Unlike some New York teams, the New York Jets went out this offseason and made positive changes to the team in hopes of creating a dynamic team coherent enough to win the Super Bowl. With 4 new players at 4 different positions, all of which enter the season ripe with expectations, the Jets are crossing their fingers and hoping that the new beams in the Super Bowl project will hold. The positive reports from training camp may be overstated (as they sometimes are), but with HBO and their cameras around every corner, the entire world will see how each player contributes (and also hear so many curses it would make Mel Gibson consider thinking before speaking). Here’s my take:
Antonio Cromartie – CB : I know Cromartie had an off year last year, but without that off year, he wouldn’t be wearing green today. This guy brings some of the best pure ball skills of any cornerback in the league, shown by his incredible 10 interception year in 2007. Watching highlights on TV, it seemed as if every single week had a clip of Cromartie with a ridiculous grab. Of course, he would be destined to be as effective as he was in San Diego in the past two years (not very) without a star corner on the opposite end. My guess is once all the starters are on the field together and the year has gone by, the Jets will mark this down as a great signing.
Ladanian Tomlinson – RB : While many Jets fans were angry that Thomas Jones was sent packing, the move was likely made to allow Shonn Greene, the Jets running back of the future, to carry a heavier workload in 2010. The signing of LT not only gives the Jets an experienced and versatile back on the team but also upgrades their pass blocking and dump-off. While Jones was a true workhorse back that thrived off inside runs, much of his success could be attributed to the stellar offensive line. With virtually the same line, LT can completely change the playbook, giving Rex Ryan the ability to run effective screens and passes to a running back with the ability to run inside.
Jason Taylor – DE : I have always had respect for Jason Taylor as a player, being one of the most dynamic pass rushers in recent NFL history. I don’t care about his past hatred for the Jets. As long as he is wearing real green we’ve got no problems. Even though the Jets had the top defense in the NFL last year, the team only recorded 32 sacks, tied for 18th in the league (the Bills also had 32 sacks…). With additional pressure on the edge from a seemingly rejuvenated Taylor, the proverbial gate will open for David Harris, Calvin Pace, and Bart Scott to pad their stats. They all want to see their Madden rating go up next year.
Santonio Holmes – WR: Suspended for the first 4 games of the season? Really Santonio? Although the crisp route-running wide receiver comes with off-the-field baggage, Holmes remains a top receiver in the NFL. Many individuals may disagree with me on this, but is there any more convincing proof than this?
When "making it look easy" becomes the world's greatest understatement
With dynamite hands, speed and experience, Holmes will fit in perfectly along the highlight waiting to happen in Braylon Edwards and the NFL’s most underrated receiver in Jerricho Cotchery,
