2005 JetsAfter a 10-6 season in 2004, the Jets face a difficult schedule this season. At several positions, the Jets lost starters, including nose tackle Jason Ferguson, offensive tackle Kareem McKenzie, and tight end Anthony Becht. The losses of McKenzie and Becht will hurt the Jets running game, as well the loss of backup running back Lamont Jordan, who played a key role in several victories last season.
The Jets passing game will receive a boost from the re-acquisition of Laveranues Coles. Coles and Jets QB Chad Pennington had a fantastic rapport in 2002 before the Jets foolishly let Coles leave for Washington as a free agent. Mike Heimerdinger, the Jets' new offensive coordinator, is also expected to institute a much more aggressive style that should increase the production of tight end Chris Baker and of Wayne Chrebet, who is now the Jets' third receiver. Doug Jolley, another tight end acquired from Oakland in the offseason, had a disappointing preseason, but can't be counted out as a potential asset to the receiving corps. While the Jets cannot afford another serious injury to Pennington, should Pennington be out for a game or two, Jay Fiedler is a very capable backup quarterback.
Aside from the departure of Ferguson, the Jets' defense is fairly similar to last year's. Ty Law replaces retired cornerback Donnie Abraham. I have always felt Law to be somewhat overrated. It is hoped that John Abraham will be productive and healthy for a full season, but Abraham's history suggests that this scenario may be unrealistic. Free safety Erik Coleman and linebacker Jonathan Vilma were both rookie starters last season, and should improve in their second season. If healthy, defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson could be poised for a big year, but he will open this season playing with a cast on a broken hand.
The loss of Santana Moss - who was traded for Coles - removes a threat from the Jets punt return game, and the Jets kickoff return group also seems suspect. The Jets should improve at both punter and kicker, though both positions are now held by rookies: Ohio State standout Mike Nugent, the Jets' second round pick is the kicker, while 31-year-old Ben Graham, an ex-star in the Australian Football League, is the new punter.
With Heimerdinger and defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson, the Jets are solid are both coordinator spots. Head coach Herm Edwards is good at motivating his players to play hard, and - in sharp contrast to Mets manager Willie Randolph - has a penchant for allowing young players to step into big roles. Edwards' main weakness is his abysmal clock management and his ultra-conservative "play not to lose" approach late in close games, which cost the Jets their playoff game against the Steelers, as well as a key regular season game against Baltimore.
If everything goes right, the Jets can be a Super Bowl contender. If everything goes wrong, this season can be a repeat of 1999 - the last time hopes for the Jets were this high - when Vinny Testaverde sustained a season-ending injury in Week 1 and the Jets started off 1-6.
My prediction: Another 10-6 season, and a fourth trip to the AFC playoffs as a wildcard in Herm Edwards' five-year reign.
posted on 9/09/2005
