Fantasy Football Notes: New York Jets

The 2008 Jets enjoyed a very productive off-season, signing left guard and former Pittsburgh Steeler, Alan Faneca, plus one of the league’s best linebackers in Calvin Pace.

Then, things got even more interesting.

In a surprise turn of events, NFL’s iron man, Brett Favre returned from retirement, albeit a very short retirement, and landed in the lap of gang green. Instantaneously, some experts were touting the Jets as an instant playoff team. And, at times during the season, it seemed the label fit.

After a series of wins and losses to start the season, the Jets appeared to have turned the corner in week eight as they began a five-game winning streak that included a victory over their long time rival, the New England Patriots. Unfortunately, the Jets (and notably an elder Favre) then fell apart, losing four of five down the stretch and missing the playoffs. Though they did improve upon their 4-12 record from the year before, 9-7 wasn’t the year the Jets envisioned upon bringing Favre into town.

After the disappointing end to the 2008 season, the Jets decided to go in a different direction for 2009.

They fired head coach, Eric Mangini, pretty much opened the door for Favre to walk out and handed the reigns to defensive minded Rex Ryan from the Baltimore Ravens. Thanks to a sizzling draft day trade, the Jets are also starting the season with rookie Mark Sanchez at quarterback. A player they hope will be the face of their franchise for years to come.

New York fans may want to temper their expectations for 2009, though.

Under Rex Ryan’s new regime, along with the recent addition of linebacker Bart Scott, there is no reason the Jets defense can’t become one of the league’s most dominant. However, questions at offense remain and with a rookie quarterback at the helm, this team may need some time to develop.

KEY ADDITIONS

Rex Ryan (HC)—After a series of under achieving seasons under stone-faced Eric Mangini, the Jets signed former Ravens’ defensive coordinator, Rex Ryan to a four-year contract to be their head coach. Ryan, a major factor in making the Ravens’ defense one of the most feared and successful in the league, should bring that physical style of play to New York. Under Ryan’s whatever it takes to win philosophy and solid experience in the NFL, the Jets have a chance to become a stellar defense and in time, a dynamic offense.

The departure from Mangini’s coaching style should have a positive effect on the Jets. Ryan’s personality is in stark contrast with the Jet’s old coach, and rumor has it, it was Mangini’s impersonal nature that kept he and his players from ever really meshing well.

Bart Scott (LB)—Not only does Scott come from one of the league’s best defenses, the talented linebacker now comes to work for Rex Ryan and Mike Pettine, two of his former defensive coaches in Baltimore. This should make for a comfortable transition, which should help him acclimate quickly to his new team. Over six seasons with Baltimore, Scott registered 433 tackles, 16 sacks and three interceptions. What the numbers don’t represent is the intensity and winning attitude he brings to the Jets. It’s those intangibles that separate the good from the great and no doubt the Jets are hoping it rubs off on the whole organization.

KEY DEPARTURES

Eric Mangini (HC)—Another Belichick disciple sent packing. More proof that just because you can win with a mastermind doesn’t make you one too. In his first season in New York, Mangini led the Jets to a 10-6 record and the playoffs. Blame it on the bright lights of New York or lack of respect from his players, but the Jets then followed that success with a horrendous 2007.

The last straw came in 2008 when the team fell apart at the end of the season. The Jets and New Yorkers had had enough and Mangini was promptly fired. Not that he deserves all the blame, but his departure should be the first step to getting this team back on track. Interestingly enough, in his three years in New York, Mangini may be remembered most for embarrassing the New England Patriots with the spy gate scandal.

Laveranues Coles (WR)—A third round pick in the 2000 draft, Coles has been on and off the Jets during his career. After his best statistical season in 2002, he signed with the Washington Redskins but couldn’t find the same success while playing in a Joe Gibbs offense. Ironically enough in 2005, Coles was traded back to the Jets for Santana Moss.

Since then, he has served as one of the team’s most consistent performers. In 2008, with Brett Favre hurling the ball, Coles had one of his best seasons recording 70 receptions for 850 yards and seven TDs. Despite his numbers, the Jets released the 31 year old wide out in the off season. They may have had every intention of bringing him back, but Coles found a bigger contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Even though Coles wasn’t really a stud, the 2009 Jets are in dire need of good wide receivers. Unless they add a player before the season starts, they will miss Cole’s consistency.

ROOKIE TO WATCH

Mark Sanchez (QB)—After the Brett Favre experiment and the resurgence of former Jets QB Chad Pennington in Miami, the organization direly needed a new face for their franchise. According to the ladies, they sure picked a pretty one. Trading up to the fifth pick to get Sanchez made a statement to Jets fans around the world - meet your new quarterback of the future.

At USC, Sanchez played on a team with some of the country’s top quarterbacks, so he only started one full year, his junior season; however, during that year he was exceptional, throwing for 3,207 yards and 34 TDs. Rated as one of the top two quarterbacks coming into the draft, Sanchez is smart, hardworking and known for being a great teammate.

He can throw the deep ball and has good accuracy. The thing Jets fans should be most excited about is that many experts who have met him say he seems to have the “it” factor, a trait which makes him a natural leader.

BRUNO BOYS SPOTLIGHT

Leon Washington (RB)—The 26 year-old Washington is one of the top kick return specialists in the league (going to a Pro Bowl for it in 2008). However, he’s also proven to be exceptionally beneficial to the Jets’ run game, recording 448 yards and six TDs, while catching the ball 47 times out of the backfield for 355 yards and two TDs this past season. Washington’s blazing speed and ability to make defenders miss is the perfect compliment to Thomas Jones’ more physical style of running.

It remains to be seen whether Jones or Washington will remain the Jets one-two punch, due to contract disputes; however, it looks like Washington is more likely to land a new contract, so expect him to be part of any running back by committee the Jets go with.

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