Jets Offseason Plans

With the 2012 NFL Offseason on the horizon, this is what I think the Jets should on a position by position basis. After a very disappointing 2011 campaign, Gang Green doesn't need to completely rebuild, but they do need to tweak a couple things. Step one of the process is already completed by getting rid of most of the offensive coaching staff, and starting new with Tony Sparano.

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK

Mark Sanchez is entering his fourth season, and this could very well be a make or break year from the kid out of USC. While many Jets fans, including myself, have been critical of him, I still believe he is the answer at this position until his contract expires in 2013. There have been conflicting reports of how motivated he is, and that is what worries me the most. One thing I do know is that Peyton Manning isn't the answer. Jets fans are still feeling the lingering effects of bringing in an injured legendary QB in the home stretch of his career with Brett the Jett, and I don't want to deal with that again. I also think that we  need a better backup QB, and agree with the rumors of bringing in Chad Henne. Henne is familiar with Sparano's offense and might light a fire under Sanchez's ass if he isn't as motivated as Rex wants us to believe.

RUNNING BACKS

It looks like LT is either going to retire or look for another team, so this could be the year to see how good Shonn Greene really is. After splitting carries with Thomas Jones his rookie year, and then Tomlinson for the past two seasons, Greene deserves a chance to be the man. He might not have the elusiveness of a LeSean McCoy, but he is consistent, and can break the big one occasionally. We also have two young guys in Joe McKnight and Bilal Powell who could potentially be decent third down backs. I also wouldn't mind if the Jets brought in a decent veteran back, like Tashard Choice or Michael Bush. to backup Greene. I think were set up at the fullback position with the Terminator.

WIDE RECEIVERS

The WR position might have been our downfall in 2011. Losing Cotchery and Braylon and replacing them with Plaxico and Derrick Mason was a complete failure, and now we need to deal with a disgruntled Santonio Holmes on top of all that. Defenses figured out the Jets passing offense, by taking the slant away from Holmes, and Plax was unable to stretch the field. I did like what I saw out of rookie  Jeremy Kerley when he was given a chance. I don't see the Jets bringing in another diva receiver, but bringing in a guy like Brandon Lloyd or even steal Mario Manningham from the Giants would help boost the position. I also feel like Mohammed Sanu from Rutgers would be worth a second round pick if he's still available. Dustin Keller has the potential to be a top 5 tight end, and I think Sparano will be able to find ways to get him the ball.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Our O-line in one word was terrible last season. With three out of the five guys potential Pro-Bowlers, the onus clearly falls on Matt Slauson and Wayne Hunter. Losing Allen Faneca and Damien Woody the past two years has come back to bite the Jets in the ass. Replacing Slauson and Hunter would give Sanchez more time to find the open man and stretch the field a little.

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINE

The Jets D-line has failed to create pressure on opposing team's quarterbacks without the use of smoke and mirrors. Bringing in a guy like Mario Williams or Dwight Freeney would automatically make this  defense tops in the league. Mo Wilkerson showed flashes as a rookie last year, and free-agent Sione Pouha is a very good nose tackle, but the Jets need to make sure we lock him up with a contract. 

LINEBACKERS

The Jets made the biggest move of the offseason last year by resigning Pro-Bowler David Harris to a long term deal. The rumors coming out of Florham Park is that the Jets "can't wait" to get rid of Bart Scott. Scott brought a swagger to this team and did a great job of teaching Rex's defense to the rest of the team, but he simply isn't producing enough to justify his contract. I would like to bring him in at a discounted rate, but don't see it being very likely. That being said, the Jets need to draft a LB in the first round, and Courtney Upshaw from 'Bama is nasty. Aaron "Mayhem" Maybin showed the explosiveness the Bills expected when they drafted him, and should also be back wearing the green and white next year. 

SECONDARY

With arguably the best corner in the NFL since Deion Sanders, Darelle Revis is a game-changer, and has shut down a who's who of Wide Recievers. Antonio Cromartie and Kyle Wilson have suffered by playing next to the game's best, by having QB's pick on them because they don't throw to the guy Revis is covering. The safety position could use a shake-up. Jim Leonhard is one of the toughest guys in the league, but two straight season-ending leg injuries could severely hurt his chances of coming back next year. Eric Smith and Brodney Pool are both decent options, but if the Jets could bring in a guy like Michel Griffin it would be a big upgrade. 

 Rousey vs Tate

                                                            courtesy of mmajunkie.com

Finally, tonight is one of the biggest female MMA fights since Gina Carano and Cyborg. Meisha Tate (12-2) and Ronda Rousey (4-0) are not only good fighters, but are both attractive women. Rousey has destroyed anyone who has stepped in the cage with her, and is looking to take the Strikeforce belt away from Meisha. Both fighters have been trading barbs back and forth and this fight should live up to the hype. I'm predicting that Meisha Tate wins via decision. Rousey hasn't been out of the first round in her short MMA career, winning every fight via armbar submission. I think Tate is the better more well-rounded fighter.