Jet Lagged

           

The New York Jets 2011-2012 season was an unsuccessful year and has left the organization with a lot to think about including re-signing players, free agency and the NFL draft. This seasons 8-8 record is something that head coach Rex Ryan and the rest of the organization see as a “bad” year and for those of you who watched them play this year, you know that there is a lot of room for improvement on both sides of the ball.  Here are the top 3 needs for the Jets in the off-season:

(#90 Mario Williams Sacking Jets QB Mark Sanchez)

#1) Pass Rush:

            The Jets finished last season with 35 sacks, which tied them for 17 in the league. With the type of defense the Jets run, blitz heavy, those numbers should be much higher. Allowing quarterbacks to sit back in the pocket killed the Jets Defense this season. There best Option would be to get Mario Williams in free agency. He is able to play both d-end and outside linebacker, this flexibility will give Ryan and his defense more options when calling plays. Other possibilities include Robert Mathis and former Jet Jon Abraham.

                                                                                       #2) Replace Wayne Hunter:

(Where he should be. On the sideline.)

Right tackle Wayne Hunter was referred to as a revolving door many times this season. Not only did he give up sacks and allow unneeded pressure on Mark Sanchez but the Jets run game was also not the same as it has been in the past two years. In 2009 the Jets were first in rushing offence and fell to just fifth in 2010. However, last season the team finished in 22^nd, which put extra pressure on the teams’ young quarterback. I think the Jets should look to free agency for this position. They don’t need a pro-bowl tackle (although it would be nice). All they need is someone who will at least slow or redirect the rushers pass, unlike Hunter.

#4 Mark Barron Alabama SS

3) Secure the Secondary:          

Its no secret that Jets corner Darrelle Revis is the best cornerback in the NFL right now and his partner in crime, Antonio Cromartie, has done a good job with the added plays he’s asked to defend because teams are afraid to throw on Revis. The big issue has been the play of the safeties. Jim Leonhard has not finish either of the last two season because of injury and has become a hazard on the team. If the team replaces Leonhard, it is a good year to find a safety in the draft. With the 18^th pick in this seasons draft I would take Mark Barron out of Alabama if he were to fall in their lap. Another option would be Antonio Allen, however they could most likely wait until the second round to pick up the Strong Safety out of South Carolina.

-Scott Burgess

 Hofstra University '13

For all Jets news and information go to: http://www.newyorkjets.com/ 

2012 NFL draft information: http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft

New York Teams Keep (Lin)ning

With the dust still settling in New York from Super Bowl XLVI, two other local teams have been making noise in their respective leagues. After Tuesday nights 3-0 win over the Boston Bruins, the New York Rangers have become the clear number one in the Eastern Conference and arguably in the NHL. While the New York Knicks are riding a six game win streak under the wing of new sensation Jeremy Lin. Overall, it’s a great time to be a New York Sports fan.

            The Rangers have finally moved away from the Yankee mentality of over-paying old superstars and have focused on bringing younger players up through their farm league. So far this season four players with major ice time have been called up from their affiliate the Hartford Wale and have brought an energetic spark to the team. Aside from the great effort the team continues to give every night, much of the Rangers success can be attributed to their goaltending. Starting goalie Henrik Lundqvist is leading the league in both goals against average, with 1.81, and shutouts with 7. The team is also anchored by veterans Ryan Callahan and Marian Gaborik who lead the team in points with 48 and 41 respectively. Things are looking good for this young Rangers team who now have a 9-point lead in the Eastern Conference over the second place Boston Bruins. If Lunqvist can continue his level of play you can expect a deep run in the playoffs by the New York Rangers.

            Back over on the hardwood, the New York Knicks were facing implosion just two weeks ago with all-stars Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire both sitting out due to injury. The team’s 8-15 record didn’t seem like it would be improving anytime soon until Harvard graduate and now NBA superstar Jeremy Lin came onto the scene. Lin is now 6-0 in his first six career starts and has jumpstarted a slumping Knicks team. He has averaged 27 points , 9 assists and 3 rebounds per game in his past five games and had scored more points in his first five career starts then any player in NBA history, and yes I mean more then both Michael Jordan and Lebron James. After hitting a game winning three last night in Toronto and finishing with a team high 27 points and 11 assists Lin continues to prove that he is the real deal and I cant find any reason to disagree.  Some people are beginning to question whether the return of the team’s two biggest players will disrupt the teams newly acquired flow. But Anthony responded with, “I can play with anyone, I always have.” Don’t look now Knicks fans, you finally have something to cheer about.

- Scott Burgess