Same ol' Jets….I have only been a Jets fan for all of 20 years, alive for 26 soon to be 27. Yet I know all to well what same ol' Jets means. So bring this up, why now when we are on the verge of hopefully beating a hapless Raider’s team that was in the Superbowl in this century?

Simple. Because I honestly believe for the first time since Bill was at the helm that we have the chance to forget that phrase. Will we win it all this year – doubtful I'm a jets fan not a drug addict! Yet I think us as a team, and an organization are learning. What do I mean? A playoff bert this year is important to the fans yes, and the team but long term we have to think bigger than just a berth, these playoffs set the tone for building and gives us critical experience necessary to be a great team, but in order to make the leap we have to steal a few elements from the most successful franchises of the past few years. This has nothing to do with 34 vs. 43 D's or west coast O's. This is bigger, much bigger than that.
The Great franchises have a few things in common, yet they have some unique attributes that work for them. Here are a few elements that will really make a difference for the Jets

1. Commitment to the COACH & GM – The Steelers. Consistency matters for a few reasons. The players know who’s running the asylum, systems and methodologies can be standardized and finding the right players for the system all will allow for great fit. The Pats have become a recent example of this, but winning 3 super bowls makes that easy. It worked in Pitt and eventually lead to a superbowl, and before then very competitive teams. It may be harder in NY, but look at our past what has not trying this given us?
2. No one Player is bigger than the team – The Eagles. I guess its true what they say about Penn eh? They have been doing this for the longest time. You want more money, want the biggest role, want something more than what will help the team then see ya! Trotter their stand out MLB left the team for money and came back when he realized what he was missing! The Pats are very adept at doing this and get more credit for it in the press but philly has been this way quietly and for longer I believe. In order to do this #1 is key you have a GM and Coach in sync who will find players that fit no matter if they are your first team, second team or third team units
3. Depth - The Pats – Nothing will end your season faster than an injury and in a sport that requires unnatural movement and contact injuries are certain. But the best teams always have a replacement. With the exception of T. Brady the Pats aren’t going anywhere. The iggles, lost their franchise QB and seemingly look stronger! If you notice these things are building upon each other Coaching, GM, and System
4. leadership – Denver Broncos – These guys are rarely bad or even mediocre for that matter. It must come from within, the players must have a leader or two. Luckily I think the Jets have this, Vilma, Chadwick, Rhodes these guys can be vocal, lead by example or just will you follow them. One constant about bronco’s teams is that they seem to always have great leadership, Rod Smith, Lynch, these guys who just showed you giving your best is not only expected its what you will do.

There are other elements but I think to be great it starts there. Give the Jets time and hopefully when we say Same Ol' Jets it'll be about them getting into the play offs and coming through in big spots.

Other NFL notes

How noble of you Mr. Jason Taylor thinking about the NFL's image in possibly making Shawn Merriman D player of the year. I'm sure the fact that he’s your direct competitor for the award has nothing to do with your speaking out about him. This is why the fins are mired in mediocrity – players who worry about individual award and not about the good of the team. As much as I dislike Brady he had and deserved a pro bowl nod this year over palmer yet when he didn’t get it, he didn’t say a word – why? He's worried about wins and losses not the "NFL's image"

Since we are rolling into week 16 just wanted to say in advanced farewell to Denny Green, Jim "the son of Playoffs!?! What Playoffs!?!" Mora Jr. and Tommy C. As deserving as these guys are to go, word around town is that Millen who must have nude shots of the Ford family doing things to people, is coming back to provide draft comedy that'll be surely produce some great youtube material!