Fortunately, the Jets are better prepared this year with veteran Pro Bowler, Bubba Franks signed for one year, and first-round draft pick out of Purdue, Dustin Keller.
Defense
As for the defensive side of the ball, I'm certain that's where Jets' fans can expect the most excitement. For the past two seasons of the Mangini regime, our defense has appeared sluggish prior to the bye week. I have confidence that these issues have been addressed this offseason.
With defensive coordinator Bob Sutton under a microscope, Jets' fans can expect to see an aggressive approach to the defensive schemes early on.
No longer trying to fit 4-3 squares into 3-4 holes, Jonathan Vilma and Dewayne Robertson have been shipped off to teams where their talents can be better utilized. Well—Vilma's talents can be utilized. Robertson can pick up where he left off as a disappointing speed rushing tackle.
In their places are David Harris and the monstrous Kris Jenkins.
Defensive Lines
Acquired from Carolina for third and fifth-round draft picks, Jenkins is expected to be the big body in the middle that will make this 3-4 defensive alignment function. With a contract stipulation requiring Jenkins to maintain a weight of 360 pounds for a bump in salary, the Jets finally have a motivated defensive tackle that can effectively occupy the offensive line.
The importance of the Jenkins addition seems to go overlooked by most fans since it occurs in the trenches. If Jenkins performs up to expectations, fans will be able to immediately recognize the efficiency of the 3-4 defense when properly tooled. Fans may not have noticed the domino effect that caused our defense to spiral out of control when the undersized Dewayne Robertson was manhandled in the middle of the field.
Linebackers
Effective play on the line of scrimmage will afford the two inside linebackers, David Harris and Eric Barton, the time to make plays. More importantly, they should no longer require support from the two outside linebackers. The men on the edges should now be free to rush the quarterback, or stuff any play that nears their vicinity.
With three capable outside linebackers, competition at the slot will be close and exciting. There's the Jets' veteran, Bryan Thomas, whom admittedly slacked off last season after receiving a new contract.
If his competitive spirit doesn't return with the additions of Calvin Pace, from the Arizona Cardinals, and sixth-overall draft pick, Vernon Gholston, he will find himself in the infamous Mangini doghouse that has already claimed the uniforms of Justin McCareins, Rashad Washington, Erik Coleman, and Andre Dyson.
Secondary
Finally, the Jets' secondary is a force to be reckoned with. Boasting the likes of Kerry Rhodes and Darrelle Revis, opposing quarterbacks are faced with two swift, agile, and athletic defensive backs that can tackle, swat, and intercept.
However, the success of those two players does not come without question marks on the opposite end. The fourth-year man out of Clemson, Justin Miller, is entering a contract year.
Historically, players perform beyond expectation for new contracts, so it will be exciting to see if Miller is ready to step up. If he's not prepared, the depth behind him is solid but not dominant. Hank Poteat and David Barrett should be battling it out for the nickelback spot, not the No. 2 cornerback position.
Another intriguing battle at training camp will feature Eric Smith vs. Abram Elam for the safety position opposite Rhodes. Abram Elam stepped in as a starter halfway through last season, replacing three-year starter Erik Coleman.
He emerged as an aggressive, hard-nosed safety. However, his aggression came with a price, as miscalculations on his end resulted in some substantial gains for the opposition.
On the other end is Eric Smith, the third-year man out of Michigan State. He has performed admirably on special teams, and has shown efficient and intelligent play with his opportunities. The question is whether he's athletic enough to make the starter position his with so much competition?
Elam isn't his only threat, as one of the Jets' offseason acquisition include veteran Artrell Hawkins.
Defensively, the Jets' biggest issues are with their depth. Any injuries in the secondary or defensive line would be catastrophic.
I implore fans to fear not! This is our year for glory. Ignore any analysts (that aren't Jets fans) and let the excitement continue to build! Before we know it, our team will be suiting up for live competition, and then we'll know that Week One is right around the corner! Until then, pay close attention to our team, because the talent is there.
You definitely want to be able to say, "I told you so," when the rest of the sports world comes around, right?
Angel Navedo is the Head Writer at NYJetsFan.com, boasting Jet Fuel Radio, frequently updated news and opinions, and a premier fan community.
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