[mmarra82]

Defensive Line - The defensive line helped a Jets defense finish 5th against the run (98.3 yards per game) and 19th against the pass (230.5 yards per game). Part of the problem with the pass defense was pressure on the quarterback. The team finished with 31 sacks, tied for 25th worst in the league. Other than John Abraham (11 sacks) the pass rush is an area of concern.

John Abraham proved he was worth the long contract extension by leading the team with 11 sacks this season, he has also proved he can play the run equally well recording 66 tackles. Abraham was solid at the RDE position and looks forward to building upon this year's second half success (8 sacks, 32 tackles, 14 pressures).

At LDE was Abraham's counterpart, Shaun Ellis. Ellis struggled this season at times finishing with 5.5 sacks and 45 tackles. Ellis was looking for a contract similar to Abraham's when the season started, however, his demands have lessened, however, the Jets and Ellis are still far apart, Ellis will have his chance to sign elsewhere this year. This will leave a hole for the Jets to fill. They can draft another D-Linemen with a first round pick (4 in the last 5 seasons), or try to find a veteran to step in at a lesser cost. The later seems like the most realistic solution. We are already talking of moving Jonathan Vilma to the strong side, and Bailey over to the weak side, this would allow us to use Bailey as a pass rusher on passing downs. He has excellent rushing strength and technique to get to the quarterback.

In the trenches the team is beginning to see the development of an outstanding tackle. Ty Warren has developed the skills to be one of the best against the run. He recognizes plays so well, that he surprises many of his teammates and coaches at time. Warren recorded 65 tackles during the season and 3 sacks as well. Although, pass rushing still needs some work, Warren is playing at a level the team had only hoped for when they picked him number 13 overall two seasons ago.

Jason Ferguson's times with the Jets could be coming to an end, he has said that he would like to stay, and the team would like to keep him, however, if it does happen it will during the free agency period. Ferguson is excellent against the run, however, he does not have the ability to get after the quarterback, because he is not the complete player he once was, the team is hesitant to commit the money to him he is looking for ($9.2 million, 4 seasons). Ferguson recorded 52 tackles during the year, primarily in running situations. During passing situations he was replaced by 3rd year man, Alan Harper.

Harper contributed once again off the bench for the Jets. Playing in primarily passing downs, he recorded 2.5 sacks and 4 pressures. Harper will most likely be resigned to do the same again.

The Jets will also look to resign Cornelius Griffin. The former first round pick of the Giants played well for the Jets, and helped Warren along this season. It is possible that Griffin, if resigned, could compete to play along side Warren next season.

If the Jets do not sign anyone through free agency or fill the void of the departure of Ellis through the draft, the team might give Bryan Thomas the chance. What concerns the Jets is that Thomas is a natural RDE, same as Abraham, the team is reluctant to move Abraham, and unsure if Thomas can make the switch. As Abraham's back up this season, Thomas saw limited action.

Look for the Jets and veteran, Josh Evans to part ways as well. Evans played in just 8 games this season, but was beat out in the second half by 7th round pick Nathaniel Adibi. Adibi saw limited action as he continues to develop.

Grade: B-


Linebackers - This was the strongest unit of the defense, led by middle linebacker, Sam Cowart. Cowart finished the season with 120 solo-tackles (3rd in the league), 1.5 sacks and a tackle percentage of 18.8 (4th in the league), a forced fumble and 3 interceptions. Cowart is 29 years old, and still has plenty of football in front of him. He is signed through 2007, next year's cap hit is a moderate $2.9 million. Not bad for one of the best defensive players in the league.

Second year man, Boss Bailey occupied the stong-side this season and enjoyed a fine year. Bailey finished 11th in the league in tackles among outside linebackers. Bailey's athleticism could find him in various positions next season. He is an excellent pass rusher (potential of 97 technique and 82 strength) and could be put into more pass rushing situations next season.

Rookie Jonathan Vilma had the opportunity to play all three linebacker positions. He primarily started at the weak-side in 11 games this season. Vilma finished with 46 solo tackles. Vilma is a smart player who can play the run and the pass equally as well as rush the quarterback. It looks as if Vilma will be moved to strong side next year to be on the field in nickle situations while Bailey will move to the weak side on first and second downs and the defensive end position on passing situations.

Reserve linebacker Al Singleton will probably be back as a backup to Vilma and Cowart. Singleton was brought in during the 2003 season to replace Mo Lewis. Singleton started in 13 games and was ineffective. This season he started one game and primarily saw action on special teams.

Second year reserve linebacker, Victor Hobson will be retained because of his small cap hit. The athletic Hobson has lots of ability to play the pass and rush the passer, however, he struggles against the run. Hobson will be the primary backup at the weak side behind Bailey next season.

Navies who just completed his second season with the Jets has struggled, he started the first 6 games of the 2003 season, before being replaced by Boss Bailey. Navies saw little action on defense this season and is sure to be released.

Jason Glenn will be an unrestricted free agent, the Jets will look to bring in or draft a middle linebacker to back up Cowart, meaning Glenn's days with the Jets are finished.

Grade: A-


Secondary - This is an area that on paper looked like it improved, however, statistically that was not the case, in fact the pass defense got off to a horific start, allowing 257 yards passing per game through the halfway mark. However, by year's end the pass defense had settled down and brought that average down to 230 yards per game, finishing 19th in the league. There was changes made in the secondary, Alex Molden replaced Donnie Abraham, Jacoby Shepherd replaced Ray Mickens as the nickle back and the team drafted Dana McAllister with their second round pick to be the cornerback of the future. So, I guess you had to expect that it would take time to gell, now we have to plan for next season.

It is expected that our starting strong safety, Tyrone Carter will move on. Carter's contract is up and he is looking for a big commitment. We are not ready to do that with Carter. He is playing out of position at strong safety, and is not strong in man coverage. Carter has been the lone playmaker the past two seasons back there, intercepting 10 passes, and returning two back for touchdowns. Carter played along side, Jon McGraw.

McGraw just completed his second season as a starter with the Jets, and improvement is showing. McGraw might be better suited to be a stong safety for the Jets with his run stopping abilities and his hard hits. McGraw was in on 139 tackles the past two seasons. McGraw is sign at a modest salary through the 2006 season.

Depth at safety could be a concern, Derek Pagel completed his second season and struggles with the ability to diagnois plays. Lacking that skill will probably lead Pagel to be a reserve player for his career. The other deterent with Pagel is he lacks special team's abilities. Something you do not want working against you if you are not a starter. Rookie Etric Pruitt did have something to offer. Pruitt was selected in the third round. He is a wonderful athlete who can play special teams, and return the ball on kicks and punts. Pruitt averaged 24.0 yards per kick return and brought one back for a touchdown. Pruitt will see time on special teams and in reserve situations. He is a longshot right now to become a starter.

The corners were led by veteran Aaron Beasley this season. The nine year veteran enjoyed a solid season. Beasley is expected to be a cap casulty however, he is scheduled to count nearly $4.0 million against the cap next season. That is a lot of money for a 31 year old corner, who is just, OK.

Free agent acquisition, Alex Molden got off to a rough start with the team. Molden came over to be the playmaker after intercepting 7 with the Detroit the previous season. However, Molden was beat often earlier in the season, resulting in a benching. Molden did regain the spot back when Shepherd was injured and never looked back. Molden seemed to play like the team hoped he would late in the season and the playoffs. Molden will be 32 years old next season, and will be back with the opportunity to compete for the starting position or play nickleback, something the team feel he would excel at.

Jacoby Shepherd earned four starts during the season at corner and played well. Shepherd who is an average corner with average abilities, but could fit nice on a team in a reserve role. He is a free agent, and the team feels that if they want they can sign him. The question is, does he fit in? It is expected that the team will release Beasley and bring in another cornerback. We think that Molden is better suited at the nickle spot, however, finances would probably relegate us from signing two starting cornerbacks. So, Molden will get to start alongside someone new. We invested a 2nd round pick in McAllister, so we need to play him, and the best spot for that is at the nickle back. Now, we might draft another corner high, which would leave Shepherd out of the mix. So, if we do resign him, it will be late in the game.

Rookie corner, Dana McAllister struggled his rookie season. We had hoped to get McAllister in more, but he did see the field for 100 pass plays. McAllister has good size and potential, he just needs to get some time. It is still a little early to tell the levels McAllister will reach, but the Jets did move up in the second round to get him, so we are hoping.

Reserve corner Jason Webster signed late in the season with us when Molden went down with an injury. Webster played sparingly and said he enjoyed his brief stay with the Jets.

Grade: C