The Offense Holds the Key to Success with the New York Jets

Last year was nothing short of a disappointment for the New York Jets. There were big hopes after signing Brett Favre and then the team watched former QB Chad Pennington outplay him in Miami. This year it is going to be all about the offense again for the Jets and everyone will be focused on how well coordinator Brian Schottenheimer can lead the team. There is a lot of uncertainty for the team but also quite a bit of promise and the hope is that young players can come out and make some big things happen.

Favre led the team to be the ninth best offense in the league last year but the team lived and died by the offense. They came out strong and begin the year with an 8-3 record but fell fast from that point on. While many people see the same thing happening this year, especially without an experienced QB at the helm, the situation is not as bleak as it first may appear. Schottenheimer has led a young team before in the same situation and in 2006, the team became a playoff contender as players like Laveranues Coles and Chad Pennington led the way. That year though the running game was almost non existent and such will not be the case this year with the team's balanced attack.

Thomas Jones will carry the team on his shoulders this year and should give the team a very potent and balanced offense that could cause trouble for defenses all over the league. While he is getting on in age, his skill set will take a lot of pressure off young RB Washington. The double headed attack will give the team a number of different looks and the ability to put together some exciting Wildcat formations. While these runners will get a lot of the credit throughout the season, it is the offensive line that will make everything possible. Led by Pro Bowlers Nick Mangold, Alan Faneca and Damien Woody there will be plenty of holes and opportunities for the rushers to break out for some big gains.

At the QB position it will be a battle between Kellen Clemens and rookie Mark Sanchez. Both have the talent and the ability to make an impact but there is no sign of who it is that will break out and lead the team. Clemens has only started 8 times in his career and was drafted to be the starting QB but has never seized the opportunity. He has only completed just over half of his passes and has twice as many interceptions as touchdowns. This is precisely why so many people feel that the team will turn to Mark Sanchez at the beginning of the season.

Sanchez signed a give year, $60 million dollar deal after being drafted this offseason and will be given every opportunity to take over the team. He is a very quick and mobile passer with excellent arm strength and accuracy. It remains to be seen how he will adjust to the NFL game, but given the opportunity he could be a break out star this year.