Updated: Feb. 17, 2006, 2:16 PM ET Jets have plenty of work to do Scouts Inc. The harsh reality is this is an aging team with a lot of holes and very little money to spend. The Jets are projected to be $1.5 million over the salary cap and are in big trouble if that doesn't change dramatically. That means some big decisions must be made, and it all starts with the quarterback. There are concerns about Chad Pennington's arm strength and durability, so his future with the team is up in the air. And Pennington's situation is just the beginning, as the offensive line and running back positions need makeovers. On the defensive side of the ball, decisions must be made concerning DC Ty Law and DE John Abraham. Law will receive a huge bonus in March if the Jets don't part ways with him and Abraham wants a long-term contract. PenningtonQuarterback: Pennington missed most of last year with an injury and his throwing shoulder may never fully recover. Even though the organization publicly supports him, this is a business and he is due a substantial bonus in March if he's still with the team, meaning the Jets might consider releasing him. It's also worth noting that backup Jay Fiedler is 34 years old and is coming off a season-ending injury. At the very least, the Jets will want to bring in a quarterback who can step in and play, should Pennington struggle or sustain another injury. Running back: Curtis Martin, 32, has been one of the most durable backs in the league, but he is nearing the end of his career and shouldn't be the primary back at this point. With one-time heir apparent LaMont Jordan signing with Oakland last offseason, the Jets are left with Cedric Houston and Derrick Blaylock as the other two options on the roster. Both are better situational backs than every-down players. As a result, the Jets need a franchise back who can average 25 carries a game. Offensive tackle: Jason Fabini is an aging veteran who is starting to break down physically, and the Jets could release him. That's reason for concern because there's virtually no depth behind him. The truth is the Jets need to rebuild their entire offensive line. Starting at left tackle makes the most sense because it's arguably the most important position along the offensive line. LawCornerback: The Jets got lucky with good production from Law, but he has a huge bonus coming and the Jets will likely make him a cap casualty. Veteran David Barrett and young backup Derrick Strait are competitive, but lack great speed. Youngster Justin Miller is raw. This unit needs a corner who can push for immediate playing time. Wide receiver: The lack of production at wide receiver in 2005 was partly due to the quarterback position, but the only real playmaker is Laveranues Coles. In addition, there is marginal depth. The Jets need a playmaker who can compete for playing time in multiple-receiver packages and eventually grow into a solid No. 2 consequently. With a weak free-agent class of quarterbacks, the Jets may have to overpay for a player like San Diego's Philip Rivers, or even pursue a restricted free agent like Tampa Bay's Simms. However, filling the quarterback position through the draft is unlikely. The Jets are picking fourth in the draft, so they will likely miss out on the top two college quarterbacks: Matt Leinart and Vince Young. Finding a suitable replacement for Martin could come through free agency or the draft, but the Jets will have to make major roster cuts to afford any impact player at any position. As a result, there are no quick fixes for this organization. It has to spend wisely in free agency and really work the draft by using the fourth pick to acquire multiple picks. > http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insi...espn.go.com/nfl/insider/news/story?id=2325929
Cut the beef plain and simple.restructuring is underway as we speak.Unfortunately its become a Money game and its not about winning anymore.Its about the rich get richer.
Oh, don't say that!!! What are you thinking? We're not rebuilding, we're reloading! The IRA's, as these pie in the sky Jet fans are now going to be known are going to have a hissy fit when they read this.
Yes there is work to be done, but that don't mean that we won't be contenders in 06. If we draft well and make some good moves in FA, then we will definitely have a shot at SBXLI.
No it won't. The miracle will be the 4 post- season wins we'll get. Let's make history!! I know, I know. 6-10 won't get us into PO's blah blah...I'm tired of this losing crap. Enough already. go jets
