2006 NFL Preview: The New York Jets

Quarterback- Heading into the 2006 NFL season, the New York Jets don’t have the quarterback crisis they thought they were going to have heading into the 2006 NFL draft. Instead of selecting Matt Leinart, Vince Young, or Jay Cutler, the Jets wisely selected dominating tackle D’Brickshaw Ferguson to anchor their offensive line for the next twelve to fifteen years. The Jets’ quarterback situation in the 2006 NFL season depends entirely on Chad Pennington’s health and his ability to return from a couple of injury marred seasons. Coach Eric Mangini does have some arms to go to in the absence of Pennington, including free agent pickup Patrick Ramsey, veterans Jay Fiedler and Brooks Bollinger, and rookie Kellen Clemens. Pennington is going to beat out Ramsey for the starting position, while Ramsey is going to beat out Fiedler and Bollinger for the backup spot. Ramsey may earn himself a spot as the Jets’ starter with another Pennington trip to the IR. At the third spot, highly regarded Kellen Clemens will win the spot and look to develop as the Jets’ quarterback of the future. Pennington won’t last the entire 2006 NFL season and Ramsey will get another chance to prove his worth in the NFL.
2006 NFL Grade: B-

Running Back/ Full Back- The New York Jets are set at fullback for the 2006 NFL season, with B.J. Askew developing into a solid blocking and receiving back to compliment the stable of running backs they have. However, Curtis Martin showed signs of wear last season and running backs don’t get better with age. Martin will gradually be replaced by the winner of a battle between Cedric Houston and Derrick Blaylock, with Houston showing the most promise at the end of the 2005 NFL season. Houston and Blaylock in the backfield is decent, but not overwhelming.
2006 NFL Grade: C+