J-E-T-S! JETS! JETS! JETS! Welcome to the 2008 New York Jets Blog! This is for all of you who can’t keep your man (or woman) crush for Eric Mangini a secret any more.
EVEN STEVEN
All should be well in New York because it’s an even numbered year. Sounds crazy, but check out their records over the past four seasons:
2007: 4-12, third in AFC East
2006: 10-6, earned wildcard
2005: 4-12, fourth in AFC East
2004: 10-6, earned wildcard
Seriously. 10-6 is a long way from 4-12, but the Jets have pulled it off before… twice. In the last 4 years. That’s impressive.
GHOLSTON SIGNS
The Jets officially came to terms with their first round draft pick, Vernon Gholston, this week. The rookie defensive end/linebacker will walk away from the negotiating table with a 5-year contract worth $50 million, $21 million of which is guaranteed. Gholston will be asked primarily to play outside linebacker for New York, but don’t be surprised if they line him up at defensive end from time to time. He played the majority of his final season at The Ohio State on the defensive line and set a school record with 14 sacks.
The versatility of a guy like Gholston is immeasurable. His ability to come at you from different angles with the speed to be respectable in coverage makes Gholston an impact player that five NFL teams may have wish they hadn’t overlooked on draft day. Expect big things from Gholston right away.
FANECA IMPACT
While 10-6 may seem like a long way from 4-12, there have been a lot of solid adjustments made this offseason as the team continues to work from the inside out bolstering the offensive line with former Pittsburgh Steelers guard Alan Faneca. Faneca has gone to 7-straight Pro Bowls and was a crucial piece of the Pittsburgh offensive line that churned out solid rushing success year in and year out.
Faneca’s appearance on the offensive line is going to make the Jets line a force to be reckoned with as he lines up between young stars Nick Mangold and D’brickashaw Ferguson. If Thomas Jones can’t improve on last year’s numbers it’s time to find a new back. I’ll give you the game plan now. Run to the left.
FANTASY WATCH
I just hinted at it, but I’ll say it again. Jones is going to outproduce last year’s numbers by a long way. He may not be a first or second round fantasy draft pick, but taking him as your third running back will give you more depth than you think. Leon Washington and Jesse Chatman will get a few looks, but neither of them are a threat to take enough carries away to drastically affect Jones’ fantasy value yet.