New York Jets: 2010-11 Season Ultimate Highlight

By: Stephen Patterson

The New York Jets somehow managed to return to the AFC Championship game last season, however, they once again fell short of their Super Bowl or bust goal that Rex Ryan continues to set for them prior to each season.

Considering Ryan once again made the proclamation for the upcoming season, I would expect the Jets to be battling late into January yet again.

However, it remains to be seen if this team can take the next step with Mark Sanchez leading the way on the offensive side of the ball.

No matter how good New York's defense is, at some point the offense is going to have to step up and win the big games for this team and that task largely falls onto the shoulders of Sanchez.

Do you think the Jets have what it takes to get to that next level this season?

Let us know what you think after checking out some of the best plays from yet another solid season by the New York Jets.

ESPN Sport Science: Kris Jenkins Edition (Video)

By: Stephen Patterson

A Look Back: An Awkward Moment Between Joe Namath and Suzy Kolber (Video)

By: Tyler Ward

You should remember this.

Former Alabama and Jets great Joe Namath was interviewed by sideline reporter Suzy Kolber during a Jets-Patriots showdown and to say the least, the Hall-of-Famer was a bit intoxicated.

I'll let the video speak for itself:

AFC East Preview

By: Tyler Ward and Stephen Patterson

1. New York Jets (Head Coach: Rex Ryan)

Key arrivals: RB LaDainian Tomlinson, WR Santonio Holmes, LB Jason Taylor, CB Antonio Cromartie, WR Laveranues Coles, S Brodney Pool, CB Kyle Wilson (draft), RB Joe McKnight (draft)

Key Departures: S Kerry Rhodes, RB Leon Washington, RB Thomas Jones, G Alan Faneca, CB Lito Sheppard

TW: The Jets had the best offseason, in my opinion. They have one of the best aerial attacks now with the additions of Santonio Holmes and Laveranues Coles. Not to mention, they already have Braylon Edwards, Jerricho Cothcery, and tight end Dustin Keller. Hell, with those receivers, Mark Sanchez could have a 4,000 yard season (not a prediction or anything). The arrival LaDainian Tomlinson also gives the Jets a solid ground game with the budding star, Shonn Greene, possibly having a pretty good season. With perhaps the best defense in the league, the Jets could possibly appear in the Super Bowl this season (or Tomlinson could continue to have poor playoff luck, as he did with San Diego).

- TW's Prediction: 12-4

SP: New York has an excellent chance of winning this division after a very busy offseason, including mostly improvements. Shonn Greene is one of the best young backs in the NFL and will likely have a fairly decent season. I would say he has a great chance to hit 1,000 yards rushing, but with new acquisition LaDainian Tomlinson joining the team, he will likely be sharing the workload. If Mark Sanchez can avoid a sophomore slump, which many quarterbacks that are successful in their rookie season endure, the Jets will have one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL this season if his star cast of receivers can deliver on their end. New York also has one of the best defenses in the league, but Darrelle Revis is one of the keys that D, and without him the team might suffer. Rex Ryan isn't too worried, and while he would love to have him in camp and with the team, he has said he is preparing the team to play without him. The Jets are among the favorites to make the Super Bowl this season, but in my opinion they will fall just a little bit short due to injuries and distractions amongst the team.

- SP's Prediction: 13-3

2. Miami Dolphins (Head Coach: Tony Sparano)

Key arrivals: DE Charles Grant, DE Marques Douglas, WR Brandon Marshall, LB Karlos Dansby, DL Jared Odrick (draft), LB Koa Misi (draft)

Key departures: S Gibril Wilson, LB Joey Porter, WR Ted Ginn Jr., LB Akin Ayodele, G Justin Smiley, DT Jason Ferguson, LB Jason Taylor

TW: I personally like what the Dolphins have done this year in the offseason. The Brandon Marshall signing could be the biggest signing of the offseason. Chad Henne is a budding star in the league and could be in for a pretty good season. I also like what they did on defense, signing Karlos Dansby, Charles Grant, and Marques Douglas. Drafting Jared Odrick was also a good fit with the departure of Jason Ferguson. Miami could very well challenge the Jets for the division crown if all the pieces fall just right. I also see them as a possible darkhorse to make a playoff run and make the Super Bowl. But, who knows - only time will tell.

- TW's Prediction: 10-6

SP: While I admit I am a little biased towards Miami considering they are my favorite team, I am also relatively realistic with my predictions for them as well. The addition of Brandon Marshall, who is coming three straight 100+ reception seasons, will definitely help the Dolphin's in the passing game. I believe Henne will be one of the most improved QBs in the NFL this season with Marshall's addition. As long as Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams can stay healthy for the entire season, expect them to have a very dangerous run game as well. The Dolphins have had very impressive offensive packages over the past few seasons, including the Wildcat, and I expect they will get even more creative with Marshall now in the mix with the  superstar rushing duo. Adding Karlos Dansby, Charles Grant, and Jared Odrick to the defense were all solid moves that will definitely pay off this season. Dansby was one of the best defensive players in the NFC while he was with the Cardinals, and he just now reaching his prime. Health is the only thing I can see keeping Miami from making the postseason with one of the Wild Card berths.

- SP's Prediction: 11-5

3. New England Patriots (Head Coach: Bill Belichick)

Key arrivals: WR Torry Holt, TE Alge Crumpler, DT Gerard Warren, CB Devin McCourty (draft), TE Aaron Hernandez (draft), LB Brandon Spikes (draft), TE Rob Gronkowski (draft)

Key departures: CB Shawn Springs, LB Adalius Thomas, TE Ben Watson, DE Jarvis Green

TW: Well, I can't say anything bad about New England, as they filled their need....a lot. And that was Tight End. After trading Ben Watson, they added Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski through the draft, and got Alge Crumpler as a solid blocking tight end for Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk. They added Torry Holt to a steady receiving core, but it was announced Monday that Holt has been placed on IR, so he will not be used at all this season. They also lost defensive end Ty Warren for the season and it is unknown when Wes Welker will return..this could be an injury-plagued season for the Patriots. But, like always, the Patriots will have a good linebacking core with Jerod Mayo and Brandon Spikes, who they added in the draft. Tom Brady will probably be...well, Tom Brady. He's a perennial 4,000 yard passer and one of the best quarterbacks in the league, so with him on the field, the Patriots have a chance week-to-week.

- TW's Prediction: 10-6

SP: New England is a tough team for me to evaluate because there are several wild-cards on their team. Tom Brady has been an amazing QB since taking over the job for the Patriots, with the exception of the entire 2008 season he missed after injuring his knee against the Kansas City Chiefs in the season opener, but this may be the season his numbers begin the decline a little. With Wes Welker coming back from a torn ACL at the end of last season and age becoming a factor for Randy Moss, expect their numbers to be slightly down compared to recent years. Julian Edelman will likely have a good season, and could potentially be the teams top receiver this season. The Patriot's defense will need to continue to grow and improve, as they will need to be in the top half of the league for them to have a real chance at securing a playoff spot. They are pretty much dead even with the Dolphins, in my opinion, with the only exception being the Patriots have won a lot more recently. Sadly, New England, it's Miami's year.

- SP's Prediction: 11-5* (Would lose tie-breaker with Miami if they end with identical records, in my opinion)

4. Buffalo Bills (Head Coach: Chan Gailey)

Key arrivals: LB Andra Davis, RB C.J. Spiller (draft)

Key departures: WR Terrell Owens, DE/LB Aaron Schobel, LB Chris Draft, WR Josh Reed

TW: The Bills, in my opinion, are going to be the worst team in the league this year. They have no quarterback and their receivers are nothing more than unsteady. Trent Edwards has shown that he is not the "quarterback of the future" and Ryan Fitzpatrick isn't starting material. Their running game is what will save them, with a core of Marshawn Lynch, Fred Jackson, and rookie C.J. Spiller. Buffalo's receiving game hasn't been all that great since the Eric Moulds era and with the departures of Terrell Owens and Josh Reed, it looks like it's going to be worse. They also got a new coach, Chan Gailey, who is unproven and has already had an unsuccessful stint in the NFL. It looks like the Bills are in for a tumultuous season.

-TW's Prediction: 2-14

SP: After seeing Buffalo's first preseason game against the Washington Redskins, I'm not liking the outlook for this team. Chan Gailey may have walked into an impossible situation when he became head coach. With the exception of rookie C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson, there really aren't too many bright spots on this team on either side of the football. With Jackson injured and out an undisclosed amount of time, Spiller will have a lot on his shoulders in his first year in the NFL. While they definitely could have used a quarterback or wide receiver in the draft, adding Spiller will help them all over the field offensively. He truly is an all-purpose player that can run, catch, and probably play the return game as well if needed. The loss of T.O. is definitely going to hurt to receiving game, as it would take a massive season from Lee Evans for this team to have a chance at a respectable record. Trent Edwards has already proven he is one of the worst QBs in the league over the past few seasons, and he will be at the head of this train wreck too.

-SP's Prediction: 3-13

Congratulations To..

By: Tyler Ward

..New York Giants rookie receiver Victor Cruz.

Tremendous game. That's all I can say. Even though it's Week 1 of the preseason, Cruz has definitely had the best game thus far - Sage Rosenfels would be his only competition after a 310-yard/3 touchdown performance against the Rams. 

Giants' Cruz makes catch against Jets

In the Giants' 31-16 win over the Jets, Cruz caught 6 passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Jim Sorgi and Cruz connected on an amazing one-handed 64-yard touchdown catch by Cruz.

The wide receiver has turned heads at practice and could be a serious contender for the final wide receiver slot. After the season-ending injury of Domenik Hixon and the retirement of David Tyree, the Giants are fairly thin at the receiver position.

When asked about the New York rivalry, Cruz said of the Jets, "There’s definitely a rivalry. You always want to beat them…actually you kind of always want to beat the crap out of them." Apparently, he doesn't like the Jets, and he certainly took out all his anger on them.

Cruz, an undrafted rookie out of UMass, definitely proved his worth on Monday night - Coach Tom Coughlin said that the final spot is between Cruz and Rutgers receiver, Tim Brown. But, with the performance against the Jets, it looks like Brown is going to have to do a lot to surpass Cruz. 

Former Colts backup Jim Sorgi connected on 8 of 15 passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Rhett Bomas also had a solid performance, completing 6 of 7 passes for 67 yards and one touchdown. Running back Ahmad Bradshaw did well through the air, catching two passes for 58 yards. Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez did marginally well after throwing an interception on his first attempt - he then completed 13 of his next 16 pass attempts, throwing for 119 yards and one touchdown. 

The Giants play the Steelers next Saturday, in which Ben Roethlisberger is expected to make his return to the field. The Jets also play on Saturday, facing off against the Panthers.

Jets Without Revis This Season?

By: Stephen Patterson

It's a reality that is starting to sink in more and more with many members of the New York Jets organization. Darrelle Revis may not play with the team this season as he continues to hold out for a new contract, one that is far from being agreed upon. According to sources, agents for Revis met with the team on Friday and they delivered their latest offer, which the team seems unwilling to match.

Revis has missed the first nine days of camp, drawing an estimated $150,000 in fines for his absences. Rex Ryan acknowledged for the first time today that the team may be without Revis for an extended period of time. "We're going to prepare like he's not going to be here," Ryan told reporters.

Team owner Woody Johnson isn't very optimistic about the chances of a new deal being reached before the start of the regular season, either. "My gut feeling is, I would say no," responded Johnson when asked if he thought Revis would be on the field with New York this season. 

There was hope from within the organization that the Pro-Bowl cornerback would accept the teams latest offer, a deal believed to be worth nearly $100 million. Revis became even more upset after receiving the offer, however, because the team apparently offered a very small amount of guaranteed money, including approximately $5 million for this season.

It has been known for months now that Revis is searching to be the highest paid cornerback in the NFL after being one of the best lock-down defenders in the league last season. Nnamdi Asomugha of the Oakland Raiders is currently the highest paid corner in the league, earning an average of $15.1 million per season under the extension he signed last offseason. There have been reports that the team has aimed their frustrations over the holdout at Raiders' owner Al Davis, who has a history of overpaying players and handing out bad contracts (see Russell, JaMarcus).

The Jets are among the most popular picks to make a deep run in the postseason, and many within the organization, including Rex Ryan, believe it is Super Bowl or bust for this team. They have been one of the most active teams this offseason, acquiring players such as Santonio Holmes, LaDanian Tomlinson, Jason Taylor, and Antonio Cromartie to add to an already impressive roster. Missing Revis, however, could cost the team greatly on the defensive side of the ball. 

Any extended absence for the Pro-Bowler will certainly hurt the Jets' chances of repeating last season's success of reaching the AFC Championship game. The best option for everyone involved is for the team to just pay him and get him on the field. Anything less may negate all of the positive moves the franchise made this offseason, as their odds of winning the AFC, and even making the Super Bowl, will plummet with their defensive anchor on the sidelines.

Jets To Make Revis $100 Million Man?

By: Stephen Patterson

Sources say the New York Jets are prepared to give CB Darrelle Revis a contract worth in excess of $100 million, making him the highest paid defensive back in NFL history. He is currently scheduled to make $1 million this season in the fourth year of his six-year rookie contract. For what he provides to the Jets' defense, Revis definitely deserves some kind of restructured deal.

Revis has been one of the most productive cornerbacks in the league recently, and has said he wants to be the highest paid cornerback in the NFL. Nnamdi Asomugha of the Oakland Raiders is currently the highest paid, having signed a 3-year/$45.3 million extension last offseason. According to Newsday, the Jets are prepared to add six years to his current deal with an average of $12 per season in addition to the $21 million he is already owed.

This report comes after Revis decided not to sit out of training camp in protest of his deal. He had previously said he would consider sitting out the season if something wasn't done with his contract negotiations. Revis definitely has the abilities to be worth the move for New York. He is the best lockdown cornerback in the NFL and helped shut down players such as Chad Ochocinco, Lee Evans, Randy Moss, Andre Johnson, Marques Colston, Steve Smith, Reggie Wayne, and Roddy White last season.

For his career, Revis has 14 interceptions and has played in all 48 regular season games. While Revis may not grab the most interceptions in the league, he makes it up with deflections and his ability to completely shut off his target from the quarterback. At some points last season, Revis would lockdown his opponent so tight that the quarterback wouldn't attempt a single pass on his side of the field during games.

Revis is one of the biggest stars on the Jets team and will certainly be one the biggest factors that determines how far they go this season. With the addition of players like LaDanian Tomlinson, Antonio Cromartie, Santonio Holmes, and Jason Taylor, New York has the potential to make a deep run in the postseason and hope to at least make a return to the AFC Championship Game. Anything short of a Super Bowl will still probably be considered a disappointment to Rex Ryan and the Jets.

NFL Six Big Questions: AFC

By: Tyler Ward


Q: Are the Raiders on the right track?


A: I wouldn't say they're completely on track, but they're headed in the right direction. Jamarcus Russell was holding the Oakland offense back completely. He was one of the worst draft choices ever in NFL history (see my draft busts post). With the addition of Jason Campbell, they could finally get the offense stable. Also, with the signings of John Henderson and Kamerion Wimbley, the Raiders are slowly building their defense back to the Raider Nation's standards. Henderson and Richard Seymour can supply a formidable defensive line. Wimbley, along with young star Thomas Howard and newcomer Rolando McClain, can also produce a solid, young linebacker corps. The trade for Quentin Groves can provide a valuable back-up at the LB or DE position. Also, the Raiders' hiring of Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson takes pressure off Head Coach Tom Cable, who was forced to call the plays last season. Their only real weak spots include lack of depth at Wide Receiver and the struggles of the offensive line. But, the Raiders could very well be a potential darkhorse this year and could contend at some point in the near future. They have definitely gotten better, but I think they will be competitive when Al Davis finally hands the reins over.


Q: Can Peyton Manning keep up the pace?


A: Of course, since I'm a Colts fan, I say yes. But, realistically, I think Peyton can put up the numbers he always does. Peyton has thrown for more than 4,000 yards in all but two of his NFL seasons. He has won 10 or more games since 2002 and although they may take a dip this year, I think they can still win more than 10 games. I also think that Peyton can pass for over 4,000 yards and 25 TD's this year. With the return of Anthony Gonzalez, Peyton has a nice corps of receivers in Gonzalez, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Pierre Garcon, and Austin Collie. With the receivers that he possesses, they still have a very talented corps. Manning may not have that many years left in the tank, but what he does have will probably still be considered up to the Colts' standards.

Q: Is Tim Tebow the QB of the future for the Broncos?
A: Simply put, no. I don't think he is an NFL caliber player. He had success in college, but it does not translate well into the NFL. Many teams thought that he would be a RB/FB or a TE, so he really didn't even have a natural NFL position until Josh McDaniels took him 25th overall in this year's draft. After an emotional loss to Alabama in the SEC championship game, he realized that he would not have a shot at another title. Tebow ended his career with a dominating win against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Sugar Bowl. He entered the draft and was thought to get drafted anywhere from the 2nd-3rd round. But, McDaniels thought he was the best QB in the draft and even said that "Tebow would be the next Tom Brady". He isn't much better than Kyle Orton, but I think Orton can do a better job on the field than Tebow. I think that Tebow will end up being a bust and he will never succeed in the NFL like he did at the NCAA level.

Q: Will the Browns compete sometime soon?
A: They are the Browns, but they may be able to do decent. Mike Holmgren has proven they can lead a team. He led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl appearance in 2005, but lost to the Steelers. It was their first Super Bowl appearance ever and only one thus far. Eric Mangini isn't the best coach in the entire world, but he can do better with Holmgren hovering above him. Since they brought the expansion back in 1999, they have only been to the playoffs once (2002) under Butch Davis. They have somewhat solidified the QB position with the acquisition of Jake Delhomme. But, he is getting old and may not do that well on a very young Cleveland team. I think this is the last chance to revive his career because Colt McCoy will almost certainly be given the reins next year. The addition of CB Sheldon Brown also provides depth at that position and could have a formidable duo alongside Eric Wright. The retirement of RB Jamal Lewis hurts the running game slightly, but Jerome Harrison can be a very valuable player and with Peyton Hillis blocking for him, he could have another 1,000 yard season. Benjamin Watson's arrival works out for the passing game, as it was horrendous for Cleveland last year and the re-signing of WR/KR Josh Cribbs is spectacular because he may be the most electrifying player in the NFL. They are definitely a good amount of players away from competing, but when that happens they could be pretty decent. They will probably win 6-7 games this year, but they will not be the worst team in the NFL.


Q: Will the Jets supplant the Patriots as the best team in the division?


A: The Jets have slowly gotten better and better and I think they can possibly run the Patriots out of the AFC East lead. Mark Sanchez doesn't have a great arm, but he is solid enough to lead the franchise. With receivers like Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, Jerricho Cotchery, and Dustin Keller, Sanchez can supply a good offense. And with the addition of LaDainian Tomlinson at RB, he can back up the underrated Shonn Greene. Jason Taylor also came over to help out one of the best defenses in the league last year. This is a very talented team, who could very well have had the best offseason than any other franchise. I think they can take over the East and beat out the older Patriots. New England has run the division since the beginning of the decade, but their time is running short. Miami is even getting better and could challenge both teams this upcoming year. Even though I wouldn't go as far to say the Jets will definitely make the Super Bowl, but I think they can go 12-4 or 13-3. I can say that they are my lock to win the division and this may be the year the Patriots finally take a downward spiral in the division.


Q: Is Roethlisberger's absence the end of the Steelers' season?

A: Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for the first 6 games by Commissioner Roger Goodell earlier this year for his off-the-field incidents. This leaves the Steelers with underachieving QB Byron Leftwich and incumbents Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch at that position. The first six opponents for the Steelers include Atlanta, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Cleveland, and Miami. They could very well lose 4 of those first 6 and almost fall out of playoff contention. The rest of their games don't get much better as they have tough games against New Orleans, Cincinnati (2x), New England, Baltimore, and the New York Jets. They may win 2 or 3 of those games behind Roethlisberger, but they will probably garner an 8-8 or 9-7 record. And with that, they will probably not make the playoffs. So, with the Steelers possibly starting off 1-5 or 2-4, they may not recover and miss the playoffs like last season.