Jets Focused on Season Opener

by Fireman Ed

The New York Jets are heading into the season opener vs the Falcons after a very busy offseason has come to a close. They hope all the activity will lead to wins on the field after posting a 5-11 record a season ago.

Coach Dawgs went into the offseason knowing he needed to improve at some spots to be more competitive this year. With the AFC as strong as it is, it looks like 10 wins is going to be what it takes to make the playoffs. The Jets were able to land WR Marion Russell in the draft with their 1st round pick. Russell offers something the Jets were lacking last season, they will hope he comes right in and begins making big plays. The offensive line was another position of need with the cut of D. Ferguson and the age of Nick Mangold. The Jets picked up three OL in the draft looking to get younger and continue the strong ground game from a year ago. We look for 2nd round pick Nordly McKay to step right into the starting role at LT and don't be surprised if you see 4th round pick Will Graham crack the starting lineup at some point this season at RT. With Mangold entering the final year of his contract, the Jets took center Kyle McKenzie in hopes he can continue strong center play when Mangold is gone. The Jets also made a Draft day move to bring in QB Tyrod Taylor to add some quality depth at the position. The Jets will hope QB Bryce Petty can stay healthy this year, but Taylor will be ready if his name is called. He may even have some packages inserted into the game plan to take advantage of his great running ability. On the defensive side of the ball, the primary focus was to bring some speed into the aging secondary. The Jets did just that by drafting FS Kesnick Spencer in the fifth round of the draft. To go along with signing FA Darin Walls and Carrington Byndom, the secondary will look to cut down on the big plays we saw a year ago. Byndom will get a look at the safety position and Wall should step into the nickel CB spot. Coach Dawgs has made some bold moves this offseason, will they pay off with victories? Or will the Jets suffer another disappointing season?