2009 New York Jets: Retooled and Refueled

The upcoming 2009-2010 season will be a season of firsts for the New York Jets.

A coaching staff lead by first timers Rex Ryan and Mike Pettine will be counted on heavily to improve a defense which ranked 29th against the pass last season. Additions such as Bart Scott and Jim Leaonhard, both of whom played under Ryan in Baltimore, should give opposing coordinators fits. Leaonhard lacks range, which was covered up by Baltimore's perennial pro bowler Ed Reed.

The Jets secondary has the potential to do the same, featuring pro bowl caliber players in Darelle Revis and Kerry Rhodes, along with new addition Lito Sheppard. The secondary will be heavily relied upon as the team figures to blitz more often under Ryan's aggressive style.

Mangini and Sutton often let opposing quarterbacks have what they wanted, relying on coverage rather than sacks to slow down opposing offenses. This aggressive style should introduce Jets fans to last years first round pick Vernon Gholston, who is often compared to Terrell Suggs, another player who was virtually invisible his rookie season.

While there are new faces on the defensive side of the ball, there are none bigger than newly acquired franchise quarterback Mark Sanchez. The 6'2'' standout from USC figures to challenge Kellen Clemens for the starting quarterback position. This is a challenge he will almost certainly win, based on Ryan's preference of Deleware rookie Joe Flacco just a season ago. The two teams seem to be set up in a similarway—a solid offensive line, three capable running backs, and a dominant defense.

The Jets figure to run the ball much more this season, utilizing last years AFC rushing leader Thomas Jones along with burner Leon Washington and Doak Walker award winner Shonn Green. There is a red flag at receiver with the departure of Laverneus Coles to Cincinatti. Cotchery, while he has showed signs of being a great receiver, has failed to take the step to the next level, and is not a legitimite No. 1 option at receiver.

Veterans Brad Smithand Wallace Wright will competre with youngsters David Clowney and Chansi Stuckey for playing time. One interesting note is that the Jets elected not to take a wide receiver in this years draft, nor did they acquire one via free agency.

A big hole is left at tight end with the departures of Chris Baker and Bubba Franks. Dustin Keller showed signs of being an effective receiver last season, but has a long way to go as a blocker, something Chris Baker excelled at. James Dearth has played at tight end, but serves primarily as the teams long snapper.

The changes made this offseason give Jets fans a lot to look forward to this upcoming season. The return of coordinators Mike Westhoffand Brian Schottenheimer will help returning veterans and rookies alike. However, the Jets have a lot standing in their way.

A tough AFC East is guaranteed, with the return of Tom Brady, the arrival Of Terrell Owens, and the defending champion Miami Dolphins improving in the offseason. The out of division schedule is no easier, pitting the Jets with matchups against teams such as Tennessee and New Orleans.

It will be tough for the Jets to make the playoffs, especially witha rookie quarterback. An 7-9 last place finish seems to fit here, with a lot of light shining through for next season.