What did they do in the playoffs? Wasn't that the same team that completely dominated their competition the year before, only losing their last game? One of the greatest offenses to ever set foot on a field? The starting QB means more than any other individual position on a football team. A great team may carry a mediocre QB through the Super Bowl (2000 Ravens) but that's extremely rare. More often than not, a mediocre QB simply doesn't get over the hump, even with a very talented team around him (2009 Patriots.) If your franchise QB goes down, so does your season. There is very little exception to that. And Clemens or Ainge or Jeff Garcia aren't going to be guys who can buck that trend.
Luckily, the jets have that defense that can carry them a little further than those teams. I wouldn't say the Jets have a Hostetler waiting with that Giants defense behind them, but it could be similar to that due to the strength of the defense. I'd still like to see my team at least be competitive rather than watch a lost season. QBs get hurt even with the pussy rules in place. You have to have someone viable behind the starter just in case.
For a game or maybe two, sure. But people are talking about viable backups as though they matter for an extended period. Clemens or Ainge or even O'Connell may get us through a fill-in Bills game if Sanchez is banged up, but if we're relying on anyone but Sanchez to beat teams like New England or Indianapolis, I'm going to need a lot of alcohol, and no breakable objects around me on Sunday.
that's why i'd like an old veteran who can maybe keep the ship afloat. If the defense is going to be as good as advertised, and the running game is the engine, then the old veteran should be able to salvage a season. i just don't want sanchez to go down and look at a 6-10 season if he goes down early. i just don't want sanchez to ever get hurt either.
If Sanchez goes down for any extended period of time I don't hold out hope to win anything. This team will win titles when it plays its style of defense, and Sanchez lights up the opposition. If either of those components fail, so do the Jets. We can talk all the "ground and pound" in the world, but let's be honest, this team is going to win on Mark's arm, not the backup's and not on our RB tandem's legs. Okay smart ass. :smile:
