Opinion: Jetstream's Questions
Questions surround the Jets, and Bob Bullock posted some great ones on his Jetstream blog on Sunday after the game. I liked Bob's idea, so I am riffing off it… and I would encourage you all to do the same if you like.
1) Who's the starting quarterback in 2006?
It really depends on what tack the Jets take with the revamp/demolition of the offense… will they keep some pieces intact? Or will they do an overhaul like the defense underwent two years ago… I am inclined to think that they will keep some core players and try to bring in a veteran. Also, a lot will depend on draft position and cap room. To answer the question, though here is my list from likeliest to least likely.
Chad Pennington
Drew Brees / Phillip Rivers
Billy Volek
Jon Kitna
Patrick Ramsey
Matt Schaub
Joey Harrington
Jay Fiedler
Brooks Bollinger
Ryan Leaf
(yes the last one was a joke…)
2) Who's the starting running back in 2006?
Would it suprise you if I think this organization will allow it to be Martin again? The Jets need to get young, and quick. If they aren't willing to give Houston a shot with some carries in the next few weeks, I don't expect him to be a challenge to the crown next season. Although there are other dire concerns, I would rather see them use their first round pick on a RB rather than a QB. This will bear more investigation in the offseason…
3) Who's the play-making wide receiver in 2006?
The guy they just traded for and paid big money. Laveranues Coles. Can it be his fault he hasn't seen the ball as much as he normally would?
4) Who are the starting offensive tackles in 2006?
Jones at LT and a free agent or high draft pick at RT.
5) Does Mawae come back?
Definitely, for at least one more year.
6) Does Law come back?
It is possible, but I would highly doubt it. Although his ability to cause turnovers is astounding, I don't know that the Jets can afford his cap number, and his recent run ins with Donnie's scheme doesn't bode well.
7) Does Abraham come back?
It's clear the guy loves his teammates, and he loves to contribute in New York. He proved that when he finally showed up to play this season, he was in shape, and his numbers have proven his desire to do his job. The “character” questions have quicjly died down and it appears that the biggest knock on Abraham has been his ability to remain healthy… let's hope it stays that way.
8) Does Martin come back?
Where would he go? With more dynamic running backs coming out of college, and the potential for upper echelon guys like Edgerrin James or Shaun Alexander being on the market, Martin's options would be limited. I fear that he will still be the starter, or at the very least split carries with Cedric Houston or whoever they bring in.
9) Can Pennington ever play effectively again?
As much as it pains me to say so, I don't foresee it, but I hope it does happen.
I just don't think anyone can be very effective if they can't make it through a season without missing games. As an aside, I truly think that Ben Roethlisberger might fall into this trap too… how is it that a guy who barely throws more than 25 passes in any game he plays ever make it through a season if he can't make more starts than David Carr?
10) Can Bollinger be a backup QB?
As long as he only plays behind other backups in second halfs of games, he'll be fine. Bollinger has some ability, but the struggles he has had during the time he has played hasn't helped.
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1. I think Chad ultimately. If he's not ready for opening day then the back up will hold the fort. I expect this to be a reasonably priced free agent and the most likely candidate AFAIC is still Fiedler.
2. Could well be. If we're that badly against the cap, this might be one position where the upgrade can wait a year. Houston getting carries and doing well on Sunday was encouraging. Plus we may have Blaylock back too.
3. Coles is almost on target for a 1,000 yard season despite us having no QB. Again, this position is likely to be upgraded the following offseason, I reckon.
4. Jones and a draft pick (there are loads of stud tackles and a lot of depth in the draft). We also have a lot of projects such as Cavka, don't forget.
5. I think so. Maybe he'll take a pay cut, too. Can't completely overhaul our line and Mawae is the best candidate to be a good leader/mentor. Kendall is likely toast though and so is Fabini, probably.
6. Only if he restructures. I would have thought this likely, but Miller's solid performance on Sunday may change the Jets minds on this.
7. Maybe. A long term deal could be back loaded. If we are going to make a trade, he's one of our only chips with any value (the others are Vilma, Robertson, Ellis and, believe it or not, Herm)
8. I'll be very surprised indeed if he doesn't.
9. Of course. We've been told by Will Carroll that it's possible he'll make a full recovery, so hopefully he will. This time, though, they must (a) not rush him back and (b) protect him better.
10. Yes, his clipboard holding skills are unrivalled. He's OK for spot duty, I guess, but he doesn't have what it takes to be a starter IMO. I still think next year's QB rotation will be Penny/Fiedler/Rookie but what do I know?
maybe im watching a different jet team than you guys but Martin seems to be just fine to me, get him a line and a two dimentinal offense and his numbers will be back were they are suppose to be 1300 yds for a season
Martin is not just fine. He's going to be 33 in the off-season and he's clearly declined. There's just no way they can depend on him for another season as anything more than a role player.
Once again Bassett (and Bent for that matter) I have to agree with you…
I can't wait to get the answers this offseason. At least it means that this mockery of a season is behind us! …hopefully.
Just to add some thoughts, I want to start off by saying that I think all of these questions come down to whether the coaching staff and GM think the team will contend next year. Here's my thoughts:
1) I would expect the Jets to sign multiple free agent QBs here. The one I think has some upside is Josh McCown. Expect there to be a competition for the starting job. Fiedler should be in the mix. Don't be surprised if names like Harrington (young gun who never materialized) and Favre (just may want one more season even if not in GB.) If they feel there is no way we compete next year, drafting a top QB is a more viable option but puts us on a 2-3 year rebuilding plan.
2) Martin with one caveat: He's said before he wants the consecutive 1000 yard streak as his lasting legacy. Its not out of the question for him to hang them up as he has multiple other interests. This would obviously have huge draft impact.
3) We're fine at WR.
4) Don't know enough about draft, but we need more depth.
5) Mawae is opening day starter assuming rehab is on schedule.
6) Herm could keep him here, but all parties involved realize he has to restructure. If team is not projected to compete, this is too easy of an area to save $$.
7) Jets certainly don't let him walk. They would franchise in a heartbeat. Again, if team on paper is out of playoff contention, best to use to secure good draft picks and/or other needs.
8) See above. Starter or retirement.
9) I think he will, actually. Although they say that “touch” goes after surgery, he certainly has the drive to compete and I think that goes a long way. We know he will do everything he can to recondition himself.
10) Agree with above: He's a #3 and probably always will be. This changes if we draft QB since that person may be in the 3 slot at least on opening day.