2008 Offseason

The New York Jets disappointed fans this year with a horrible regular season performance of 4-12. After finishing with a 10-6 record last year that resulted in a playoff birth with a no running game, although "little" Leon Washington provided a great offensive spark, things looked that much more promising when we traded for Thomas Jones in the off season. 2008 was something for me to feel very confident about aside from our quarterback controversy. Unfortunately, it didn't pan out as expected. The team had many weaknesses that the organization will hopefully address in the 2008 off season.

First and foremost the offensive line is a big concern. After losing veteran guard Pete Kendall in a trade to the Redskins before the start of the season, the Jets will have a very challenging void to fill. Quality left guards are few and far between in the NFL, and with LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson not playing as well as expected for such a high pick in the 2006 Draft, the only real anchor was their much improved Center, Nick Mangold, last years second round pick out of Ohio State. Ferguson is still very young and has unlimited potential. I expect him to come out much improved after another off season to study. The work he will be doing is with newly acquired offensive assistant Bill Callahan will improve his game and confidence tremendously. Callahan is respected around the league for his offensive line specialization. Veteran Steelers Guard Alan Fanneca will be entering the free agent market, so the Jets should eagerly pursue him, to ensure solid improvement on the left side of the line, and secure a young talent for years to come.

The right side of the line features two, still very young linemen in Right Tackle Anthony Clement, and Right Guard Brandon Moore. Aside from another off season to mature and improve these linemen, I don't think I could say enough what Callahan will do for our running game, pass protection, and overall offensive potency. The collaborative effort of Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, Coach Magnini, and Offensive Assistant Coach/ Offensive Line Coach Bill Callahan should mesh very well for inevitable improvement in the 08'-09'.

Miraculously, newly acquired Thomas Jones rushed for over 1,110 yards (3rd player in Jets history to rush for 1,100 ) in 2007 with a mediocre line to be gracious. Our red zone production lacked miserably, partly Pennington's fault as well. Solidifying the line will allow Jones to stand out as the premier back hes capable of being, and protect Clemmens. A successful running game, more times than not, allows utilization of play action and open the passing game, providing a much more potent offensive attack all around.

Offensive weapons are commonly regarded as the big play makers such as Wide Receivers and Running Backs, a reasonable argument yet, considering offensive efficiency starts with the guys up front, the organization is starting in the right place. The front office has nearly 27 million in cap room, therefore a big name like Faneca should be within their reach.

Its time for GM Mike Tennenbaum to start making some moves. With ample cap room, it would be a shame to see our front office procrastinate as in previous years, and watch other teams devour the market that offers several impact players.