The New York Jets desperately need aging Hall of Famer Brett Favre.
Let's review the Jets' notable offseason moves to exploit their "win now" approach.
Jets sign G Alan Faneca
Faneca is 31-years old and is entering his 12th season in the league. This is old for any football player and very old for an offensive lineman. There is no question that Faneca is still one of the best guards in the league, however, he could very well retire three years down the road.
Jets sign OL Damien Woody
Woody is 30-years old and is entering his 11th season in the league. He is currently an above-average lineman, but it's very possible that Woody will be useless three or four years down the road.
Jets trade for DT Kris Jenkins
Although Jenkins is only 28-years old, his numbers have begun to slip in recent years. Jenkins, at 6'4" and 350 pounds, is a big body that is much better suited for the Jets' 3-4 scheme than predecessor D'Wayne Robertson.
If Jenkins is unable to revive his numbers with the Jets this season, he could be a non-factor three or four years from now.
Jets sign LB Calvin Pace
Pace had a breakout season last year with the Arizona Cardinals. He is just 27-years old and very possibly could be entering the prime of his career. Last year, Pace recorded 98 tackles, 6.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception. This is an enormous increase in production from two years ago (2006) when Pace had a mere 31-tackle season (just one of them a sack). Hopefully, Pace will continue his upward trend in New York and become a Pro Bowl linebacker for years to come.
Jets sign TE Bubba Franks
In a move straight out of the New York Yankees' playbook, the Jets signed an aging over-the-hill veteran whose best years have long since passed. Franks, now 32-years old, recorded 27 of his 32 touchdowns receptions from 2001-2004. Now that it is 2008, the only Franks I want is Franks Red Hot Sauce.
Jets traded LB Jonathan Vilma
Vilma was one of my favorite Jets; I was devastated to see him traded away. The 26-year old out of "DA U" was traded to the New Orleans Saints because he was not a good fit in the 3-4 scheme.
This trade freed up some cap space so that the Jets could sign the veterans Faneca and Woody. Best of luck to Vilma in New Orleans; we are going to regret giving him away so cheaply.
Right now, the Jets have a delicate balance of up-and-coming stars and battle-tested veterans. On the O-line, the newly-signed vets will play alongside youngsters Nick Mangold and D'Brickashaw Ferguson. This line has the potential to be one of the top offensive lines in the entire league.
Defensively, the Jets have been revamped by the additions of Jenkins, Pace, and rookie first-round draft pick Vernon Gholston.
At middle linebacker, second-year stud David Harris will team up with veteran Eric Barton. At defensive back, another second-year player (Darrelle Revis) will play opposite 10-year vet David Barrett.
The infusion of youth and experience is so important because the young guys learn a lot from the veterans and develop faster under the guidance of veteran leadership.
Offensively, returning playmakers Thomas Jones, Jerricho Cotchery, and Laveranues Coles are talented players in their primes. Jones will benefit from the additions of Woody and Faneca, but Cotchery and Coles need someone to deliver them the football. This team has all the pieces of a Super Bowl contender, except probably the most important: a quarterback.
Chad Pennington's suspect arm-strength is well documented and defenses "pack it in" against him because they know he cannot beat them deep. Third-year quarterback Kellen Clemens' arm strength is average at best. Add that to his inexperience and lack of discipline, and you get at least two to three years of growing pains.
That is unacceptable for New York.
So, here is the solution. Go after Chad Pennington's polar opposite in Brett Favre. Favre's greatest asset is his arm strength, Pennington's biggest weakness. Favre's Achilles heel (if he has one) is that he is careless with the ball. Pennington's greatest strength is his ball control.
As a Jet fan, I am tired of seeing 5-10-yard pass routes, and as a sports fan, I am tired of reading about Brett Favre. So, I propose a remedy to both of these seemingly never-ending nightmares: a second and a fourth-round pick to the Green Bay Packers for Brett Favre.
Packer fans, what do you think? Deal or no deal?
It may be a lot to give from the Jets' point of view, but who cares? We have two second-round picks this year (one of them from New Orleans for Vilma).
I am sick of conceding the division to the New England Patriots every season before my birthday (Aug. 11). With our improved defense and offensive line, I know that Brett will enable us to not only compete with the Patriots, but maybe, just maybe, to dethrone them as perennial champs of the AFC East.
Sure, Favre to Coles would not be as good as Brady to Moss. However, the upgrade from Pennington/Clemens to Brett Favre is more than enough to push a team poised for 8-8 into the division race.
And it certainly will turn up the heat in Foxboro this winter.
Scary thought huh, New England?
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2 months ago
I agree with most, however I disagree a little on the observation that offensive lineman age the same as other players. Most offensive lineman hit their peak very late. Interesting points though.
from 2 months ago
I do agree that they hit their peak late, but they fall from the top very fast as their bodies just take a pounding year in and year out.
2 months ago
I definately agree that Favre would be the answer in New York. The defense just got a lot better with Goldstein and Jenkins, so the offense should get the ball more often. Now with a good offensive line to protect him, Favre could throw all day to playmakers like Coles and Cotchery. especially against teams like Buffalo and New England who now have weak secondaries. Then, when the defense drops back, Thomas Jones can run all day behind the new line. New England wouldn't know what hit them.
from 2 months ago
i couldn't agree more. thanks for the feedback
2 months ago
It's interesting to see all the moves the Jets made this off season, I think Pace could turn out to be a tremendous signing and combined with gholston the two could create some chaos blitzing off the edge. But Faneca is on the decline in his career and it seems Woody has eaten himself out of being the star lineman he was before leaving the Pats for that fat paycheck with the Lions. I also think that after shedding almost 40 pounds to play nose for Mangini Jenkins could go back to his ways of terrorizing offensive lines which will make the entire defense better, as I've seen as a Pats fan when you have a quality nose it instantly improves your defense. Although Favre would improve the Jet's chances, possibly making them a playoff contender even, lets keep in mind that his gunslinging style may hinder more than help him against the crafty defenses the Pats use. However if nothing less i think Favre as a jet would make the AFC east a much more interesting division.
from 2 months ago
thanks for the patriots fan feedback. I completely agree about Woody, although he still is an upgrade for us and Faneca being on the decline is kind of my premise about having to win now. Favre may very well struggle against a Patriot defense as you suggest, but keep in mind no more Asante Samuel.
from 2 months ago
Well as someone who'sbenn watching asante for the last few years i'll tell you i dont understand the infatuation with him, i've always seen him as more of a guy who's more of a better lucky than good player because sure he's had some big games but they were against terrible qbs. That 10 interception season all those picks came against either bad or inexperienced qbs. I worry for jets fans cause it looks like they've gone out and tried to by a team, and even though that will bring you short term success it can really hurt your future. However they'll be interesting to watch, even if they don't land favre
from 2 months ago
The thing is, there are a lot of bad and inexperienced QB's out there. You definitely watch more Patriot games than I do, but how often did Asante get beat deep? Anyway I agree that our long term future is in jeopardy, but then again its always in jeopardy we are the Jets. That's why we need Favre so bad to give us one season of hope and excitement.
2 months ago
31 is not old to be a quality football player by any strecth.....Espescially not for a lineman....Comedically, you said Thomas Jones is in his prime....Yet running back is the one position where age does play a major factor and Jones turns 30 in 3 weeks...
I respect you because you are a Jets fan....I've suffered with you....
But, why write an article when it has been noted ad nausea that Gang Green has zero interest in Favre?
In my opinion, and I've been wrong thousands of times (I wanted the Jets to draft Lawrence Phillips in 96 instead of Keyshawn), I think the Jets should gamble for nada and sign talented free agent Byron Leftwich.....If he could ever stay healthy....If.....The Jets could be well of....
from 2 months ago
I agree that lefwich would be an upgrade and I would like to see that, however, regarding the Jets saying they have no interest, they aren't allowed to suggest otherwise. Look at what is happening to the Vikings. I think you misinterpreted my intentions about Faneca, I did not mean to imply that he is not a quality football player right now, I just meant that in 3 or 4 years when he's 34 or 35 he will not be very valuable. I agree with you about Thomas Jones, saying he is in his prime is certainly wishful thinking, but don't forget about Curtis Martin, he lead the league in rushing at 31 years old. But, I know Jones is not as good as Martin, I am just praying he has a big season behind this line.
2 months ago
GB is not going to trade or release Favre. If anything, they'll cave and give him his starting role back.
from 2 months ago
unfortunately, that is probably true, and I am not saying its going to happen I'm just presenting a hypothetical situation.
2 months ago
Favre told Jemille Hill he wants to retire as a Jet in 2008, 2009, 2010, and possibly 2011.:)
2 months ago
that wouldn't surprise me
2 months ago
Brett should go to the Vikings if he wants a real shot at winning the Super Bowl.
The Jets are years away from contention.
from 2 months ago
Favre may have a better chance of winning the Super Bowl with the Vikings, but he has a better chance of being a star in New York. Who is he going to throw the football to in Minnesota?
from 2 months ago
Favre is already a star.
from 2 months ago
yeah you are right star was the wrong word, focal point of the offense is what I meant. Minnesota is Peterson's offense he is the superstar right now and Favre would have nobody to throw to. In New York, it would be all about Favre, just what he likes.
2 months ago
No way Farve goes to the Jets! OK maybe a 10% chance, and yes the Jets have a real chance of turning it around this year. Maybe they will look like last years Browns! Maybe?
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the comment.
2 months ago
If farve goes on the jets our rivaly with the jets will be for real and instead of us crushing every one in our division by 20 points our more i could sit down on sept 14 and nov 13 and see a actual game much like our game with the colts last year.
from 2 months ago
I agree and wouldn't you like to see that as a Pats fan?
from 2 months ago
No. Not really. As a Patriot fan I just as soon see them destroy the Jets by 4 or 5 touchdowns and get through the week with no injuries.
You want Favre so bad then you should be so lucky to get him. He's a gunslinger not a system QB. He's an iron man but he doesn't have the best qualities of a champion. Go back to the '96 Super Bowl and replace Tuna with a coach that wasn't trying harder to get out of town than he was to win a Super Bowl. Without that ring then Favre would be no better than Archie Manning or Jim Kelly. No wait. That's an insult to Jim Kelly.
from 2 months ago
dan marino never won a super bowl, but i guarantee any NFL team still would've wanted him on their team
2 months ago
Pennington is going to start for the Jets, and Favre is most likely going to start for Green Bay.
from 2 months ago
I completely agree with that. I'm just presenting a hypothetical situation and articulating what I WANT to happen and why I want it to happen.
2 months ago
Okay, even if the Jets do sign Favre(which won't happen) they wouldn't have a chance of dethroning the patriots, they couldn't dethrone the pats if they had a young namath on that team. Yes they have the potential to be miles better than they were last year, they actually have a chance to go 8-8. But lets face it, Favre doesn't fit the NYJets scheme. I would love to see some more challanging teams and games in the AFC East, but I don't think it's gonna happen this year, and Bret Favre would not sign with the Jets.
2 months ago
First of all, Favre is not going to sign anywhere IF, and I know it is a big if, but if he goes anywhere it will be via a trade. No chance the Packers allow him to walk free and take the chance that he signs with Minnesota or Chicago. You saying that Favre doesn't fit the Jets scheme is based entirely on the fact that you are accustomed to seeing Chad "Noodle Arm" Pennington throw the ball for New York. A Favre style offense is not hard to implement and Coles has the speed to be a Greg Jennings type of receiever. What is your basis for saying they would have no chance against the Patriots? Is it your defense, which has lost Asante Samuel, and is another year closer to retirement? Or is it just simply Brady? But we have seen in the last NFL game played if you can pressure Brady he is human and he will not perform. The Jets added Pace, a pass rusher, Gholston, a pass rusher, and Jenkins a man who eats up offensive lineman and open up the blitz off of the corner. So excuse me if I don't buy into the Patriots can't be beat because they are the Patriots theory, if Eli Manning can beat them "a young namath" certainly could beat them. You are not world champions, do not forget that fact.
2 months ago
By the way, that was my response to Tim.
2 months ago
That could work, but I think trading to Favre down to Miami or Baltimore could also work, but I do not think that the Jets or Dolphins would be ready to dethrone the Patriots just yet. The Bills have a chance, but very slim.
2 months ago
There's nothing I'd like to see more than a hobbled Brett Favre play QB for the Jets. And there's nothing Jets fans would like to see less.
from 2 months ago
if you are not a Jets fan, how do you know what the Jets fans want?
from 2 months ago
Well, let's see: Jets fans have a distinct history of hating their QBs, so I'm guessing a single season from a near-forty Brett Favre isn't going to change that much. What a tease that would be for Jets fans - they finally get the QB of their dreams and he puts together a single season and retires the following. And, of course, this is all assuming he stays healthy and finds a rhythm with NY's WRs. He won't come close to matching last season, that's a definite.
But I haven't heard any "Favre to the Jets" talk anyway, so not sure it matters. To answer your question, I don't think Jets fans know what Jets fans want. Their NFL draft pick reactions have given proof to that.
from 2 months ago
hmm I'm pretty sure the greatest Jet of all time was a quarterback, does the name Joe Namath ring any bells? it wouldnt be a tease because nobody is dumb enough to think it would be for anymore than just one year, so it would provide an exciting year and everybody would know it would just be for one year.
from 2 months ago
yeah, namath rings a bell...40 years ago. The last noteworthy thing he did was try to mack on a sideline reporter.
2 months ago
Favre would be the answer for the Jets. The team is set up to win. All they need is a QB with a strong arm and they woudl expose the week secondaries in that division. The Vikings would not be a good fit for Favre. Favre has never played well in the Dome in Minnesota. Look at his stats over his career in the Dome. They are not that good. Not to mention the Viking have no receiving core at all. Jets give the best chance to win.
2 months ago
I would LOVE to see Brett Favre in a Jets uniform.
2 months ago
Chad Pennigton is better.
from 2 months ago
I really hope that was sarcastic...
2 months ago
Tron,
As a man, I must admit, no matter what happens from here on out, you were right and I was wrong regarding the Jets and if they would pursue Favre....
Reports just surfaced that the Jets received permission to broach the trade....
Stay tuned.....
from 2 months ago
I respect that, It looks like Mike Tannenbaum reads bleacher report and agrees with my assessment...
2 months ago
The Jets have made some good moves this off-season, I have to admit I was interested in both Calvin Pace and Gholston for the Pats. They will be better this year for sure. As always it comes down to the quarterback position and Brett Favre would absolutely at least try to go toe to toe with the Pats offense. Too bad for you guys it doesn't look like it's going to happen.
from 2 months ago
wrong again champ
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