The New York Jets have gone through a complete re-haul the past two months. Mike Maccagnan was named the new General Manager, replacing the Village Idz-iot. Mikey Mac's first move was to replace the man who was synonymous with Gang Green, Rex Ryan, and Jet Nation had a good idea of the new direction the team was going to have with Todd Bowles. Coach Bowles is a well-respected football man who is not afraid to get on his players when the going gets tough.
Maccagnan's next move shocked the football world, and told everyone in the league that the Jets aren't the joke that they were under Idzik. The Jets traded a 5th round pick for Bears Pro-Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall, fixing a hole that the Jets haven't filled since Keyshawn Johnson left. I was happy that we brought in a big name player without really having to give up much, but questions remained why the Jets would bring a 31-year old receiver in to a team that was still several large steps away from competing.
A few days later, that question was answered. Darrelle Revis was stolen from the Cheatriots in a move reminiscent of Curtis Martin's arrival in 1998. For 5 years and $70 million, 39 of which is guaranteed, the Jets brought back arguably the best player to ever don the green and white. They still weren't done!!! A couple days later, Revis was rejoined with his former secondary mate, Antonio Cromartie, who is reuniting with Bowles, his defensive coordinator in Arizona. The spending spree ended with the arrival of safety Marcus Gilchrist of the Chargers. In just a few days, Maccagnan spent $149 million of Woody Johnson's money to fix a secondary that was one of the worst in the NFL last year. The revamped secondary along with one of the best young defensive lines in the game, quarterbacks are going to hate playing in JetLife Stadium this season.
The arrival of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick while not overly exciting, is still a step in the right direction for the offense. Geno Smith had an awful year last season, there is no denying that, but he still has those flashes that makes you think that there is an NFL quarterback in that #7 jersey. Fitzpatrick is a veteran guy who has been around the league, and can show Geno the ropes of Chan Gailey's offense, while providing earnest competition in training camp.
The roster still needs tweaking, and I will update everything as we get closer to the NFL Draft. With the 6th overall pick, there is a limitless amount of options for the franchise. One popular theory has us drafting Marcus Mariotta, or working out a trade to Philly for Sam Bradford so Chippah can reunite with his Duck.
Just five days into the 2015 season, and the Jets have brought more joy to Jet Nation than we had all of 2014. I can't wait to see what else is in store.
