Jets Preview
I was feeling pretty optimistic about the Jets prior to this week's announcement that cornerback Ray Mickens will miss the season with a knee injury. The Jets' secondary is inexperienced, and without Mickens opposing offenses are even more likely to be able to throw the ball against the Jets. As it is, the Jets' run defense was terrible last year; if they can't stop the pass either, they'll be doomed.
The offense should be in better shape. Chad Pennington sometimes looks great, and then reverts to being mediocre. The Jets need to give him pass protection and limit the 3rd and longs he faces, as Pennington is more susceptible to the blitz than some other QBs. Offensive coordinator Paul Hackett also needs a less predictable gameplan. Continuing the pattern of a short screen on first down and a run on 2nd down to set up 3rd and long isn't going to work.
I was leaning toward predicting a 10-6 season and a wildcard appearance, but the Jets' history over the last 35 years and the questions surrounding the defense are prompting me to predict a 9-7 season, with the Jets just missing a trip to the playoffs. Still, with some breaks and a relatively injury free season, the Jets could be as good as 11-5 and go as far as the AFC Championship. In any event, Super Bowl or last place, I'll be at Giants Stadium (thanks to Leon Hess for moving in 1984 to
Giants Stadium) for the home games.
posted on 9/10/2004
