10 Questions I'd Ask Jets' Defensive Coordinator, Mike Pettine

Thanks very much for taking the time to speak with me, Mike.  I really appreciate your time.

1)      So, how are you and your family adjusting to life in New York so far?

2)      How have the spring workouts been going on the defensive side?

3)      Are the new additions to the Jets’ defense such as Lito Sheppard and Jim Leonhard adjusting well to life in New York and fitting in well with their new teammates?

4)      With so much attention and pressure being put on the Jets’ offense with the arrival of Mark Sanchez, does it make your adjustment in moving to New York and taking over the Jets defense a little easier—not in terms of making your job easier, but just in terms of not having to deal with as much scrutiny and media attention as will be placed on the offense in 2009?

5)      Needless to say, you obviously had a lot of success as the linebackers’ coach in Baltimore.  Now that you will be overseeing the Jet’s defense, will you bring with you concepts and strategies similar to those you had implemented in Baltimore or does molding a defense have more to do with the unique strengths and weaknesses of the Jets (i.e. The Jets will, of course, have strengths and weaknesses different to those of the Ravens’ defense)?

6)      Last year, you defeated the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the playoffs.  During that game, the Ravens’ defense held the Dolphins and their Wildcat offense to just nine points and only 52 yards on the ground. Now that you will be facing the Dolphins’ Wildcat offense at least twice this year, was their something you picked up on in your preparation for that playoff game last year and are you confident that your strategy in defending the Wildcat while in Baltimore will be as successful for the Jets?

7)      The Jets’ Achilles' heel all last year was the defensive secondary.  The secondary has been strengthened during the offseason with the acquisitions of Lito Sheppard and Jim Leonhard.  But, is the secondary still one of, if not your primary concern in preparing for the 2009 season?

8)      You have worked under Rex Ryan for a while now. This year, both of you will be adjusting to a new city, a new team and new roles within the coaching staff.  Does it make the adjustment a little easier in that both of you are in the same boat and facing this new challenge together?

9)      Tom Brady will be back at quarterback for the Patriots this year.  In light of Brady’s re-constructive ACL surgery, will you prepare for the Patriots’ offense differently in knowing that history has shown that quarterbacks recovering from ACL surgery are typically not be as mobile nor as effective with the long ball due to an inability to really step into his longer throw at least during their first season back on the field?

10)   The pressure and media attention surrounding any NFL team is massive.  But, do you feel any more weight in the pressure being placed upon you and the team in New York compared to what you experienced in Baltimore?

Mike, once again, thank you very much for your time and I wish you the best of luck with your continued transition and for the 2009 season.

Thanks again.