FanPost

Did the Jets really take a step back this off-season?

I decided to take a look at every position, to see whether or not we can reasonably expect an improvement, a decline, or the same production if the season was to start right now. Remember, this is without even taking the draft or the rest of free agency into consideration. There is still plenty of time to add more talent. But even right now, I think this roster is clearly improved. Lets break it down by position and take a closer look.

QB- Idzik made a very big splash, by signing arguably the top QB on the market. Vick should have every opportunity to try and win the starting job. We signed him to a one-year deal, which is beneficial to us because it allows us to cut ties if Geno proves himself to be a good QB.

Verdict: improved

RB- The Jets supposedly targeted Donald Brown and Maurice Jones-Drew in free agency. They are also said to be interested in Chris Johnson when he is released. Worst case scenario, the Jets go into the season with the same 3 running backs as last season.

Verdict: same

WR- The Jets made their biggest splash of the off-season, when they signed the consensus top WR on the market. Decker is a big addition to the team, and will be a huge upgrade at a position where we were desperately lacking talent. The Jets also brought in Ford, who can compete for a roster spot and possibly return kicks.

Verdict: improved

TE- This was an extremely weak group of FA tight ends. Pettigrew looked like the best option, but he was overpaid. The Jets did manage to retain Cumberland, and Winslow hardly qualifies as a significant loss. Until they replace him though, they are slightly worse.

Verdict: worse

OL- The Jets let Howard walk, and replaced him with Giacomini for about half the price. From the PFF evaluation, I actually think that he can be an upgrade over Howard. We also retained Colon, and with any luck Aboushi or Campbell will show improvement.

Verdict: same (possibly slightly better or worse)

DL- I expect big improvements from the defensive line. Obviously we didn’t sign any free agents and probably won’t target any defensive linemen early in the draft. But I would be pretty shocked if the Sons didn’t show any improvement. Retaining Douzable was also a very underrated move.

Verdict: improved

LB- Right now, we have the exact same group as last year. There is a chance that Pace will regress, but also a chance that Coples will improve. I also think that a healthy Barnes will really help our pass rush. I would like to see us target another pass rusher early in the draft.

Verdict: same

S- Whether we sign Ed Reed or not, this is pretty much the same group as last year. However, if Allen takes the next step, we will be in pretty good shape moving forward. Can’t see us being any worse off than last year though.

Verdict: same

CB- I believe that Patterson is a significant upgrade over 2013 Cromartie, who was among the worst cover corners in the NFL. We also retained Walls and Lankster, and added more depth with Patrick and Reeves. If Milliner takes the next step, we will undoubtedly be better than last season.

Verdict: improved

This is a FanPost written by a registered member of this site. The views expressed here are those of the author alone and not those of anybody affiliated with Gang Green Nation or SB Nation.