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Are the Jets’ Acquisitions an Attempt to Echo the Ravens’ Success?
Published: April 27, 2009
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The New York Jets made their mark this weekend by trading up to the fifth pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, exchanging Brett Ratliff, Kenyon Coleman, Abram Elam, and their first and second round picks for the Cleveland Browns’ pick. They snatched Mark Sanchez, and with the pick, Gang Green showed that they were committed to building a foundation for a solid franchise for years to come.
This makes for lots of excitement for Jets fans, with a new head coach, a new philosophy, and new, young, and, above all, exciting personnel.
At this point, you are probably wondering why you are feeling a severe case of déjà vu. Don’t worry. It’s not you—it’s the fact that the Jets are getting more and more similar to the 2008 Baltimore Ravens.
Let’s take a look at this from the top to the bottom. The Jets, agitated by Eric Mangini’s stubbornness and lack of success, decided to part ways with the so-called “Mangenius,” acquiring revered Baltimore defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, son of the famous football coach, Buddy Ryan.
This alone created a sense of optimism among Jets fans. I mean seriously, who doesn’t like a coach who is all about winning and instilling fear in the other team?
Now, remember Baltimore at the beginning of last season.
Parting ways with a more-than-respectable head coach in Brian Billick, they decided to head in a new direction, getting John Harbaugh to head to the Charm City. Harbaugh, like Ryan, is a guy with a football pedigree—both his father and brother have experience in coaching football. Harbaugh took his team deep into the playoffs—now will Ryan have what it takes?
Now, let’s take a look at the most important position on the field—QB.
The Ravens, in the 2008 Draft, picked a quarterback, Joe Flacco, whose stock had risen as the draft neared. His style of play—not sexy by any means, but good enough to get the job done—apparently worked quite well for Baltimore.
The Jets, who took Sanchez—another QB who’s stock had risen—are looking for a similar season from Sanchez if they choose to start him. Although he has only had 14 starts in college at USC, they feel good about the way in which he carries himself. Like Flacco, he doesn’t have the appeal of a Matthew Stafford, but what he lacks in arm strength, he makes up for in accuracy.
Now, finally, the defense.
Let’s start with the obvious similarity. They share the same coach, although he has gotten promoted at his new job. Still, you have to think that Ryan will be coaching them as if he were a D-coordinator, due to his absolute passion for the defensive side of football.
The Jets have solidified their defense significantly. They inked Bart Scott, the former Ravens linebacker, who was long overshadowed by fellow linebacker Ray Lewis, who will now have the chance to shine alongside David Harris in the New York City spotlight.
Another Ravens guy, Jim Leonhard, signed with the Jets, providing an excellent talent at the safety position. Also, they traded for Eagles cornerback, Lito Shepphard, who will create an excellent tandem consisting of Darelle Revis and him. Throw in Dwight Lowery, and you are looking at an excellent secondary.
The only part of the defense where you could have concern is the D-line.
Kris Jenkins is great in the middle as a tackle, but you only have two proven pass-rushers in Shaun Ellis and Calvin Pace. It would have been three if not for the trading away of Kenyon Coleman.
So as you can see, there is a thread running between B-More and the Big Apple. Jets fans just have to hope that their team can echo the Ravens’ success.
