NFL 2006: New York Jets

The New York Jets are hoping to bounce back from a lousy 4-12 season in which Herm Edwards packed up and left for what he believes are greener pastures in Kansas City. New coach Eric Mangini brings the system he learned under Bill Belichick in New England to New York in hopes of reinvigorating a failing franchise.

Mangini was busy from the get-go changing the face of the Jets. Numerous free agents were signed, some top stars were fired and, for once, New York fans loved what the franchise did in the draft. So maybe there is a ray of light after all?

Offensive: This is a unit that has nowhere to go but up. Last season the Jets scored 255 points, only the Cleveland Browns scored less. With Chad Pennington injured once again and Curtis Martin finally showing signs of age, this offense got nowhere quickly.

Pennington returns for another season in Jetsville, but competition has arisen because Mr. Pennington is as fragile as a dead, dry leaf. The Jets went out and signed Patrick Ramsey from the Washington Redskins. Ramsey’s situation is similar to Joey Harrington’s. He came out of Tulane with a great reputation and high marks from scouts. Instead of living up to that reputation, Ramsey has been a failure in his career. He hopes to change that in New York. Brooks Bollinger, last season’s starter, and rookie Kellen Clemens are also in the mix.

Martin was bothered by injuries in 2005, but one has to think that time is finally catching up with the future Hall of Famer. His streak of 10 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons was snapped (he finished with 735 yards and five touchdowns) and he didn’t seem to have that extra something to throw off defenders.

But make no mistake, he’s still a threat, even at the ripe old football age of 33. Martin enters 2006 with 14,101 career rushing yards, 484 receptions and 100 career touchdowns. Just his presence in the locker room is enough to help the Jets. Cedric Houston (302 yards) saw his workload increase late in the season and that could continue. Derrick Blaylock and rookie Leon Washington will also have time. BJ Askew returns at fullback.

Longtime New York fan favorite Wayne Chrebet called it a run and the Jets need to find some people to get up. This was one of the weakest receiving groups in the NFL last season. It also didn’t help much that the quarterback position changed.

Lavernues Coles (73-845-5) is number one and will be counted on to lead this pack once again. Justin McCareins (43-713-2) will be the number two man with Jericho Cotchery playing in the slot. Free-agent signing Tim Dwight will be the fourth receiver. Rookie Brad Smith, a former Missouri quarterback, will also get a chance to be a wide receiver. Doug Jolley (29-324-1) and Chris Baker (18-269-1) return at tight ends.

There could be some big changes to the offensive line, thanks to the draft and free agency. Trey Teague was signed out of Buffalo and will take over at center, allowing Pete Kendall to return to the guard position. Rookie Nick Mangold will challenge Teague. Brandon Moore will join Kendall at guard. Rookie stallion D’Brickashaw Ferguson should step in at left tackle and start for the next 10 years or so. Adrian Jones will be on the right side, but free agent signing Anthony Clement (49ers) is also there.

Defense: This unit is where the biggest change will occur. Mangini was the defensive coordinator for the Patriots and will most likely turn the Jets from 4-3 to 3-4. Another factor will be how this unit will regroup after the loss of John Abraham. He may not have been a good guy in the locker room, but we’ll miss the 10.5 sacks from him.

In this new defense, Shaun Ellis and free agent Kimo Von Oelhoffen (Steelers) will be at the defensive points. Dave Ball and rookie Titus Adams should also see playing time. Dwayne Robertson will keep the nose tackle job with the possibility of Adams slipping as well.

Jonathan Vilma returns as the undisputed superstar of the Jets’ defense. He followed up his Rookie of the Year season with an even more impressive sophomore. There was no slump here as Vilma racked up 169 tackles and a trip to the Pro Bowl. Victor Hobson, Eric Barton and rookie Anthony Schlegel should make up the rest of the starting corps.

Ty Law took his 10-interception season and left town, but all is not lost at cornerback. David Barrett (five interceptions) returns along with Justin Miller, who had a strong rookie campaign. Also added via free agency were Ray Mickens (Browns) and Andre Dyson (Seahawks). Barrett and Dyson should be the starters.

At safety, Erik Coleman and Kerry Rhodes return after strong seasons in 2005. Coleman had 121 tackles and two interceptions, while Rhodes made 105 stops, good enough for second and third in the team standings. Rashad Washington, Andre Maddox and rookie Eric Smith add depth.

Special teams: Kicker Mike Nugent had an impressive rookie season, going 22-28 from the field and 24-24 in extra points. With more experience, he will only get better. Ben Graham (43.7) returns as a kicker. Miller is the kick returner (26.3), while Dwight will most likely replace Cotchery who returns the punts.

Outlook: Mangini will bring his knowledge and much-needed winning attitude to the New York franchise. But the shaky situation at quarterback, an aging Curtis Martin and a weak receiving unit spell trouble with a capital T. The Jets will struggle to score points once again and it may take some time for them to absorb the 3-4 scheme on defense.

Prediction: Mangini will make the Jets a better club. They’ll play hard and be competitive, but a lack of talent on the offensive side of the ball means another losing season for the Jets. Look for a New York 4-12 or 5-11 record.