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Jets Football: New Faces + New Expectations = Different Results

Added by Marvin Turner on August 11, 2011.

During the off season in the National Football League, teams try and improve their rosters in an effort to challenge for a division title and eventually a Superbowl. So far in 2011, there are a few teams like, the Saints, Eagles and New England, all have made a big splash in free agency, hoping to have acquired enough talent that will catapult them to the playoffs, and ultimately to a Super Bowl win. The New York Jets have also made a few moves; moves that they feel could be the missing pieces to what Jets fans hope is a Super Bowl run in 2011. Let’s take a look at the expectations, and impact these new faces will have, along with some young faces that will get a chance prove themselves…..

Wide Receiver- Plaxico Burress will step in for Braylon Edwards at the second WR position. There is no secret about the Jets not being able to score touchdowns when they got into the opponents side of the field in 2010. That should change in 2011 with 6-5′ 230lb Burress. Just his presence alone on the field should give the Jets many options in the “red-zone”. Plax is definitely an upgrade over Edwards in that area.

Wide Receiver Derrick Mason- Mason will step in for Jerricho Cotchery as the 3rd option. Cotchery was a fan favorite. What we have come to know of Cotchery over the years; he did all the dirty work. Cotchery’s play reminded us of the great Wayne Chrebet. He was not afraid to work the middle of the field and move the chains for first downs. Derrick Mason will do all of that, but then a little more. Mason is a pros pro, he has “been there and done that”. Look for Mason to have big numbers working the intermediate routes against nickle corners, and line-backers. Sanchez will have experienced, explosive weapons at his disposal, SANCHEZ HAS TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP. Note: If 6’5 220lb WR Patrick Turner can come of age and find a role, he could become a huge surprise.

Defensive line- Ropati Pitotua has big expectations coming into camp. The stories out of camp are that Pitotua is picking up where he left off in the 2010 camp, where he was showing signs of a young player coming into his own. Ropati is expected to see a lot of time at the DE spot, helping to push the pocket back into the quarterbacks face. Teamed up with the two young rookies, Muhammad Wilkerson and Kenrick Ellis, this should give Rex Ryan and the Jets a young exciting group of D-lineman for years to come.

Linebacker- Jamaal Westerman is another young name that should have a chance to make a big impact stepping in to sub for Bryan Thomas and Calvin Pace. There is no question that Westerman wants his role to increase in 2011. Its been rumored through-out camp that Jamaal is standing out amongst the LB’s. Rex Ryan is grooming Westerman to be his Adalius Thomas and Terrell Suggs in this defense, eventually!

Cornerback- Kyle Wilson has to find his place in this defensive secondary. This kid was a number one pick a year ago. He has to get better. If he can pick up where he left off at the end of the year in 2010, he should have his way against slot receivers this season. Having Revis, Cromarti and Wilson together for a second year, we could see this defense reach number one status again in 2011.

Safety- Eric Smith will be pluged in as the starter. This move worries me. Smith does not have the speed to cover some of the best tight ends in the league. If Rex can change his role and have him play the Ed Reed in this defense, (just sit back and play the ball), I believe Smith will have a big year because he loves to smack people around with his pads.