2008 New York Jets
Written August 6, 2008 by Jason Lowry
Get ready as we are fast approaching another exciting NFL season, and to help get you going Jason Lowry is ready to bring you his 2008 New York Jets season predictions. The Jets finished last season 3rd in the AFC East going just 4-12, but there is hope that the team is going to be able to turn things around this season. The Jets added a fierce player in Vernon Gholston in the first round of the draft, and have spent quite a bit of money to bring in players to help make this team better. To find out just what the Jets did to make this season better than the last, lets take a quick look at what they will be sending to the field in 2008.
Offense:
The team still has to figure out just who is going to be the starting quarterback this season as both Chad Pennington and and Kellen Clemons both seen a good amount of action last year. The edge looks like it will go to Pennington if he can come into the season healthy and ready to go. Starting running back Thomas Jones should be happy to see the teams addition of fullback Tony Richardson, who is one of the best run blockers in the game. Last year Jones was able to put up over a 1,000 yards, but didn’t find the end zone once. Whoever the quarterback winds up being they should enjoy throwing the ball to Jerricho Cotchery who had over a 1,000 yards a year ago, but like Jones Cotchery struggled to find the end zone. The team really needs Laveranues Coles to come back in full health, and be the go to receiver he has been in the past. The offense line made quite the boost in the offseason bringing in offensive guard Alan Faneca and tackle Damien Woody to go along with guys like D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold. The offense is likely to struggle again in 2008, unless they can either get the passing or running game going.
Jets Over/Under 7.5 wins in 2008 at Sportsbook.com
Defense:
The Jets tried to get better up front after getting torched on the ground last season with the addition of defensive tackle Kris Jenkins who the team hopes will take up much needed space in the 3-4 system. Ends Shaun Ellis and Kenyon Coleman need to improve or this unit will likely struggle again in 2008. The Jets needed to fix some spots at linebackers as guys like Jonathan Vilma and Victor Hobson were not producing as well in the 3-4 system that head coach Eric Mangini installed. The team loves the production it got from rookie David Harris, who led the team in tackles a year ago. Once Gholston is able to get in the mix at outside linebacker, it could really make this unit on of the best in the league. The Secondary looks like it should be pretty solid in 2008, as Darrelle Revis stepped in as a rookie and really played well. The team is hoping the Justin Miller will come into the season at full force after missing most of last season with a knee injury. The team remains pretty set at strong safety in Kerry Rhodes, who let the team with 5 picks a year ago, and there is talk that free agent Abram Elam can come in and produce at the free safety spot. Overall this unit is pretty solid, but likely won’t have what it takes to stop the big offenses this seasons.
Jets +1800 odds to win AFC Conference at Sportsbook.com
Special Teams:
This unit will be under new guidance as longtime special teams coach Mike Westhoff is no longer with the team. The Jets still have one of the best returners in the game in Leon Washington, as he took 3 to the house in 2007. This year punt return duties could be heading into the hands of Revis or Dwight Lowery. Mike Nugent and Ben Graham remain as the teams kicker and punter, and both should have another solid season in 2008.
Jets +3500 odds to win Super Bowl at Sportsbook.com
Prediction: 2nd in the AFC East
Though this team isn’t anywhere near the elite teams in the powerhouse of the AFC, we do think that they are the 2nd best team in the East. The Jets offense should be able to put up better numbers this season, and the defense should continue to improve into a force. Look for the Jets to finish up the season right around 9-7 just ahead of the Bills.
If you want to get a bet in on the Jets upcoming season, get over to Sportsbook.com and get an account started today. Also if you are looking for what others are thinking about the Jets upcoming season check out these Jets Predictions today.