2012 New York Jets Preview

2012 New York Jets

The word that will most likely sum up this coming season for the Jets is: “circus”. Mostly, as in a media circus. And we all know why. But I’ll get to that later. The 2011 New York Jets had a trying season. They tried to be a functional football team and failed. They ended up finishing 8-8, which is not bad if you look at it without context, but that would not be considered a successful season for a team coming off two consecutive AFC Championship Games and looking to take the next step forward. In the New York market, no less. And I, as every other New Yorker, will settle for nothing less than greatness. Luckily, another NY team was able to step up and take the crown, but that’s a story for another day. This current Jets team will once again try to run the ball down team’s throats and play solid defense. Whether they can perform as a team and get the job done will be answered in time. The fact that this year is make-or-break for the J-E-T-S. If they once again do not make the playoffs, Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan could both be out of a job, and this franchise will be turned upside down. But if this defense returns to form and the offense can be more consistent, this team looks like they have a chance to be playing in January.

Offense

Mark Sanchez, even though his yards and touchdowns were respectable, turned the ball over way too much last year. This is a huge year for him, as the whole world knows who is lurking over his shoulder. If he controls the ball more and STOPS HAVING SO MANY FREAKING THREE AND OUTS, then he should be in for a bounce back year. Shonn Greene and the running game couldn’t get it together, which would seem like a crucial ingredient for a ground-and-pound style of play. And the receiving core still is only average at best. Plaxico Burress had a pretty solid year but the demise of Santonio Holmes was scrutinized greatly, and Dustin Keller still hasn’t had that breakout year. With Plax gone, rookie Stephen Hill will have to step up and make some big plays. I think he will lead the team in receiving touchdowns this year, unless Sanchez finally utilizes Keller in a way that maximizes his potential. We’ll see if Tony Sparano can make an impact as the new offensive coordinator. One thing is certain: he will definitely have many wrinkles in his scheme, several involving Tim “How Many Games Can I Pull Out Of My Ass In One Season” Tebow. I will be quick on him, because he gets so much attention already. I am not a Tebow hater; I root for him, but I am absolutely sick of a certain sports network documenting every single move he makes. I’m talking to you, ESPN! We don’t need to know every time he takes a piss! Their noses are looking a little brown right now. And the season hasn’t even started yet. Anyway, I think he will be a contributor. He will probably lead the team in rushing touchdowns, and I’m expecting more than one trick plays out of the punt formation, whether he runs with it or throws it. And you know how many starts he’s going to make during the season? None! Zero! Zilch! It’s going to be a big squadoosh in the starts department. But, like I said, he will be an interesting cog in the offense this season. If the offense can put up 24 points a game, they will be a playoff team.

Defense

There’s a simple formula for the D to be a strong unit this year: Pass Rush = Top 5 defense. Period. The secondary can hold its own if Cromartie plays well, because there’s a pretty big island that takes up an entire half of the field. 70% of the Earth is covered by water, and the rest is covered by Darrelle Revis. If the Jets can get pressure on the quarterback, then they will force wild throws for the ball hawks to devour. If LaRon Landry stays healthy, he could be a deadly weapon in the box. Rookie Quinton Coples is going to have to play big to help this defense out. Rex Ryan is going to have to coach his heart out to get back to elite status with this bunch.

Schedule

Just like the rest of the AFC East teams, the Jets will be able to feast off an easy schedule outside of the division. If they take care of business against the easy opponents,   then New York has the inside track to the postseason. Even with all their struggles, they had an outside chance of making the playoffs in Week 17. Will they get there this year?

Week 1: W vs BUF

Week 2: W at PIT

Week 3: L at MIA

Week 4: W vs SF

Week 5: L vs HOU

Week 6: W vs IND

Week 7: L at NE

Week 8: W vs MIA

Week 9: Bye

Week 10: L at SEA

Week 11: W at STL

Week 12: W vs NE

Week 13: W vs ARI

Week 14: W at JAC

Week 15: L at TEN

Week 16: W vs SD

Week 17: L at BUF

By my count, that’s a 10-6 record for the Jets. This would tie them with the Bills for second in the AFC East, and could set up some interesting tiebreaker scenarios for possible wild card spots. We’ll see if 10-6 will be good enough to get the Jets into the playoffs. I sure hope so, but that’s my New Yorker showing. Here’s your bold prediction. Comments appreciated! Next preview: Baltimore Ravens and the AFC North.

Bold Prediction: Mark Sanchez will start all 16 games for the Jets, throwing 3,500 yards and 25 touchdowns. Tim Tebow will lead the Jets in rushing touchdowns with 7, and possibly in yards as well. Stephen Hill will lead the team in touchdown catches with 8. Quinton Coples will have 9 sacks to lead the team. ESPN’s coverage of Tim Tebow will exceed 300 hours of air time over the course of the season.

So in case you missed anything, here’s a recap of the AFC East.

NE - 13-3

BUF - 10-6

NYJ - 10-6

MIA - 6-10

• Tom Brady will win MVP
• Fred Jackson leads the division in yards from scrimmage
• ESPN will keep its massive Tebowner
• The Dolphins struggle but show signs of the future under Tannehill