Jets at Dolphins Preview: The Last Hurrah

Mark my words… Jets are goingto the playoffs for their3rd straight year. Some say 10% chance but being the Jets fan that I am you have to believe. Tomorrow is going to be the make or break day for us. Go Green!

On one hand I want the Jets to beat the fish, playoffs or not. On the other hand, feeling this team needs help I would love a a decent mid-round first round pick possible getting lucky and getting a JPP. Just my luck, this team gets in, make a run get to the AFC chip again, then the FO feels the team is OK, and does nothing AGAIN. Nothing shakes things up like a team underachieving. Not getting into the playoffs, should at least get rid of Schotty.

The Ravens will win.
The Texans will win.
The Raiders will lose to the Chargers.
The Jets lose to the Dolphins.
And, just like the previous two games: all the Jets had to do was win one of them.

Now, only one possible explanation for the above to happen. Either the Jets aren’t as talented as some people said they were. Or, it’s ‘CHOKE’ time. As a long-time Jets fan, I’m used to this. Though the previous two playoff finishes were great, this year’s been a back-to-reality. I’d rather not think in terms of ‘choke’. Just don’t like it. So, I’m left with the team being less talented than earlier claimed.

I had the Jets at 8-8 or 9-7 at the beginning of the season, with 9-7 possibly getting into the playoffs. And, that wasn’t because I’m a pessimist. Rather, it was looking at the schedule vs. the team’s talent — most of all, Sanchez, losing Edwards and Turner going down. I had hoped that I’d be wrong. But, with no Woody, Turner going down was a huge loss as was losing Edwards (I assumed he’d perform like last year or better.) and Cotchery. Then, when they let Lowery go and not replace him or even draft a Safety, that was it. Losing Thomas was just another nail for the coffin.

It’s time for next year thinking. I’d love to see them try to pry away Grubb from the Ravens to fit the RT need. And, then, get Landry for the Safety spot — Michael Griffin isn’t going anywhere. Besides, we wouldn’t be able to afford both Grubb and Griffin. And, to me, the biggest need is RT. We can’t go into next year with Hunter behind Turner, assuming Turner fits the bill. Neither Turner, who is good, nor Hunter, obviously, is a ‘blue-chip’ RT.

Getting an RT and Safety from FA gives us a great deal of flexibility for the draft. If we can’t get Grubbs, then, push hard for Griffin with tons of $$. If not Griffin, get Landry. I don’t want to look for a starting Safety in the draft. A Safety development, sure; but, not a starter. If no, Grubbs, then Adcock in the draft or, if he falls into our lap, the higher rated RT (can’t remember his name!). Now, hold on to your hats/heads: get Mercedes Lewis — a big, bruising TE blocker with great hands to replace Mulligan, whether or not Cumberland comes back nice and healthy.

So, Rd1: RT, if not gotten via FA. If we get the RT from FA, then, higher rated OLB or MLB.

Then, in Rd 2, look for an RB to replace LT — we’d have only McKnight and Powell left and Powell hasn’t shown anything yet. Powell may. But, if there’s a ‘solid’ RB in Rd 2, grab him.

Third Round: A ‘solid’ LB, either Inside or Outside. Or, the WR ‘burner’. Need I say more? Whichever is more highly rated on the board.

Fourth Round: WR or LB not selected in Rd 3.

Later Rounds: OL and DL backups, Safety, and Punter.

I’m pretty sure Woody Johnson is really, really unhappy about the team this year and will want a very strident talent evaluation done. The off-season’s going to be jam-packed with players being let go. Mark my words. Tannenbaum’s going to need $$ for FA which, I think, will be approached very differently than last year.

Anyway, my thoughts. And, “on any given Sunday…” Maybe, it’’ll all work out on Sunday. Just don’t think so.

I want the better pick, but I also feel like we can beat anybody if we get in. So I guess if we win or lose tomorrow its a win-win either way.

Win today. Get to 9 wins. Maybe it works out for us, maybe not… I personally think Houston loses tbh… but I can at least happy if the Jets step up and win.

With Turner and McDaniels (if available) as likely targets.

Music to my earholes.