The New York Jets have made a tremendous splash this off-season, a trend that they've been building up the past few seasons. With the signing of over-the-hill veterans, and trades for question-mark talent, Gang Green is certainly heading into the season with big expectations. But with great expectations also come the chance for great disappointment.
After a Super Bowl appearance for the Chicago Bears, Thomas Jones was traded to the Jets in one of the most uncharacteristic moves by the team in its history. A year later, they supplanted beloved but injury-prone quarterback Chad Pennington with the ageless wonder: Brett Favre. And after week 4, they traded for Braylon Edwards to become their star wideout -- the biggest (literally, he's tall) threat in the passing game since one Keyshawn Johnson. It was hard to see the potential of Chansi Stuckey go though.
But after Favre took the team from turmoil to AFC contender, he fled for the team he really wanted to play for, leaving a gaping hole in the the hungry Jets.
Enter Sanchize.
A Southern Cal boy dropped right into the Big Apple when former Jets fan nemesis Eric Man-Not-So-Genius looked to regain the likes of his old draftees. From that point on, the Jets went on a magical run. Too bad they must have gotten there magic tricks from Michael Scott.
Sanchez started strong and shocked the football world by leading his team over the Jets arch rival Patriots, potential-ridden Houston Texans and a Tennessee Titans team that people waited to break out. But it was a beat down in the Big Easy that struck reality in the team.
Eight picks in three games between the Saints, Dolphins and oh, the lonesome Buffalo Bills. Who saw an AFC Championship run in that team?
After an inconsistent stretch, the team head into the playoffs hot (although they faced the immaculate Curtis Painter and suffered a loss of a two-minute drive anchored by Matt Ryan). But really, the loss vs. Atlanta -- can you blame Sanchez? It was a little chilly to be throwing the ball (see three interceptions).
But the miraculous run into the playoffs, including wins over AFC North Champion Cincinnati Bengals and AFC West Champion San Diego Chargers, the Jets ended up faltering the second half to one Peyton Manning, who in fact, is no Curtis Painter.
However, the success of the Jets and their anticlimactic end to their unimaginable season did not sit well in the minds of owner Woody Johnson or General Manager Mike Tennanbaum.
The Jets let go of running back Jones, safety Kerry Rhodes and corner Lito Sheppard, as well as the always-reliable Jay Feely. They signed future Hall of Famer Ladainian Tomlinson and Brodney pool, and traded for the likes of Antonio Cromartie and Santonio Holmes. Currently, they are bringing "the full court press" to sign Jason Taylor, hated rival of Gang Green, who has enlightened fans of his hatred on many occasions. (Sorry Fireman Ed).
LT: He is closer to the Hall of Fame at times than he is to being LT circa 2004. But there are bright spots -- he's going to be a part of a three-running back system with the budding star Shonne Greene, and the always dangerous scat back Leon Washington. What LT can contribute: the lost leadership of Jones.
Holmes: The deep threat wide receiver has already been a Super Bowl MVP, but that is when he has a strong-armed quarterback at the helm. With Sanchez, the sophomore slump is always a possibility. If Sanchez can put on a show like he did throughout the playoffs -- consistent play, avoiding turning the ball over and making a big throw when the moment calls for it -- Holmes can ultimately be the benefactor. Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery are all capable options, as well as tight end Dustin Keller and LT / Washington in the backfield. Sanchez is being surrounded by a multitude of weapons -- but can he handle it?
Cromartie: The typical "My Baby's Daddy" that Antonio is -- seven kids in five states has to be some sort of national record. But his off-the-field record is not what the Jets traded for. The organization is hoping fiery head coach Rex Ryan will control that, and help him transition back to his 2007 form where he single-handedly owned Peyton Manning, and racked up 10 interceptions. If Cromartie fits the scheme, the Jets see his as the solution to their playoff fault -- the corner opposite Darelle Revis to provide protection.
A lot hinges on the chemistry the team can build over the next few months. While many people have been jumping on the New York Jets bandwagon over the past few weeks, there are still way too many question marks hinging on the new players they've acquired, and their success is no sure bet.
After all, they are the Jets, and the one thing you can count on: is them letting you down (see depressing photos below):
