Jets RB Martin has gas left in the tank

By Krupka  |   Wednesday, May 10, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

New York Jets
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In today's world, gas prices are soaring higher and higher by the day.

Luckily for the New York Jets, their "automobile" has some gas left in the tank.

For the ninth consecutive year, they will ride the coattails of their "Aston Martin." Like the car, the Jets running back is small, sleek, durable, and fast.

Throughout his astounding career Jets running back Curtis Martin has missed a mere five games, four of which came in the final games of this past season. He has amassed a tremendous 14,101 yards, scored 90 touchdowns, and rushed for over 1,000 yards in his first 10 seasons, failing to break the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career in 2005.

Just two seasons ago he lead the NFL in rushing yards with 1,697 yards, earning the title by a single yard over last year's MVP, Seattle's Shaun Alexander.

Part of the problem for the rushing attack this past season was an inconsistent and aging offensive line. It didn't help that right tackle Jason Fabini tore his pectoral muscle in Week Nine, and missed the remainder of the season.

GM Mike Tannenbaum has addressed the weakness by releasing old All-Pro center Kevin Mawae, and upgrading through the NFL Draft. He spent the team's top two picks on offensive linemen, drafting the top left tackle in the draft, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, and the top center, Nick Mangold. With the additions of the two rookie stalwarts, the line should improve immensely. Couple that with the fact that their underperforming right tackle Scott Gragg is gone, and there should be plenty of holes for Martin to run through.

Some people may begin to question Curtis Martin's durability because of his age (33), but aside from this past season, injuries have never been a concern for the future Hall of Famer. It can be seen as an anomaly, or more appropriately, a quick 10 minute oil change and tune up.

People have continuously insisted that the New York Jets need a new car, but they'll be happy to take their Martin for a spin at least one more time. With gas left in the tank, Martin will surely oblige.

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com
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