New York Jets 2008 Season Preview

A rebuilt defense is ready to carry the New York Jets back to the NFL playoffs in a comeback story of revenge against the AFC East.

New York Jets Preview: Overview

The sting of the 4-12 New York Jets 2007 season was only made worse when instate rival New York Giants won the Super Bowl. The New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots, something their cross-town foes failed to do twice in 2007. In an effort to try and beat the New England Patriots and establish themselves in the AFC East, the New York Jets have made significant steps in rebuilding their pass rush and offensive line.

New York Jets Preview: Off-Season

One of the few bright spots from the 2007 season was the fact that the New York Jets had the sixth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. Though highly coveted players like RB Darren McFadden and QB Matt Ryan were off the board, the New York Jets got their man in OLB/DE Vernon Gholston. The highly skilled defensive player has drawn constant comparisons to fellow 3-4 OLB and friend Shawne Merriman of the San Diego Chargers. With Vernon Gholston providing a new pass rusher, the New York Jets traded up into the first round again to snag TE Justin Keller. Other draft picks CB Dwight Lowery and QB Erik Ainge both have potential to be starters.

The New York Jets were also very busy in free agency. OLB/DE Calvin Pace was brought in from the Arizona Cardinals to be a second pass rusher in the 3-4 with Vernon Gholston. The New York Jets also bolstered their talented offensive line by signing veteran guard Alan Faneca and offensive lineman Damien Woody. Human sledgehammer FB Tony Richardson comes over from the Minnesota Vikings where he busted open holes for Adrian Peterson. TE Bubba Franks will also add depth to the offense.

New York Jets Preview: Offense

With a full blown quarterback controversy in the works between Kellen Clemens and Chad Pennington, it will take a good preseason to determine the starter. Chad Pennington brings one of the most accurate arms in the NFL, but Kellen Clemens has the arm to hit any target on the field. Either QB will be lucky to have an incredible offensive line in front of them. Mixed with youth and experience, the New York Jets offensive line could be one of the best. Young freaks OT D’Brickashaw Ferguson and C Nick Mangold are the two best younger O-linemen in the NFL. G Alan Faneca is an instant leader and an aggressive run blocker, coming over from the power run of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Damien Woody can play any position on the line.

The skill positions of the New York Jets are quite deep as well. RB Thomas Jones will benefit not only from the improved O-Line but also crushing blocker FB Tony Richardson, who was led some of the NFL’s best RBs to 1,000 yard seasons. WR Laveranues Coles is a consistent deep threat with WR Jerrhico Cotchery being the possession receiver. The New York Jets also upgraded their tight ends by adding first-round pick Dustin Keller and free agent Bubba Franks.

New York Jets Preview: Defense

The New York Jets run the 3-4 and head coach Erik Mangini loves to run complex packages packed with linebackers. First-round pick Vernon Gholston will occupy the weak side OLB position and will be a pass rushing force. On passing downs, Vernon Gholston can also line up at DE, his college position. Fellow OLB/DE Calvin Pace will play the OLB position and will be asked to bring more pressure on the passer. Second year ILB David Harris will be given the responsibility of running the defense after the departure of MLB Jonathan Vilma. Two-time All-Pro NT Kris Jenkins begins his first year with the New York Jets and will be asked to anchor the three-man line with DE Shaun Ellis.

The secondary of the New York Jets is a rising force. S Kerry Rhodes has emerged as a superstar and is the leader of the back four. Second year CB Darrelle Revis seems to be quickly developing into the shutdown corner he was projected to be. Hard hitting SS Atrell Hawkins will team with Kerry Rhodes to protect against the deep ball. Rookie CB Dwight Lowery will battle CB Justin Miller for playing time.

New York Jets Preview: Special Teams

The New York Jets field an excellent special teams unit. RB Leon Washington is one of the best pure return men in the NFL, scoring three kick return touchdowns in 2007. CB Justin Miller is another talented return man who can cover both kicks and punts. K Mike Nugent is a rising star and a very accurate kicker. P Ben Graham is a team captain and an incredible talent.

New York Jets Preview: Outlook

Playing in the AFC East, the New York Jets will have a hard hill to climb. The Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills are both on the rise, with the Buffalo Bills being the stronger threat. The beasts of the East continue to be the New England Patriots. Having shown a strong weakness to the pass rush, the New York Jets’ improved 3-4 defense should be able to wreak havoc on Tom Brady and the New England Patriots if schemed correctly. Thankfully, the New York Jets will face a lighter schedule outside the AFC East, with only the San Diego Chargers and Seattle Seahawks being enormous threats. With an improved pass rush and O-line, the New York Jets have a real shot at the postseason once again. NFL fans can catch the New York Jets playing their home games at Giants Stadium (better known to Jets fans as The Meadowlands).