Defensive Notes
The Jets finished the year as one of the top fantasy defenses (not to mention the NFL's top-ranked group), and one of its lesser offenses. Still, a year from now will probably see more changes on the defensive side of the ball than to the team's offense.
New York allowed a league-low 8 TD passes last season, but three of the team's top five defensive backs -- Lito Sheppard, Kerry Rhodes, Donald Strickland -- probably won't be back next season. That's according to this article in the Newark Star-Ledger. Sheppard and Rhodes were both benched at various points in the season, while Strickland has had problems staying healthy. His loss early against the Colts was a major factor in Peyton Manning lighting the secondary up in the AFC Championship Game.
New York might also part ways with second-year linebacker Vernon Gholston, who hasn't made an impact in his two seasons and stands as the team's only failed first-round pick in recent years. The team's other first-round selections -- D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold, Darrelle Revis, Dustin Keller, Mark Sanchez -- have all panned out; Gholston has been a bust.
On offense, the biggest question is whether the team will keep Thomas Jones, who's due a nearly $3 million roster bonus in March and appeared to slow late in the season, outperformed by rookie Shonn Greene. Should Jones return, however, the offense will be largely unchanged. Rex Ryan says the team will tender restricted free agent Braylon Edwards at the highest level, all but guaranteeing he'll be back with the team next season.
--Andy Richardson
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