New York Jets News and Notes

1) Rex offers another prediction–  In a recent interview at a Knicks game, New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan once again predicted that Gang Green will win the Super Bowl.  “Last year I thought we’d win it; this year I know we’ll win it”, proclaimed Ryan.  While I love Rex’s energy and all of the bravado that he brings to the organization, I am just not ready for these types of quotes.  The wounds from the loss to the Steelers in the AFC Championship game are not healed yet.  Personally I still feel like the Jets blew a tremendous opportunity, one that they may not get for another couple of seasons.

2) Smith inducted into the Hall –  On February 11th, New York Jets wide receiver/kick returner Brad Smith was inducted into the University of Missouri’s Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame.  Smith, the Jets jack of all trades, had a very impressive four-year college career which included the following accomplishments (courtesy of the Jets):

As a quarterback, Smith broke 69 school, Big 12 and NCAA records. At the conclusion of his college career, he held Missouri’s career records for rushing touchdowns (42) and passing touchdown (56). Smith is the first player in the NCAA Division I-A to throw for 8,000 yards and rush for 4,000 yards and established the all-time record for rushing yards by a quarterback. He also finished his collegiate career ranked fourth all-time in NCAA history for total offense with 13,088 yards.

Congratulations go out to Brad on his induction.  Smith was a tremendous college player and I remain surprised that he never truly got a shot to play quarterback for the Jets, especially earlier on in his career.

Smith is one of 17 potential free agents on the Jets roster, and there is a growing feeling that he will not return to Gang Green.  It will be interesting to see the type of contract offers Brad receives, as he is a much more accomplished kick returner than wide receiver.

3)  Tough road ahead for the Jets? With the player lockout looming, the New York Jets could be put into a tough spot if there is no free agency prior to the NFL Draft.  As mentioned previously the Jets have 17 players, including the likes of Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards, and Antonio Cromartie, that are eligible to become free agents.  How do you go about putting together a draft board when you do not know the status of your free agents?  For example, say the Jets lose both Holmes and Edwards to free agency.  Would that not make drafting a wide receiver a high priority for Gang Green?  But if the Jets are able to sign either Braylon or Santonio prior to the draft, then the focus changes to a different position.  As you can see the Jets could be facing some serious problems if a new CBA is not worked out prior to the NFL Draft.

Lets keep our fingers crossed that the owners and players get a deal done and do not ruin a game that we all love to watch.

Tyson Rauch

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