2013 NFL Preview: New York Jets
Added on Jul 23, 2013 by Scott in
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The New York Jets have morphed into trainwreck reality television during the last two years. From Rex Ryan’s silly antics on and off the field, to the failed Tim Tebow experiment, to the continuing Mark Sanchez debacle, the Jets are a fixture in NFL headlines, despite their losing ways. What to make of the 2013 version? Are they as bad as they seem on paper, or is the negativity surrounding the franchise unjustified? Here’s a preview.
New York Jets
A suspect defense combined with a talentless offense could spell doom for both Ryan and Sanchez. Say hello to Geno Smith, Chris Ivory, Ben Obomanu, Kellen Winslow, Sheldon Richardson and Dee Milliner. Wave goodbye to Tebow, Shonn Greene, Braylon Edwards, Dustin Keller, Bart Scott and Darrelle Revis. Santonio Holmes remains a question mark as does Quinton Coples.
Player in the spotlight: Dee Milliner – The Jets essentially traded Revis for Milliner. “Replacing” a perennial All-Pro drops a tremendous amount of pressure on Milliner, who was an absolute stud at Alabama. Quarterback quandary aside, the Jets under Ryan are all about defense and Milliner will be a vital chess piece from day one. If he can adapt to the pro level quickly, the future of the entire unit looks bright.
Trouble spot: Pick one – Quarterback. Running back. Wide receiver. Linebacker. Safety. There is talent at each position but much of it is unproven and unreliable. Players like Ivory, Stephen Hill, DeMario Davis, Coples, and Kyle Wilson must become consistent producers or it will be long season on Broadway. Plus, starting Sanchez over Smith makes zero sense on a team desperate to find an identity.
Fearless forecast – A brutal pre Bye Week schedule will place the Jets in an early hole, one that could cost Ryan his job in season. Expecting more than 5 wins from this team would be wishful thinking. Opposing defenses have no one to fear, and Ryan is the model of a lame duck coach.
