Four Things That I Learned: Jets vs Ravens

With the anticipation rising as week two of the NFL Preseason came to a close, I couldn't help but watch my beloved Jets take on the Ravens. Even though it was only preseason, you could see that both teams wanted to win this game.

I watched the game, rewound it to re watch plays (Thanks, DVR!) and broke it down. While originally I was going to do a recap, four things stuck out to me during the game, so I decided to make a list.

These four things became so clear to me while watching the game, I have no doubt that they are true.

Vernon (Ghost)ton, where are thee?

Everyone was calling him a bust after last season. I, on the other hand, waited patiently. The man is a freak of nature with his impressive strength, speed, and size.

He didn't do anything his rookie year, and many believed it was Mangini's fault.

I believe there are four people in the NFL that would be able to utilize Gholston correctly; Bill Parcells, Bill Belichek, Dick LeBeau, and Rex Ryan.

Jet fans are tired of having to look for Gholston to see if he is on the field, he should be having his name called play after play by the announcers.

Many have completely given up hope, and the fact that he will be the starter for the first four weeks scares Jets fans. Let's hope Rex is holding him back to unload in the regular season.

The Ravens are a top three franchise in the NFL today

Notice I did not say top three team, but yes, they are a top three franchise. From top to bottom, this organization is ran to the highest regard. I put only the Patriots and Steelers ahead of the Ravens.

GM Ozzie Newsome does an amazing job year in and year out at the NFL draft. I believe he is the best drafting GM in the league today. Constantly, you see stars emerge from the Ravens. The depth they have is outstanding too.

They lost three starters to the Jets alone this year, and they filled those holes like it was nothing.

They front office knows how to run a football team, and they do it to perfection. I truly believe the Ravens will win a Superbowl within the next three years.

Mark Sanchez: Will be named the starter, and will be a great QB

The QB battle is hot in New York. You open the papers, you read about it. You turn on the news, you hear about it. It is all that can be talked about.

After last night, I believe Mark Sanchez won the starting QB spot. All will remember his first pass, hurried by Ray Lewis, intercepted by Ngata. Welcome to the NFL, Mark.

What most won't remember is how he kept his poise the entire time, and showed off his abilities.

Does everyone remember the third and long to Brad Smith that was called back? He scrambled, kept his eyes down field, set his feet before the throw, and launched a perfect throw.

Does everyone remember the Leon Washington touchdown? Same thing as the Smith pass. Scrambled, kept his eyes down the field, set his feet, and threw.

What about the botched screen to Cotchery? It was originally suppose to be a run, but Sanchez recognized the defense, and realized a screen would gain about five yards. If Cotchery was looking, it would of been a great audible.

Those are things that he has mastered, his second preseason game as a rookie. Those things can take years to master, and he has them down pat. His poise in the pocket is wonderful, his accuracy is tremendous, his leadership is uncanny.

He has all the makings to be a star, and that is exactly what Mark Sanchez will be.

Leon Washington is the most explosive player in the NFL today

Darren Who?

Anyone that makes the mistake that Leon Washington isn't the most explosive player in the NFL today is just crazy.

For those that don't know, Leon is currently in a contract dispute with the Jets. They are offering him about $4.5 million, while he wants closer to six. He doesn't deserve $6 million a year.

He deserves about 10.

I've never seen a more explosive player. Standing at 5'9", he isn't afraid of anything. He has been constantly returning kicks for the past two years, and showed that brilliance on the second kickoff almost taking it to the house before tripping over his own shoes.

He runs the ball with power and speed, and he isn't afraid to run up the middle like most small backs. He works for his yards too, a perfect example being the 3rd-and-9 in the second quarter of last nights game.

Leon ran up the middle, got hit, staggered on, and fought the tackle an extra two yards for the first down.

He runs out of the backfield like there is no tomorrow. He can separate himself from anyone in the league. He can juke defenders out of their shoes.

He is consistent, powerful, and a threat to score any time he touches the ball.

The Jets need to make sure he gets signed to a contract for many years to come. If they lose him, it would be the worse thing that has happened to Jet fans in recent years.

Worse then passing on Warren Sapp for Kyle Brady, worse then taking Ken O'Brien over Marino, and maybe worse then Doug Brien.