I like the way you say 16-0 instead of 18-1.
I just can't believe someone would have the balls to give a 4-12 Team 16th ranking becuase of a few Free agent pick ups.
A few free agent pick-ups?
The Jets were significantly better than us last year. They added Alan Faneca and Damien Woody, improving their offensive line tremendously. That improves their running game directly and their passing game by giving the quarterback more time in the pocket, addressing some key weaknesses. They also added Tony Richardson, one of the best blocking fullbacks in the league (and a big reason why even Chester Taylor averaged 5.4 yards per carry last season for the Vikes. The other major offensive weakness was the lack of a deep threat and they addressed this by bringing in Favre.
On defense their biggest weakness was stopping the run. To address that they added nose tackle Kris Jenkins. Oh, and then they drafted some guy named Gholston.
Their cornerbacks are still fairly weak, but overall they've had some good draft picks the last couple of years. Players like Nick Mangold and D'Brickashaw Ferguson.
There are some questions at receiver and running back, but a better quarterback and a MUCH better line + blocking fullback should provide a big boost. The passing game should also benefit from a couple of new tight ends, Bubba Franks (Packers) and Dustin Keller (taken with the Jets' second first-round pick this year).
All in all, the Jets really looked at all their biggest weakness and upgraded them big time. That certainly brings them from a 25th or so team to around average - i.e. 16th. I'm not sure they've improved enough to get a wild card (8 wins would be my guess), but "mediocre"... sure, they've progressed to that.
If things REALLY come together for them (but I doubt it), they could win 10 games and maybe make it to the conference championships.
Author