New York Jets 2005 Preview

By John Onan  |   Wednesday, September 07, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

New York Jets
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As the 2005 edition of the New York Jets prepare to begin play, questions still abound from 2004. First and foremost, will quarterback Chad Pennington return 100 % from an injury to his throwing shoulder? Having Pennington on the field is essential to any hopes coach Herm Edward's team has for getting to, and advancing far into the postseason.

Strengths: Veteran running back Curtis Martin, the league's leading rusher a year ago, will once again be called upon to carry much of the load in the New York Jets backfield. Whispers continue about age beginning to slow down the All-Pro runner, but he's been as durable as any back in the league. His backup, LaMont Jordan, left for the Oakland Raiders during the off season, so the newly acquired Derrick Blaylock will need to spell effective relief at times for the 32-year old Martin. He gained 539 yards last season when the Kansas City Chiefs needed him to fill in for an injured Priest Holmes.

Former Miami Hurricanes standout Jonathan Vilma stepped right into the Jets line backing group and performed so well (107 tackles, 3 INT), the Jets decided to let go of Sam Cowart. The guys lining up beside Vilma, Eric Barton and Victor Hobson, are just as competent. Barton also recorded 107 tackles, and Hobson should continue to improve now that he's getting a chance to play every down. The New York Jets defense were ranked 5th against the rush, and should be near the top once again.

The left side of the Jets offensive line may be the strongest in the league, with Jason Fabini, Pete Kendall, and Kevin Mawae, but they'll need the other side to step up. Youngsters Brandon Moore and Adrian Jones are plenty talented, just not very experienced. Having some tough veterans beside them should help the growing process.

Weaknesses: Critics criticized the play calling of former offensive coordinator Paul Hackett, and he was replaced by former Tennessee Titans coordinator Mike Heimerdinger. The Jets will look to pass more on first down, and they've brought back Laveranues Coles after a short stint with the Washington Redskins. Someone, namely the disappointing Justin McCareins, will need to step up as the no. 2 man. Heimerdinger coached McCareins while both were in Tennessee, so he may be able to light a fire under him. If not, old reliable Wayne Chrebet could once again get a bigger role in the offense.

After kicker Doug Brien missed two game-winning field goal chances against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Playoffs, his future in a Jets uniform was pretty much over. New York drafted Ohio State's Mike Nugent to take over, and it looks to be an immediate upgrade. Another rookie, Ben Graham has been brought in to punt. This could also be an improvement, but rookies can be rookies, so we'll keep our fingers crossed.

Also… How well the defensive line performs will depend on how quickly DE John Abraham can get into shape and into the lineup. Nose Tackle Jason Ferguson, who joined Bill Parcells in Dallas, will be missed. DT Dewayne Robertson came on strong last year, and could be an All-Pro in the making.

The secondary situation looked iffy, but was helped immediately by the Ty Law signing. he'll team with David Barrett to hold down the corners. The safety positions will be occupied by second-year men Erik Coleman and Oliver Celestin. Both have potential, but are green as the New York Jets' uniforms.

Overall: Lots of potential, but also plenty of ifs and buts for the Jets. Pennington must come back close to 100 % for the New York Jets to be a factor in the strong AFC. Hopefully, Abraham's holdout doesn't cause any ill will in the defense. It also remains to be seen if the offense will be more effective in the air if McCareins doesn't step up, and you have to hope Martin won't lose a step anytime soon.

The team should make the playoffs, but nothing is given in the NFL. They won't wrest the AFC East title from the New England Patriots, but I can see 10-6 and a Wild Card berth.
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