Moving onto next week and a peek into 2010

Here are my ideas from my observances watching the Jets this season, and in particular these last few weeks, that could help change our fortunes. 

Defense:

I re-watched the Texans game from week one, and I saw a completely different group than I saw last week. Yeah, Kris Jenkins was playing, but Calvin Pace and Sean Ellis were out. There was something about this until that was more inspired and out to prove something to everyone. After the winning streak, and dropping a couple of games, It seems as if they're just out there trying to prove that they're not just a bunch of phonies. It's a completely different mindset, and I really think it is affecting their play.

Take the Ravens last year, for example. New coach, rookie QB, and coming off what I believe was a 5 win season (I'm probably wrong). No one expected them to be anywhere near the playoff conversation, but those guys played with a chip on their shoulder. With most people thinking the Steelers were the best defense (which was probably true), it still gave them that underdog factor.

Now talking more X's and O's, as each game passes, the less and less blitzing I see. The four-man rush only worked against a bad Raider team and Chad Henne playing like he should have in week 5. I understand you cannot blitz too much, because team will eventually figure you out, but it takes away from the aggressive mindset. And honestly, as good of a player guys like Calvin Pace and Sean Ellis are, they're not Elvis Dumervil and DeMarcus Ware. They just aren't going to beat the protection on a consistent basis. The lack of immediate pressure on the QB allowed teams to drive down the field at key moments, just like what happened Sunday. Against the Pats, however, Rex didn't back down and stopped any comeback by Brady in week 2. 

I honestly think this defense will improve over time. Rex's System is complicated and requires players to make decision on the fly, which is difficult to do coming from the bland defenses of the Mangini Era. It's easy to forget that the Ravens had several years to work in Rex's stem, so give this unit some time and they'll be the elite of the elite defenses out there, because the talent is certainly there. 

Offense:

Say what you want about Sanchez, but the kid looks good. Anyone who blames him for the loss of any games besides Buffalo and New Orleans does not know what they are talking about. I was especially impressed with the last 2 games, rallying back the team from multiple-score deficits to give us a chance to win, completing some key 3rd and even 4th down completions in the process. Sanchez will be a solid QB for a long time. 

As good as our running game has been, it really should be this good. Highest paid O-Line in the league, with 2 (well, now 1) pro bowl tailbacks and another talented rookie in Shonn Greene. Combine that with one of the better receiving tandems in Edwards, Cotchery, and Keller to stretch the defense, and Sanchez showing he can play better than most rookies do, plus the fact we run the ball more than any other team, you really had better have the best rushing attack in the NFL, if not one of them. 

Before this season,I had always had doubts with Brian Shottenheimer as a Coordinator. I was terrified when he was even rumored to take over as head coach. But he has really impressed me lately, making a lot of bold calls that worked. The one that has impressed me the most was a 3rd down and long against Miami 2 weeks ago,  calls a simple handoff. TJ ran for an easy 10+ yards for the 1st.  Shottty didn't make the call because he thought Sanchez couldn't get the job done, nor was he just accepting to punt. It was just a brilliant call after watching tendencies and clearly shoed great preparation. 

But In general, the Jets are still a good team. You look at this team on paper, and there isn't really a glaring weakness, aside from injuries. Its just a few plays here and there and this team could easily be 7-2. Nonetheless, there's a solid foundation here, and 2010 should be a great year for the Jets.