Grading the New York Jets Off Season So Far

Feb 23, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum does an interview in the hall after a press conference during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

Here we are Jets fans, one day after the Tebowmania craze officially hit town. To say the least, it has been an interesting off season so far. The Jets have made some moves to fill positional needs, made marginal moves, but how have they done, as a whole? Let’s take a look at the significant moves the Jets have made so far.

Jets Tender Offer to Aaron Maybin

This was a move that had to be made by Tannenbaum and Co.  Aaron Maybin led the team with 6 sacks in 2011, playing a part time role in pass rushing situations.  He was the only real significant threat off the edge, so the Jets had to make a move to keep him around, albeit not a guaranteed one.

Jets Give Mark Sanchez a Contract Extension

And the odd moves around the quarterback situation starts.  They give Mark an extension that they had been “working towards since the end of the season”.  All the while, they were discussing replacing Mark Sanchez with Peyton Manning.  Oh, wait a minute, according to Woody Johnson, the Jets weren’t interested in Peyton Manning, they “passed” on Peyton Manning.  Even though Mike Tannenbaum said they “had to explore it”, Woody said they passed.  So, the Jets give Sanchez some money to make him feel better after they try to replace him.  That’s what happened.  But, the double talk that has been commonplace with the Jets has started.

Jets Re-Sign K Nick Folk

This is one that leaves Jets fans scratching their heads.  Nick Folk has made some big kicks, no doubt, but he gives the Jets’ fans a great deal of nerves when he steps up to the ball.  He was 19-25 last season on his field goals, for 76%.  Coach Ryan has stated their will be competition for Folk, and I imagine most Jets fans hope that competition is good.

Jets Re-Sign NT Sione Pouha

Here was a move that was solid, and had to be done.  Sione Pouha has become an anchor of the Jets’ defense in the Rex Ryan era in the middle of the defensive line.  Sione finished with 58 tackles, 41 of them solo, and one safety.  Sione Pouha forced 1 fumble in 2011, recovered 2 fumbles as well.  He is a leader of the defense, and had to be kept around.

Jets Re-Sign LB Bryan Thomas

Another guy that belongs in Green and White.  Thomas had 6 sacks in 2010, and was poised to lead the Jets in 2011 before his season was cut short due to injury.  He had come into his own, and deserved to stay.

Jets Sign WR Chaz Schillens

The Jets needed a speedy wide receiver with some size, and Chaz fits that bill.  No surprise that he signed with the Jets, as his former WR coach is now in the same role on the Jets.  His average yards per catch was over 15 yards in his rookie year, but has gone down since, so the jury is still out as to whether Schillens is the deep threat that the Jets are looking for, but the team needed a wide receiver, and they got one.

Jets Sign QB Drew Stanton

This was an odd move to me, but it made some sense.  The Jets needed a young backup quarterback, and Drew Stanton fit that bill.  The reason I found it odd was that he hasn’t taken a snap in over a year in a regular season game.  However, Stanton has ability, and was successful in the limited starts he has had.   Had the Jets stood pat after this move, I would have called it a good sign, but we know what happened after that.

Jets Sign S LaRon Landry

By far, the biggest splash the Jets have made in the free agent market.  Well the biggest splash period before a certain trade.  The Jets needed a safety, with Eric Smith being the only one on the roster, and they got one.  He is big, and physical, but has had some injury problems.  He also has a reputation for not being great in pass coverage, which makes you wonder if he fits the bill for the Jets, time will tell.

Jets trade for QB Tim Tebow, jettison Drew Stanton

Don’t really need to talk much about this, enough has already been said to fill several books.  No surprise that Stanton wanted out, he was told he would be the backup, and all of a sudden that changed.

Overall Grade- C+

The guys that have been re-signed have been the right moves, but the moves in free agency have been questionable.  I am not sure if they are the right fit.  As well, the Jets have not addressed their biggest need by far, the need for an edge pass rusher.  Thus, the grade of C+.

Do you agree?  How do you think the Jets have done so far?  Let your feelings be heard below