Jets Need to Swing Trade for Brandon Marshall

The Jets defense is on a crash course to capsize the consensus that the division belongs to the Patriots, a foregone conclusion with the return of Tom Brady. They've spent enough time in the shadows of their rivals and Rex Ryan is determined to change that. 

The Jets have a premier offensive line to pave the way for their balanced, bruising backfield and a franchise gunslinger. The uncertainty lies in the receiving corps where there is raw talent and potential but little experience behind Jerricho Cotchery. Cotchery himself fits the No. 2 slot better although he's atop the depth chart there for now.

Ryan will install his winning formula but if there's an aspect of the game his blueprint least pertains to, it will certainly be the passing game. However, after watching the Jets bank on Brett Favre's battered up bazooka down the stretch to carry them to the promise land you can bet Brian Schottenheimer will go to the air plenty of times. 

You can bet Mark Sanchez will be starting and opponents will be licking their chops when they see fresh meat under center, and will be bent on bringing the the blitz to restrict the Jets rushing attack. Having another big name in the receiver ranks would keep defenses on their heels and stretch the field, opening up the passing game.

John Clayton of ESPN recently reported that the Broncos would oblige disgruntled WR Brandon Marshall and trade him if a team was willing to step up to the plate and offer first and fourth round draft picks. The front office will be hesitant to give up a first round pick but the prospect of Marshall a Jet and the potential of the team is mouthwatering.

The Jets will retain the offensive line that cleared the way for Thomas Jones to lead the AFC in rushing and the addition of quick bulldozer ShonnGreene plus more carries for the electric Leon Washington will improve the running back unit even more. 

The defense featured Kris Jenkins, Shaun Ellis, David Harris, Calvin Pace, Kerry Rhodes, Darrelle Revis. And Vernon Gholston, if ever he decides to join the party.

Throw in violent Bart Scott, Marques Douglas who over the course of his career has made a living in the backfield, and pocket rocket Jim Leonhard who will throw himself into every play, Lito Sheppard, and defensive czar Rex Ryan. 

What do you get? We're about to find out, but Rex's crew is primed for a big year and are looking to make a name for themselves as a physical bunch, cream of the crop, and they certainly can be. 

The absent of element of success is a formidable tandem in the passing game, and the Jets made strides to fulfill that by moving up and selecting Mark Sanchez but they need a pure No. 1 target for the rookie to complete the passing game. 

They have sheer speed in David Clowney and Aundrae Allison, an athletic Brad Smith, Chansi Stuckey who has a bright future ahead but with his route running abilities is more of a threat in the slot, and Jerricho Cotchery who has been extremely successful alongside Laveranues Coles, but is yet to prove he can shine alone in the spotlight. 

This group has monumental potential but they shouldn't wait for that to be fulfilled. The Jets have to come to their senses and realize having the passing game a question mark when you can land a prolific playmaker who will instantly transform this team into a contender isn't logical. 

The price isn't too demanding and if the situation in Denver escalates to a point where the Broncos decide they want to unload Marshall the Jets will have leverage, but having said that it is imperative they acquire Marshall as soon as possible if they want him on board by the start of the season.

After watching Joe Flacco pick apart the Jets defense it became clear to me that this team will rely on their defense but to win will need production from their offense.

Thomas Jones and Leon Washington continue to work superb together, and throw Shonn Greene in the mix plus the offensive line on the mend and the rushing attack is a well oiled machine.

Aside from David Clowney and perhaps Dustin Keller the receivers who the Jets hope they can survive with have been virtually absent and have failed to make an impact in their brief cameos thus far. 

The secondary looks like the sloppy bunch that imploded last season and has failed to play their part in supporting the pass rush, while the pass rush has shown signs of life, and both will be given major boosts with the returns of Darrelle Revis and a fresh Kris Jenkins. 

Rex Ryan's unit will be undermanned for the opener against the high octane offense of Houston due to suspensions of Shaun Ellis and Calvin Pace. Pace will miss the first four games and Vernon Gholston will be thrown into the fire. Gholston hasn't been lighting it up on paper but at least he's on the field. 

The Jets are expecting to win with their defense, but adding Brandon Marshall and they could even win with their offense. A healthy troop in the trenches, a Pro Bowl backfield and a razing rookie, and a formidable tandem of Sanchez and Marshall plus Jerricho Cotchery, Dustin Keller and Chansi Stuckey in the slot. Drooling already?

The Jets absolutely have to make this move. Parting with your No. 1 pick for a proven wideout and budding superstar sounds appealing and worth it, doesn't it?

Marshall brings baggage and a history of 'domestic disputes' but none of that has been detrimental to his team and the possibilities of Marshall a Jet overshadows his past, but rolls out the red carpet for his future and for his team, if it happens to be the Jets.

Woody and Mike Tannenbaum, the price is right, Brandon Marshall paired with Mark Sanchez is the cash cow for years to come and on the field, add the defense, offensive line and running backs to the equation and the Jets will establish themselves as one of the best and contend for a Super Bowl.