2012 Season Review
The New York Jets 2012 season was put under a microscope when they decided to trade two draft picks for polarizing quarterback Tim Tebow. New York was already the center of the media world, but with Tebow the Jet’s exploded into a sideshow. By normal standards the Jets had a subpar season, it was greatly exaggerated by all of the media attention the Jets received. In fact, the real story of the 2012 Jets was the injuries to their best offensive and defensive players, Santonio Holmes and Darrelle Revis. The defense unit of the Jets kept games close throughout the season, but even a formidable defense could not overcome the offensive shortcomings. In the end the Jets finished with a 6-10 record and the first losing season under head coach Rex Ryan.
What Went Right
Despite losing Revis early in the season, the Jets did surprisingly well holding opponent’s passing attack in check. Much of the credit went to corner back Antonio Cromartie. The often-criticized corner back stepped up his game and was part of a unit that carried the team through a difficult season. The additions of safeties LaRon Landry and Yeremiah Bell bolstered what was once a weakness in the secondary.
What Doesn’t Need Change
If there is a bright spot in the 2012 season for the Jets, it has to be the performance of their defense. The New York offense was futile for much of the season and the defensive unit was the only reason the Jets were still in the playoff hunt late in the season. There will be many changes to the Jets' roster before the start of the 2013 season, but if the Jet’s are smart, the majority will be on the offensive side of the football.
What Could Use An Upgrade
There is no question much of the Jets struggles on offense were due to the ineffective play of quarterback Mark Sanchez. The Jet’s tried to mask the poor quarterback play by mixing in the Wildcat offense, but that failed miserably. There is little doubt new general manager John Idzik will be looking to upgrade the quarterback position this offseason. Quarterback options are slim this year, both in free agency and in the draft. Financially, it makes sense to keep Sanchez. The Jets may be forced to give him the starting job for at least one more season.
What Needs To Be Fixed
Along with a quarterback upgrade the Jets could use help at the wide receiver position. The injury to Holmes exposed the Jet’s lack of depth at wide receiver. Rookie Stephen Hill played well at times but was far too inconsistent. If the Jets can find a solid player on the opposite side of Homes, their weakness could turn into their strength.
Priority Tasks
1. Close the circus. This should be top priority for Idzik. The Jets already play under the biggest media microscope geographically. They must at all cost remain out of the headlines. This means saying goodbye to media darling Tebow. This also means Rex keeping his mouth shut. I know this might seem like a tall task but it is imperative if they want to regain some of the respect they lost last season.
2. Get better production out of the running backs. Shonn Greene is a below average running back and he could not help correct the Jet’s offensive struggles. The Jets would be wise drafting a young running back to help energize the position or find a free agent to compete for the job.
3. Stay off the crutches. Injuries plagued the Jets last season and were a large part of the 6-10 record. I know staying healthy is easier said than done, but the Jet’s cannot afford to have another disastrous injury plagued season.
What To Expect
Jets' fans may not want to here it, but the Jets are in rebuilding mode. The good news is that the Jets have a solid foundation to build on. New York is not where they want to be financially and they will need to free up some cap room in order to bring in the players that will help them win. Having a spectacular draft could speed up the process tremendously. The Jet’s success will always fall into the hands of the quarterback and for now that is Mark Sanchez.