Early Concerns For New York Jets Fans In 2009

The first question fans want answered and the first question that needs to be addressed by the Jets organization is who will be taking the snaps in the 2009 season?

Last year the Jets gambled on the aging Brett Favre and fell short of making the playoffs.  In another bold move the Jets traded with the Cleveland Browns for the No. 5 overall draft pick in order to grab USC quarterback Mark Sanchez.  So the question remains for new head coach Rex Ryan and GM Mike Tannenbaum, will it be first round draft pick Sanchez or Kellen Clemens under center for the Jets in 2009?

Unfortunately for fans, the battle for the starting quarterback position might be the most exciting part of the Jets’ season.

Undoubtedly Jets fans are disappointed at last year’s near playoff miss, but thinking rookie Sanchez or the well-rested Clemens (who is 3-5 as a starter) can take them where the veteran Favre could not is far from reality.  In addition, the Jets’ new coach, Rex Ryan from Baltimore, will have his defensive-minded tendencies tested by the explosive offenses of the other AFC East teams. The return of Tom Brady to New England, the addition of Terrell Owens in Buffalo, and the confusion provided by the “wildcat” offense of Miami will pose interesting challenges to Ryan and his staff.

Furthermore, do not forget that the trade with Cleveland cost the Jets veterans Kenyon Coleman (DE) and Abram Elam (S).  The Jets could find themselves in a hole early in many of their games and without a veteran quarterback to lead them out.  I look for the Miami Dolphins to take a step back this year in the AFC East, but this will be of no help to the Jets.

Realistically, the white and greens are looking at being 8-8, missing the playoffs, and watching their longtime rivals the New England Patriots win the division.

New York Jets’ fans need to look at the 2009 season as experimental and developmental.  Rex Ryan will continue to build and reinforce the defense, making it an essential part of the Jets’ philosophy in the future.  Solidifying the quarterback position will be crucial to having a chance at the playoffs in 2010.  The main concern of Ryan and Tannenbaum should be long-term stability at the quarterback position.  The situation with Clemens and Sanchez is reminiscent of that in San Diego five years ago.

The Chargers drafted Philip Rivers in 2004 (No. 4 overall) who sat behind Drew Brees until he signed with New Orleans in 2006.  Perhaps the situation will play out in a similar fashion and the Jets will find in Sanchez the franchise quarterback they are looking for.

Nevertheless Jets’ fans should look forward to a season focused on development and should remain wary of playoff aspirations.  The good news, the Flight Crew will look great regardless of which quarterback they are cheering for.