NY Jets' 2006 Preview (Offense)

Forgiveme baseball fans, but I have to take a small timeout from baseball in order to get Jets' fans ready for the first step back to respectability. I know many Jet-setters are still hung over from the debacle of the 2005 season. So, I'm here to tell all ye faithful, things are looking up and 2006 should be a fun season for Jets' football.

First, and most importantly, we have a real coach. Herm "Ham and Eggs" Edwards is gone (Yeah!) and Eric "Serious Biz" Mangini is our new captain. This change at the top is the most important improvement the Jets could have made in the off-season (not that "Benedict" Edwards gave us much of a choice). Anyone who has worked for and received accolades from Bill Bellichek is alright in my book.

Coach

Mangini has made three important changes right off the bat: 1) He has instilled DISCIPLINE- Edwards practices were infamously known as "player friendly". At the onset of camp Mangini immediately stepped on players' toes with practice sessions that made Herm's camp look like a ballerina school. Two-a-days and full gear were the norm and if you weren't ready to go, as Justin McCareins found out early (when our new captain failed him in his physical), Mangini was ready to call you out. 2) The Jets will now employ a 3/4 Defense allowing the talented Jets' linebackers to tackle the running backs and control the short passing game. Anyone who watched a Jets' game last season was well aware of the Jets inability to prevent getting dunked to death by backs and tight ends. The new defensive scheme should also allow the Jets to disguise their defense more successfully and hopefully lead to more turnovers. 3) The Jets got younger- eight of the Jets ten draft picks have made the final roster. Two of them will start on a rejuvinated offensive line. 44 of the Jets' 53-man roster are under 30 years old. Younger doesn't always mean better, but in the Jets' case I believe it does. Other than running back, the Jets should be improved in just about every facet of their game.

Offensive Line

You want to win football games? It all begins with controlling the line of scrimmage. The Jets will have three new starters on their line in 2006. Gone are longtime center Kevin Mawae and left tackle Jason Fabini. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, the number four overall pick in the draft, takes over as Pennington's blindside protector and maybe the best left tackle the Jets have ever had, while Nick Mangold, their other first rounder and the bounty from the John Abraham deal, brings youth and speed under the quarterback. The Jets further bolstered their line by signing effective journeyman and former secound-round pick Anthony Clement to take over for Adrian Jones at right tackle. The sometimes overmatched Jones will now be free to backup both tackle positions. The two returning starting members are unsung right guard Brandon Moore and left guard Pete Kendell who is probably still the Jets' best offensive lineman. Versatile longtime Buffalo Bill Trey Teague will be the top backup guard and center. Overall, this line looks to be faster, healthier and younger than the 2005 version. Since Kendell and Ferguson are firmly implanted on the left side, the Jets will most likely find that to be their favorite side to run to. With the presence of D'Brick "Wall" covering Pennington's blindside, Jet fans can also expect Chad to have a much better shot at ending the season in the upright position.

Quarterbacks

"Chad drops back, he looks left, he looks right, he fires over the middle, TOUCHDOWN!". Yes, I am one of the believers. I am going on record right now to predict that Chad Pennington will be in the top eight by seasons end in QB rating. I wasn't sure if Chad could really be the Jets starting QB again until I saw him throw one pass to Laverneaus Coles at the end of the first half of the Jets' third preseason game against the Giants. It was the crisp, sparkling, accurate kind of a throw that I haven't seen from him in a couple of years. But, most importantly the ball had Zipppppp! Yes, Chad's injuries have been bad. Yes, Chad's performance since the injuries has been bad. But, Chad's heart and mind have never been bad. In fact, his overall performance was pretty darn good until the shoulder woes.

If Pennington's shoulder doesn't hold up, GM Mike Tannenbaum has done well to bring us a youthful alternative in Oregon's Kellen Clemens. Clemens, the Jets' second-round pick, has all the tools to succeed--- a strong arm, good pocket-presence, quick reads, and a burning fire in his belly. Clemens will probably play third fiddle for a bit while strong-armed veteran Patrick Ramsey fills the back-up role, but Kellen should get the call in case Chad goes down for an extended period of time.

Running Backs

Let the competition begin! With Curtis Martin's career in serious jeapordy, the Jets will rely on a three -headed committee approach. Derrick Blaylock should see most of the snaps in the early going as recently acquired Kevan Barlow and second year runner Cedric Houston work as changeup backs. However, nothing is set in stone. Mangini will go with the hot-hand until one of the three can separate from the pack. Boy, Lamont Jordan sure would look good right about now!

Of the three, only Barlow has ever rushed for 1000 yards (In 2003 he had 1024 yards and 5.1 Avg./ Per Carry). Barlow, a classic in between the tackles power runner, has struggled the past two seasons, but is still only 27 years old and has been sturdy health-wise over the course of his career. He could be motivated to prove his worth after averaging a career low 3.3 yards/per carry last season.

Blaylock showed his talent two seasons ago (2004) for the Chiefs when he backed up the beat up Priest Holmes. In the only season in which he has seen extended playing time, Blaylock ran for 539 yards and a 4.6 Avg./Per Carry with 8 touchdowns. Blaylock is much smaller than Barlow and more of a slasher than a smasher.

When Martin went down last season Houston showed his mettle. While his 3.7 Avg./Per Carry was nothing to write home about, Houston showed the tenacity and discipline to eventually be an effective runner. Houston is a cross between Barlow and Blaylock in that he is tough enough to run in between the tackles, but has the instincts and quickness to pop one to the outside.

While the committee might not provide the most exciting running attack in the NFL, one player who could provide excitement will be rookie running back Leon Washington. This Dave Meggett-like jitterbug will be the prime third-down back and kick returner. Don't be surprised if Washington becomes one of Pennington's favorite targets in an offense that will heavily rely on the short passing game.

B.J. Askew will be relied on as the lead blocking fullback. Askew is a former third-rounder who has reached the put-up or shut-up stage of his career. If B.J. misses too many of his assignments as he is apt to do, former Buckeye fullback Jamar Martin will be plugged in to play pit-bull for the running backs.

Wide Receivers

There might be nobody happier to see Chad Pennigton back under center than Laveranues Coles. Coles' best season was his last one with Chad. In 2002 Coles snared 89 balls for 1264 yards and 5 touchdowns. Look for Laveranues to be Pennington's first, second and maybe third option in the passing game.

Jerricho Cotchery showed steady improvement last season as the number three receiver. Mangini and his crew were so impressed with him in camp that they decided it was time for Jerricho to start. With Coles receiving most of the double teams, Cotchery should see a lot of balls tossed his way. At six feet tall Cotchery has good size for a receiver and has shown the courage and focus to go across the middle without hesitating.

Justin McCareins has been demoted. No longer a starter, McCareins might turn into one of the better third receivers in the NFL. At 6'2", McCareins is the tallest of the Jets' receivers and with a more open passing attack he should receive ample opportunity to catch more than the 43 balls he caught last season.

Veteran Tim Dwight will supply the speed in case Pennington's arm feels up to throwing downfield. Even at 31 years old, Dwight still possesses sprinter speed and will be the Jets' slot receiver on third downs and alternate punt returner.

The most fun receiver of the bunch will be the Jets' version of Antwaan Randle El, former Missouri quarterback Brad Smith. Smith electrified Jets' fans this preseason in every facet of the offense. He burst onto the scene in the second preseason game against Washington when he showed off his running ability by dashing 61-yards for a touchdown on a double reverse. In the final preseason game against Philly, Brad showed the whole package. In the first he snagged a 37-yard pass over the middle from Kellen Clemens. Then in the fourth he finished off a Jets' comeback by stepping in at quarterback and leading the Jets on two scoring drives. He completed 2-of-4 for 13 yards and ran 4 times for 31 yards, including the go ahead touchdown on a 9-yard scamper. Don't be surprised to see Smith under center a couple of times a game, especially when the Jets get into the Red Zone.

Tight Ends

Not much to write about here. The Jets have basically improved by subtraction. With the trade of last years starter Doug Jolly, Chris Baker will be the main man at the end of the line. While not a great blocker, Baker showed some very soft hands as a receiver before an early season-ending injury. Look for Baker to have his best season yet and become Pennington's main bailout option.

Late in camp the Jets added big Sean Ryan through a trade with Dallas. Ryan will be the Jets main blocking tight end. At 6'8" Zachary Hilton, a waiver pickup from New Orleans, provides a huge frame for Pennington in the Red Zone. Hilton who caught 35 passes last season will be Baker's backup.

Kicker

Mike Nugent had a successful rookie season for the Jets hitting on 79% of his FG while converting on all his XP. However, Nugent has yet to connect from longer than 50 yards and will need to provide deeper kickoffs if he wants to live up to his second-round draft status.

Spotlight Players

If the Jets offense is going to make any substantial improvements these five will have to shine:

                                             

                            QB          Chad Pennington
                     WR/QB    Brad Smith
                     LT            D'Brickashaw Ferguson
                     WR          Laveranues Coles
                     RB/KR     Leon Washington

 

 

                                   Coming Soon: Jets' Defense Preview