2014 Season is almost…here

Camp has opened, yes!!!!!!!!!! I mean really that is not news, however it means games are only around the corner.

 

It has been a tough stretch for Jets fans everywhere. We thought we found a QB in Mark Sanchez, but things happened and Mark is now in Philly.

A year ago the Jets drafted Geno Smith, when he landed on their lap in round 2. Geno’s first year was up and down to say the least, but is that really hard to understand?

Geno came from a totally different program in college, and nobody, including Smith expected he would have started year 1. He did, that experience goes a long way into his development.

Make no mistake, I don’t automatically think Geno is the answer, but he can be, regardless of what Jets haters think.

His first 12 games were exactly what a rookie not ready for the NFL should experience. Add to that the fact that Idzik’s house cleaning left the young QB with a PRIMA DONNA in Santonio Holmes, an injured TE in Cumberland, and an injured slot receiver in Jeremy Kerley, as his only weapons and the disaster was complete. But…….

That disaster was an 8-8 season. Yea, I know CJ it was luck, and it was the Gods loving the Jets, blah, blah. But, the truth is simple; Rex Ryan is a defensive genius. As much as I think he is a wasteland on offense, his defensive ideas, and the ability to get his defensive players to buy into his system is second to very few in this league. The Jets won 8 games because their defense, (even if it gives up points stat lovers), is opportunistic and controlling.

Forget the past and let’s discuss the 2014 NY Jets.

Before we even get to the offense, let’s get back to that defense. A very young defensive line; Defensive Rookie of the Year, Richardson is about to break into the scene. He was devastating in Missouri as an inside pass rusher, yet able to stop the run; that is about to happen!. Next to him are Snacks (Harrison) and Mo Wilkerson, The Sons of Anarchy. This unit is solid, even the back-ups and situational players are studs; Ellis, Douzable and now Babin.

The Linebackers are underrated, as Harris maybe the best MLB in the division. Next to him is a young stud named Demario Davis. Rex compared him to a young Ray Lewis two years ago. The kid had a solid first year starting, and he is a born leader, I fully expect huge things this season. Calvin Pace had the best year of his career last season, I do not expect those numbers, but a stable year is all the Jets need. Opposite Pace is Coples, yea him! Quinton Coples has never come to camp and had the same position twice in his young career…he does this year. The kid has lost 15 lbs to get quicker, and I am betting that we will be watching his huge frame sitting on top of many QBs this year.

The Secondary is totally revamped. Gone is Cromartie (who was terrible last year); coming back is 2013th first pick, Dee Milliner, who showed flashes of brilliance when he finally understood the NFL game. Jets also drafted a young stud in Dexter McDougle; joining him are Dimitri Patterson and the now healthy Ras-I Dowling. Calvin Pryor brings an element to the safety position, this team has not seen since Ronnie Lott roamed around New Jersey. Returning is Landry, and the up and coming Antonio Allen. This unit will be fun to watch.

Offensively the Jets didn’t sit back either. Gone are big mouth Santonio Holmes, and overpriced Austin Howard. Replacing them? Two players that played in last years’ SB, Sure-Hands Eric Decker and Breno Giacomini. The OL has two very young up and coming players in Aboushi and Winters.

Chris Ivory was solid all season together with Bilal Powel, so what does Idzik do? He signs Chris Johnson! CJ has not been the CJ everyone saw collect over 2k yards, but who normally does that? Johnson will be a huge threat for rival defenses.

Wide Receiver last year was a total disaster. In comes Decker and his stable attitude, sure hands, great route runner. Gone is the locker room cancer called Holmes. This alone is a huge upgrade. Stephen Hill has his last chance to prove he belongs, and something tells me he is about to finally arrive and join in on the party. Jeremy Kerley is playing fir a new contract, and he hears footsteps from newly drafted Shaquelle Evans and Julian Saunders. Returning after a very good outing a year ago is reliable Nelson; signed was speedster Jacoby Ford.

All in all, I expect a competitive camp. Rex’s message was clear on day 1 “We are tired of missing the playoffs, three seasons is long enough”.

The Jets are on the rise once again!