The Jets obviously need more than heart to contend again next year, if you can even consider that they were contenders this year. I'd say they were more overachiever, not legitimate contender. The first order of business HAS TO BE A DEFENSIVE UPGRADE, one that can contain the run. I won't even dream too big and say STOP the run, because that's far too much to ask. But we should at least be able to contain a running game and force another team to pass much sooner than they do now. Our run defense stunk up New England, from the Stamford Mall to Stephen King's place in Maine. If Jonathan Vilma doesn't develop into a premier run-stopper than he needs to go flourish somewhere else. The defensive-engine can not drive the train with potential, leadership, or work ethic anymore. Results have to speak bigger and louder. He's a helluva player, but he's obviously struggling in the 3-4 Jets system. Heart only gets us into the playoffs again next year. It doesn't win championships. And where's our pass rush? Dewayne Robertson only getting 2 and 1/2 sacks this year is laughable when Sapp is running circles around qb's before he takes them down. Perhaps I'm misinformed, but I always thought a 3-4 meant that the guy in the middle was supposed to be the most disruptive. He doesn't disrupt the running game, he lets it pick up more steam as the game progresses. And he doesn't touch the qb hardly enough. More wasted talent, but there has to be a time when you know when to fold 'em. Kimo, great effort but you're clearly replacable from amongst many teams' practice squads. The other outcome from this year is the obvious need for a running back. FA's or draft, we need more than a three headed monster that doesn't really intimidate anyone. Little Leon should stay. Houston can be moved for another needed player/low draft pick. Barlow is already gone. This loss isn't Chad's fault. With a defense that can contain the run and stop the short yardage gimmes teams seem to find in bunches against us, as well as a running game that forces other teams to prepare for it, Chad leads us to the promised land this year. He has the skills and talent, despite his lack of arm strength. The team needs to upgrade elsewhere first, the nsee if these improvements can help Chad get over the hump. Address the defense and running game, let Chad do his thing and then re-address. If the upgrades are made and Chad can't take us to championship caliber, then we know the next issue to address. NEXT YEAR. Clemens isn't taking us anywhere that Chad can't. In 2008, maybe. I'd rather trade him now while his stock is stil lat its highest and worry about Chad's heir through FA where guys like Drew Brees and Jeff Garcia lurk every year. You'd probably think otherwise at this point, but I really and truthfully loved this season. Excuse me for being bitter because we lost. We should be able to build from our weaknesses into a team that hosts one playoff game at least next year. Two would be ideal. Home field throughout is not even impossible.
na....i wouldnt call him a franchise back.....just a change of pace type back....wit big play ability
DT, DE, TE, CB, OL with the first 5 WR and RB will most likely be addresed via the Free Agent Market. Just a wild guess though
How many more times do you want to be wrong Rob? He is a scatback with big play ability. Yesterday he was average at best. His yards per carry looked good because of his one run, but before that run he wasn't providing any good 2nd down situations and the Patriots defense didn't fear the running game. A successful running game is one that is consistent. Curtis Martin was so great because he could be counted on to pick up the 4-8 yards on first down on a regular basis. We need someone to come in and take control of the RB position and let Leon come in and be the change of pace. THAT is when Leon is at his best.
I think Mangini/Shottenjunior would want two TE sets. So no Baker replacement - just a complement. Meanwhile, imagine the Jets top 3 draft picks were spent on QB, RB, and WR this off-season. That would be terrible. Those positions get the glory but they are not needs for the Jets right now.
QB and WR may not be needs, but we need a talented RB on this team. Leon is a change of pace and my boy Cedric isn't the guy. Blayock and Barlow are going to get cut. The Jets will bring someone in to improve the running game...count on it.
If we're going to seriously improve the running game we are going to have to add some talent on the o-line, preferably at the right tackle position. Clement is likely gone and Jones is a resrve man at best. If we can't upgrade the front five then it won't matter who's in the backfield.
This exactly what I meant by TE... in the offense we run and scheme we need a TE, and the back up TE we drafted from Wisconsin, he isn't going to cut it as a TE, he'll end more of an H-Back or fullback next year. We need a TE that can be productive much like Baker, and be a blocker... I expect we will mimic the Pats, having Watson and Graham. Thats why I say TE. You won't see this team making high profile player pick ups in the draft or in the FA market. Ellis
I think the Jets have to make some free agency moves this off-season. If the price for Turner or Samuel is too high for Tanginibaum, that's fine. But there aren't enough draft picks to address all the needs and there is too much cap space to utilize not to make a few moves.
Based on one or two things that I have read Clement has done a pretty solid job at RT this year. I don't really watch the O-Line consistently throughout the game so I can't give you my take. One thing I do know is we need to upgrade RG. We need to get a big RG who can control the line of scrimmage and push the D-Line off the ball.
As of right now he is a free agent, but I have heard that the Chiefs might slap the Franchise tag on him...
Come on mate, we have heard it. I think we need a running back to work with leon. It could be 65-35% With Leon carrying the lesser.
Leon is not ready to be a feature back yet... If he wants to be he needs to get on the Tiki Training regimin, and add 20lbs of muscle. In the mean time, we need a true feature back. Leon, IMO, will be a faster version of Faulk (not Marshall) up in New England. Ellis
