Let The Games Begin

So week 4 of the preseason is in the books and now we wait on final cuts and the season to start. A few quick thoughts from last night, I was a little surprised to see Brian Winters playing but maybe it was to see if he could work out his holding habits as of late. The offense looked as a 4^th game of the preseason offense should look, unproductive. I did like the look of TE Chris Pantale who had some nice speed and hands over the middle. Can we also say that the Stephen Hill adventure is over? He just isn’t that good I am sorry to say.

I had two choices for this week’s editorial. Fill up a page with additional meaningless observations of game 4 last night or give you my take on the upcoming season. I feel I am qualified due to the fact over the last 30 years I have had to sit through players such as Browning Nagle (the next Jim Kelly), Kyle Brady (who needs Warren Sapp), Blair Thomas and the Bruce Coslet and Rich Kotite era’s.

All these predictions are based on the fact that the team stays relatively healthy.

First off, for this season we have two rookies that will make an immediate impact in Calvin Pryor and Jace Amaro. Pryor will shine in Rex Ryan’s defense and will contend for Defensive ROY. I also see this defense moving to the next level even with our secondary concerns. Harking back to the Sack Exchange days we will see the trio of Wilkerson, Coples and Richardson continue to improve. I will even venture so far to say all three will be heading to Honolulu in February.

The biggest offensive surprise this year or not as much a surprise as a new chapter for him will be Chris Johnson. He seems fully recovered now. His speed and confidence will make him the team MVP with at least 1,500 yards on the ground and he will lead this running back committee as the offense continues to find itself.

So by the time the middle of October rolls around and the Jets play their first divisional game we will know a great deal about how this season will play out. Realistically I think they will be 3-3 at that point but if we can steal a game may be 4-2. I think they split their next 4 games going into the bye week at 5-5 which would be where most people see this team. I believe the last six games of the season will define this Jets team that is notorious for their late season swoons as they go on the road four of those six weeks. With that said I believe the Jets can win in Buffalo and Tennessee and sweep Miami. That would complete a season at 9-7 with always the possibility of grabbing a wildcard spot. If not, I see this team continuing to gain confidence and improve. Rex Ryan will be back next year to build on a top defense and an offense that will continually improve.

As I said, let the games begin.  Bring on the Raiders and see what thoughts I have the day after the Jets first game of the season!