2008 NFL Preview > New York Jets Preview

2008 New York Jets Football Preview

Head Coach: Eric Mangini
2007 Record: 4-12
Key Additions: RB Jesse Chatman, G Alan Faneca, TE Bubba Franks, OLB Vernon Gholston, NT Kris Jenkins, TE Dustin Keller, OLB Calvin Pace, FB Tony Richardson, OL Damien Woody, CB Andre Woolfolk
Key Losses: T Anthony Clement, LB Victor Hobson, LB Jonathan Vilma, WR Justin McCareins

After overachieving in 2006 with a 10-6 record and wild card berth, Eric Mangini's squad stumbled to a disappointing 4-12 mark this past season, with half of their victories attained by beating up on the moribund Dolphins. “Mangenius” lost the second syllable in his nickname, or at least it went on hiatus. The Jets decided to go for broke in the offseason, adding free agent offensive lineman Alan Faneca, former Cardinals linebacker Calvin Pace, and of course trading for legendary quarterback Brett Favre, who will bring his country roots and rocket arm to the Big Apple, or if you want to be technical, the Meadowlands of New Jersey.

2008 New York Jets Offense:

After struggling to open up holes in the running game last season, New York signed Pro Bowl offensive guard Faneca from the Steelers, who will team with highly regarded tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson to form a strong left side. The organization also brought in Damien Woody, who is expected to play right tackle, but has also worked at guard and center during his career. These additions should enhance the running game, with the offensive line opening up more holes for Thomas Jones. The passing game will also be much improved with the procurement of Favre, who at the ripe age of 38 is coming off one of his best seasons and still enjoys the ability to make every throw on the field. The selection of Purdue tight end Dustin Keller should help the passing attack, as will the return of a Laverneaus Coles (provided he's fully healthy) and the continued development of Jerricho Cotchery (insert your own joke about his last name), who caught over 80 passes last year for more than 1100 yards.

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2008 New York Jets Defense:

As a result of the defense's lackluster performance, the Jets overhauled the unit in the offseason. The team shipped out talented but undersized linebacker Jonathan Vilma to the Saints. They brought in rush linebacker Calvin Pace from the Cardinals, who enjoyed a breakout season in the 3-4 last year with Arizona. Mangini and GM Mike Tannenbaum also spent the sixth overall pick on freakishly explosive Ohio St. defensive end Vernon Gholston, who is expected to play on pass rushing downs and could challenge Thomas for the outside linebacker spot opposite Pace. Perhaps most crucial was the acquisition of mammoth defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, who should finally give the Jets a legitimate run stopping presence at nose tackle, a crucial component of a successful 3-4 scheme. The team is pinning its run stopping hopes on Jenkins' ability to stay healthy and return to the dominant form he exhibited more than a few years ago, when many league observers considered him to be the best defensive tackle in the NFL. Inside linebacker David Harris racked up 126 tackles, 5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in his rookie season and has Pro Bowl potential. The secondary is led by second year stalwart Darrelle Revis and fourth year playmaker Kerry Rhodes. However, the second cornerback is a position of concern and could be exposed during the season.

2008 New York Jets Special Teams:

Leon Washington is a dangerous and productive return man. Mike Nugent is a solid kicker and former Aussie rules football player Ben Graham can boot the ball with the best of them on punts.

2008 New York Jets Expectations:

With so many new additions, getting off to a good start will be paramount for the Jets. If the influx of talent can mesh together, the team should contend for a wild card berth and possibly do some damage in the playoffs. Favre will need to continue to play at the level he exhibited last season. New Yorkers won’t care about his storied past if he doesn’t perform in the present.

2008 New York Jets Prediction: 2nd place in the AFC East

By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer

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