Vikings’ Success In ’09: More Than Just Arrival Of Brett Favre

On paper, the Minnesota Vikings are behind Indianapolis and New Orleans as the top team in the league. On the field, you can easily see that those are just numbers.

New Orleans and Indianapolis leave Week 11 undefeated, though in recent weeks have come close to getting their first loss of the season. Minnesota, 9-1, defeated Seattle 35-9 during Week 11. Brett Favre finished that game 22/25, 213 yards and four touchdowns. 

Minnesota lost to Pittsburgh 27-17 during Week Seven, their only loss of the season. That was the only game this season that they failed to score more than 27 points. The Vikings have undoubtedly taken their other opponents to school, having only four of their nine wins with less then a 14-point deficit. 

So, how has Minnesota been so good this year compared to last year? You could look at the major difference between the 2008 and 2009 Vikings, and that’s future Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre. But the success of the Minnesota Vikings this season goes way farther then just the arrival of Brett Favre.

Although, I will admit the addition of Favre has been huge for this offense and gave this team the leadership needed to make this a Super Bowl contending franchise.

First, look at the guys that Minnesota already had before Favre. Adrian Peterson, arguably the best player in the league, defensive-linemen Jared Allen, Kevin Williams and Pat Williams, arguably the best defensive line in the league, and Steve Hutchinson, arguably the best offensive-lineman in the league.

Also, let’s not forget guys like offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie, linebacker EJ Henderson, cornerback Antoine Winfield, and receiver Bernard Berrian that helped lead this team to the playoffs last season before getting knocked out by the Philadelphia Eagles.

The emergence of receiver Sidney Rice has made a huge impact on this offense, giving Favre his go-to-guy. Rice has caught 50 passes for 875 yards and four touchdowns this season after catching 46 passes for 537 yards in his first two seasons. Everyone knew he had the potential to be a big-time receiver, and this season he finally broke out to become Minnesota’s number one receiver. 

Another big time player added this offseason was receiver Percy Harvin, who was selected 22nd overall in this summer’s draft. His speed and quickness gives this team a dominant play maker as a kick returner, receiver, and running back. When drafted, it was obviously he would fit perfectly into this system. He has had at least one touchdown in six of this seasons’ 11 games.

With the guys Minnesota already had on their roster, Brett Favre was able to come in and give hope and leadership to a team that was desperate for a reliable quarterback. Now that they have one, every player on this team got better, some more then others.

So, to give Favre all the credit for the Vikings’ success this season wouldn’t be fair, although he has had an effect on the guys that have emerged into stars this season. The guys that this team has is enough for just a decent quarterback to come in and find success. 

 

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Lions-Browns: Matthew Stafford, Brady Quinn Show Potential in Detroit Win

The Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns have a lot in common. 

Both are struggling to win, and both have young, developing quarterbacks who labored to find consistency all season.

But on Sunday, both young quarterbacks displayed their potential.

Though Cleveland and Detroit have two of the worst defenses in the league, these quarterbacks gave their coaches exactly what they needed to see: leadership.

With eight seconds left in the game and the Lions down by six, Matthew Stafford stepped on the field and stepped up his performance. The former SEC quarterback ran around the field, dodging many Cleveland defenders, and threw the ball deep into the end zone.

The pass was incomplete.

However, Cleveland was flagged for pass interference, and the Lions took the ball at the one-yard line with no time left on the clock. Stafford had one play to redeem himself.

Then, Stafford hiked the ball and threw a one-yard pass to a fellow rookie, tight end Brandon Pettigrew, to win the game.

Stafford finished the day 26-for-43 for 422 yards passing and five touchdowns. He came into the game with six touchdowns on the season.

But Stafford wasn’t the only young quarterback to impress.

Despite the loss, Brady Quinn came up big for the Cleveland Browns, throwing for 304 yards and four touchdowns.

Both of these quarterbacks have the potential to be the next superstar.

Of course, they must first play like they did today against top defenses like Pittsburgh and Baltimore.

Today’s game was a loss for Quinn and a win for Stafford, but, regardless of outcome, it gave each player confidence and hope for themselves, as well as their teams.

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NFL Picks of the Week: Week 11

Here are my projections for Week 11:

 

Miami: 17 vs. Carolina: 7.

-Miami shuts down the Panthers offense and comes out with a win. 

Indianapolis 20 vs. Baltimore 24.

-Baltimore hands Indianapolis their first loss of the season behind the play of Ray Lewis and the Ravens’ defense.

Washington: 10 vs. Dallas: 31

-Dallas gets back on track by defeating Washington.

Cleveland: 6 vs. Detroit: 17

-With what could easily turn out to be one of the most boring games this season, Cleveland’s offense continues to struggle. Possible Brett Ratliff sighting this week? 

San Francisco: 20 vs. Green Bay: 21

-San Francisco continues to come up short when it matters, as Aaron Rodgers and the Packers defeat the 49ers.

Buffalo: 14 vs. Jacksonville: 35 

-Maurice Jones-Drew vs. one of the worse run-defense teams in the league. Enough said.

Pittsburgh: 42 vs. Kansas City: 7

-Pittsburgh just got swept by the Bengals. They’re going to want to take that anger out on the Chiefs. Expect a blowout. 

Seattle: 17 vs. Minnesota: 27

-Red-hot Minnesota continues their win streak behind Adrian Peterson’s hard-nose running.

Atlanta: 14 vs. New York Giants: 28

-New York wins their first game since starting 5-0.

New Orleans: 34 vs. Tampa Bay: 17

-Division match-up that could be closer then you think, as New Orleans continues to struggle. 

Arizona: 28 vs. St. Louis: 9

-St. Louis got close to beating the Saints last week…don’t expect a repeat.

San Diego: 31 vs. Denver: 34

-Always a fun, close game to watch. Denver comes out with their first win since starting out the season 6-0.

New York Jets: 24 vs. New England: 17

-Here’s the upset of the week. Mark Sanchez comes up big vs. the Patriots.

Cincinnati: 24 vs. Oakland: 0

-I love Cincinnati. In the past, I’ve hated them. Their team is very good this year, and they’re up against the Oakland Raiders, who are starting Bruce Gradkowski at quarterback. The Bengals should come up with a big win.

Philadelphia: 20  vs. Chicago: 10

-Philadelphia gets a much earned win vs. a slumping Chicago. 

Tennessee: 17 vs. Houston: 20

-On a close Monday Night Football game, Houston comes up big against the red-hot Titans.

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Carolina Panthers Loss To Miami Dolphins More Than Just Another Loss

The Carolina Panthers came into the season with a lot of expectations. After coming off a 12-4 season and losing to Arizona in the playoffs, everyone thought Carolina would look to rebound and have a strong season.

With one of the best two-back running systems in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart and a dangerous receiver in Steve Smith, this offense hardly looked like it could be stopped. 

They proved us wrong.

For the Panthers, this season has been nothing short of disappointing. After starting the season 0-3, Carolina won the next four out of six before losing last night to Miami 24-17. The Panthers record now stands at 4-6.

But, I’ll cut them some slack. They do have the second hardest schedule this season, and have top players to injuries like Pro Bowl left tackle Jordan Gross and linebacker Thomas Davis, who was having a Pro Bowl type season. Not to mention Jake Delhomme’s 14 interceptions. 

After their loss last night to Miami, Carolina’s playoff hopes have taken a big hit, and its getting more and more doubtful that they will get a Wild Card spot. 

Miami on the other hand got their much needed win, putting their record at 5-5, standing right at .500. The difference between 4-6 and 5-5 is huge. Teams that lose six games have a fewer chance to make the playoffs compared to a team that loses five games.

For Carolina, if the the Panthers want to get a Wild Card spot, they’re going to have to win the rest of their games. The chances of that happening are very slim.

Carolina’s schedule for the rest of the schedule is vs. the Jets, Buccaneers, Patriots, Vikings, Giants and Saints. The hardest schedule for the second half of the season.

 

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Bengals Bring In Johnson For His Second, and Final, Shot at The NFL

Larry Johnson found himself a new home, Cincinnati.

Yes, the home for many players who need a second chance after going through some rough times during their career. Johnson enters Cincinnati making many million dollars then what he got in Kansas City, signing a one-year deal at the leagues minimum pay. 

Johnson comes into Cincinnati to provide depth behind starting running back Cedric Benson, who has had himself a breakout year, after spending three unsuccessful seasons with the Chicago Bears. 

Whether Johnson gets much playing time or not, this is giving a statement to all 32 teams if he is really dedicated to playing in the NFL. We all know he has the talent, after putting up back-to-back 1,700 yard season in 2005 and 2006.

If Johnson keeps his mouth shut and doesn’t cause any problems for the rest of the season, I think he’ll get another shot with another team, and go back to putting up big numbers like he did in 2005 and 2006.

Cedric Benson is coming off Sunday’s big win versus Pittsburgh with a hip injury, which forced him to leave the game. He was later replaced by rookie Bernard Scott, who posted 13 attempts for 33 yards. Johnson was then brought in for a work out to provide depth behind an injured Cedric Benson.

Coach Marvin Lewis told Benson that his job as the starting running back was safe, and they were bringing in Johnson only to improve this team.

Some were worried if the signing of Johnson was too risky, and could mess up a locker room that is finally getting to be perfect. Cincinnati (7-2) has had a heck of a season, they don’t need anything messing that up for them.

If Johnson gets a hundred carries or no carries, he was blessed to be given this second chance. After many legal troubles and frustrations with the coaches and players, Johnson was cut from Kansas City. Many teams were interested, but they thought he might have too much baggage.

Cincinnati has a knack for signing players that have had troubles in the past, and for some, that has worked out.

If Johnson keeps his mouth shut, and just plays the game of football the way we all knows he can, he’ll be another dominant player in the football league. 

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Waiting To Select Backs’ Seem to Have a Better Outcome In The NFL Draft

Nobody can predict which teams did best in the NFL Draft. We all try, but we are never correct.

Honestly though, who could predict something like that?

Who would have ever thought Rod Smith would eventually be one of the best players to play for the Denver Broncos? Kurt Warner would eventually win  Super Bowl rings? Warren Moon would end up in the Hall of Fame? Priest Holmes would go down as one of the best backs ever to play the game?

Nobody. 

That’s just how the NFL Draft goes. Some teams get lucky, some teams don’t. Some players pan out to be the player they were predicted to be, like Peyton Manning, and some never live up to expectations, like Ryan Leaf. 

During the NFL Draft, certain positions get overrated. The quarterback and running back are two great examples. That’s why you see so many busts from these two positions.

But, I would like to focus on running backs. 

Teams like to take running backs early. But, lets take a look at the list of running backs that were taken in the top 12 in the past decade.

Marshawn Lynch, Ronnie Brown, Thomas Jones, Cedric Benson, LaDainian Tomlinson, Jamal Lewis, Reggie Bush, Carnell Williams, Edgerrin James, Ricky Williams, Ron Dayne, Adrian Peterson, Darren McFadden, and Knowshon Moreno. 

None of these backs have had bad careers.

I would have easily taken Tomlinson, Peterson, Lewis and Ricky Williams as my first overall pick in the year that they were drafted.

But, guys like Lynch, Brown, Carnell Williams and Bush have yet to prove they are worth that top 12 pick.

Then you have guys like Cedric Benson and Ron Dayne. Although neither of them have had terrible careers, they haven’t had good ones either. 

Now, let’s take a look at backs’ that were taken later in the first round in the past decade.

Shaun Alexander, Trung Candidate, Deuce McCalister, Michael Bennett, William Green, TJ Duckett, Willis McGahee, Larry Johnson, Steven Jackson, Chris Perry, Kevin Jones, Laurence Maroney, DeAngelo Williams, Joseph Addai, Jonathan Stewart, Felix Jones, Rashard Mendenhall, Chris Johnson and Chris Wells.

Don’t get me wrong, there are many busts here.

But, look at guys like Alexander, McCalister, McGahee, Larry Johnson, Jackson, Williams, and Chris Johnson. They have all put together dominant stats in there careers. 

Guys like Bennett, Maroney, Duckett, and Addai are the middle of the bunch, having inconsistent careers.

Then you have the busts. Candidate, Green, Perr,y and Jones have all had dissapointing careers.

Now, lets take a look at some running backs taken threw round two and seven in the past ten years.

Mike Anderson(round 6), Dante Hall(round 5), Sammy Morris (round 5), Reuben Droughns, Correll Buckhalter (round 4), Rudi Johnson (round 4), Travis Henry (round 2), LaMont Jordan (round 2), Chester Taylor (round 6), Brian Westbrook (round 3), Clinton Portis (round 2), DeShaun Foster (round 2), Justin Fargas (round 3), Michael Turner (round 5), Derrick Ward (round 7), Julius Jones (round 2), Darren Sproles (round 4), Marion Barber (round 4), Brandon Jacobs (round 4), Frank Gore (round 3), Leon Washington (round 4), Maurice Jones-Drew (round 2), LenDale White (round 2), Ahmad Bradshaw (round 7), Le’ron McClain (round 4), Peyton Hillis (round 7), Tim Hightower (round 5), Tashard Choice (round 4), Steve Slaton (round 3), Matt Forte (round 2) and Ray Rice (round 2). 

Although I listed backs that have made some noise in the NFL, there are also many backs taken that haven’t even been able to make a team.

But guys like Jones-Drew, Henry, Taylor, Westbrook, Rudi Johnson, Portis, Turner, Jacobs, Gore, Slaton, and Forte have all had 1,000 yard season and impressed many around the NFL.

Then you have Barber, White, Jordan, Ward, Julius Jones, and Rice, guys that haven’t been great, but they have been very impressive during there careers.

There are guys out there like LaDainian Tomlinson and Adrian Peterson that I have no doubt are worth that top pick.

But, players like DeAngelo Williams or Stephen Jackson that are taken in the late rounds have turned out to play like top five picks. 

Guys like Matt Forte or Clinton Portis that are taken in the second round are worth first round picks too.

Like I said, nobody can predict how players will play when they get into the NFL, but teams should stop looking at players from top colleges, and look at the guys who have set records and made big plays at there low-name schools, the players usually taken in later rounds. 

Maybe its just my opinion, but i’d rather trade down and select a guy like DeAngelo Williams other then taking Reggie Bush with my top five pick.

We all have our own opinion, and there are players out there that haven’t made it in the NFL that were taken later in the NFL Draft, but there has also been a lot of talent by later-round picks and undrafted free agents.

 

 

 

 

32 Teams In 32 Days: Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota looks to fit the part to be a Championship team. They have the best running back, and arguably the best player in the NFL, in Adrian Peterson, a good offensive and defensive line, great linebackers and good defensive backs. 

So what is stopping them from becoming super?

A reliable quarterback. 

Last year, they had Tarvaris Jackson and Gus Frerrote as there starters. Frerotte starting 11 games, Jackson starting five. Jackson lost the starting nod to Frerotte, just to gain in back when Frerotte went down with an injury. Jackson ended up starting the final four games, throwing for nine touchdowns and only one interception. 

Frerrote is now gone, and Sage Rosenfels is in after acquiring him for a fourth round pick from Houston during the offseason. Rosenfels and Jackson will compete for the starting nod during the preseason.

But, besides the quarterback position, there isn’t much to complain about this franchise. There defense is one of the most dominant in the league lead by Jared Allen, Kevin Williams, Pat Williams, E.J. Henderson and Antoine Winfield.

With the addition of Percy Harvin via NFL Draft, this offense should be even more explosive. This team could be extremely dangerous this season.

Offseason Acquisitions:

Added:

Glenn Holt, WR. Karl Paymah, CB. Sage Rosenfels, QB.

Lost: 

Vinny Ciurciu, LB. Gus Frerrote, QB. Napoleon Harris, LB. Maurice Hicks, RB. Marcus Johnson, OT. Darren Sharper, S. Dontarrious Thomas, LB. Ellis Wyms, DT.

Take out Rosenfels and Sharper, and there are not many big names gained or lost on this list. Darren Sharper will be missed incredibly on this defense with his skill and leadership. Sage Rosenfels was acquired from Houston for a fourth round pick and will compete for the starting job.

Draft Picks:

1(22). Percy Harvin, WR. Draft Grade: A

Love the pick here, fits this offense perfectly. He’s as dangerous as they come, playing as a receiver and running back.

2(54). Phil Loadholt, OT. Draft Grade: B-

Struggled a little during his senior season, but a overall a good tackle. 

3(86). Asher Allen, CB. Draft Grade: B+

Good overall corner. Good steal in the third.

5(150). Jasper Brinkley, LB. Draft Grade: B

He’s big at 250 pounds, but runs well for a heavy guy.

7(231). Jamarca Sanford, S. Draft Grade: C

A project. Has been arrested twice.

Draft Grade: B

 

Breakout Player: Tarvaris Jackson, QB.

 

Minnesota could be in the run for a Super Bowl. If either Jackson or Rosenfels are able to be good, consistent quarterback throughout the season, I don’t see any reason why they won’t in the running for a Super Bowl trophy. The loss of Darren Sharper was a blow to this defense, but second year safety Tyrell Johnson will replace him.

On the offense, rookie Percy Harvin gives this team another threat that will make defenses worry even more.

Minnesota has improved every year under Brad Childress, and I think this could be there big year.

Projected Record: 11-5

 

 

32 Teams In 32 Days: Dallas Cowboys

Dallas’ Head Coach Wade Phillips is on the hot seat. I’d even go as far as saying Phillips is sitting on a stove. That’s how bad it is. Dallas had as good of a team as you could have, but still ended the season with a 9-7 record.

How does that happen?

Could it be the Terrell Owens distraction? Tony Romo not being able to win late in the season? The coaches? Injuries?

Whatever the case may be, it surprises me that a team like Dallas ends 9-7 and doesn’t make the playoffs.

The final game of the season, Philadelphia defeated Dallas 6-44. That’s just sad. 

But, that game was a slap in the face for owner Jerry Jones. There were things that had to be done, whether Jones wanted to do them or not.

First things first, they had to get rid of distractions.

No. 1 distraction: Terrell Owens. His skills were beyond amazing, there is no doubt about that. But, his distractions on and off the field were beyond annoying, and Dallas was sick of it. They also got rid of bad boys Tank Johnson and Adam Jones.

This season, Dallas hopes they can end their 12-year streak without a win in the playoffs. And with Dallas entering this season with a new team, a new attitude, and a new stadium, there is hope.

Offseason Acquisitions:

Added:

Keith Brooking, LB. Jon Kitna, QB. Igor Olshansky, DE. Gerald Sensabaugh, S.

Lost:

Joe Berger, OG. Brooks Bollinger, QB. Kevin Burnett, LB. Chris Canty, DE. Keith Davis, S. Anthony Henry, CB. Brad Johnson, QB. Tank Johnson, DT. Adam Jones, CB. Carlos Polk, LB. Zach Thomas, LB. Roy Williams, S.

Dallas lost a lot of players, but let’s take a good look at that list. Linebackers Burnett and Thomas didn’t make a huge impact, and they upgraded with the signing of Keith Brooking. Dallas also drafted four linebackers to help replace them. Roy Williams and Adam Jones made very little impact on the defensive back core last season, and Tank Johnson didn’t have much impact on the defensive line either.

Their biggest loss of the offseason was Chris Canty. He was extremely versatile, playing both end and tackle on the defensive line. Anthony Henry will also be missed on this defense. But, with Henry and Jones gone, last year’s first-round pick Mike Jenkins will get more playing time at corner.

Draft Picks:

3(69). Jason Williams, LB. Draft Grade: C-

Experienced linebacker who can get to the quarterback. 

3(75). Robert Brewster, T. Draft Grade: C+

Has a lot of strength but struggles at pass protecting.

4(101). Stephen McGee, QB. Draft Grade: D+

Didn’t expect McGee to go this early. Will learn behind Romo and Kitna.

4(110). Victor Butler, LB. Draft Grade: B-

Defensive End in college who will switch to linebacker.

4(120). Brandon Williams, LB. Draft Grade: C+

Another linebacker taken by Dallas, played very well in the postseason, and ended the season with 13 sacks.

5(143). DeAngelo Smith, CB. Draft Grade: B

After losing both starting cornerbacks, Dallas needed some depth at that position. I like Smith, he could surprise.

5(166). Michael Hamlin, S. Draft Grade: B

A steal here, Hamlin is a bruising hitter who also has nice hands. Could be the next Roy Williams in my opinion.

5(172). David Buehler, K. Draft Grade: C

Kicker who will try to make the team behind Folk.

6(197). Stephen Hodge, LB. Draft Grade: C+

A good linebacker with some leadership skills. Plays like Zach Thomas.

6(208). John Phillips, TE. Draft Grade: D

Tight end who’s not very fast, but will backup Witten and Bennett.

7(227). Mike Mickens, CB. Draft Grade: B

Another steal cornerback. Mickens and Smith remain teammates.

7(229). Manuel Johnson, WR. Draft Grade: C

Nice receiver who can get deep.

Draft Grade: C-

Breakout Player: Miles Austin, WR.

Miles Austin will get every chance to shine with Owens gone.

 

It’s hard to predict how well the Dallas Cowboys will play. They’re very inconsistent, and they struggle to win at the end of the season. They got rid of their distractions in Owens, Jones, and Johnson, which could have a positive impact. But, Owens is still one of the top receivers in the game. 

So, many questions remain around this team as they enter this season. Will Roy Williams be able to return to his Pro Bowl form he had in 2007 and be a No. 1 receiver again? Can Dallas replace all the starters they lost this offseason? Can Tony Romo learn to win games at the end of the season?

All these questions will be answered this season, hopefully for the best.

Projected Record: 10-6

 

Buffalo Bills: Sorry , As Good As You Look, You Could Be in for a Long Season

This isn’t going to be that long of an article. I just need to warn you Buffalo Bills fans before you get too excited:

As good as your team looks, they have a huge weakness.

 

The offensive line.

Buffalo has some talented players on this team; Owens, Lynch, Evans, Parrish, Schobal, Stroud, Mitchell, McGee, and Whitner are all productive, so don’t get me wrong, I think this team is very talented.

But, I am sitting here watching them play the Titans in the “Hall of Fame Game” and they are getting shoved all over the place. Trent Edwards has had to get rid of the ball as quick as he can, and he threw an interception to Michael Griffin while being rushed by a backup defensive tackle. The running game is even worse. Neither Lynch nor Jackson can find a hole to run through.

Eek. They need to find someone fast.

Without an offensive line, your offense will struggle. In my opinion, t is the key position in the NFL. You could have Tom Brady, Adrianb Peterson and Larry Fitzgerald on your offense, but if you don’t have an offensive line to protect the quarterback and open holes for the running game, theirs not much this offense can do.

32 Teams In 32 Days: New York Jets

Out with the old and in with the new. That’s the Jets new motto.

The Jets fired head coach Eric Mangini and hired Ravens’ defensive coordinator Rex Ryan. New York hope Ryan’s attitude will help to bring the Jets to where they need to be.

Brett Favre came out of retirement, and was sent to the Jets. They were instantly an AFC East favorite. But that didn’t last long.

When Favre was acquired, they cut longtime starting quarterback Chad Pennington. He was quickly signed to the Miami Dolphins, who the Jets played during week one. The Jets won, but at the end of the season, Chad Pennington was the better quarterback with 19 touchdowns, seven interceptions and 3,653 yards.

Brett Favre finished the season with 22 touchdowns, 22 interceptions and 3,472 yards.

The Jets Finished with a 9-7 record, and the Dolphins finished with a 11-5 record. It looks as though the Dolphins got the better side of the deal.

But now with Favre retired, they traded up in the Draft to select USC’s quarterback Mark Sanchez. He was only a one year starter at USC, but was impressive. He will compete with Kellen Clemons this preseason to be the starter week one.

Rex Ryan came in trying to improve this defense, which he did, acquiring new starting linebacker Bart Scott, cornerback Lito Shepppard and defensive end Marques Douglas.

The offense looks good, but their is some question about who will start at receiver opposite Jerricho Cotchery.  It looks like Brad Smith will be that guy, but Ryan told reporters it was time for him to step up.

The Jets have a good future ahead of them, but they need a lot of time and patience with these young players.

 

Offseason Acquisitions

Added

Aundrae Allison, WR.

Maurques Douglas, DE.

Larry Izzo, LB.

Jim Leonard, S.

Bart Scott, LB.

Lito Sheppard, CB.

Donald Strickland, CB.

 

Lost

Chris Baker, TE.

David Barrett, CB.

Eric Barton, LB.

David Bowens, LB.

Kenyon Coleman, DE.

Laveranues Coles, WR.

Abram Elam, S.

Brett Favre, QB.

Bubba Franks, TE.

Reggie Hodges, P.

Ty Law, CB.

C.J. Mosley, DT.

Mike Nugent, K.

Hank Poteat, CB.

Brett Ratliff, QB.

Cody Spencer, LB.

Rex Ryan made a wise move to add his former linebacker Bart Scott. He will be a leader on this defense. Lito Sheppard and Marques Douglas should also start at their positions.

Brett Favre retired, again, and maybe for the last time. I’d say he was their biggest loss, but he didn’t play too great last season. Chris Baker and Leveranues Coles were their biggest losses, as they leave this team with questions in their receiving game.

 

Draft Picks

1(5). Mark Sanchez, QB. Draft Grade: A

2(65). Shonn Greene, RB. Draft Grade: A

6(193). Matt Slauso, OG. Draft Grade: B-

• The Jets traded three players and draft picks to the Browns to select their future quarterback. Sanchez only started one season at USC, but was very impressive.
• Shonn Greene is a great back. The Jets got a steal by picking him with the first pick in the third round. He’s very powerful and has pretty good speed. He will compete with Thomas Jones and Leon Washington for playing time, and should be the future back for New York.
• Guard Slauson is very powerful, but will lose his temper in a game. He will provide depth behind a great offensive line. He can also play guard or tackle.

Breakout Player: Chansi Stuckey, WR.

Stuckey will be given every oppurtunity to start this season with the release of Coles. He put up 359 yards on 32 catches with three touchdowns.

New York wanted change this offseason, and that’s what they got. They hired Rex Ryan as their new head coach, and drafted Mark Sanchez as their quarterback of the future. They need time and patience with him, because is he raw, only starting one season at USC.

But bringing in Ryan will improve this defense. He made Baltimore one of the best defenses in the league for many seasons, and will do the same with New York. He could also help last years first round pick Vernon Gholston realize his potential and get on the field.

The Jets offense remains questionable though. They have their number one receiver in Jerricho Cotchery, but they need someone else to step up and be their No. 2. Thomas Jones remains a top running back, and has help with backups Shonn Greene and Leon Washington.

I see the Jets having a bright future, but I don’t think they’re ready just yet to be a dominant franchise.

Projected Record: 9-7

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