Take 5: Five reasons to be pessimistic
July, 12, 2012
7/12/12
11:57
AM ET
By
Rich Cimini | ESPNNewYork.com
This is our 11th "Take Five" list. From now until training camp, we'll have periodic lists -- some serious, some not-so-serious. Here, we'll examine five things that should be making you sweat as the season approaches.
1. A potential QB mess. The Jets have done a good job of controlling the situation, but the true test comes in the regular season. How will they handle a Mark Sanchez slump? Will they give Tim Tebow more reps in the Wildcat in lieu of an outright change at QB? What if Sanchez plays well but Tebow is on fire in the Wildcat? It could get complicated -- no, it will get complicated. If it gets out of control, it could undermine the season.
2. Ground and Pound? Really? They want to be a run-oriented offense under new coordinator Tony Sparano, but the eight positions most important to the running game -- five linemen, one tight end and two backs -- are the same as last year. And we all know how last year went; the Jets finished 22nd in rushing offense. Unless Shonn Greene morphs into Earl Campbell, the Jets won't be able to run at will.
3. Wayne's World. Beleaguered Wayne Hunter is back as the starting right tackle. The Jets were either too cheap to eat his $2.45 million guarantee and sign a free-agent replacement or they honestly believe Hunter can do the job. I believe it's mostly the latter, but it's an enormous gamble. He allowed 8.5 sacks, per STATS LLC, and committed a team-high 11 penalties for 80 yards last season. If he doesn't improve, it will be a long season, offensively.
4. Safety dance. The Jets keep talking up their defense, how they believe it can be as good as 2009, but there's one deficiency that wasn't adequately addressed: They didn't improve from a pass-coverage standpoint at safety. Neither LaRon Landry nor Yeremiah Bell shined last season with their respective teams, and Landry could be playing on a bad wheel. Once again, there could be some big days for opposing tight ends.
5. Chemistry 101. Everything is cool, the Jets insist. Problems, what problems? Sure, it's easy to say that in the spring and early summer, but the real test comes in the fall. It's pretty much the same cast of characters as last season, so why should we believe it's going to be different than last year? Santonio Holmes, last season's primary instigator, already was sulking in minicamp -- not a positive omen.
To see all our Take 5 lists, click here.
1. A potential QB mess. The Jets have done a good job of controlling the situation, but the true test comes in the regular season. How will they handle a Mark Sanchez slump? Will they give Tim Tebow more reps in the Wildcat in lieu of an outright change at QB? What if Sanchez plays well but Tebow is on fire in the Wildcat? It could get complicated -- no, it will get complicated. If it gets out of control, it could undermine the season.
2. Ground and Pound? Really? They want to be a run-oriented offense under new coordinator Tony Sparano, but the eight positions most important to the running game -- five linemen, one tight end and two backs -- are the same as last year. And we all know how last year went; the Jets finished 22nd in rushing offense. Unless Shonn Greene morphs into Earl Campbell, the Jets won't be able to run at will.
3. Wayne's World. Beleaguered Wayne Hunter is back as the starting right tackle. The Jets were either too cheap to eat his $2.45 million guarantee and sign a free-agent replacement or they honestly believe Hunter can do the job. I believe it's mostly the latter, but it's an enormous gamble. He allowed 8.5 sacks, per STATS LLC, and committed a team-high 11 penalties for 80 yards last season. If he doesn't improve, it will be a long season, offensively.
4. Safety dance. The Jets keep talking up their defense, how they believe it can be as good as 2009, but there's one deficiency that wasn't adequately addressed: They didn't improve from a pass-coverage standpoint at safety. Neither LaRon Landry nor Yeremiah Bell shined last season with their respective teams, and Landry could be playing on a bad wheel. Once again, there could be some big days for opposing tight ends.
5. Chemistry 101. Everything is cool, the Jets insist. Problems, what problems? Sure, it's easy to say that in the spring and early summer, but the real test comes in the fall. It's pretty much the same cast of characters as last season, so why should we believe it's going to be different than last year? Santonio Holmes, last season's primary instigator, already was sulking in minicamp -- not a positive omen.
To see all our Take 5 lists, click here.

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Dave Jennings: 1952-2013: Former Jets and Giants punter Dave Jennings, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's dise... http://t.co/FTZIlP6oGl
about 3 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Looking into a crystal ball: ESPN's power rankings for 2016. The Jets are ranked 32nd. http://t.co/I9VmjKZCNw
about 5 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
RIP, Dave Jennings, a terrific punter for #Giants and #Jets in 1970s and 80s. Became an outstanding broadcaster for both teams. Class act.
about 6 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Examining the Graves factor: The hiring of former Cardinals GM Rod Graves as the senior director of football a... http://t.co/PrGYI6AQzy
about 7 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Numbers on Kellen Winslow contract: 1 year, $840,000 -- no signing bonus. Cap charge is $555,000. #Jets
about 8 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Congrats to @danpompei for receiving the McCann Award by the Pro Football Writers. One of the best in the business.
about 10 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Darrelle Revis paid $50k to teammate Mark Barron for his jersey No. 24, per http://t.co/Dee7V0VMGj. Only 6 pct of DR's weekly salary ($765k)
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
A nice profile of Spurs shooting star Danny Green and his Long Island roots, via @Ian_OConnor. http://t.co/JQ8s2QUNm8
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
In body and mind, Ellis ready for big year: This week marks a one-year anniversary that Kenrick Ellis would li... http://t.co/hfoF4OcvAX
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
RT @darrenrovell: Notables at Jay-Z 40/40 Club party: Nets CEO Brett Yormark, CAA’s Tom Condon, Jets QB & Roc Nation Sports client Geno Smi…
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Thx
2 days ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
The Jets released long snapper Travis Tripuka, the team announced. Needed to make room for Kellen Winslow. #Jets
2 days ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Coming up for the Jets: The offseason came to an unofficial end last Thursday with the conclusion of the manda... http://t.co/p2vWtTTyZS
2 days ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Sunday notes: The Jets' new old philosophy on defense ... Winslow's injury past ... Goodson's future, etc. #Jets http://t.co/q2yEkX7SGx
3 days ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Father's Day has extra meaning for several members of coaching staff, which boasts a lot of football talent. #Jets http://t.co/kHCylGZCtH
3 days ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Sunday notes: A 'different brand' of defense: A post-minicamp check on the Jets: 1. Bringing the heat: One of... http://t.co/RhpxqP1AyK
3 days ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini





TWITTER


You must be signed in to post a comment