The New York Jets were the “champions of the offseason” after making several high-profile moves to upgrade their roster. Many believe the moves will upset the chemistry of a team that went to the AFC Championship game last year. I tend to disagree with that notion and think the upgraded talent base on Gang Green will fuel their success in 2010. Here is the reason why: competition.
The Jets will field several playmakers on both sides of the ball that will raise the level of intensity and competition in practice every day. This will not only make the players get better on an individual basis, but will force the team as a unit to get better as well. Take a look at the example below.
7 on 7 passing drill
The Jets use a 3 wide receiver set with Braylon Edwards, Jerricho Cotchery and Santonio Holmes. Dustin Keller will be at the tight end position and LaDainian Tomlinson is in the backfield.
Gang Green on defense will counter with cornerbacks Antonio Cromartie, Darrelle Revis, and Kyle Wilson. At safety the Jets will use Brodney Pool and Jim Leonhard, with linebackers Bart Scott and David Harris patrolling the middle.
Check out some of these match-ups: Edwards vs. Revis, Holmes vs. Cromartie, Wilson vs. Cotchery
From the offensive perspective the Jets receivers are facing some very talented corners that will make them earn their catches. In addition the coverage will force quarterback Mark Sanchez to make the right reads and throw the ball accurately.
From the defensive perspective Gang Green has some dynamic receiving threats that will force the secondary to communicate and contain. The linebackers and safeties will also have their hands full as they have to keep an eye on Keller and Tomlinson, who are both very dangerous receiving threats.
There are great battles going on all over the field which will only make all of the players better. Can you imagine the learning experience for rookie Kyle Wilson having to go against the likes of Holmes, Edwards, and Cotchery every day? Or as a receiver having to face All-Pro Darrelle Revis on a daily basis?
The bottom line is that this is the most talented Jets roster in recent team history. There may be some chemistry issues early on as leadership roles are defined, but after that it is all about making plays. The Jets offense is practicing against one of the best defenses in the NFL on a daily basis. Gang Green’s defense is facing one of the best running games in the NFL, that will now will be able to spread the field in the passing game. Competition will be the fuel for the New York Jets success in 2010.
Here is the discussion thread in our New York Jets forum.