The Jets being a popular Super Bowl pick has me worried. ‘High expectations’ is not a phrase that often goes well together with the New York Jets. At the same time, there is a definite excitement going into the season- and reason for optimism. But the team’s deficiencies from last season cannot be forgotten. Here are the five keys that will determine whether the Super Bowl hype is real or if it will just be another season of unfulfilled expectations.
1. The Sophomore Slump
Mark Sanchez’s rookie season had its severe ups and downs. He had games were he looked very much like a rookie and others where he flashed those glimpses of why he was a top ten pick. You could even break it down even more and say he had series within each game where there were those ups and downs. This type of play should not be unexpected from a rookie quarterback. Sanchez really turned it on in the final weeks of the season and the playoffs. He made good decisions and his poise was one of the biggest reasons the Jets advanced as far as they did. So, media and fans left the 2009 season with those memories of Sanchez. However, the five interception game, and his inconsistencies also have to be remembered. Sanchez must control turnovers and further progress from his strong end of season play. Regression from that will hinder the Jets’ ability to be elite.
2. Empty Island
Darrelle Revis is the big question mark right now. Revis Island is not taking guests right now as Darrelle sits at home waiting for a lofty contract. Antonio Cromartie is a legitimate starting corner. Kyle Wilson is talented but only a rookie. The real problem with Revis’ absence comes in depth. Wilson goes from a third CB to starter. Corners such as Dwight Lowery and Drew Coleman all have increased playing time, which is not a good thing for a secondary whose last memory is of being torched by Peyton Manning. The Jets can still be good without Revis but again, his absence is something that keeps them from reaching that next echelon of elite.
3. Choose wisely
The late season run left Jets fans forgetting about a lot of fundamental issues that plagued them throughout stretches of the season. One of them, an ongoing one for the past few seasons, is the playcalling of offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Like his quarterback, Schottenheimer has had his good and bad moments. His tendency to get cutesy with play calls, like an uncalled for end around that kills a drive, is frustrating. The routes the wide receivers run often seem to intersect and do not spread the field. To be successful the Jets need to continually pound the ball and set up Sanchez for some big plays in the passing game. However, Schottenheimer must avoid being too conservative and strike the right balance between run and pass. The red zone is going to be especially important. Field goals do not cut it and the Jets have been settling for way too many through preseason.
4. Stay healthy
Calvin Pace is already injured and out four to six weeks. The preseason has left you wondering whether the Jets can handle any more injuries. The backups have not looked good when they have gotten a chance. If they have to step into starting roles, it will be a big cause for concern. The defense never really looked the same without Kris Jenkins last season. Remember how scary it was those first few weeks with him in the middle of the line? They will need him on the field for most, if not all, 16 games.
5. Recharged?
I really think LaDainian Tomlinson is the biggest X-factor on this Jets squad. He has looked really good in preseason and could do some damage running behind this offensive line. He no longer has to be ‘the guy’ with Shonn Greene there to take carries too. Tomlinson does not have all the pressure on him and I think he has something to prove. Another new addition, Santonio Holmes, could bring the Jets a deep receiving threat with speed they have been missing for many, many years.
The talent is there. I think Rex Ryan is the best coach the Jets have had in a long time. The Super Bowl could be possible. But there were plenty of reasons the Jets won only nine regular season games in 2009. They need to fix those problems if they want to take the next step in 2010.
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