PFT does one team a day (starting at #32) on their power rankings and I was surprised to see day after day, the Jets not being listed. Finally, they appeared at #9. While, I'm not sure how much stock I put in PFT (or any power rankings), this is a surprising bit of respect for a franchise that does't get much. DbJ http://www.profootballtalk.com/No9NewYorkJets.htm The New York Jets were the darlings of the NFL in 2006, making it to the playoffs in a top-heavy AFC during the first year of the Eric Mangini regime. And with 21 of 22 starters returning, the Jets have high expectations for 2007. But there's an odd feeling to this team, and it's hard to consider them to be serious Super Bowl contenders. Thomas Jones is the new workhorse tailback, but he's already injured. Chad Pennington is the unquestioned No. 1 quarterback, but he is playing like No. 2. Disgruntled left guard Pete Kendall wanted a $1 million raise and the team refused; now, they've got a huge weakness between last year's first-round draft picks. Defensively, there's no reason to be concerned, and that's why we're willing to put this franchise into the top ten. If the Jets are going to finish any higher than that, the offense really needs to get it together -- and quickly. Week One features a game against the Patriots. Key departures: OL Pete Kendall, FB B.J. Askew. Key arrivals: RB Thomas Jones, DE Kenyon Coleman, FB Darian Barnes. Draft pick most likely to make an impact: CB Darrelle Revis. Coach's current job security: Three years.
I will take the #9 ranking and some rose-colored glasses at this point. I need something to keep me hopeful going into the season.
A pretty fair assessment - if not lower than expected. I'm curious who is above the Jets? Indy, New England, SD, Baltimore and Cincinnati in the AFC - that makes us the 6th best team in the conference. Who in the NFC? Carolina, New Orleans - that makes the Jets #8 overall...
A lot of these rankings are based on last year. Getting some props for a change is a good thing. Let’s see if we can live up to the complement. Key departures: OL Pete Kendall (Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!), FB B.J. Askew (Very key departure). Key arrivals: RB Thomas Jones (Proven commodity), DE Kenyon Coleman (Remains to seen if he's a good one), FB Darian Barnes (Not an Upgrade). Draft pick most likely to make an impact: CB Darrelle Revis (Plays like he's been in the NFL For years-Lets see on opening day). Coach's current job security: Three years. (I think it really will be up to him on how long he stays!)
Why worry about a defense that can not stop anyone and has not had any pressure on the QB in 12 quarters? These national guys know less then our least informed fan. Last year means zilch.
I hope, and expect, these guys will come to play for real on 9/9. It's too easy to say the preseason doesn't mean shit when we look like it, but there's still nothing like Week 1. Steven Jackson has 2 receptions, Bulger looks shaky, and LT hasn't dressed. Thomas Jones will be back, hopefully and effectively, in the lineup and Shottenheimer will be throwing plays in we've been yet to see this preseason. Not to mention an ode to us fans who bring an intangible amount of energy into a regular season game at home.
ESPN has us at #14, and i think that's more accurate. the left side of the OL is questionable; Pennington looks scared; we can't stop the run; and our best pass-rusher is a Safety (battling Thomas)
Very true; from the pressure, or the lack thereof, that we showed against the NYG O line, Bob Sutton will need to throw some crazy schemes at New England to keep them guessing. There is no way, with Maroney coming out of the backfield, we can afford to have our guys manhandled like they were on Saturday.
They actually have us ahead of Cincy and Carolina. These are the teams not listed yet (i.e. ahead of us): NE, Indy, SD, Baltimore, Denver, New Orleans, Chicago, and Philly.
For a change, I'm with you.. I can see a 34-6 spanking in week 1 unfortunately. (I hope not, let me tell you that)
while i appreciate them hyping us up... thats exactly what i dont want. last year was great because we were able to fly under the radar and quietly take teams out to pasture and we snuck into the playoffs. this year they're going to be gunning for us even more. we need to get past new england and baltimore before our schedule calms down. we have to take on philly and cinci, dallas and pittsburgh in there as well as tennessee and new england in late december. we NEED to fly under the radar this year.
Prretty accurate description and I think #9 is about right at this pt, can't expect to go much higher from a former wild card team. Although they say there is no concern on the defense, but if we can't stop the run, then there may be room for concern.
