Giants can still turn season around
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EDITORS: This story may not be used on Web sites () —
(PHOTOS)
By Bob Glauber
Newsday
(MCT)
For all the feel-good vibe from the New York Jets' improbable playoff run, the fact that they got this far offers no assurances that it can happen again next year. Or even the year after that.
Momentum is a quirky thing in professional sports, especially in the parity-driven NFL, where surprise teams — such as the Jets — surface every year. So we're not here to proclaim the Jets Super Bowl-bound next season just because they got to within a game of the Big Show this time.
But we will say that this team is built for long-term success, and there's no reason to think it can't at some point contend for a championship before long. The foundation is in place, thanks to the impressive performances of a rookie coach, a rookie quarterback, a rookie running back, a smashmouth offensive line and a big-time defense.
But this won't be the same team next season, even if the major elements are in place. Rex Ryan. Mark Sanchez. Shonn Greene, Darrelle Revis, D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold are an impressive crew to build around. Now it's a matter of tweaking the roster to put the Jets in position to take the next step.
Here's how we see things shaking out:
This team needs another cornerback, and maybe a safety. As Peyton Manning showed Sunday, the Jets aren't quite there defensively. Manning carved up the secondary by largely ignoring Revis and going after the rest of the secondary. That included cornerbacks Dwight Lowery, Lito Sheppard and Drew Coleman. With Revis entrenched as the top cover corner in the NFL, the Jets now need to find a more worthy complement to Revis. Sheppard will not be back, thanks to a $10-million roster bonus the Jets won't pay. And depending on what happens with Kerry Rhodes, the Jets might need to find an alternate plan at safety. The feeling here is that Rhodes will remain in New York, but if he pouts about that midseason benching, then Ryan might tell him to take a walk. Best-case scenario: He stays, but the Jets dip into a draft that is deep in safeties.
Thomas Jones probably won't be back. The 31-year-old running back enjoyed a career year, and has indicated a willingness to play until he's 36. But he dropped off markedly in the playoffs as Greene became the feature back, and it appeared a knee problem slowed him in the final weeks of the season. It wasn't long ago the Jets seemed ready to pay a $3-million roster bonus in March, but that might not happen now. Once Greene emerged in the playoffs, Jones was relegated to short-yardage duty. The Jets won't need to pay that much to find an alternative.
Add two Pro Bowlers to the roster. Actually, the Jets won't need to go on the open market to find a Pro Bowl-caliber running back/return man or a terrific nose tackle. They're already on the roster. The Jets are optimistic that Leon Washington will be fully recovered from a fractured leg, and Kris Jenkins is expected to return at full strength after reconstructive knee surgery. The Jets fared well without them, but their return will bolster an already strong roster. Not only that, but Washington would be a suitable replacement if the Jets decide not to retain Jones.
Draft for depth along the line. Three of the Jets' starting linemen will be over 30 next season, which means it's time to draft for depth. The Jets did get tackle Matt Slauson in last year's draft; but with Alan Faneca, Damien Woody and Brandon Moore all getting older, the Jets need to restock the line with an eye toward the future.
Get another receiver. The Jets appear ready to retain restricted free agent Braylon Edwards with a first- and third-round tender that will likely keep potential suitors away. The Jets are banking on Edwards taking another step with a full offseason and training camp working with Sanchez. And with Jerricho Cotchery having emerged as Mark Sanchez's go-to receiver, they're solid at the position. But they could still use another wideout. Brad Smith has shown some flashes, and is a weapon in the Wildcat offense. But he has yet to become a go-to target as a receiver. David Clowney has oodles of speed, but may not have the work ethic the Jets are looking for. Options are limited in free agency because of the expected elimination of the salary cap for the 2010 season. The Jets, as one of the final eight playoff teams, won't be allowed to sign free agents until they lose them. It's a means of promoting parity by not permitting playoff finalists to freely spend on the open market.
Put it all together, and the Jets aren't far away from becoming a team that can contend for several years to come. No guarantees, as the Falcons found out when their rookie coach and rookie quarterback didn't get to the playoffs in their second season. But with the experience of a successful playoff run under their belts and a quality roster filled with excellent young players at key positions, this might be just the beginning of something special.
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(c) 2010, Newsday.
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Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
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PHOTOS (from MCT Photo Service, 202-383-6099): photos
