5 Reasons the Jets Will Make the Playoffs
I like looking at the glass half full before looking at it half empty, so today’s article is why the Jets will make the playoffs in 2008 and tomorrow’s article will be why they won’t make the playoffs.
5 Reasons the Jets Will Make the Playoffs in 2008:
1. The Offensive Line: The Jets should have one of the best offensive lines in football next season. Nick Mangold has played at a borderline pro bowl level at center during his first two years in the NFL, while D’Brickashaw Ferguson has been solid but not spectacular. Fortunately, the two young talented offensive lineman will have the best guard in the NFL stationed between them this season in Alan Faneca. Beyond being a major upgrade over Adrien Clarke, Faneca will also provide excellent leadership in the huddle. At the other guard position, Brandon Moore is a very good, consistent player. Damien Woody might be the biggest question mark at right tackle, but he is a seasoned veteran and a good technician who should be able to hold his own. A good offensive line is a key to any success, especially with a young quarterback potentially starting.
2. The Pieces in Place: The Jets have struggled to run the 3-4 because they have been trying to fit square pegs in round holes. Yet, this season they will have a collection of players whose skill sets fit Eric Mangini’s defense. Many people forget how good the Jets defense played the last 7 games last season, especially in their December match-up against New England. With Calvin Pace, Vernon Gholston, Kris Jenkins, and Dwight Lowery in the mix the defense should be even better, especially at getting after the quarterback.
3. Options on offense: Contrary to popular belief, the Jets have a quality core of skill positions on offense. Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery are both 1000 yard receivers. Thomas Jones is a 1200 yard running back, Leon Washington is electric in the open field, and Jesse Chatman ran for nearly 600 yards last season. Tony Richardson is a pro bowl fullback. Chris Baker is a very good two way tight end, and Dustin Keller should be a match-up nightmare for opposing defenses. Bubba Franks provides good depth, a big red-zone target, and solid blocking. Brad Smith should make strides in his third year as a full time wide receiver, Chansi Stuckey has all the tools to be a good slot receiver and Marcus Henry has the size to contribute in his rookie year.
4. The Every Other Year Theory: 2002 - Jets win the division. 2003 - Jets go 6-10. 2004 - Jets go 10-6, make the playoffs as a wild-card. 2005 - Jets go 4-12. 2006 - Jets go 10-6, make the playoffs as a wild-card. 2007 - Jets go 4-12. 2008 - Hopefully the pattern continues.
5. Friendly Schedule: After the Jets bye week, they play the Bengals at home, at Oakland, home versus Kansas City, at Buffalo, and home versus St. Louis. There is no reason they can’t win 4 of those 5 games. Even if the Jets stumble out of the gate to a 1-3 record, these 5 games have the potential to put them in great position to make a run during the second half of the season which includes winnable games against Buffalo, Miami, San Francisco and Denver.
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10 Responses to “5 Reasons the Jets Will Make the Playoffs”
May 8th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
that sounds awesome
i still think DE is a problem, CB and QB are a possiblitity of a problem but who knows what the QBs and CBs can do this season. maybe kellen steps up and becomes finominal and maybe justin miller or drew coleman or dwight lowery will be fantastic players we never know
definitely a playoff team im pumped for next season
i cant wait to go to the games
May 8th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
I just love how you always write both sides of the story. I have been following your blog for the last couple months and i love that there is always something new to read. keep up the good work. PS i might not read your next post though because I’m too excited about next season to drop down to reality quite yet.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
I appreciate the compliments, and it defintley will hurt to write that article tomorrow because i always like to be optimistic.
However I have alot of faith in Kellen Clemens to be productive with a better offensive lines and a healthy core of receiving options. Corner and defensive end are my biggest concerns, either Miller or Lowery are going to have to step up
May 9th, 2008 at 9:52 am
The every other year theory is a valid one because the Jets have always sucked against good competition (which the schedule makes them play after a playoff season) and they do reasonably well against crappy competition (the schedule they play after their bad seasons - such as this season’s schedule). Anyway, even if the Jets didn’t get any better, their record will improve quite a bit this year because of a weak schedule. As for finally getting people to fit Mangini’s offense, it doesn’t say much for Mangini that he was unable to adjust to his personnel. The organization went backwards big time when they squandered their investments in Vilma and Robertson because Mangini wasn’t capable of adjusting to what he had.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Dear Joe,
Keep up the good work — intelligent, insightful, and optimistic.
I don’t really care who the quarterback is this year. It is much more important to find a way out of this Every Other Year Syndrome.
The CS and FO have to build an OL that will fiercely dominate the line of scrimmage. The NYJs have to force the NFL to recognize that they are now a running team that doesn’t need to but may pass from time to time. The first string of the OL looks like it’s on the way to achieving this priority — but the depth has to be addressed.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:31 am
The depth defintley has to be addressed, because if one player gets hurt on that offensive line right now the jets are in major trouble
May 9th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Im worried about the pick up of Keller. Why do they need Keller with Chris Baker? Chris felt the same way and at least as of a few weeks ago there was a holdout looming there. Other than that I am looking forward to some Jets victories this year. I would like to see more carries for Leon Washington and I encourage to go to Ainge early if Chad and Kellen falter early.
May 9th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
One more thing, Am I the only David Barett fan? He has the fastest burst of speed I have ever seen. I would start him at corner.
May 10th, 2008 at 1:07 am
Very few Jets fans have faith in David Barrett after watching his perfromance last season, but he played well during stretches of 2006 and 2005, so maybe he can provide quality reps again this year, although i think lowery or miller have a better shot at starting
August 9th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
It is even looking better now.
My guess is the Jets will win between 10 and 12 games this year and make the playoffs.
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