Three Questions: The New York Jets

After a surprising playoff birth in 2006, the Jets were looking to improve and perhaps even make a run at the Super Bowl. Instead, they went in the opposite direction. After being totally dominated by the New England Patriots in week one (38-14), the Jets' season went downhill from there. They had issues at quarterback, the offensive line was porous, and the defense could not put pressure on the opposing quarterback. In the end, the Jets finished with a 4-12 mark, and the playoff season of 2006 seemed like a distant memory. So, the Jets decided to improve their team by spending money like it was going out of style, signing free agents such as All-Pro guard Alan Faneca, outside linebacker Calvin Pace, and other players to huge contracts. The Jets made a lot of noise in the offseason, but will it pay off?

Key Additions: G Alan Faneca, OT Damien Woody, FB Tony Richardson, LB Calvin Pace, DT Kris Jenkins

Key Losses: LB Jonathan Vilma, DT Dewayne Robertson, S Erik Coleman

Key Draft Picks: OLB Vernon Gholston, TE Dustin Kellar

1. Will the new offensive lineman and fullback make the running game go this year?

Chances are that they will. After all, Faneca is a multiple-time All-Pro who spent his first nine years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who love to run the ball and were very successful due in large part to the play of Faneca. It is rare that you can say this about a guard, but Faneca will have a huge impact on the team, even if he will be 32 at the end of the season. Woody is a good, but not great player, but he is an improvement at right tackle over the displaced Anthony Clement. Richardson has made a living blocking for All-Pro running backs such as Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson, and Adrian Peterson. The Jets don't have anyone of that caliber at running back, but if the line does their job, then Thomas Jones should be able to improve on a disappointing 2007. With Faneca and Woody joining recent first-round picks D'Brickashaw Ferguson (LT) and Nick Mangold (C), the Jets have the makings of a very good offensive line. That is something they could not say last year.

2. Who's the starting quarterback for the Jets, Kellen Clemens or Chad Pennington?