Tannenbaum Looking at the Bigger Picture

AMJets · Nov 15, 2006

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Tannenbaum looking at the big picture as Jets' week-to-week successes pile up
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 11/15/06
BY ANDREW GROSS
STAFF WRITER

As general manager, Mike Tannenbaum has the responsibility of looking at a bigger picture than the week-to-week existence of the Jets' coaching staff and players.

So, while he adheres to the organizational mantra that the only important game is this week's ? in this case, Sunday against the Bears ? Tannenbaum would not discount the suggestion that this past Sunday's 17-14 win at New England may have larger implications for the franchise, particularly when it comes to the free agent market.

"That's an organization we admire and ultimately we need to beat," said the 37-year-old Tannenbaum, in his first season as general manager, but his 10th with the franchise. "It was a good win for the organization and it does help validate what you're doing and emphasize the good things. But in this league, it's week to week and now it's on to Chicago."

In short, the win over the Patriots solidified the image of the Jets as an organization headed in the right direction under Tannenbaum and 35-year-old rookie coach Eric Mangini. And that's bound to attract players.

Given that the team is comfortably under this year's salary cap of around $102 million ? Tannenbaum would not give specific figures but did not dispute the Jets are several million beneath the figure ? and that the cap is expected to rise to about $107 million next season, the Jets are well-placed to be active.

"I'm pleased we're headed in the right direction," Tannenbaum said. "We want to give ourselves a chance to win each and every year so we don't want, from a cap or personnel standpoint, to try to load up for any particular year."

The game plan is to have as many pieces as possible in place before the 2007 NFL Draft in April. That means making quick decisions on which players the Jets do not wish to retain and which players they wish to pursue.

Among the Jets upcoming free agents are linebacker Bryan Thomas, right tackle Anthony Clement and fullback B.J. Askew. Thomas is quietly having a solid season and is likely the only candidate for a franchise or transition tag.

But with his cap figure this season around $1.5 million, there's little chance the Jets would go that route and risk a bigger price tag, as they did last off-season with defensive end John Abraham, whom they eventually traded to the Falcons.

"I would hate to be going into the draft saying we have to get position X," Tannenbaum said. "When you do that, history shows you either reach for a guy or give up too much to go up and get a guy. So, as much as possible, I want to go into the '07 draft having our roster set."

Tannenbaum said there's already a growing pile of draft-related scouting reports and tapes on his desk that he's had trouble finding time to review.

In many ways, the Jets are following the New England model. But given the current state of affairs between Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Mangini and Tannenbaum ? much of the rift reportedly stems from the Patriots filing a tampering charge against the Jets for their pursuit of ex-Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch ? Tannenbaum is no longer comfortable with that comparison.

"I know it's been written quite a bit, but really, we're trying to be the Jets," said Tannenbaum, who cites former Jets coach Bill Parcells as a personal influence. "Obviously there's an influence from New England, but I'll tell you, there's been a lot of other good organizations. We're just trying to be the best we can be. Eric Mangini is going to be the best coach he can be. He's not going to try to be Bill Belichick."
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Mavericknyc1980 · Nov 15, 2006

10Pennington10 said: ↑

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061115/SPORTS/611150497/1002
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Nice Find Penny. Tanny is turning out to be a real smart move in terms of being our GM. Man am I pumped. WHERE ARE MY SHADESSSSS?!?!?!??!?!

JETSimpala · Nov 15, 2006

So we have plenty of cap room eh? Great sign for the future. And Tannenbaum is right about having a solid roster BEFORE the draft. Hopefully we can get some key free agents and add depth via draft.

Murrell2878 · Nov 15, 2006

Very nice article!! Thanks for posting it

Ibleedgreen18 · Nov 15, 2006

Is anyone else extremely happy to have a FO that not only seems competent but actually seems smart? Tanny comes across like hes going to be a very good gm

Duk Dodgers · Nov 16, 2006

Good Read. I also think the fact that we a rising team that we can attract more marquee FA's in the Off-Season. Looking forward to seeing our FO work, for a change....

dabrowsk1 · Nov 16, 2006

"We want to give ourselves a chance to win each and every year so we don't want, from a cap or personnel standpoint, to try to load up for any particular year."
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Best part right there! I love the fact that they are building a team and philosophy so that the team can have success for more then one year. I like that they are looking towards the future, to build a winning attitude and dynasty. I don't want us to sign everyone high profile over-the-hill player, blow the cap, just so the team can make a run one year. Then spend the next 3 recovering from the cap hit while having a team that is too old.

Thinking for the future, adding depth, planning for long term sustained success is something that has been lacking for quite some years.

Tannenbaum Looking at the Bigger Picture

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