NFL team previews — AFC East
By Jim Corbett
As published in print Aug. 21, 2000
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Jets RB
Curtis Martin (28)
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Curtis Martin believes there is playoff-quality life for the Jets after Bill Parcells,
Bill Belichick and Keyshawn Johnson.
"Bill Parcells? Great guy, coaching legend," Martin said. "Keyshawn
Johnson? Definitely a star. But they’re gone now, and there’s life after them.
"I feel we’re as good as we’ve been since I’ve been here. I
can’t see any reason why we can’t do what we’ve done when we were at our
best in 1998. We plan to do it all. We plan to be the best this year."
A 2000 playoff run may ultimately hinge on how well the WR corps complements Wayne
Chrebet and compensates for the trade of Johnson to Tampa Bay. Will the Jets pay the price
for passing on tall targets Sean Dawkins and Carl Pickens and opting for Vincent Brisby?
Dawkins and Pickens have both been more productive than Brisby, but both are also more
expensive.
Brisby is a 6-3, 200-pound possession receiver familiar with the Jets’ system,
which former Jets offensive coordinator Charlie Weis is now running in New England. But
over the last four seasons, Brisby has started only six games and caught only only 48
passes.
Rookie WRs Laveranues Coles and Windrell Hayes showed flashes of big-play potential
during the preseason. But both are shorter than 6 feet and have committed rookie mistakes
that could cost a team counting heavily on their sudden and substantial contributions.
Fellow rookies Shaun Ellis and John Abraham appear capable of creating the perfect
pass-rushing storm someday soon. The Jets and first-year head coach Al Groh need them to
create such havoc from Game One.
In cornerstone players such as Chrebet, Martin, QB Vinny Testaverde, LBs Mo Lewis and
Marvin Jones, Pro Bowl C Kevin Mawae and Pro Bowl P Tom Tupa, the Jets have
playoff-caliber talent. But are they too much a team in transition to make a run at the
division title this season?
"I think we’re a team that can definitely be in the playoffs and can have a
shot to go all the way," DL coach Ray Hamilton said. "We’re one of those
teams that, on paper, should be in the tournament. Once you get there, it’s a matter
of how things fall."
Top of page
| Quarterbacks |
Grade A |
| If the Jets are to return to the playoffs after a one-year
hiatus, they need Testaverde to recapture his Pro Bowl form of 1998. Testaverde had looked
sharp and impressive in his comeback from Achilles tendon surgery 11 months ago. But Sam
Adams, the Ravens’ 6-3, 330-pound defensive tackle, sprained Testaverde’s left
big toe during a preseason sack. Now the question is whether the injury will be a nagging
one that affects Testaverde’s performance. He was limited to 44 preseason snaps
before getting hurt. Ray Lucas has the confident, polished look of a quarterback who went
6-3 as a starter last season. He is good enough to start for some teams. Chad Pennington,
who has been labeled the quarterback of the future, flashed promising potential until
suffering a sprained left knee in the third preseason game. Testaverde, Lucas and
Pennington give the Jets the excellent depth they lacked most of last season. Top of page |
| Running backs |
Grade B+ |
| Martin took his game to another level this offseason — a
level 33 floors up. After a discussion with director of football operations and mentor
Parcells, Martin rededicated himself to his conditioning. Because the Pitt Stadium stairs
he used to work out on were torn down, Martin turned to running the 33 floors inside his
Florida condo. It paid off. Martin, who gained a franchise-best 1,464 rushing yards last
year, has looked even sharper. Richie Anderson is the Jets’ version of
"Slash." The eighth-year H-back is effective as a lead blocker for Martin, a
receiver and a runner. Jerald Sowell, Bernie Parmalee and rookie Vaughn Sanders add depth. Top of page |
| Receivers |
Grade C |
| Like Martin, Chrebet has taken his game to another level,
running with the chance to be the go-to receiver. Chrebet is faster and lighter following
his offseason condition program. The question is: Can the Jets find anyone to take some of
the heat off Chrebet? Dedric Ward will enter the season as the other starter and, like
Chrebet, is looking to rebound from a disappointing ’99 season. Coles and Hayes must
be more consistent, but the Jets may have found themselves an insurance policy in Brisby.
Rookie TE Anthony Becht is a pass-catching threat over the middle who could help
compensate for Johnson’s loss. Becht’s 6-5, 267-pound frame and sure hands will
be assets in traffic. Top
of page |
| Offensive linemen |
Grade B |
| Mawae is the best center in the game. He anchors a young,
improving line. Jason Fabini has been solid in his transition from right tackle to left
tackle. Randy Thomas continues to show signs of developing into a Pro Bowl-caliber right
guard. ORT Ryan Young gives the Jets the size and attitude they want in the running game,
and Kerry Jenkins is solid at left guard. The return of Jumbo Elliott gives the Jets solid
experience at left tackle, while backup OG Dennis O’Sullivan has taken over for
rock-steady LS John Hudson. Top of page |
| Defensive linemen |
Grade C |
| Ellis, the first of the team’s unprecedented four
first-round picks, is the key. The Jets are counting on him to produce as quickly as he
can rush the passer. If Ellis can start at left end and Jason Ferguson remains a force at
nose tackle, the Jets will have a deep and experienced DL rotation that also includes Rick
Lyle, Shane Burton, Dorian Boose, Jason Wiltz and Anthony Cook. The concern is that Ellis,
Burton and Cook are all new to the team’s 3-4, two-gap scheme. Top of page |
| Linebackers |
Grade A |
| This unit remains the team’s strong suit. Lewis is the
restless soul of this relentless group. He is a fierce playmaker who figures to be gone
after this season following the team’s failure to lock him up with a long-term deal.
Groh plans to play him on only first and second downs. Abraham, a third-down edge rusher,
is being groomed as a strong-side linebacker. Jones has regained his health and his
swagger. OLB Roman Phifer looks comfortable after a slow start last season. ILB Bryan Cox
is healthy again, and Dwayne Gordon and James Farrior are athletic, savvy backups. Top of page |
| Defensive backs |
Grade C+ |
| CB Aaron Glenn is motivated to rebound from a subpar season.
Marcus Coleman led the team with six interceptions last season. Ray Mickens may be the
league’s best nickel back, and SS Victor Green felt snubbed after posting Pro Bowl
numbers last season but being left off the AFC team. FS Omar Stoutmire lacks classic speed
but has good instincts. Rookie Tony Scott, Kevin Williams, Scott Frost and Chris Hayes are
the backups. Top of page |
| Special teams |
Grade B- |
| Tupa looks better than ever coming off his Pro Bowl season.
John Hall has sharpened his accuracy. Dwight Stone is as good as ever in his 14th season
returning kicks. Ward seems like more of a fair catcher than a punt returner. Scott could
eventually win that job. Chris Hayes and Parmalee lead one of the league’s better
coverage units. Top of
page |
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