by Joe Grinwis
Contributing Columnist
This is the season.
Wait, how many times have you heard that one before? Many times I’m sure, but this really could be that season. So far this off-season, the Patriots have lost a lot of key parts to their dynasty the past four seasons and most likely will find out they are to lose another one in Tedy Bruschi because he probably won’t be able to play football again.
The Jets, yes, they have lost LaMont Jordan, Kareem McKenzie and Jason Ferguson but they have replaced Jordan with Derrick Blaylock and with Lance Legree and a 1st day DT the DT spot should be filled easily. McKenzie’s right tackle slot is the real position they need to focus on, but there are still a couple of good OT’s out there, as well as a few good ones that figure to be around when the Jets pick at 26 in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The Bills, by starting the highly over-rated J.P. Losman, have guaranteed themselves a slow start, and the losses of both Pat Williams and Jonas Jennings will hurt them as well. With Willis McGahee though, the Bills should be able to run the ball effectively, which it is why it is important for the Jets to get a run stuffing DT whether it be via free agency or in the draft.
The Dolphins, well, they’re are the Dolphins, they aren’t going anywhere for a while.
That being said, with Laveranues Coles back in New York, Chad Pennington should be able to return to the Chad of old, if not better, because of his off-season surgery and the return of Coles. Curtis Martin will be 32 but he will also be fresh off his NFL rushing title. Justin McCareins in his second season with the Jets and back with his orginal offensive coordinator in Tennessee should be more comfortable as well.
If John Abraham is able to play a full season–something he hasn’t done in over two years–then the defense should be one of the best in the league. The Jets are looking to add youth and depth to the cornerback postion and many speculate that to be in either the first or second round of the draft.
This is the year Jets fans, this is the year, get ready to celebrate because the New York Jets will win the AFC East in 2005.