New York Jets: Tweaks the Team Still Must Make to Solidify a Title Shot

The lockout is finally over, and it is time to examine the New York Jets and their chances of following through on Rex Ryan's annual statement that the New York Jets will win the Super Bowl.

The Jets have plenty of changes to make in the next few weeks of this shortened offseason that will have a tremendous impact on their season. 

This short list will take you through some of those "tweaks" the Jets need to make, whether it is to their roster or their strategy.

As always, feedback is welcome.  Enjoy!

1) Change Offensive Play-Calling

Over the last few years, one thing fans and critics have consistently agreed with is that offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer is a weak link in an otherwise strong New York Jets coaching staff. 

Last year, he had weapons like Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes and Brad Smith, but he could not utilize their skill sets, and the Jets suffered for that.

This is the year that Brian Schottenheimer will have to prove his worth.  The Jets will likely complete their offense through free agency, getting players that both Brian Schottenheimer and head coach Rex Ryan will want based on their play-calling style. 

With this tailor made offense, there will be little room for Schottenheimer to fail. He has had plenty of chances with good players on his team and enough is enough. Brian Schottenheimer will need to take full advantage of the tools he has on offense, or 2011 will be his last year coaching for gang green.

2) Get Cromartie Back and Change Defensive Strategy

One player that the Jets were disappointed with last season was Kyle Wilson.  After a good start during training camp Wilson's promising future went away as Darrelle Revis got a new contract and ended his holdout.

While Mark Sanchez hosted the Jets West camp for skill players, Kyle Wilson and Darrelle Revis had their own Jets West camp in Arizona where Revis went through cornerback drills with Wilson and had film sessions each day.

Wilson's development is crucial because if he plays to his potential and the Jets are able to re-sign Antonio Cromartie, they can play with three cornerbacks, shutting down opponents aerial attacks. 

Meanwhile, the defensive line and linebackers will be able to continue their lock-down run defense.

3) Get Brad Smith Back and Make Other Teams Fear Him

As I mentioned earlier, wide receiver Brad Smith was one of the many weapons offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer had in his arsenal.  The limited use of Brad Smith throughout the season is something that got under the skin of many people.

Smith is the definition of the "triple threat" player. He can run, throw and catch. 

Instead of taking advantage of those skills, Schottenheimer only had Smith pass the ball three times in 2010, and when the Jets would be in the wildcat formation, it was obvious that they were running the ball.

Sure, the Jets believe in the "ground 'n pound" system, but they should build a package around Smith's abilities like the Dolphins did when they brought the wildcat back to the NFL in 2008. 

By utilizing Smith, it will mix up play calling (the first tweak) and improve the offense as a whole, which could give the Jets a real chance of going all the way in 2011.