2013 New York Jets’ Offense: Deja Vu?

May 22, 2013; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan (left) and general manager John Idzik (right) during the New York Jets organized team activities at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

We have talked a lot about the reconstruction of the New York Jets’ defense, courtesy of John Idzik and company. It has been based on three words, “younger”, “faster”, and “competition”. There will be competition all over the football field, solely designed to make this team better.

For now, let’s leave Rex’s home alone for a while, and take a look at the more anemic side of the football team, the offense. There haven’t been many big moves there, some have wondered if they have been ignored a bit. They made a lot of low-risk, high-reward moves. Could these result in deja vu? I think that is a distinct possibility. Deja vu of what? Read along and I’ll explain.

The talk has been all about becoming more of a pass first offense based on the West Coast, but let’s look at the roster, as it stands right now.

RUNNING BACK

Let’s look again at the major changes made, starting at running back. Shonn “Three Yards and a Cloud of Dust” is gone. There were varying opinions on the guy, but nobody was really sold on him as a #1 back. His peak performance came as a complimentary player. In his place, we have Chris Ivory. We know his bona fides. Over 5 yards per carry, runs hard through every run like the defense stole his girl. Whenever he has gotten the chance to play, he has played well. Bring back any memories?……

TIGHT END

Here is the most recent move, and to me the most brilliant. The 2009 Jets had an excellent receiving tight end, although nobody else was than in love with him. Of whom do I speak? The man, the myth, Dustin Keller. That season, Keller posted 45 receptions for 522 yards and 2 TDs. That same season of 2009, Kellen Winslow Jr posted 77 receptions, 884 yards and 5 TDs. As long as Winslow is healthy, I would consider that an upgrade, wouldn’t you say.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Again, are we looking at supervisors here? Of course not. But Willie Colon and Stephen Peterman are veterans that will fill immediate openings on the offensive line. Brian Winters and company will add much-needed depth to a depleted depth chart on the offensive line.

Remember when our offensive line was dominant? We led the league in rushing? Think about it for a minute while we finish up the report.

WIDE RECEIVER

There have been no huge moves here, just a lot of moves for depth. Many UDFAs have been through the door, some have stuck, some have not. But no veteran addition? Well, remember the veteran at tight end discussed earlier. And don’t forget, assuming he is healthy, the Jets will be adding a veteran, without having to give one up…….

Sept 30, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes (10) catches a pass while being defended by San Francisco 49ers strong safety Donte Whitner (31) during the first half at MetLIfe Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Remember him?

So where am I going? All the while the Jets have been resurrecting the defense. But, while we haven’t been looking the Jets have added an effective power runner, a veteran tight end that can catch the ball as well as anyone, and much-needed depth to the offensive line.

Is it me, or does this sound more and more like 2009 all over again? Tough running game, great offensive line, and guys that can catch the football?

Obviously we have to see them work together before coming to this conclusion. But, if that is what they are going for, it could be worse.