Saving Private Ryan: Why the Jets need Rex back

December 18, 2013December 18, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Despite his flaws, Ryan remains the Jets best option moving forward

With another Jets season ending without a playoff berth, it looks like change is inevitable. Despite two AFC Championship appearances on his resume, many experts around the NFL believe the Jets should move on from Rex Ryan. True Rex Ryan does have his fair share of warts, but here are the reasons that the Jets should keep Rex Ryan as their head coach in 2014.

Defense: The Jets bread and butter is defense. While Ryan may not be an offensive genius, few can argue that there are many better defensive minds in the NFL than Rex Ryan. With a strong defensive foundation, especially on the defensive line, the Jets defense appears to have the potential to be one of the NFL’s best. This is this teams strength, and they need to keep it that way. This defense is one or two pieces in the secondary away from being a top unit in the NFL for the next few seasons. If you take away Rex Ryan, while the talent will be there, there is a chance that the new coach will not be able to push the right buttons and this defense will only be average.
Lack of Candidates: When it comes to coaches in the NFL I always believe that you only fire a coach if there is a better one available. Unfortunately for the Jets, I don’t see a better candidate then Rex. There is no hot college coach like Chip Kelly last year that could take the reins effectively. There are no great coordinators that have been making headlines as possible new coaches. There is only one man in my opinion who would be a better coach then Rex Ryan right now and that is John Gruden. Ok, I know it’s a long shot, but he has mentioned he would like to coach again. He would be perfect because he is a great offensive coach who understands how to use an aggressive defense. Sounds like a match in heaven, even if it’s a long shot. So unless Chucky wants to coach Gang Green, Rex Ryan is still the Jets best option.
Personal on the field: Let’s face it, Rex Ryan has done a lot with the marginal talent he has been given this season. Remember when the Jets were supposed to be the worst team in the league? Yet in week fifteen they were still in the hunt for the playoffs. While many blame Ryan’s approach for the offensive struggles, and while he is responsible for certain play calling, unfortunately they are one of the worst offensive units in the game. They have a rookie quarterback with the worst skill player personal in football. This is not Ryan’s fault but a front office who for the past five years has overpaid for players, Santonio Holmes, and traded away multiple draft picks. While Ryan does have a say in who the Jets bring in, it is ultimately up the Jets front office to give him the best pieces to win with. Heck, even when the Jets made the playoffs the first two seasons it was with a lackluster roster and Mark Sanchez playing quarterback.
Next year will be better: If anything Ryan deserves one more chance with this team. The Jets will have one of the best cap situations with the Sanchez, Cromartie, and Holmes contracts probably coming off the books by the end of the season. This will allow them to sign some much-needed talent in free agency. On top of that the Jets will have an extra third round pick from the Revis trade last year and extra compensation picks in the 2014 draft. Ryan has been shortchanged on this roster for years, give him a chance with a full deck.
Conclusion: Rex Ryan should have one more chance to coach the Jets in 2014. True he is not the best at handling the offense and may not be the best game manager, but considering the Jets other options next season, Ryan still remains the Jets best option. However, I think Rex should only get next year for one last chance. Give him a reasonable lineup with talent and a somewhat competent offense for him to work with. Unless the Jets can miraculously find a great coach, which I am skeptical about, Ryan is a better option than most coaching candidates. Also why would you take away a defensive coach when this defense hasn’t even scratched its potential yet? All in all I think Ryan deserves one more to coach the Jets. He is a very good coach who is passionate and knowledgeable. The Jets have one of the better coaches in the NFL, considering their relevant with the island of misfit weapons on offense. Hopefully Ryan will be back to lead Gang Green once again in 2014.

Why Geno Smith isn’t to blame for Jets’ struggles

December 4, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Despite Geno Smith’s benching against the Dolphins, it isn’t his fault that the Jets offense has been a disaster. There are many reasons why Geno Smith has struggled in 2013 and why it’s the New York Jets fault that the rookie has looked lost in recent weeks.

forget aerial assault, the Jets can’t even get off the ground with these receivers

Receivers: Quick question, who is an NFL caliber receiver on the New York Jets? I’d be hard pressed to name one. Geno’s struggles began when Jeremy Kerley was injured a few weeks ago. Without question Kerley has been the Jets best and most consistent receiver this season. The problem? At best he’s a great slot receiver. He is not a number one or two target in the NFL. Stephen Hill? I think I saw his picture on a milk carton because he has been disappeared for over a month. Holmes? He can’t stay healthy and has lacked the big play ability that the Jets are overpaying him for. I think this is one Jet who won’ t be back in 2014. Salas and Nelson? Not even NFL scouts know who they are. While Geno has been inaccurate, it’s not like his receivers have done him any favors. Without question the Jets have the worst group of receivers in the NFL.
Tight end? more like dead-end

Any NFL rookie quarterback needs a security blanket. Enter the tight end whose size and presence in the middle of the field allows for an easy check down for a rookie quarterback. The Jets tight ends have been big problems instead of big targets. Kellen Winslow missed four games due to a suspension and has continued to prove why he’s a first round bust. Cumberland has been solid, but is a number two tight end at best. Mini Gronk? No impact. If anything this position has hurt Geno’s development. With a lack of weapons on the outside Geno looks to the middle of the field for check downs to his tight ends. However, they are never open. Even Sanchez had Dustin Keller to check down to. Geno on the other hand just has a bunch of cast-offs who shouldn’t be on this team next year.
Ground and pound?

Running Game: In Mark Sanchez’s first few seasons he had some of the better running backs in the league. Geno Smith, not so much. While Powell and Ivory have had a few good performances this year, their inconsistency and inability to break big runs and run the ball effective early in the game has hurt the Jets. Oh, and to Marty Mornhinweg STOP RUNNING THE WILDCAT! No body does this anymore, it doesn’t work, and you never throw out of it. Stop! While Ivory and Powell have shown flashes, they are not every down backs. As number two backs the would be great, but the Jets lack a home run hitting number one back. Without a solid running game, the Jets haven’t helped Smith get into more manageable situations and allow him to utilize the play action pass.
Can they block anybody?

Offensive line: In recent weeks the once vaunted Jets offensive line has been manhandled. Pro Bowlers Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson have looked like shells of their former selves, while rookie Brian Winters has struggled to pick up blitzes and Willie Colon continues to get dumb penalties. Geno Smith has been getting killed these past few weeks and I can’t even remember a play when he had time to throw. As a young quarterback when your under pressure every drop back, your thinking about survival not throwing a 15 yard post. While the pass protection has been brutal, the run blocking hasn’t helped either. They can’t protect or create holes in the running game. You can’t have a shaky foundation and expect to have a productive offense.
A GM that left his future quarterback out to dry.

Front Office: Ok, I know John Idzik didn’t have a lot of cap room to bring in free agents. I’ll give him a pass on that, but I can’t forgive the man for his first draft. While Sheldon Richardson has been great, this draft did little if nothing to help Geno Smith. With the ninth pick, instead of picking the frustrating Dee Milliner, the Jets had better options. They could have drafted a tight end, or one of the interior linemen like Warmack or Long to solidify the offensive line. Then in the third round they could have drafted Keenan Allen or Terrance Williams at receiver instead of Brian Winters. With a crucial draft, Idzik didn’t exactly help out his young QB and instead focused on three offensive linemen how haven’t panned out.
The hot seat is heating up for Rex Ryan

Coaching: Rex Ryan knows defense. Developing a quarterback, not so much. While Marty Morninweg is the offensive coordinator, it is Rex’s job as the head coach to get the offense going. Instead of playing to Geno’s strengths by rolling him out of the pocket, or having him in the shot-gun with spread wide receivers, the Jets keep calling plays that make you scratch your head. Instead of trying to get Geno going early with quick passes or screens, the Jets keep running the ball for marginal gains. Then when they fall behind they put Geno Smith in passing situations when he hasn’t even gotten into a rhythm. I;m not say throw the ball fifty times, but get Geno going early so that he gets a rhythm going in the game.
Geno does deserve the blame, but he has been given too much blame

Conclusion: While Smith deserves a certain amount of blame, he is getting an unfair amount. This has been the perfect storm of futility. I don’t care if your Manning, Brees, Brady, or Rodgers, you couldn’t have success with this offensive personnel. The fact that Geno has five wins with this lackluster cast should get him some praise. However, with the offensive futility continuing in New York, and Jets nation waiting for a long overdue franchise quarterback, Geno Smith has been put in an almost no win situation. Keep him in to get reps this season and to develop. But he’s going to succeed, the man needs help. It’s just a matter of when or if the Jets will give him the pieces he needs to be an effective NFL quarterback.

Re-grading the Jets 2013 Draft halfway through season

October 22, 2013November 4, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Dee Milliner C-
Milliner’s 2013 hasn’t started off great

It’s never easy to fill Darrelle Revis’ shoes. It’s been a mixed bag in 2013 for Milliner where injuries and inconsistent play have hurt the first round pick. In five games this season only has 18 tackles, and one pass defended. However, the New Orleans game was his best showing, and could be the confidence boost that Milliner desperately needs. If he can remain healthy and on the field Milliner could finally show us more of his potential. One thing is for sure, Milliner needs to improve his coverage or else teams will continue to pick on him. At the moment he seems to be more of a long-term project, but could be a great corner in the future. While a tight-end could have been more beneficial, compared to the other picks around him, Milliner still has the most upside.
Sheldon Richardson A+
In 2013, Richardson maybe the biggest steal of the draft

When Richardson was picked 13th overall, many Jets fans were pissed. Who is this guy? This is who we got for Darrelle Revis? Blasphemy! However, in 2013 Richardson has been the most dominant rookie from the 2013 Draft class. An instant impact would be an understatement. One reason the Jets Defense has dominated this year, its number 91. Richardson has made the Jets defensive front one of the most ferocious and dominant in the NFL, and has given Jets Nation only a taste of what this defensive could be able to do over the next decade. This year Richardson has been an elite run stuffer with 41 tackles and a forced fumble. While he is still developing as a pass rusher with only 2.5 sacks, he’s been in the face of quarterbacks consistently and will only continue to develop his pass rushing skills as he continues developing. Sheldon Richardson and Mohammed Wilkerson? Tom Brady’s going to have nightmares for the rest of his career in Foxboro.
Geno Smith B+
Smith is proving that he could be the quarterback Jets fans have been waiting for

Looks like the Jets got their franchise quarterback in the second round. Talk about a steal. The reason this is an A- is because Geno has been turning over the ball a little bit too much. However, this is due to the lack of weapons rather than Geno’s talents. So far he is the best quarterback of this class and if he can cut down on the turnovers, he will be great. As the season has progressed Geno has shown great poise and improvement. His arm strength and athleticism could make him even more dangerous if the Jets can surround him with the right weapons over the next few years. He’s already shown a poise and ability to play under pressure that Mark Sanchez never did. If not for Geno’s clutch performances the Jets wouldn’t be a playoff contender. Let’s not forget that Geno is also a second round pick. With the value of a second round pick being a franchise quarterback os one reason this grade is so high. I know the 8 Touchdowns and 13 picks aren’t exactly gaudy numbers, but when Geno actually gets some weapons to throw to then we will finally see what he is truly capable of. By the end of this year, this could be an A+ grade. Looks like some franchises may have passed on a great quarterback in the 2013 draft.
Brian Winters B –
Winters has been solid, but the Jets missed out on some good playmakers

Since being inserted into the starting lineup four weeks ago, Brian Winters has helped to boost the offensive line. While he may not be doing anything spectacular yet, he has been excellent in pass protection and an average run blocker. As he continues to develop he could become a very good lineman in the NFL. While Winters has been a good pick for the Jets terrible offensive line, the reason the grade is this low is because of other players the Jets could have drafted. Receivers Keenan Allen and Terrance Williams have become very good playmakers for their respective teams. and would have helped Geno’s development. With the Jets mess at wide receiver, one of these players may have given the Jets offense a playmaker they’ve desperately been lacking. It was a good pick, but the Jets missed out on some great offensive weapons.
Oday Aboushi D
A pick that could provide future value

Now we start getting into difficult territory. With no players around him that the Jets could have drafted, outside of maybe a tight end, Aboushi is a pick that wasn’t supposed to impact the 2013 season. Instead look for him to be a project moving forward and eventually become a starter or reliable backup. Time will tell, but at the moment this is a decent developmental pick for a time that needs offensive line depth.
William Campbell-D
A project that hasn’t gone anywhere, it may have been a wasted pick

The Jets tried to convert Campbell from a defensive tackle to an offensive lineman. After a less than stellar camp, Campbell is now on the practice square and looks to be a wasted pick. With other players available such as safety Bacarri Rambo, tight end Mychal Rivera, and cornerback Demetrius McCray the Jets missed players how have been giving solid production to their respective teams. Especially after drafting two offensive linemen in a row, it really didn’t make sense for the Jets to go out there and waste a pick on another one. Instead they should have focused on another area of need to provide more depth. While the offensive line depth is a big plus, the lack of depth at receiver and tight end have made the Jets offense sputter when they need a big play
Tommy Bohanon A-
Bohanon’s versatile makes him a great fullback for the Jets future

Talk about getting great value. As a seventh round pick Bohanon has been the Jets starting fullback since opening day. Since then he’s been a versatile player in the Jets offense. While his run blocking has been good, it is something that Bohanon can improve moving forward. He’s proven he can round the ball effectively, especially in short yardage situations. He can catch the ball effectively out of the backfield and has been great when protecting Geno Smith in passing situations. Bohanon shows a lot of promise and if he continues to develop could be a versatile weapon in the Jets offense. Do you agree with these grades? How would you grade the Jets draft and who should they have drafted? Comment and like below!!

2013 NFL Preview: NY Giants, NY Jets, Philadelphia Eagles

September 4, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

New York Giants

Coach Tom Coughlin

Offense Defense

QB ELI MANNING DE JUSTIN TUCK

RB DAVID WILSON DT LINVAL JOESPH

FB HENRY HYNOSKI DT CULLEN JENKINS

WR VICTOR CRUZ DE JASON PIERRE-PAUL

WR HAKEEM NICKS OLB KEITH RIVERS

TE BRANDON MYERS MLB MARK HERZLICH

RT DAVID DIEHL OLB SPENCER PAYSINGER

RG CHRIS SNEE CB COREY WEBSTER

C DAVID BAAS CB PRINCE AMUKAMARA

LG KEVIN BOOTHE FS RYAN MUNDY

LT WILL BEATY SS ANTREL ROLLE

Strengths: Whenever you have a Manning under center, you’re going to have a very good year. With great outside weapons with Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks the Giants will put points on the board. Running back David Wilson has shown his explosiveness in the preseason and is poised for a big breakout year at running back. The Giants front four is their bread and butter on defense. When healthy Tuck and JPP provide a nightmare for offensive lines. With great depth at the defensive end position, with

With Manning, The Giants always have a chance

Mathius Kiwanuka and rookie Damontre Moore, and Joesph and Jenkins filling up the middle, the Giants defense could be poised to create havoc ion 2013.

Weaknesses: On offense the Giants are going to need to find consistency at the running back position. The G-men also need to keep Manning upright. Last season the offensive line showed many holes that at the moment don’t look to have been filled since the end of last season. If the Giants can’t keep Manning upright, then the offense will sputter. On defense the Giants need to stay healthy and get pressure on the quarterback. With a weak safety, and an even weaker line-backing core, the Giants need a big season out of the front four. If they can’t stay healthy or get to the quarterback, then the Giants defense will once again be a revolving door for the opposing offense.

Overall Prediction: 9-7 1^stplace NFC East:

With a difficult schedule this season a 9-7 record would be where the Giants finish. Considering all the question marks on defense, the offensive line, and health, the Giants should be able to make the playoffs despite not winning ten games. With the best quarterback situation in the talented NFC East. The Cowboys haven’t proven to be serious contenders in years, the Eagles are rebuilding, and the Redskins need to see if RGIII can get through a full season at quarterback. Either way it looks like the Giants will be back in the playoffs in 2013 and will try to make another run to the Super Bowl, which will be in their own stadium this year.

New York Jets

Coach Rex Ryan

Offense Defense

QB GENO SMITH(R)/ MARK SANCHEZ DE MUHAMMAD WILKERSON

RB BILAL POWELL NT KENRICK ELLIS

FB TOMMY BOHANON (R) DE SHELDON RICHARDSON (R)

WR JEREMY KERLEY OLB QUINTON COPLES

WR STEPHEN HILL ILB DAVIS HARRIS

TE JEFF CUMBERLAND ILB DEMARIO DAVIS

RT AUSTIN HOWARD OLB CALVIN PACE

RG WILLIE COLON CB ANTONIO CROMARTIE

C NICK MANGOLD CB DEE MILLINER (R )

LG VLADIMIR DUCASSE FS ANTONIO ALLEN

LT D’BRICKASHAW FERGUSON SS DAWAN LANDRY

Strengths: Rex Ryan team, think we know the answer to this one. If the Jets want to be competitive at all this season the defense must be a top unit in the NFL. While the deep secondary may have some holes, especially with Darrelle Revis leaving, the Jets still have a strong secondary with pro bowler Antonio Cromartie and rookie Dee Milliner. With Muhammad Wilkerson establishing himself as one of the best defensive players in the NFL, the Jets also added first rounder Sheldon Richardson to the pass rush. While it remains to see if Quinton Coples will remain at outside linebacker, with more athleticism and a stronger emphasis on the blitz, the Jets defense will get to the

It’s official, the Jets are now Geno’s team

quarterback. On offense the Jets have added more depth to the running game as they will emphasis running the football more. Plus with pro bowlers Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson on the line, the Jets may once again be one of the best at running the ball in 2013.

Weaknesses: Hmm other than quarterback? While it remains uncertain who will be the signal caller for the Jets in 2013, one can only hope it’s not Mr. Buttfumble Mark Sanchez. While it does look like it will be Geno time sooner than later, the fact is the Jets quarterback situation is terrible. Add in the lack of a star running back, a weak receiving core that’s still unsure when Santonio Holmes will return, and arguably the leagues weakest crop of tight ends, yeah the Jets offense isn’r looking too good right now. On the defensive side the two questions are can the safeties be solid starters and can Quinton Coples effectively transition to the rush 3-4 outside linebacking position.

Overall: 8-8 2^nd AFC East: If Geno can be a solid quarterback, which isn’t too hard given Mark Sanchez’s recent history, the Jets can be a 500 team. Personally I’m not buying into the Dolphins or Bills until the finally can prove themselves as contenders this season. Rex Ryan is coaching to save his life and knows that he has to give a great performance this year. This defense is vastly underrated and has the potential to be a great defense. If the offense can run the ball, and not turn the ball over, then the Jets could surprise a lot of people in 2013. One things for sure, there is never a dull moment with this team.

Philadelphia Eagles

Coach Chip Kelly

Offense Defense

QB MICHAEL VICK DE FLETCHER COX

RB LESHEAN McCOY NT ISSAC SOPOAGA

WR DESEAN JACKSON DE CLIFTON GEATHERS

WR RILEY COOPER OLB TRENT COLE

TE BRENT CELEK ILB DEMECO RYANS

TE ZACH ERTZ ( R) ILB MYCHAL KENDRICKS

RT LANE JOHNSON (R ) OLB CONNOR BARWIN

RG TODD HEREMANS CB CARY WILLIAMS

C JASON KELCE CB BRADLEY FLETCHER

LG EVAN MATHIS FS PATRICK CHUNG

LT JASON PETERS SS NATE ALLEN

Strengths: Given Chip Kelly’s prolific offense in Oregon, this could be a year where the Eagles light up the scoreboard. When healthy Vick still has big play capability and a big arm to stretch the field. Whoever the quarterback is, he’ll have a vast arsenal of weaponry at his disposal. Jackson, Avant, Celek, Ertz, McCoy are all playmakers that create nightmare matchups for opposing defenses. With an improvement along the

Can Vick and Jackson stay healthy enough to give Kelly’s offense it’s explosiveness?

offensive line it could be a lot easier for Eagles quarterbacks this season. If the quarterbacks can remain upright, this offense will score some points.

Weaknesses: On offense there are only two. First who will be the quarterback by the end of the season, and second can this offensive line protects whoever that quarterback will be. Michael Vick hasn’t played a full season in years, and it’s likely that the Eagles will turn to Matt Barkley or Nick Foles by the end of the season. The biggest problem for this team is the defense. Last year it was one of the worst units in the NFL, but now many starters from last season have been replaced with general unknowns. While the Eagles have lost many defensive starters, the biggest problem is that they are switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense. The problem? The Eagles personal fits a 4-3 defense better. Trent Cole, the Eagles best defender is a great 4-3, but moving him to a standing up 3-4 linebacker could make him less effective.

Overall: 6-10 4^th NFC east Sorry Eagles fan. In the difficult NFC East, questions at the quarterback position, and a terrible defense, it’s going to be a rebuilding year in Philadelphia. While the will score points, I think we will see games where they will score 30 points but loss because their defense is so bad. Chip Kelly may begin righting the ship in Philly and being his high-powered offense to the pros, but unfortunately you need to play defense to. 2013 will be a step in the right direction, especially with Kelly at the helm, but it just won’t be a step back into the playoffs.

Diamonds in the rough: 5 players the Jets should sign

June 27, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

With training camp closing in the Jets still have many holes on this roster. Luckily here are five free agents still available who can help them for 2013.

5) Sione Pouha DT/NT

The Jets defensive could use this veteran

While the Jets did release Pouha earlier this year, the fact that he is still available should make the Jets bring him back. If the Jets could bring him back at minimum value, this could be a great signing. While Pouha does bring with him health concerns from last season, when healthy he is one of the NFL’s best run stuffers. With the Jets failing to address the nose tackle position and with a lack of depth after Sheldon Richardson, if the price is right the Jets should take this risk.

4) Dallas Clark TE

The Jets need help at TE

While hey may be old, Dallas Clark can catch a football. With the Jets receivers struggling to catch balls, and a depletion at tight end, Clark could be a versatile piece in the west coast offense. While he may not be an every down tight end at this stage in his career, he could be used in passing situations. Cumberland and Winslow aren’t exactly sure bets at tight end, so why not bring in a veteran who can also help the development of the young Jets quarterbacks.

3) Vonta Leach FB

Leach could bring some pound back to ground and pound

Ok what do the Jets do when they have the ball? Ground and pound! Ever since Tony Richardson retired the Jets have had a gaping hole in their rushing attack without a capable fullback. With the Super Bowl Champions releasing arguably the best fullback in the NFL, I’m shocked the Jets haven’t made an offer to Leach. A three-time pro bowler and all pro, Leach has helped Ray Rice become one of the most dangerous backs in the NFL. Listen the Jets QB situation is a problem, but the running game has serious potential. Why not give the running back bigger holes with Leach plowing ahead in front of them. The Jets need to ground and pound and adding Leach could help the Jets get back to number 1 in rushing in the NFL.

2) Braylon Edwards WR

With the Jets desperate for receivers Edwards could provide some depth

To say that the Jets are thin a wide receiver is a gross understatement. With Santonio Holmes will probably miss the start of the season with his injury, and the rest of the receiving core can’t even catch the ball in mini camp. Outside of Jeremy Kerley the Jets have nothing in the wide receiver department that warrants a threat. Unless Stephen Hill finally lives up to his potential, which I’m skeptical about this season, the Jets have a major problem. He may have some baggage but Braylon Edwards has had his best success in green and white. A physically gifted receiver who does have his warts, Edwards would be a cheap option with a lot of upside. Edwards has chemistry with Mark Sanchez and is at a point in his career where he needs to play well or face the threat of being out of the league. Look the Jets need a receiver, so why not bring one that’s had success in green and white and that would be a cheap option.

1) Kerry Rhodes S

It’s time to rebuild a burned bridge

Ok, ok I know this is a long-shot but hear me out. I understand that the Rex Ryan and Kerry Rhodes relationship was a tumultuous one at best, but it’s time to make amends. Chocolate, flowers, whatever it takes because like it or not these two need each other. Kerry Rhodes needs a place where he can be an aggressive safety and a place to get his career back on track. Rex Ryan’s job is on the line, so why not improve his defense. At the age of 30 he’s still got plenty left in the tank and adding him to the secondary would make the Jets a top secondary in the NFL. If the Jets are going to compete in 2013 they’re going to need a top 5 defense, and unless Rhodes is added it will be much more difficult to achieve this. Do you agree? Who else should the Jets look at? Comment below.

Terrain! pull up! Jets players who need to put up or shut up.

June 15, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

With OTAs winding down, the New York Jets are one step closer to the 2013 season. With fresh new talent from both the draft and free agency now in Gang Green’s locker room, it’s make it or break it time for a few current Jets. The question is will they be able to pull the parachute on their falling careers, or will they plummet out of the Jets’ organization entirely. Here are 5 members of the 2013 Jets who need to either get it together, or start looking for new homes in 2014.

5) Kellen Winslow Jr.

The Jets may be Winslow’s last chance for redemption

Winslow may have only joined the Jets a few days ago, but he needs to have a strong 2013 campaign to not only stay with the Jets, but to keep his football career going. After a lackluster career with the Browns, Bucs, and Patriots, the former first round pick will once again try to show the NFL his talent. Unlike his hall of fame father, Kellen Winslow Sr, Winslow Jr. has been a first round bust that has never lived up to expectations. With the Jets starving for tight end talent, Winslow could provide the Jets with a suitable replacement for Dustin Keller. However, with his lackluster track record and a habit of getting into trouble off the grid iron, the Winslow experiment may only last this season.

4) Antonio Allen

Allen will by thrust into a starting role in a trial by fire

Allen will be thrust into a starting role in a trial by fire

Talk about pressure. All indications are that Allen will have to step into the starting role at safety this year. While I personally believe that he will be the most likely player on this list to return in 2014, I doubt it will be as a starter. Despite showing flashes in a part-time role on defense, Allen will be asked to help replace the departure of Pro Bowler Laron Landry. As if this wasn’t enough, the secondary is under more pressure then ever with a certain all pro corner being traded to Tampa Bay. I do believe that Allen has the skill set to be a solid safety in this league, but that he will be exposed in the starting role for being too raw. With a little more seasoning Allen could be a good starter, but being asked to do too much this soon will have the Jets looking to replace him in the starting role for 2014.

3) Vladimir Ducasse

Ducasse could be the odd man out

This could be the year that the Jets finally move on from draft flop Vladimir Ducasse. After years of failing to earn a starting job, Ducasse has been able to stay on the Jets roster due to the lack of depth on the offensive line. Then the Jets drafted not 1, not 2, but 3 offensive linemen in the 2013 draft while adding Stephen Peterman and Willie Colon in free agency. Now with an abundance of buffet busters in Cortland if Ducasse can’t win the starting job or solidify himself as a backup, then his Jets career may be over. With three seasons under his belt Ducasse has the inside track for one of the two starting positions and this maybe his last chance to prove he can start for Gang Green.

2) Santonio Holmes

Holmes may need to find a new home after 2013

Well this one doesn’t need much of an introduction. After the Jets vastly overpaid for Holmes a few years ago Holmes has been nothing but trouble for the Jets. Whether it’s pouting in Miami, stirring the pot in the locker room, or just not being the dynamic receiver the Jets paid for, it hasn’t been pretty. Now after a 2012 season where he missed most of the season due to a knee injury, the Jets desperately need Holmes’ play making ability. However, Holmes’ welcome has been worn out with his “diva receiver” antics and unless he has a great performance in 2013, he’ll make it too easy for the Jets to get rid of him. If Holmes can return to form and be a leader on this team then he will without question be back in 2014. But if the Holmes soap opera continues and hinders the development of the Jets quarterback, then as porky pig would say “That’s all Holmes”. Speaking of developing quarterbacks…….

1) Mark Sanchez

Do I really need to explain this one?How do you describe the Jets season in 2013? “Butt Fumble” enough said. Unfortunately for Mark Sanchez the odds of him being the starter in 2014 aren’t looking too good. With the franchise beginning to slowly realize that Sanchez is not an NFL quarterback along with the addition of rookie Geno Smith, Sanchez will have to prove to the organization that he truly should be starting. One thing is for certain, it’s that the Jets fan base has already made up their mind. As fans Mark Sanchez is the image we have of this organizations floundering, it sure doesn’t help when ESPN keeps showing the fumble as the worst of the worst on not top ten for the past 28 weeks! To Jets fans Sanchez is dead to us. We know exactly what he is, and that he shouldn’t be the starting quarterback of this team. Of all the players on this list, Sanchez is the one player that I pray is not back for the 2014 season. If he is it’s going to be a llllloooooonnnnnnggggg season.

Rich Sports Talk

Tackling the biggest and latest stories in the sports world.

New york Jets

Saving Private Ryan: Why the Jets need Rex back

Why Geno Smith isn’t to blame for Jets’ struggles

Re-grading the Jets 2013 Draft halfway through season

2013 NFL Preview: NY Giants, NY Jets, Philadelphia Eagles

Diamonds in the rough: 5 players the Jets should sign

Terrain! pull up! Jets players who need to put up or shut up.