Take 5: Five reasons to be pessimistic
July, 12, 2012
7/12/12
11:57
AM ET
By
Rich Cimini | ESPNNewYork.com
This is our 11th "Take Five" list. From now until training camp, we'll have periodic lists -- some serious, some not-so-serious. Here, we'll examine five things that should be making you sweat as the season approaches.
1. A potential QB mess. The Jets have done a good job of controlling the situation, but the true test comes in the regular season. How will they handle a Mark Sanchez slump? Will they give Tim Tebow more reps in the Wildcat in lieu of an outright change at QB? What if Sanchez plays well but Tebow is on fire in the Wildcat? It could get complicated -- no, it will get complicated. If it gets out of control, it could undermine the season.
2. Ground and Pound? Really? They want to be a run-oriented offense under new coordinator Tony Sparano, but the eight positions most important to the running game -- five linemen, one tight end and two backs -- are the same as last year. And we all know how last year went; the Jets finished 22nd in rushing offense. Unless Shonn Greene morphs into Earl Campbell, the Jets won't be able to run at will.
3. Wayne's World. Beleaguered Wayne Hunter is back as the starting right tackle. The Jets were either too cheap to eat his $2.45 million guarantee and sign a free-agent replacement or they honestly believe Hunter can do the job. I believe it's mostly the latter, but it's an enormous gamble. He allowed 8.5 sacks, per STATS LLC, and committed a team-high 11 penalties for 80 yards last season. If he doesn't improve, it will be a long season, offensively.
4. Safety dance. The Jets keep talking up their defense, how they believe it can be as good as 2009, but there's one deficiency that wasn't adequately addressed: They didn't improve from a pass-coverage standpoint at safety. Neither LaRon Landry nor Yeremiah Bell shined last season with their respective teams, and Landry could be playing on a bad wheel. Once again, there could be some big days for opposing tight ends.
5. Chemistry 101. Everything is cool, the Jets insist. Problems, what problems? Sure, it's easy to say that in the spring and early summer, but the real test comes in the fall. It's pretty much the same cast of characters as last season, so why should we believe it's going to be different than last year? Santonio Holmes, last season's primary instigator, already was sulking in minicamp -- not a positive omen.
To see all our Take 5 lists, click here.
1. A potential QB mess. The Jets have done a good job of controlling the situation, but the true test comes in the regular season. How will they handle a Mark Sanchez slump? Will they give Tim Tebow more reps in the Wildcat in lieu of an outright change at QB? What if Sanchez plays well but Tebow is on fire in the Wildcat? It could get complicated -- no, it will get complicated. If it gets out of control, it could undermine the season.
2. Ground and Pound? Really? They want to be a run-oriented offense under new coordinator Tony Sparano, but the eight positions most important to the running game -- five linemen, one tight end and two backs -- are the same as last year. And we all know how last year went; the Jets finished 22nd in rushing offense. Unless Shonn Greene morphs into Earl Campbell, the Jets won't be able to run at will.
3. Wayne's World. Beleaguered Wayne Hunter is back as the starting right tackle. The Jets were either too cheap to eat his $2.45 million guarantee and sign a free-agent replacement or they honestly believe Hunter can do the job. I believe it's mostly the latter, but it's an enormous gamble. He allowed 8.5 sacks, per STATS LLC, and committed a team-high 11 penalties for 80 yards last season. If he doesn't improve, it will be a long season, offensively.
4. Safety dance. The Jets keep talking up their defense, how they believe it can be as good as 2009, but there's one deficiency that wasn't adequately addressed: They didn't improve from a pass-coverage standpoint at safety. Neither LaRon Landry nor Yeremiah Bell shined last season with their respective teams, and Landry could be playing on a bad wheel. Once again, there could be some big days for opposing tight ends.
5. Chemistry 101. Everything is cool, the Jets insist. Problems, what problems? Sure, it's easy to say that in the spring and early summer, but the real test comes in the fall. It's pretty much the same cast of characters as last season, so why should we believe it's going to be different than last year? Santonio Holmes, last season's primary instigator, already was sulking in minicamp -- not a positive omen.
To see all our Take 5 lists, click here.

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
RB Mike Goodson, arrested last wk on drugs/weapon charges, showed up for Jets 1st OTA today (voluntary). But isn't practicing. #Jets
about an hour ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Former Stony Brook star Miguel Maysonet may have been victim of coach/front office disagreement in Philly. #Eagles http://t.co/RB3VO9K4Rn
about an hour ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
The @Eagles make it official, waive former Stony Brook RB Miguel Maysonet. A head scratcher. @SBAthletics
about 3 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
David Garrard tells @SI_PeterKing that much of cartilage in balky knee is gone, creating bone-on-bone pain. Unable to jog most days. #Jets
about 4 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
#Jets QB Geno Smith, guest on SiriusXM, said he's "pretty close" to hiring a new agent.
about 19 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
This is a surprise: Eagles are expected to waive RB Miguel Maysonet of @stonybrooku, per @caplannfl.
about 20 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Following up on QB Brian Hoyer: The #Jets didn't show interest before he signed with the Browns, per source.
about 23 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
For those who want Idzik to cut Goodson asap to send message: He's deliberate on big decisions, i.e Revis, Tebow. Figures to do same here.
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Idzik's interest in QB market, post-Garrard, shows he's not content with Sanchez/Smith. He wants options. Hardly a vote of conf for Sanchez.
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Per @TonyGrossi, the #Jets expressed interest in QB Hoyer before he signed w/ Browns. As noted yesterday, Idzik not content to stand pat.
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Sunday notes: Idzik's first 2 blemishes ... Goodson's contract ... Garrard's knee ... Tebow laughs at himself. #Jets http://t.co/5MBdzQeTmh
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
RT @darrenrovell: Geno Smith bobblehead given out by the @wv_power tonight http://t.co/T9d9z0ZSSg
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
RT @SBJLizMullen: NFL player agents Pat Dye & Bill Johnson have signed NY Jets 1st round pick CB Dee Milliner. He was formerly repped by Im…
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
RT @SyracuseU: What a great day for @Cuse sports! The men's lacrosse team scores in the final seconds to beat Yale and advance to the Final…
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
ICYMI from last night: Jets RB Mike Goodson released from NJ prison after posting $50k bail. #Jets http://t.co/ynbSMgLHPo
2 days ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
The great @CurtisMartin28 is signing autographs Mon (7:00 pm to 8:30) at Bellmore JFK HS to raise money for Hurricane Sandy relief. #Jets
2 days ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini





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