New York Jets: Playbook Changes

Perhaps you remember the post-game comment from Brett Favre last season, when he admitted that at times in the huddle he would say, “Hey, guys, same play.” Sure that was after the first game of the season, but in the NFL every game is important. You can’t have a quarterback learning the offense on the fly.  The Jets starting quarterback job might go to a rookie this year, but at least he will have spent all of training camp with the team.

Regardless of whether Mark Sanchez or Kellen Clemens is named the starter, the most important player on the field will have a lot more familiarity with the playbook than he did last year. The releasing of Favre should also mean no more desperate heaves down the field, and when a passing play does break down, there will certainly be more mobility in the pocket.

Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer can take more control of the unit, as well, as he no longer has to deal with an improvising signal-caller who didn’t have the time to fully grasp the offense.

The already potent running game added another weapon with the drafting of Shonn Greene out of Iowa. New York is looking at a potential three-headed monster with Greene, Thomas Jones, and Leon Washington, a trio that will need to be effective to take pressure off the QB.

If Rex Ryan’s track record is any indication, the Jets defense should be unleashed this year. The addition of Bart Scott and the development of Vernon Gholston will be a big part of that. Jets fans should expect to see an aggressive defense that doesn’t lose focus like last year’s unit appeared to do at times.