A dramatic tale worthy of, say, an HBO drama, has finally seen an end. Unfortunately for the top-flight wide receivers of the NFL, Revis Island is taking incoming flights again.
The Jets defense is back to full strength, playing well in the preseason even without the consensus best defensive player on the team. Looking forward, the arrival of Darrelle Revis right before the start of the season takes an adequate group of cornerbacks (who have their own issues, but have played decent in the preseason) and instantly transforms it to one of the best in the league. If Revis is the best (or even second best) cornerback in the league, the upgrade to Revis is more significant than any possible free-agent signing. Relegating the talented rookie Kyle Wilson to the third cornerback position will only speed up his development.
While the defense of the Jets looks to be in the top 3 in the NFL, the offense is more cause for concern. One of the biggest reasons for the success of last year’s running game was the 16-year veteran old dog, Tony Richardson. The Jets, however, cut Richardson, seemingly to save money or manipulate the roster for the first week of the season. If the team does not bring Richardson back, either as a player or working for the team, it is not inconceivable to expect a change of chemistry and some confusion in the running game.
Matt Slauson is a talented young player at left guard, but has looked horrible in the preseason, being responsible for a number of sacks and broken plays. Vladimir Ducasse is not any better. In fact, he looks more lost than Slauson. Makes you wonder why the Jets did not keep Alan Faneca for another year (Faneca being a Pro Bowl level left guard).
In 7 more days, a NFL kicker will kick an NFL-standard football, and begin the sports season we have all been waiting for. The New York Jets enter the season with talking, hitting, and broadcasting, engulfed by expectations, talent, and big names. What comes next is my favorite part of the year..
