play them at all.

The games do serve a purpose. Teams have only 16 games to make it to the post season. We have seen teams with 10+ wins miss the playoffs in recent years. A slow or sloppy start can doom an entire season almost before it has begun. We need these pre-season games to work out kinks in the game plan and evaluate players.

The flaw in the system revolves around the fact that the final outcome is meaningless. If winning and losing means nothing, no one cares. It wouldn't be very hard to generate interest in these games especially considering how NFL fans are usually chomping at the bit by early August desperately needing their NFL fix. I don't have a 'perfect' solution, but awarding teams that do well in the preseason something significant would be more than enough to bring out fans and make the pre-season fun.

How about a supplemental draft pick at the end of the first round for any team that goes undefeated? Coaches would have to use strategy, but at the same time they wouldn't risk playing key players for all 4 quarters. That idea may not be the answer, but something along those lines would work.

As for 18 games, the impact on the potential of the length of a players overall career would be catastrophic. Not to mention how diluted the talent on the field would become. The roster size would have to be increased by at least 5- 10 players. It would also amplify the problem of teams pulling players at the end of the season when they have 'home-field' locked up. This is a real hot button for the NFL right now.

Another major disaster facing the league is the threat of a non-existent 2011 season. Fans have spent billions of dollars supporting this league, and frankly the battle is not between the NFLPA and the league office, it's between us and them. Both sides want more and more and more. Unfortunately their greed is gong to do serious damage to our beloved sport.

The players and their agents have lost complete control by demanding 100 million dollar contracts. Paying unproven rookie draft picks 40 or 50 million dollars GUARANTEED is just simply reckless. The owners have created a monster and now they can't control it anymore. Sadly... in the end... we will pay their bill and clean up their mess. I am looking forward to seeing how Giant and Jet fans who have purchased PSL's will react to a lockout next season. How can they foul up a business that is as popular and profitable as the NFL???? Sickening.

Next up on my bitch list is Dez Bryant of the Dallas Cowboys. This dude is an absolute phenomenon on the field. Watch one practice and everyone can see that. He also has a despicable attitude and is as dumb as a rock... watch one interview and anyone can see that. He will make some serious plays on the field this year, but going forward will Jerry Jones gamble on this kid pay off? I say no, but who really cares... I am a Jets fan.

T.O. is still unsigned and he will probably land with the Bengals... what a shocker! The Benglas current #1 offensive threat has spent the entire offseason making the rounds on reality T.V. including an embarrassing VH1 program called 'The Ultimate Catch". Chad Ococinco makes a dozen or so strippers and prostitutes compete for an expensive piece of jewelry. Before that he was on "Dancing with the Stars". T.O. also has a half hour of humiliation on VH1 each week and the powers that be in Cincinnati have decided they will put their 2010 hopes for a Superbowl in the hands of these two men. All Bengals fans... please drown your children ASAP and save them from a lifetime of following this rechid franchise.

All that being said, the Jets now have a Dancing with the Stars alumni on our roster, and our entire team has become one big reality show know as 'Hard Knocks'. Maybe being a Jets fan isn't that different from being a Bengals fan. At least our uniforms don't look like the wallpaper of Elton John's bedroom. LOL

You rolled the dice, and you LOST... AGAIN!

Will the Cincinnati Bengals ever learn? Every team has taken a chance on a player with questionable character and lost. However, if you add up every other NFL teams miscues in this department, the Bengals can probably beat that number single handedly. They never seem to learn from the ridiculous multitude of ill advised player acquisitions.

The Bears drafted Cedric Benson #4 overall in 2005. He went on to put up approximately 1500 yards and 10 TD's. Not bad for a feature back. Unfortunately those weren't his totals for one season, it was for 3 seasons. He started 12 total games in 3 years and was dumped with good reason. he had a horrible attitude... bad character... and a poor work ethic. He had multiple alcohol related arrests, and all of this had the power that be drooling in Cincinnati.

They immediately identified him as their kind of guy. Even though he had a lackluster 2008 campaign, he made a big impact in 2009 and finally started to show that he did have what it takes to make it in the NFL. Some guys take time to develop, and some have to be on the very edge of the abyss to straighten up.

After all of his problems and the long journey back, he was arrested for getting in a fight at a bar. He will surely be suspended and the Bengals are heading back to the old drawing board a few weeks before training camp. Benson was suppose to be the centerpiece of their offense and again they have hitched their horse to broken carriage. and, for the record, there is no question that Benson is broken.

I can't understand how guys like this never grow up. I don't blame him for his early trials and tribulations. If anyone thinks it is easy to adjust to becoming a millionaire over night and everything else that comes with being the #4 overall pick in the NFL draft, they are dead wrong. But, he is a veteran and a fully grown man... this latest stupid move is unacceptable. I have no idea how Carson Palmer bites his tongue.

At one time he was an elite QB, but because of a perennially poor O-line he has taken way too much punishment. He is just a shell of his former self. On a team that lets TJ Houshmanzadeh walk, and re-signs Chris Henry (may he R.I.P.) Palmer is a lone wolf. He has done everything he can to be a leader, but at the end of the day he is in career prison.

All of this is just more good news for the Ravens. The Steelers seem cursed and continue to lose players before the season even starts, the Bengals are lost, and the Browns... well, they may very well be the worst team in football. Pretty sure Baltimore dominates all 3 of them in 2010.

My playoff bracket...

My AFC teams are as follows:

1) Colts

2) Jets

3) Ravens

4) Chargers

5) Patriots

6) Bengals (would have been the Titans before Young slapped a stripper).

I see Jets/Colts in the AFC Championship game... deja vu?

My NFC teams are:

1) Vikings

2) Cowboys

3) 49ers

4) Falcons

5) Packers

6) Redskins

I see the Packers and 49ers in the NFC Championship game. Yes, my #4 overall team, the Saints, aren't even in the playoffs... and the 49ers aren't in my top ten according to my previous post. I'm a wack-a-doo-dle.

I see a Packers Jets Superbowl, and I am sorry, but I can't pick against the green and white in the big game. My life long dream comes true and the Jets finally win the Superbowl... Brad Smith MVP =)

My Top 10 teams as we head into T.C.

This is my break down of the top 10 teams in the NFL heading into training camp. And yes, the Jets are on my list. Not because they made it to the AFC Championship game last year, and not because of the flashy FA's or the swaggerlicious jabber. It's because they have an excellent blend of various skill sets and players at different stages of their careers.

I have been clear about my feelings regarding Taylor and Tomlinson. I don't see either making a huge impact, and I have a lot of disdain for both of them. That being said, they have experience, which there is obviously no substitute for. They both are future HOFer's and I am sure they want a ring more than anything. I don't think they are here because they feel so sure that the Jets are their golden ticket to the big game. After coming up short so many times I would think they are pretty cynical by now. But, if we are playing at a high level heading into the playoffs, I expect both of them to come alive and go for broke.

OK, enough stalling... here's my list:

#1) Minnesota Vikings: If #4 returns... and stays healthy (which may seem like an absurd thing to say, but he is OLD)... they are the team to beat. Most complete team by far.

#2) Indianapolis Colts: Their offense is going to be so explosive, and Manning will play with a serious chip on his shoulder. I still have questions about their head coach, but the best QB of all time is on their roster... and he shows no signs of slowing down.

#3) Green Bay Packers: I would place them at #1, but I have some serious questions about their defense. They are still trying to convert to a 3-4 defense. The transition was kinda' sloppy last year, if Dom Capers can get it together in 2010 I think the Pack may be Superbowl bound.

#4) New Orleans Saints: I had an good feeling about them last year at this time. I have an equally bad feeling about them this time around. I think the Falcons are going to take that division and the Saints will be lucky to make the post season. It's not because of a lack of talent or quality coaching. I just see a post SB slump in the big easy. It's hard to explain, I think they are the 4th best team, but because of a number of factors (not the least of which is the oil spill and it's effect on the region) I see them struggling.

#5) The Mighty NEW YORK JETS: I have already said a lot already on this subject... but I think that if they win their first two games they may very well make a Suberbowl run. Nuff' said!

#6) Dallas Cowboys: There will be HUGE changes in big D next season if they don't make it to the big game in 2010. Jerry Jones has been dreaming of home field advantage in the Superbowl ever since he saw the first blueprints for his new stadium. I expect the Cowboys to dominate the Eagles and Giants... the Redskins are the real X-factor here.

#7) Baltimore Ravens: Another team with an excellent blend of hungry players with varying levels of experience. They have solid leaders at key positions including linebacker and QB... they sport a solid O-line, a dynamic RB, and FINALLY.... a legitimate receiver! You're welcome Jersey Joe Flacco.

#8) San Diego Chargers: Not the sexiest team in the league anymore, but they have an elite QB and a opportunistic defense. Not many teams can claim that. I am very interested in what they will do with Vincent Jackson. He is a key piece to the puzzle and A.J. Smith is treating him like garbage.

#9) New England Patriots: That defense is not very talented, but Belichick is one of the great defensive minds in the NFL. If anyone can make lemonade here it's him. Oh and there is also that guy Tom Brady.. heard of him?

#10) Atlanta Falcons: They fit into the same category as the Packers. On paper they look pretty good, but they are unproven. I can't place them higher than the Saints when they are coming off a SB win. That being said, I see their season lasting longer than New Orleans.

Around the league....

Hanesworth, Revis Johnson (Chris or Andre, take your pick), Roethlisberger, and even LT... the original LT. All of these names are in the press and not because of their amazing talent, but because of tabloid drama. Contract stalemates, rape accusations, and big fat drama queens demanding trades (after collecting 21 million dollar bonus checks).

Thats not what real fans are interested in. I can care less what happens with the bank accounts of Revis, Mangold, D'Brick, or Harris. They are all under contract and will be there, on the field, week one. Lets focus on what is going on in the NFL regarding.... ummmmmm football.

There are a few up and coming teams that really interest me:

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a team that Dan Dierdorf of CBS described as ' a young team devoid of talent' last year. Thats still one of my favorite quotes, but is it still true? They have a fascinating young coach, Raheem Morris, who is a highly motivational character that players seem to gravitate to. They play hard for him, but if they don't start winning in 2010 he will lose his players very quickly. With so many holes it's hard to understand how or why the Bucs weren't bigger players in the free agency market.

Their young QB needs more than Kellen Winslow as a weapon to be successful. Why not make a run for Miles Austin and give up the RFA compensation? How about Boldin or even Brandon Marshall? There were so many playmakers available this offseason and Tampa barely took a wiff. Dude, I like some of the overall talent on their defense including the rookie DT's. But, if I'm Josh Freeman, I am scratching my head while watching the Jets surround Sanchez with every possible option.

The San Fransico 49ers are so close to being a playoff team that it hurts. It has been a rough decade to say the least for the darlings of the bay area. They stumbled upon Singletary who is starting to look like the real deal as a head coach. If Gore stays healthy and Alex Smith can just be average, I see the 49ers in the playoffs in 2010. They certainly are in the NFL's weakest division, and they have assembled talent very methodically via the draft. They are a team to watch.

I see absolutely no chance that the Chicago Bears make any noise in 2010. It's time for Smith to hand the whistle to someone new and gracefully exit as the coach of this team. I like that they have gone all out during the past few years making some aggressive moves. I just hate the players they have targeted. Jay Cutler and Julius Peppers are as qualified to be team leaders as Terrell Owens. And I have a weird feeling they may sign him next. I wouldn't build my franchise around guys like that. With teams like the Vikings and Packers, the Bears are just going to be spinning their wheels this year. Bring Ditka back!

On the AFC side I see the Colts, Jets and Ravens as the top 3 teams barring any major long-term injuries, and on the NFC side it's the Cowboys, Vikings and Packers. I also see the Patriots and Redskins as two teams to watch out for. I would like to spend a little time on the teams that are the true sewer slime of the league.

The Rams, Lions, Bills, and Browns are just simply horrible. I have some respect for what the powers that be in Detroit are trying to do, and I like their last few drafts and some of the free agents they have landed. But, until they start winning, they are still the Lions. The Lions and Rams have young QB's who they can point to as a reason for hope. The Bills and Browns don't even have that. Bills fans have to reminisce about the Bledsoe era and the Browns have dig way back to .... yes ... Vinnie Testeverde to remember what it was like to have a legitimate QB behind center.

If I was the Bills owner I would have offered Shannahan any amount of money to take over has head coach. If individual players can get contracts with tens of millions of dollars guaranteed these days, why not pay a coach 50 million for 5 years? They would have landed him for that. And, I assure you, they wouldn't have picked a RB with their first selection. Shannahan would have turned Lynch into a 2,000 yard rusher, and would have brought Donavan up their instead. Remember, he did play for Syracuse. Why not finish your career in your old neck of the woods?

As for the Browns, Joe Hayden better be able to cover at least two receivers at a time for him to be worth the #7 overall pick. I hated their draft and I think they will be a complete joke this year. I can't wait to watch Holmgren fire Man-Gi-Nah!

Finally, I really hope to see the Denver Broncos struggle. I think Josh McDaniels is a grade A douche bag, and the impulsive, man crush-esc pick of Teabow in the first round may come back to haunt him. Orton had stepped up as a quality QB and a leader on a team that was in shambles after losing their long time coach and franchise QB. Josh has run Cutler, Scheffler and Marshall out of town and now he has started to alienate Orton by bringing in a 1st round QB with a ton of hype to wait in the wings. I just don't get what the Broncos owner was thinking when he dumped a legend for a wanna be.

Some news regarding the passing game and special teams...

Mark Sanchez seems to be near 100% after undergoing knee surgery a few months ago. He is a bit ahead of schedule and thats always a good sign. Rex Ryan is understandably cautious about throwing #6 back out on the field. QB's are suppose to be untouchable during practices but anything can happen. Mark snuck out on the field and took a few reps with our starters last week during OTA's.

It's also been reported that he is planning on flying all of his WR's out for a few days in California to work on chemistry and timing. Thats a great way to establish himself as our leader, and I recall Pennington doing the same thing years ago by bringing Coles and the others to Florida for a few days during the offseason. Gotta' love how this young man is stepping into his role as the face of the franchise so seamlessly.

Another name that keeps coming up this offseason is Braylon Edwards... and for all the right reasons. The coaches, media, and even bloggers like me are all singing his praises. Anyone that has had a chance to see him during workouts has said he is razor sharp. He appears to be 100% focused on having a huge season and helping this team take the next step. If we were to win the Superbowl in 2010 and Edwards has a pro-bowl season... he will be a very rich man and probably set for life.

He seems to completely understand the gravity of his current situation, and we know what he is capable of when he sets his mind to something. The trick will be keeping him focused. How will #17 respond if Mark struggles early in the season (remember this is still a very young QB)? How will he respond if he and Mark have too much success? If it's too easy early on will Edwards start to get distracted and lethargic? I am very excited to see what he is capable of if everything comes together.

On the other hand, I feel 100% confident in Holmes and Cotchery. These guys know how to get it done. Dustin Keller will also be cash money on Sundays (I could see Keller and Cotchery in the pro-bowl this year). The other two missing pieces of our passing attack will be Brad Smith and David Clowney. They will probably contribute more on special teams than offense. I am thrilled that Clowney is getting reps as a kick returner. I like Brad Smith and we all know he can make some big plays as a kick returner, but the fact is that he just isn't very fast. Speed kills in this league and Clowney is amongst the leagues fastest at any position.

#6 has no limit of talented targets who can present mismatches to any defense. Will he be able to take full advantage of his weapons? I believe in him, but the truth will be clear to all of us in a few short months.