Concluding thoughts: The Jets were better than your average 88 team last year and enter 2012 with lower expectations, an easier schedule and a better defense. Much will come down to the quarterback play, as tends to happen in the N.F.L. But the biggest wild cards in my view are the health of the safeties and Sparano’s impact on the offense. No one is expecting great — or even above average — quarterback play from the Jets,Cheap Ryan Clady Jersey, but they won’t need that to make the playoffs if the other pieces meet expectations. And that gets us to the quarterback position. In the Jets’ ideal world, the defense and running game dominate, thanks to excellent offensive and defensive lines. In that case, Mark Sanchez won’t be asked to do too much, and could lead his team to the playoffs much as Alex Smith or Andy Dalton last season — or Sanchez in 2009 and 2010. While we shouldn’t expect significant improvement out of Sanchez, I do expect him to play better this year. He never seemed to be on the same page with Schottenheimer,Cheap Mike Bell Jersey, and the switch to Sparano’s offense should help. If nothing else, Sanchez is certain to cut down on his 26 turnovers last year, second most in the league behind Josh Freeman (27). The biggest weakness on defense — a glaring hole for years — is at?safety. It’s hard to imagine the Jets’ defense not ranking in the top quarter of the league in 2012 — they’ve ranked in the top six in points per drive allowed each year under Ryan — but whether they’re in competition for the No. 1 slot depends on the health of LaRon Landry and Yeremiah Bell. Shonn Greene is the running back version of Keller: he’s unexciting but solid, and will most likely shoulder a large load this season with LaDainian Tomlinson gone. The Fifth Down contributor Chase Stuart, who visited Jets camp last week, offers a few observations on what to expect from the Jets this season. Hiscan be found at his new Web site, The offensive line was the game’s best in 2009, but the Jets have had holes at left guard and right tackle ever since Alan Faneca and Damien Woody retired. Matt Slauson has been serviceable at left guard, but Wayne Hunter was a disaster in 2011, prompting the Jets to trade for Carolina’s Jeff Otah (who will be sent back to Carolina if he can’t pass his physical with the team). It’s a good thing the Jets have a deep line because the linebackers form a weak group. Bryan Thomas is recovering from multiple injuries that ended his 2011 season after just four games, but neither Thomas nor Calvin Pace has ever been an effective edge rusher for the Jets. Bart Scott has shed some weight in the hopes of being faster and better in pass coverage this year; the Jets also drafted Demario Davis to add speed to the group. While Harris is strong against the run, expect the Jets to use their linebackers less than ever under Ryan this season. One “linebacker” who should get more work this year is Aaron Maybin, who exceeded expectations as a pass rushing specialist in 2010. Tight end Dustin Keller will continue to be a capable blocker and above average receiver, and could see a bigger portion of the pie if the receivers fail to develop. Defense Offense Expecting Holmes to return to his 2010 form may be too much, but they will need one of the other receivers to outperform expectations. Stephen Hill is a talented but raw wide receiver who should be a strong deep threat and red zone target. If nothing else, his presence — and Sparano’s desire to stretch the field vertically — should help the Jets’ running game and their underneath receivers. Tebow should help the Jets in shortyardage situations, and yes, could help the Jets on a fake punt or two. I expect him to see the field for about 10 offensive snaps in most games, and perhaps more frequently when Sanchez struggles. But I doubt he steals the job outright, and Ryan will be hesitant to make such a switch. But Tebow will be a part of the offense — remember, the hiring of Sparano and the addition of Tebow were not coincidences — and I suspect will simply make the Jets become a more physical, runheavy team. After three years of coexisting with Brian Schottenheimer, a holdover from the prior regime, Ryan finally got to hire an offensive coordinator. Ryan clashed with Schottenheimer, whose offenses were more complex and passheavy than Ryan wanted. Enter Tony Sparano, made from the same “ground and pound” cookie cutter as Ryan himself. The Jets are going to run a lot in 2012, certainly more than they did in 2011. The Jets pass/run ratio increased from 41.5 percent in 2009 to 51 percent in 2010 to 57.2 percent last season, and the additions of Sparano and Tim Tebow signal a return to the 2009 formula. Opening thought: While the Sanchez/Tebow stories will dominate the media’s attention, in reality, the defense and the running game will be the key elements of the 2012 Jets. The wide receiver group is among the league’s least proven, although the Jets hope the sum is more than the individual parts. Santonio Holmes was a disaster on and off the field last season,Cheap Jason Taylor Jersey, and can’t contribute any less this year. If nothing else, Ryan is willing to acknowledge the fact that Holmes is perhaps the least likeable Jet since Mark Gastineau. When asked about Tim Tebow, he said: “I want all of the players to be as popular as Tebow. I don’t think that’s going to happen, especially with Santonio Holmes, obviously.” The defensive line is more talented and deep than it has been in ages. Rex Ryan, a defensive line coach for six years in Baltimore, has done an excellent job of upgrading the quality of that unit. Muhammad Wilkerson played well as a rookie in 2011, and Ryan expects a Richard Seymourlike season out of him this year. ?The addition of the athletic rookie Quinton Coples means the Jets will play more 43 (or 425) this season. It’s hard to imagine Ryan not trying to get Coples on the field as much as he can. The defense is arguably more talented now than in any other season under Ryan, and will continue to be the strength of the team. The author introduces： YF Sidney Rice seahawks Jersey on sale 731 365d JERSEYS is a privately owned sports goods company with a history of nearly 4 years.We have the professional factory behind us manufacturing all sports jerseys.www.365djerseys.com Read More