After coming off an impressive 10-6 campaign in 2006, everyone thought the New York Jets would compete with the New England Patriots for the AFC East title, but inconsistency on both sides of the football led to a disappointing 2007 season. The Jets finished with a 4--12 record, lost eight of their first 9 games and failed to win consecutive games. A big issues that led to the Jets downfall was the play at quarterback. Chad Pennington started the season under center, but battled injury as well as rocky play which eventually led to the Kellen Clemens era in New York. However, Clemens failed to find his groove and could manage just five touchdown passes in 10 games. Newly acquired running back Thomas Jones surpassed the 1,000 rushing yard mark, but it took him twelve games until he scored his first touchdown in a Jets uniform. As for the receivers, both Jerricho Cotchery and Laveraneus Coles had respectable seasons and can be considered the most consistent part of the offense. Cotchery hauled in 80+ receptions and had over 1,100 receiving yards but couldn't find pay dirt, while Coles receptions and yardage total were down from '06, but he matched his touchdown total (6).
The defense was led by David Harris, who had 127 tackles and 5 sacks, but they ranked towards the bottom in the NFL in points allowed and rush yards allowed per game. In fact, the only bright spot was the Jets pass defense, as they allowed just 197.1 passing yards per game.
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Key Departures
Jonathan Vilma (LB) – Unless you played in a league in which you start Individual Defensive Players (DIP), Vilma was of no use to you in 2007. But after missing nine games because of injury, the Jets decided it was time to cut ties with Vilma, and they traded him to the New Orleans Saints for a conditional 4th round pick. When healthy, Vilma is a middle of the road linebacker who is usually around the football and he should be considered as a second Linebacker in an IDP league.
Justin McCareins (WR) – In 2004 when McCareins came over to New York from the Tennessee Titans the Jets brass thought they had themselves a play making receiver. Unfortunately, after four seasons in New York, and just 42 receptions in his last 32 games, the Jets decided it was best to let McCareins go. Fittingly, he signed with his old squad (Tennessee) and he will compete with Roydell Williams, Brandon Jones and Justin Gage for playing time in a mediocre offense.
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Key Additions
Jesse Chatman (RB) – After signing a one-year contract with the New York Jets, this will be Chatman's fourth NFL franchise since the 2004 season. In 2007, as a member of the Miami Dolphins, Chatman took advantage of an injury to Ronnie Brown and saw career highs in carries (128), rushing yards (515) and receptions (27). Look for the Jets to use Chatman in short yardage situations and for him to compete with Leon Washington for receptions out of the backfield. Keep in mind that Chatman should only be considered fantasy worthy if starting running back Thomas Jones sustains an injury.
Alan Faneca (OT) – Considered one of the best offensive lineman in all of football, the Jets addressed an off season need by signing Faneca. With that came a big payout for the ex- Pittsburgh Steelers superstar and a vastly improved offensive line for the J-E-T-S. When the deal was all said and done, Faneca's five-year $40 million contract makes him the highest paid offensive lineman in all of football. What comes to mind when looking at the 300-pounders resume, is his durability. Faneca hasn't missed a game since the 2001 season, and should be able to help the value of Jets primary running back Thomas Jones.
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2008 Bruno Boys Crystal Ball
Kellen Clemens (QB) – If the 2007 season can be considered a big enough sample size to project what to expect of Clemens, the future is not looking bright for the New York Jets. When it was all said and done, Clemens completed 130 of his 250 passing attempts (52%), threw for just 1,529 yards and had a terrible 5:10 TD to INT ratio. His 60.9 passing rating was dead last amongst all quarterbacks who threw at least 14 passes per game. In the off season, the Jets bulked up their offensive line, which should help Clemens buy some time and find the open receiver, but to consider Clemens a fantasy football option is a stretch. In fact, he still has to beat out Chad Pennington in an open battle at training camp for the starting gig.
Chad Pennington (QB) – It's hard to believe that Pennington is entering his ninth season as a member of the New York Jets. It seems like just yesterday that Pennington started the trend of University of Marshall quarterbacks becoming NFL players. However, almost a decade later, time is running out for the seasoned veteran and this very well could be his last shot at being a starter in the league. All reports indicate that Pennington will be in an open battle with Kellen Clemens for the quarterback position, but the Bruno Boys believe it will be Clemens under helm come week 1.
Thomas Jones (RB) – No one could be happier this off season than Thomas Jones. While he was out relaxing and getting prepared for the season, the Jets brass was working hard to shore up a patchwork offensive line. With the additions of Alan Faneca and Damien Woody, Jones will be seeing alot of holes to run through once he gets his hands on the football. These holes could potentially lead to a big season out of the 9th year running back and should place Jones as a RB2 on all draft boards. When predicting his 2008 season, you can expect Jones to have an instant rise in his yard per carry (YPC) average as well as his touchdown totals.
Leon Washington (RB) – It's the little things that make Leon Washington worth mentioning. It seems that every time he gets his hands on the football something exciting happens, and this is evident by his three kick return touchdowns he had in 2007. Add those to his three rushing touchdowns and Washington totaled 6 on the season, which was four more than primary running back Thomas Jones. Washington is shifty with the football, low to the ground and has break away speed, but with durability being an issue, the Jets use him as a role player. Therefore, you should monitor his status, but if your leagues rewards kick return yardage points, target Washington early on.
Jerricho Cotchery (WR) – If you are looking for a consistent receiver that will get you between 4-10 fantasy football points each week, look no further than Cotchery. The true definition of possession receiver, Cotchery scored 5 or more fantasy points in 13 of the 15 games he played in 2007. Heading into 2008, the Bruno Boys believe that Cotchery has surpassed Laveranues Coles as the top target in New York, and you can expect a spike in his touchdown total. Look for Cotchery to haul in around 85 passes, for around 1,050-1,100 receiving yards and take it to the bank that his touchdown total will be closer to his 2006 total of six touchdowns.
Laveranues Coles (WR) – In 2007, Coles saw a major decline in receptions and receiving yards but he still matched his touchdown totals despite playing in just 12 games. Depending on who the quarterback is will play a large part on Coles value with 2008 approaching. If Coles can stay healthy and Pennington is the quarterback, Coles will act as a solid upper tier WR3 for your fantasy football squad. However, if Clemens is the go-to quarterback, it might take awhile for Coles to divorce Clemens and Cotchery from their marriage. Either way, health aside, Coles has upside and should be targeted as your third receiver in a 12 team league.
Chris Baker (TE) – Baker is one of those tight ends that the Bruno Boys have longed called a touchdown or bust option. You know one of those guys that will either get you six points because of a touchdown or the big fat goose egg. Well, in 2007 things changed for Baker, as he had a career year and hauled in 41 receptions for 409 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Plus, if you look at his game log, you will notice that he had at least 3 fantasy football points in nine of the 15 games he played in. These numbers are great, but they are serviceable for a backup tight end. With the Jets drafting receiving tight end Dustin Keller, we might see Baker being more of a blocker in 2008, limiting his potential for a repeat season.
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Rookies to Watch
Dustin Keller (TE) – With the 30th pick in the first round, the Jets decided it would be wise to take a pass catching tight end. With the tight end position starting to become a bigger part of offensive schemes around the league, the Jets felt Keller could join the party. The University of Purdoe graduate has all of the intangibles to put together a fine rookie season, but the question mark surrounding the Jets quarterback play could damper his chances. Plus, if you look at rookie tight ends, it usually takes them a few years to develop, unless you are Kellen Winslow. Keller should be targeted in leagues that play two tight ends, but his main value is in dynasty leagues.
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Other Team Capsules
NFC WEST - ARI I STL I SF I SEA
NFC SOUTH - ATL I CAR I NO I TB
NFC NORTH - CHI I DET I GB I MIN
NFC EAST - DAL I NYG I PHI I WAS
AFC WEST - DEN I KC I OAK I SD
AFC SOUTH - HOU I IND I JAX I TEN
AFC NORTH - BAL I CIN I CLE I PIT
AFC EAST - BUF I MIA I NE I NYJ