[mmarra82]

2003 New York Jets

As our difficult season comes to a close it is one that will be remembered in New York but would like to forget. In the course of a season the Jets lost their General Manager, Terry Bradway, then their Coach, Herman Edwards, and finally most of the staff. In came new General Manager, Michael Marra who hired former Michigan Coach, Ed McGregor, who struggled in the beginning, in which the Jets began 0-7 but finished competitive going 6-3 to finish at 6-10. Rating for the staff: C-
During the season the Jets lost faith in their Franchise Quarterback, Chad Pennington who went 0-7 as a starter and posted a quarterback rating of 68.0, and handed the reins over to veteran Vinny Testaverde who went 6-3 as a starter and led the league in quarterback rating of 100.8. So, do you place the blame on the staff who took their early season lumps along with Pennington, or do you blame Pennington for the horrible start. Testaverde showed that the system does work, will he be back next season, and if so, who's job is it? Rating for the QB's: F/A
The running backs were led by Curtis Martin who carried nearly all the load. For the season Martin finished with 1157 yards rushing, and caught 80 balls for an additional 629 yards. However, the rest of the group did little to help Martin causing the Jets rushing game to finish 30th in the league in rushing. The Jets need to find Martin some help. Grades for the RB's: C
The receiving corp was solid this season, led by veteran Wayne Chrebet with 68 receptions. Moss at times looked like the replacement of Coles that the Jets envisioned, however, his production of 63 receptions for 938 yards does not make up for Coles, 80 and nearly 1200 yards a year ago. The Jets had hoped to start rookie, Tyrone Calico at the Split End position but growing pains led to him being in on three and four receiver sets primarily. He finished his rookie campaign with 43 receptions and just over 500 yards. Tight End Anthony Becht, statistically had his worst season since his rookie year as he finished with only 26 receptions. Receiver Grades: C+
The Offensive Line started off slow, like the rest of the team, but came on at the end. The Jets shuffled the line after the half way point, bringing in Victor Riley and releasing than starter, Brent Smith. Many feel this was a move that made the players realize that your job is not always safe. The line's performance as well as the team responded to this. The Jets do need some help at the Guard position as the team's pass protection did lack at times. O-Line Grade: CThe defensive line's performance during the season was a disappointment to say the least. This is an area the front office thought would flourish, however, the staters combined for 12 sacks during the season. John Abraham, alone had 13 in each of the last two seasons. The biggest disappointment came from Shaun Ellis, who finished with just 1.5 sacks. Their is talk that the Jets could move Ellis to the inside, a move that did not work for Edwards, or deal Ellis and find a new DE. Abraham came on at the end, but McGregor felt that Abraham was solid throughout the season. On the inside it is expected that Jason Ferguson played his last game with the Jets. Ferguson, who was solid against the run could become a cap casulty. Rookie Ty Warren had an up and down season, but did start 15 games, and record 39 tackles and 3 sacks. D-Line Grade: F
The Linebacker Corp struggled, as expected, the team had 2 new staters this season and Cowart was moved from the outside to the inside. Rookie Boss Bailey started the last 10 games of the season, and started strong but fizzled at the end. Bailey needs to learn the grind of an NFL Season. Al Singleton was quiet on the weak side, which could spell the end to his 1 year with the Jets. LB Grade: D
The Jets Pass Defense finished 16th in the league. Not bad for a team that had no pass rush, however, a lot of those games the opponents were ahead and able to run the ball, so do not get too excited. Strong Safety, Tyrone Carter was the star of the secondary. Carter who was signed as a free agent to play Safety or Cornerback won the starting Strong Safety position, and cashed in with 6 interceptions. However, he was not much against the run and could find himself the nickel corner next season. Free Safety Jon McGraw was a non-factor, making 0 interceptions, and getting beat on more than one occasion by deep balls. The corners, Abraham and Beasley showed their age at times, and their veteran abilities at others. While it would be nearly impossible to replace both corners, one is not out of the question. DB Grade: C-