[mmarra82]

HALFWAY REPORT

We have reached the halfway mark, and although our record of 4-4 is 3 games better than last season's 1-7, some of the same problems still exist.

We still lack a pass defense, despite the additions of cornerback Alex Molden, and rookie linebacker Jonathan Vilma, we are ranked last in passing yards allowed. Molden has been benched in favor of Jacoby Shepherd. The pass rush has been minimal at best. Abraham and Ellis have managed just 5.5 sacks combined. That would not even get them into the top-10 pass rushers at this time. Second year defensive tackle Ty Warren has struggled this season, even to the point where he was benched for a game in favor of veteran reserve defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin. On the positives, Sam Cowart and Boss Bailey have had great seasons. The two are near the top in tackles, and have made some key plays at big moments of the games. It looks as though the Jets have established a solid group of linebackers this season, something that was not there last season. Now, the questions begin as to what to do next year.

Five of the current eleven defensive starters are scheduled to be free agents at the end of the season if we elect not to negotiate new contracts. They are Shaun Ellis, Jason Ferguson, John Abraham, Tyrone Carter and Jacoby Shepherd. Out of those five Shepherd is the only one looking for a near minimal deal. In this age of the salary cap, and the position the Jets are in next season some tough decisions will have to be made. The early thoughts are to let Ferguson go, and if Carter's demands do not lessen to say good bye to him as well. We would like to keep Abraham despite his last two seasons of mediocre play. His contract will probably be somewhere in the neighborhood of $5 million per season. With Shaun Ellis one of the thoughts is to franchise him, sign him and trade him if we can make a deal that is friendly enough to warrant that, otherwise it is likely he will be a unrestricted free agent. So that means it looks as though we will have to replace three starters along with getting some needed help at the cornerback position.

On the offensive side of the ball things have gone better than expected. Pennington has played pretty good thus far. His numbers are a big turn around from last season, however, he has still struggled at times in the red zone getting the team into the end zone. That can be directly related to the running game. The running game has struggled, and it is not just the offensive line's fault. Curtis Martin has lost a step, but he is still more than capable of being the everydown back. The Jets still lack a right guard, vacated by the departure of Victor Riley to free agency. The receivers have played well. Moss has been a game breaker since his return in week 3, while Chrebet himself has made more than his share of big plays. Second year receiver, Tyrone Calico continues to develop, although he does not look like a superstar in the making, he looks to be more than capable of playing everydown if needed.

On the starting offensive side of the ball only Anthony Becht will be a free agent, and looking at his decreasing numbers, will probably have the opportunity to walk. The other question will be whether to offer Lamont Jordan a new contract. Jordan has not played that well behind Martin, but with Martin's ability on the decline, do the Jets have the option of letting a reliable backup go? I would say probably not at this time. It appears that if the Jets can find a starting right guard, the Jets would be a step ahead. Some other things to consider are Santana Moss. Moss is scheduled to be a free agent after the 2005 season, his demands will likely be high, as his skills are assessed at the top of the league. So, the Jets will obviously have to decide if his deal will fit in with the Jets plans, otherwise we will have to think about a replacement in this year's draft to give him time to develop.

Despite this, we are sitting at 4-4 and in first place in our division. We have 5 of our next 8 games at home in the second half. We feel if we can finish 6-2 or even 5-3 down the stretch the playoffs are a stong possibility.