A Look Back – The combination of a rookie head coach and a rookie quarterback probably wasn’t meant to go this well. However, QB Mark Sanchez and HC Rex Ryan pulled it off. Not only did the New York Jets make it to the playoffs, but they ended up coming up a few drives shy of the Super Bowl as well.
Key Addition – DB Antonio Cromartie – In an offseason that was full of moves, Cromartie might be the most important asset the Jets picked up this year. Cromartie will immediately become the most feared second corner in the game, and lining up next to the great DB Darrelle Revis should provide plenty of INT opportunities. Cromartie will quite often be left on an island thanks to the blitz packages that Ryan draws up, but he is good enough to create another island that rivals “Revis Island.”
Key Loss – RB Thomas Jones – The Jets had the top rushing offense in the NFL last year, and it was really thanks to Jones. He rushed for 1,402 yards and totaled 14 TDs on the season to pace an offense that averaged 172.2 YPG on the ground. Yes, Jones was replaced by RB LaDainian Tomlinson in the offseason, but there is a big question as to whether or not LT can really do the same type of damage at this point in his career that Jones did last year.
2010 Will Be a Success if… – QB Mark Sanchez steps it up just a tad. No one is asking Sanchez to throw the ball 40 times per game. The only thing Ryan wants from his franchise quarterback is to not screw up. Tossing 20 picks a year ago was unacceptable for a team that focuses on running the ball and playing sound defense. There are plenty of targets at Sanchez’s disposal this year, especially when WR Santonio Holmes comes back from his four game suspension to start the season. The USC product just has to figure out how to put the ball in good spots and make sound decisions, even if that means throwing the ball away or taking a sack.
The Crucial Game – Ryan would love nothing more than to open the Meadowlands in style with a ‘W’ against his former team. The Ravens might be the best team in the AFC this season, and they’re coming to town in Week 1. Expect to see the Jets try to prove that they are the most physical team in football that night, and if they succeed, their season will be off to the finest of starts.
Predictions – Though the Jets might have a better team this year than last, expecting them to make it to the playoffs again is going to be tough. Just look at this schedule outside of the AFC East. Baltimore, Minnesota, Green Bay, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh are all going to be hellacious matchups. New York will finish above .500 once again, but making the playoffs isn’t a given if the AFC East isn’t won. The New York Jets season wins over/under is 9.5 wins.
2010 New York Jets Regular Season Schedule
9/13 vs. BAL
9/19 vs. NE
9/26 @ MIA
10/3 @ BUF
10/11 vs. MIN
10/17 @ DEN
Bye
10/31 vs. GB
11/7 @ DET
11/14 @ CLE
11/21 vs. HOU
11/25 vs. CIN
12/6 @ NE
12/12 vs. MIA
12/19 @ PIT
12/26 @ CHI
1/2 vs. BUF
