Taking Flight: Previewing The New York Jets For 2009

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The NFL season is upon is. With only one day standing in the way between us fans and the pigskin, the anticipation is there. All our questions will soon be answered, and the hopes we have for our team will be filled or shattered.

We all have our dreams. We want to see our team captain, holding up the Lombardi Trophy in Febuary, with tears in his eyes. We want to feel the joy of watching our passion win, feeling what it is like to be on top.

Unfortunately, for Jet fans like me, winning a Superbowl hasn't happened in a long time.

We've gone through a lot of pain. Ken O'Brian over Dan Marino. Passing over Warren Sapp in the 1999 draft, watching Doug Brian miss multiple field goals in the playoffs against the Steelers.

Watching Al Groh, Pete Carroll, and Rich Kotite lead (or lack of) this team for years also killed us inside. That list is only the start.

For once in a long time though, this off season has brought a lot of hope for Jet fans. They brought over Rex Ryan from the Baltimore Ravens, who has instilled a hard-nose defense, with a running game that should run over people.

Along with Ryan, the Jets acquired Bart Scott, Marques Douglas, and Jim Leonhard from free agency, all former Ravens. They traded for former pro-bowl cornerback Lito Sheppard, who although hasn't shown much promise in the pre season, if on track can be a dominate number two cornerback.

During the draft, the Jets once again made headlines by trading with the Cleveland Browns in the number five slot, to take USC quarterback Mark Sanchez, who should be the leader of this team for years to come. They traded up once more in the third round, and selected running back Shonne Greene out of Iowa, who is a bruiser.

All in all, many Jet fans are excited. No one believes they will make the Superbowl, but playoffs aren't a stretch. To further know the strengths and weaknesses of the Jets, I will break down their team position by position.

Offense

Quarterback- Rookie Mark Sanchez received the starting nod in the pre season. He has shown promise since, whether it be his first ever professional pass in week one, keeping his poise against the Ravens in week two, or out dueling Eli Manning in week three. Many Jet fans hope that a Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco season is in store for Sanchez.

Sanchez is backed up by fourth-year veteran Kellen Clemens. Once again, Clemens was not able to win the starting role in New York. He has not shown leadership qualities, a smart mind while under pressure, or anything you want from a quarterback. Many think that third string Eric Ainge will be named the number two in mid year. Rookie Kevin O'Connell was recently acquired in a trade with the Detroit Lions.

Grade: C

Runningback- After a great year, Thomas Jones is back as the starter. He had a career year last year, leading the AFC in yards and scoring 15 touchdowns. No one expects the same output this time, but he should have a good year.

Leon Washington is back and electric as always. He can score from any place on the field, is a threat carrying or receiving. He puts a great touchdown ability for the offense. Rookie Shonne Greene will be given most of the red zone carries, as his big bruising build is perfect for that situation.

Grade: A-

Tight End- Second year Dustin Keller looks to come back and deliver a great receiving year from the tight end. Statistically, Keller had one of the best rookie years at the tight end position in recent history. That is a great future sign for Keller, who is labeled as a wide receiver in a tight end's body.

The Jets also recently signed Ben Hartsock, who is known for his stellar blocking ability. It was a great depth signing and will provide a great blocker for the passing and running game.

Grade: B

Wide Receiver- This is the weak spot of the Jets' offense. Jerricho Cotchery takes over as the number one receiver for the first time in his career, and many wonder if he can be a number one. No one denies his ability as a number two though.

At the number two spot, it looks to be Chansi Stuckey. Stuckey doesn't have impressive speed,or size, but he makes up for it by running crisp, clean routes and having sure hands. He has became a favorite for Sanchez during camp and pre season.

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