New York Jets:              

2013 RECORD: 8-8  

2012 RECORD: 6-10   

2011 RECORD: 8-8   

2010 RECORD: 11-5   

TEAM OVERVIEW: Give the Jets some credit.  There was less drama in ’13 as Rex Ryan took a more active role with the revamped defense. Rex’s contract was renewed after the Jets knocked Miami out of the playoff picture on closing day. Rookie QB Geno Smith had both good days and bad days  As funny as this sounds, Geno generally handled the New York media reasonably well, especially considering all the draft day hysterics.  How good is he?  That remains to be seen, as he was not helped much by an average OL and well below average WR and TE units.  8-8 sounds like a good record to build upon, but as Lee Corso would say, “not so fast!”  Turnovers were high and might remain there with a young QB.  Sacks were high and could remain high in ’14. A closer look at the ’13 Jets season reveals that they may not have been as good as 8-8, meaning that the team must actually improve just to maintain this level. To rise above 8-8, the Jets must make all the right moves on draft day.

KEY STATS: The Jets had an even worse point ratio than the NYG (290-387).  8-8 teams need to be near even so these Jets have a very clear – point ratio heading into ’14.  Like the NYG, part of that negative situation can be made up simply by fixing their -12 turnover ratio.  The Jets might be able to make up the more random -5 fumble part of the equation but Geno Smith is very raw and the interception ratio figures to be a tougher fix.  The Jets’ D did an about face by taking a slightly below average run D and turning it into the #1 D at 3.4 allowed (88.3 in yardage).  From ‘09’-12 the pass D% averaged 52.6%.  Given the league average of over 60%, this is/was the best sustained run at the top I’ve seen.  The new faces in the secondary still did well, but the figure this time was about 59%.  The run O was good at 4.4 (tie 9th) and 135 per game (6th).  The Jets had only 27 TD’s however.  They also allowed 47 sacks, but the OL had lost some talent and now was blocking for a rookie QB.  The punt return D could use a bit of work.  Spread-wise, the Jets have some nice long term trends.  They are 53-88 as a home favorite, including 3-2 in ’13, and a good 50-37 (4-3) as a road dog.  They are 21-38 off back-to-back wins (no situations in ’13), and a poor 17-29 after playing rival Miami (8-19 at home).  They are 10-19 after playing rival NE, and 18-8 as any MNF dog.

2013 DRAFT REVIEW: The Jets took four nicely rated players early on, but of course the ’13 QB’s were not all that touted.  Smith hit 55.8% with a 12-21 ratio.  He had some fumbles as well.  CB Milliner took his lumps but has a decent future after coming on late to post a 56-3 ledger.  Richardson was even better!  The highly rated Winters (3rd OG on my board) learned his new position well with 12 starts.  The Jets traded for RB Ivory who had his best season at 833-4.6-3. 

1-09, CB Milliner: Led NCAA w/21 pass breakups in ’12.  Backpedal could be more refined.  Upside?

1-13, DT Richardson: Productive (75) in college and came on very quick as a rookie

2-39, QB Smith: Throws with zip.  Pocket aware.  Can play action.  32 total fumbles.  Can he handle adversity?

3-72, OG Winters: OG mauler, better as run blocker.  Lacked OG experience but good NFL start.

5-141, OT Aboushi: Regressed in ’12 but works hard.  Lacks light feet and struggles with speed.  No action.

6-178, DT Campbell: Michigan man had near zero production and can’t anchor.  Jets to try him at OL.

7-215, FB Bohanon: Hopes to make roster as power blocking FB.  Strong!  Started 8, good debut.

2012 DRAFT REVISITED: There was so much talk in this draft about all the DL and their “motor”.  DE Coples was the leader of the lack of motor group but also the leader in terms of raw talent.  He has 68 tackles and 10 sacks in two seasons.  WR Hill remains an enigma.  He has hands of stone but raw speed.  His career totals include 45 receptions.  LB Davis was one of my favorites.  He had 107 tackles in ’13!  NR rated Safety Bush had 17 tackles.  Most of the other picks are gone but my 3rd rated Safety, Antonio Allen (7-244) had 61 tackles among his 9 starts.  

TOP STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS PRIOR TO THE DRAFT: The Jets typically frustrate opposing QB’s with their press defense and pass D%.  That number was not elite (though still good), but with just one season of run D excellence we’ll keep the pass D as the top area for now.  Anything related to their passing game remains a considerable weakness.  

FREE AGENCY ANALYSIS AND STAFF NOTES: The roster was purged kast year, especially defensively.  The losses this year include WR Holmes, OT Howard, OL Ducasse and CB Cromartie.  Eric Decker more than makes up for Holmes and Jacoby Ford might add some rotational value.  Ducasse never panned out with the Jets but OL remains an issue.  The Jets failed to bring Revis back but have added four players to their secondary.  Many of these players (Dowling, Patrick, Hardin) once showed promise but injuries have caused them to miss way too much time.  Mike Vick is in, meaning the roller coaster career of Mark Sanchez as a Jet is now over. 

2014 DRAFT NEEDS: WR, TE, RT and RG, severe back-up depth at LB, DL depth, CB (?), KR specialist.  Adding Decker and Ford is just a start.  Another big time target would help Geno Smith’s development.  TE Cumberland was just resigned but so far has not emerged.  Winslow is facing suspension.  This team needs a more relevant TE.  RG Colon is serviceable but replaceable and off a major injury.  RT Howard is gone.  The four starting LB’s are good but the reserves are not even close.  Two-thirds of the DL can really play.  The other options narrow down to unknown Harrison and not yet emerging Ellis.  The Jets have added quantity at CB but is there a true starter in the bunch?  Do the Jets have a true KR?