Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001

Jets quietly building a Super Bowl infrastructure

Trio of new faces among brass will motivate, teach Jets to succeed

By Andy Hanacek, Associate editor

How can you not expect a trip to New Orleans for the Jets with the moves they have made? In three years, the Jets have resembled a coach motel more than a permanent residence. We’ll leave the light on for you indeed.

Granted, this is not like predicting the Chargers will be there. Just look at what the Jets have done: Since the beginning of the month, the Jets have brought in three top-flight guys to right a ship that really wasn’t even listing. It just slowed down. In fact, I’d say the Jets’ ship was cruising along pretty well, given their record and the division they play in. The ship just lost the captain and little buddy.

How many 9-7 teams go through a major overhaul in the offseason? Not many. But the Jets were victims of departures, not firings. Al Groh left for a job at his alma mater, and Bill Parcells was getting tired, so he resigned. He’s no spring chicken, you know.

So the Jets were faced with the same crazy offseason shenanigans as they faced last year at this time. What did they do? They hit the jackpot, on several fronts.

First, they bring in a young, bright personnel guy from Kansas City, Terry Bradway, to put the pieces in place. Then, they hire highly recommended, highly pursued Bucs assistant coach Herman Edwards to run the show as their head coach. Edwards comes in with a phenomenal reputation as a great teacher, motivator and one who works well in an organization. He received words of support prior to his hiring from several Bucs players, meaning he’s able to relate to players well, which makes sense because he’s a former player. He and Bradway should be able to fill the few holes the team has without many problems.

On Monday, the Jets took another huge step toward Super Bowl XXXVI, when Bills defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell announced he would be the Jets defensive coordinator next year. Of course, if the Bills offer him their head-coaching spot, he has an out-clause. But Cottrell would be silly to leave the potential juggernaut that the Jets are becoming.

The Jets had problems in the second half of this year. QB Vinny Testaverde remains the starter heading into camp, but the new Jets brass has said young stud QB Chad Pennington will compete for the No. 2 spot. I think this is a very good move. Give Pennington one more year, at least one at the No. 2 spot. Testaverde is still the Jets’ best option, and he should rebound next year with the help of RB Curtis Martin and the running game. The defense likely won’t falter late in the year, as it did this year, under the tutelage and motivation of Cottrell, with Edwards backing him.

Martin will run, Testaverde will pass to a rejuvenated corps of receivers (including Laveranues Coles and TE Anthony Becht) and the defense will be much more consistent.

The Jets will play in Super Bowl XXXVI. I can’t physically get them there since I’m not playing. But I can at least say that I called it. And hey, if Jim Fassel can do it, so can I.

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2000 - 2001 Season