I apologize if this post is deemed more appropriate in one of the many other threads about our draft and roster moves today, but I couldn't find a better place to put it than to just start another thread. Mods, please feel free to merge this if you feel it would be more suitable elsewhere. Everyone chill the fuck out. Some of the things being said on this board today are truly remarkable, and the overall tone of the fan base is that we are questioning our current regime as if we haven't made enough incredible moves already. Don't you all remember that three days ago, we were all ready for the season to start, and we were worshipping Mike Tannenbaum and Rex Ryan for the improvements made since the start of the trading season? There is the exception of Jason Taylor, however, none of our concerns with that acquisition were surrounding his ability to perform. The biggest problem we faced this past season was NOT concerning our defense. Albeit, I also would have liked to have seen us draft depth at the outside linebacker, defensive end and free safety positions, but remember that in drafting Kyle Wilson and trading for Antonio Cromartie, we automatically upgrade and intensify our pass-rush. With Lito Sheppard often underperforming and battling injuries, Dwight Lowery covered the #2 wideout for a good portion of the season. We can now have Lowery covering the fourth receiver in certain packages, and hence throw the fucking HOUSE at the quarterback. Now onto Alan Faneca. We all know that Faneca undeservingly went to the Pro Bowl this year. The man is a fantastic run-blocker, but is absolutely fucking atrocious in pass protection. Some of us referred to him as "Alan Fanecan'tblock" during the season. Vladimir Ducasse, sandwiched between, and under the mentoring of, one of the best LT's in the game, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, and football's best center, Nick Mangold, should do just fine. He's very humble, and in turn, seems willing to learn. I'm not saying that the move wasn't risky, especially with what Faneca brought to us in the run-game, but Ducasse may be able to pick up the slack in pass protection in an offense that features Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, Jerricho Cotchery and LaDainian Tomlinson. Moreover, this was a move that greatly considers our future, in finding a successor for an aging veteran. Leon Washington's injury was extremely serious for a running back, and we didn't seem to be confident that he would return to pre-injury form. Being a fan favorite, and an explosive performer, it will kill me to see Leon in another uniform, but given his contract status, he wasn't going to be around for much longer anyway. I love the McKnight pick as his replacement. Young, raw talent who will be mentored by one of the greatest running backs in football history, LaDainian Tomlinson. Our talent evaluators clearly have a keen eye for running backs (see: Shonn Greene), and if they trust that McKnight could be the lightning to Greene's thunder for the next several years, then I trust them too. John Conner. Tony Richardson is turning 87 next year and we don't have another suitable fullback. Apparently Conner was one of Rex's favorite talents in this year's draft class, which brings me to my next point... Rex Ryan, Mike Tannenbaum, Joey Clinkscales, etc. know a fuckload more about football than we do. They have given us no reason not to trust them over the past year and a half, and therefore, if they have a plan in mind, I'm all for it. It clearly wasn't the direction that we, or the media, thought we would go in, but who the fuck thought that we would be where we are twelve months ago? We've already gone in directions that strayed from expectations, and SUCCEEDED in doing so. Remember, we picked 29th for a reason. We have defined ourselves as elite, and have only improved tremendously in the offseason. Relax. In Rex We Trust.
T Rich turning 87 next year...thats a good one, but like you said the left side of our line is set for years with taking Vlad yesterday...Leon needed to go and at that point of the draf I think McKnight is going to do great here.
Good post... I think you have to trust the FO after what they've done the past few years. No use getting upset now.. Football doesn't start for months
excellent post. I personally disagree with some moves, but this is also the first time Jet fans have objective reason to trust the Jet front-office.
We are not elite!! We were 9-7 last year!! I love how everyone has forgotten that!! Everyone talks like we were 13-3 last year and just putting on the finishing touches now. Almost like we didn't even need this draft, it's just a bonus. It's laughable.
I just dont get how we had the #1 rushing last year why change EVERYTHING around? That was about the only good thing our offense had going for us! Im happy with everything thats gone on defensivly
#1 Rushing #1 Defense 30 minutes of "Coleman free" football away from going to the SB 3 games (that I can just sit here and think of) that we should have won, while never getting blown out of the water except the 2nd NE game. I'd say we are putting the finishing touches together to become an elite team. If you think our team was the true definition of a 9-7 team, then I don't know what to tell you. I also think I follow this board pretty well, and I don't know a single poster who said "we don't need this draft," but I will say even without the draft we still would be on the cusp of becoming elite if the talent we have on paper translates to the field.
I see what you are saying on paper this team is elite. Also, with what Sanchez proved to us in January, I can see him taking over this offense and kicking ass. The light went on, he's not going to make the same mistakes he made as a rookie with 16 starts coming out of college. The defense got better with Wilson. He's going to make sure the Austin Collie's of the world don't light up the Jets when they send the house. Bye Bye Drew Coleman. Forget the 9-7 record. This team is headed for good things. The defense can stop anyone, well just about anyone. They give up about 15 pts a game. This new offense should average around 22 pts a game.
its a passing league, and Sanchez has taken the next step. We saw it in January. Playoff pressure on the road with the NY media waiting for you to fuck up, and Peyton Manning is the one to beat you. That's a valiant effort. The Jets will not be #1 in rushing next year, because they won't run the ball as much. Sanchez and the weapons will make defenses very, very honest.
It's easy to understand why people are losing their minds right now. We lost 2 vets within the span of an HOUR! However... There is a plan in place gents. We need to keep a young core to keep up with the rest of the AFC East. With the exception of the Bills, everyone is stacking up and getting younger and more talented. If this plays out the way the staff wants it too, we are looking at a young OL for years to come. Callahan is one of the best OL coaches in the league, and he knows what he wants. The line of Brick, Slauson, Mangold, Moore, Vlad in 2011+ is rich in talent and youth. Add in the fact that you have 3 vets (Brick, Mangold, Moore), you have a SOLID line for years! Faneca's leadership will be missed. BUT, let's be honest, he was NOT the same player anymore. Now, Leon also is gone. He's coming off a COMPOUND FRACTURE of TWO bones in his lower leg. The guy hasn't even passed a physical yet, and he is still running in straight lines. Guess what, his strength was not running downhill. I love Leon, and wish him well, but he's a damaged commodity right now. Therefore, we got what he is worth RIGHT NOW. We got McKnight, who already has a rapport with Sanchez, which will work to our advantage. Additionally, we got Wilson who is a dynamic returner! He has been replaced with guys that can fill those holes he left. I know I'll hear the argument about "Yeah, they are SUPPOSED to be good". Well, then I shoot back at you..Leon is "SUPPOSED" to bounce back to 100%. What's done is done. Don't stress, this isn't the SOJ! -I posted this in another thread, but it belongs here. You're right on the money!
