http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d801ebb4c&template=with-video&confirm=true Jets season preview By Rich Cimini | Special to NFL.com Instead of relying on last season's formula, which worked so well, second-year coach Eric Mangini did some thinking outside the box in an attempt to improve from 10-6. In the offseason, he hired boxing guru Teddy Atlas to give boxing lessons to the team. The objective was to help the players, mainly the big fellas in the trenches, improve their hand skills and balance. In training camp, Mangini played Mozart from the sideline speakers during practice. He read a study that says Mozart's music helps with cognitive learning, so he decided to fill the air with the dulcet sounds of classical music. Hey, whatever works for you. Music aside, the best thing Mangini did for the Jets was to trade for ex-Bears running back Thomas Jones, who gives them a legitimate, every-down threat in the backfield. It took one year too long, but it seems they finally have replaced Curtis Martin. Jones will reduce the pressure on QB Chad Pennington, which should make the entire offense flow better than before. In Mangini's first season, the Jets were one of the surprise teams in the NFL. This season, they won't sneak up on anybody. Historically, they haven't played well when the expectations were high. It'll be up to Wolfgang Mangini to make sure it doesn't happen again. Three key games: Sept. 9 vs. New England Patriots: Mangini and former mentor Bill Belichick, once close friends, still aren't on speaking terms _ another layer of intrigue in a rivalry thick with emotion. Oct. 7 at New York Giants: This isn't the blood rivalry that some make it out to be, but it still gets the juices flowing. Interesting coaching matchup between Mangini and Tom Coughlin, two Bill Parcells disciples. May the best taskmaster win. Dec. 30 vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Herm Edwards, who experienced an acrimonious divorce from the Jets in 2006, returns to his old turf. He always plays to win the game, as he famously preached in 2002, and he'd give just about anything to win this one. The Jets will be better than you think if ... Thomas Jones makes like he's in Chicago and rushes for 1,200 yards. That will allow the Jets to play ball control, taking pressure off a suspect defense. The Jets will be worse than you think if ... Chad Pennington is on the bench, either by injury or demotion. Backup Kellen Clemens has a bright future, but the future isn't 2007.
