Jets Trending: Huh?
The New York Jets are a very curious case. They imploded last season to finish 8-8, which isn't a bad record, but for a team with such lofty expectations and talent, it was a disaster. The question is, was that implosion a one time thing, or a continuing trend. If the Jets play up to their talent level, they would be an automatic wildcard team. They have a top 10 defense, with the leagues best tandem of cover corners, and a strong running game.
They also have a QB who has proven he has the magic hand late in games, and excels on play action and boot legs. Sounds like that fits perfectly into their system right? If the Jets had gone by their system, the season could have turned out better. The problem was they did not. In 2009, the first year of the Jets back to back AFC Championship games, the Jets run to pass ration was 58.1/41.9. In 2011 when they imploded and finished 8-8, the Jets ratio was 41.8/58.2.
There are other factors, and to say this is the only reason is absurd; however, playcalling must be called into question. Former OC Brian Schottenheimer and current HC Rex Ryan didn't see eye to eye. Rex now went out and found a personality to match his in Tony Sparano. The Jets are looking to flip the script and go back to a very run dominate team. That bodes well for them.
The question is, have they brought in talent in the places they need it to get them over the hump if the new playcalling alone doesn't. (and it won't)
The Jets brought in hard hitting strong safety LaRon Landry who has injury concerns, and backup QB Tim Tebow. These are the only 2 names which most casual fans will even know. Landry doesn't fit the hole at safety, the Jets need a good covering free safety to match up on tight ends. Tim Tebow will head the wildcat package, and could push Sanchez to be a better QB, but will these 2 alone give the Jets the push to make the playoffs? The answer is no.
The Jets are such a circus at the moment that no one can tell if they are trending up or down. Will the implosion bring them closer? Will Tony Sparano turn the offense into a smash mouth running unit? Will Rex Ryan find the pulse of the locker room and bring his troops back together like only his charisma can? No one knows. The Jets look like an oscilloscope on the trend meter. They are a steady swing of up and down. There is no way to really gain a clear picture until the draft. Then we will see if the Jets have brought in personnel to push them over the edge.