If it weren’t for the New Orleans Saints last season, the New York Jets would have been the Cinderella story of the year improving from 4-12 in 2005 to 10-6 in 2006. What will 2007 bring for Mangini’s boys? Find out in Jimmy Boyd's 2007 New York Jets preview for Point-Spreads.com.
It seems the Jets shocked everyone but themselves with their 10-6 record and postseason berth last season. Most analysts predicted the cellar for the franchise in the first year under the young leadership duo of head coach Eric Mangini and General Manager Mike Tannenbaum. But the healthy return of QB Chad Pennington and a proven Patriots-style system helped the Jets improve by an impressive six games over their 4-12 mark in 2005. Sportsbook.com has the New York Jets as a 40 to 1 odds long shot to win Super Bowl XLII.
Obviously, the Jets won’t be able to make as big of a jump in 2007 and they will likely even backslide slightly. But, with the presence of a proven running back in Thomas Jones added to an offense that struggled to adequately replace the injured Curtis Martin last season, the Jets should be able to generate more scoring this season. The team still has some major question marks on defense and on the right side of the offensive line, and the schedule promises to be more challenging, but the Jets have the pieces in place to contend for another playoff berth despite these obstacles.
The Jets like to use a two-tighte end approach, particularly in short yardage situations. Wide receiver Brad Smith also fills a utility roll, lining up in the slot or in the backfield, making him someone opposing defenses must account for. With his history as a QB in college, he is a great decoy when carrying out fakes and is a great trick play player — kind of like Cordell Stewart was for the Steelers.
Coach Eric Mangini brought along his preference for a base 3-4 scheme that mixes in 4-3 looks. Defensive coordinator Bob Sutton likes to apply pressure with the blitz and particularly likes to safety blitz with Kerry Rhodes. This has been a problematic philosophy in the past as it gives teams big play opportunities, but I don’t see Sutton soon changing his ways.
The defense is not only assignment-based, which limit’s the inside linebacker’s freedom, but it is speed-based. Inside linebacker Jonathan Vilma and nose tackle Dewayne Robertson are both undersized for the scheme, and the defensive line lacks beef as well. I’ve always thought you should create a system to house your personnel and not the other way around, but many coordinators want nothing to do with that philosophy.
Outside linebacker’s Bryan Thomas and Victor Hobson have thrived in this scheme though with much of the action directed their way. The cornerback position is an area of concern, with serviceable players but no lockdown corner. Watch the Patriots really rack up the points against the Jets this season exploiting this weakness.
New England Patriots 2-1
San Diego Chargers 5-1
Indianapolis Colts 7-1
Chicago Bears 16-1
Baltimore Ravens 25-1
Pittsburgh Steelers 30-1
Cincinnati Bengals 25-1
Denver Broncos 25-1
Philadelphia Eagles 18-1
Dallas Cowboys 25-1
Carolina Panthers 25-1
Seattle Seahawks 18-1
New Orleans Saints 18-1
New York Giants 35-1
Jacksonville Jaguars 30-1
Kansas City Chiefs 60-1
New York Jets 40-1
Miami Dolphins 55-1
Tennessee Titans 60-1
Atlanta Falcons 60-1
Buffalo Bills 100-1
Washington Redskins 40-1
Arizona Cardinals 40-1
Saint Louis Rams 50-1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 45-1
San Francisco 49ers 20-1
Minnesota Vikings 50-1
Green Bay Packers 40-1
Houston Texans 100-1
Oakland Raiders 75-1
Cleveland Browns 100-1
Detroit Lions 100-1
