http://www.thejetsblog.com/2009/05/19/2009-schedule-and-the-illusion-of-toughness/ The arguments against the Jets in 2009 are largely predicated on what their opponents did in 2008, rather than what the Jets plan to do in the near future. It?s as if people believe the Jets have done nothing to improve since last season. Quite frankly, it?s tiring. And it?s not even training camp yet. This idea that the Jets face a difficult road because their 2009 opponents had a high win-percentage is built upon a fallacy. The presumed difficulty of the Jets 2009 schedule relates directly to how easy their opponents? 2008 schedules were. While the AFC and NFC South ranked among the most competitive divisions in 2008, a closer look at their opponents provides a slightly skewed portrait. In the AFC South, the Titans went on a 10-game win streak to start the season until they faced a team with a winning record of their own. The Jets came to town, dominated, and ended their run. Over in Indianapolis, the Colts finished out their season on a nine-game streak, with their most notable victory coming over the Steelers. But their streak took advantage of lesser competition in games against the Lions, Browns, Texans, Bengals, Jaguars, and inconsistent Chargers. Sharing their division with the Texans and disappointing Jaguars contributed to a lighter load within the division. While the AFC South had moments of ferocity with games against the Steelers and Ravens, the majority of their pairings were less challenging. Especially when you factor in the weak NFC North. The surprising Falcons and the run-heavy Panthers led the way in the NFC South, but the Saints and Bucs kept the race for the division interesting. Despite the internal competition, their schedule placed them in games against the AFC West and NFC North en route to the postseason. For clarification, the AFC West and NFC North sent teams to the playoffs with 8-8 and 10-6 records, respectively. The Titans, Colts, Panthers, and Falcons all represented their divisions in the postseason, and all four were immediately sent home. With the exception being the Matt Ryan-led Falcons, all four teams were heavily favored to advance. What It All Means None of this is to say that the Jets will have an easy trip navigating through these divisions. But any fear while looking down the schedule is premature. The AFC East is a monster in it?s own right. In a league where a 9-7 team from the NFC can play in the Super Bowl, it hardly seems fair for the 9-7 Jets and 11-5 Patriots to have watched from home. Such is life. But based on the Jets? offseason thus far and the seasons their 2009 opponents had in 2008, none of them stand out as being head-and-shoulders above New York. If anything, the competition is more comparable. With personnel improvements to the defense, the handcuffs removed from the offense, and a staff that has all but guaranteed creativity, the focus should be on how many ways the Jets can surprise their opponents in 2009. The Jets? pitfalls in 2008 revolved around placing too much focus on what the other team does well, rather than establishing their own identity. In losses to the Raiders and Broncos, Mangini concocted a pass-heavy offensive gameplan against teams that were susceptible to the run. In a loss to the Seahawks, Mangini failed to blitz against a patchwork offensive line, backup quarterback, and backup running back. Those Jets would hesitate with their current schedule. Rex Ryan?s Jets don?t care about the other team. As far as he?s concerned, they?re only in the way. I think it?s about time we all start buying into the swagger, confidence, and bravado, too.
i understand what the author is trying to convey, but the offense cannot be counted on until proven otherwise this year. Having no full season vet on the team makes the offense a transitioning offense, not a rebuilding offense. The defense seems to be able to hold its own, but I don't see the offense putting the final nail in the coffin the way they could have last year when they were playing well.
the greatest thing about sports is you play to win the game. hello?? You PLAY to WIN the game. You don't play to just play it. That's the great thing about sports. You play to win. And I don't care if you don't have any wins, you gon' play to win. When you start tellin' me it doesn't matter, then retire, get out. Cuz it matters. So...I-I....tha-that-that...this whole conversation bothers me.
i agree with the sentiment of the author. what looks like a tough schedule right now, could look like a cupcake schedule when december comes around. most teams are one or two key injuries away from tanking the season. this also includes the jets but we have been relatively injury free for a few years now. i will be hoping that trend continues.
We'll still be able to run the ball, and I believe Clemens will manage the game fine. I don't think our offense will be horrible by any means at any point during the season.
I agree with the notion that anything can happen on any given season...but I'm gonna go with recent Jets history and say this is a year where we could be looking at a less than impressive record. This year I expect growing pains from the defense at first, and the offense to surpass it for a few more weeks before we get our shit together.
Thanks for posting this article NDmick, good read. I agree, I think there are question marks at QB and WR, but I don't feel afraid of the quarterback situation. I know Sanchez or Clemens can get it done. I'm a bit afraid of our WRs though, I really hope either Stuckey or Clowney step up and produce for them. I believe if its necessary Tannenbaum might go out and get vet WR after June 1st. After all, the Jets don't have much cap room and I would expect Tannenbaum making a cost effective pick up. Either way, what we do know is that this team has a great o-line with good RBs. That coupled with a good defense is traditionally what teams need to win the big one. All Sanchez/Clemens and the reciever corps gotta do is not screw up. :up:
Umm, if you think our offense is gonna be ahead of our defense by week 1 then we're about to have a SB-potential season. Our defense is somehow lightyears ahead of our offense already, by all OTA and minicamp accounts. Sanchez is not nearly ready and Clemens just doesn't have it (or isn't showing it yet). I know it's weird to think that our D is already ahead, since it is a new system, and the O has had Schotty going into his 4th year. But you gotta look at the personnel, Ryan already has quick-learners with talent, and add his ex-Ravens - the D is already clicking. Our offense is lead by a rookie QB (or Clemens, who might step it up as it is his audition year) and only 1 proven WR.
The keys for us lay in 2 areas. 1-Defense 2-O-line If the defense can score some points while holding our opponents to few obviously we have a big advantage. Also, our offensive line play will be the biggest factor in that we want to be a smash mouth type offensive team, and also give our less experienced QB corps more time to read defenses and not be rushed into making mistakes. All in all it really doesn't matter what our opponents are capable of doing, it's more about what are we gonna do.
What I had meant was, the offense will continue with the growing pains for a few more weeks after the defense gets it together. My bad, I started my Memorial Day weekend a little early. Oh, and by the way, the Defense is already giving Sanchez fits. Clemens has been the talk of the town at the most recent OTA's.
'Easy', heh. Only one of those West Coast games, and we're not even having this conversation. Then again, it probably would have only extended the pain.
i don't care, everyone in the div is facing a really hard sched, in fact the 8 hardest teams SOS are in the AFC EAST and NFC south, playing each other. that's all fine, the winner could win at 8-8
true! i think that everyone needs to remember just how easy our schedule was last year.... i guarantee you it will be a much tougher schedule this year than it was last. its actually been a scary situation in the entire nfl the last few years. teams seem to go from easy to difficult and from 11-5 to 6-10 and back and forth.
