New York Jets
2010 record: 11-5, 2nd in AFC East
Last playoff appearance: 2010, (17-16W vs IND, 28-21W vs NE, 24-19L vs. PIT)
General Manager: Mike Tannenbaum (2006-present)
Head Coach: Rex Ryan (2009-present)
Offensive Coordinator: Brian Schottenheimer (2006-present)
Defensive Coordinator: Mike Pettine (2009-present)
Defensive alignment: 3-4

2010 NFL Rankings
OFF: 22.9 Pts (11th); 318.7 YDS (7th); 202.6 PASS (22nd); 148.4 RUSH (4th)
DEF: 19.0 Pts (3rd); 291.5 YDS (3rd); 200.6 PASS (6th); 90.9 RUSH (3rd)

Russ’ Outlook: The Jets made the AFC Championship Game each of the past two seasons.  The team had no major losses over the offseason and is expected to improve.  Darrelle Revis is not holding out and is healthy.  Mark Sanchez is a year older and has a relationship with Santonio Holmes going into the season.  They will have a couple of question marks on the offensive and defensive lines, but overall the team seems improved through age, experience and maturity.

The AFC is loaded with strong teams in Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, New England, Baltimore and others.  I fully expect the Jets to make the playoffs once again and should be favorites for a return trip to the AFC Championship Game.  The big question is, can they win it this time?  I am not sure just yet, but watching the team and seeing the news stories about them will never leave us with a dull day with the Jets.

Projected Starters
QB- Mark Sanchez
RB- Shonn Greene
FB- John Conner
WR- Plaxico Burress
WR- Santonio Holmes
TE- Dustin Keller
LT- D’Brickashaw Ferguson
LG- Matt Slauson
C- Nick Mangold
RG- Brandon Moore
RT- Wayne Hunter

LE- Muhammed Wilkerson
NT- Sione Pouha
RE- Mike DeVito
LOLB- Bryan Thomas
LILB- Bart Scott
RILB- David Harris
ROLB- Calvin Pace
CB- Darrelle Revis
FS- Brodney Poole
SS- Jim Leonhard
CB- Antonio Cromartie

Fantasy Performers
1) Santonio Holmes, WR
2) Shonn Green, RB
3) LaDanian Tomlinson, RB
4) Mark Sanchez, QB

2011 Schedule (all times EST)
Week 1- Sep 11 vs Cowboys, 8:20pm (MNF)
Week 2- Sep 18 vs Jaguars, 1:00pm
Week 3- Sep 25 at Raiders, 4:05pm
Week 4- Oct 2 at Ravens, 8:20pm
Week 5- Oct 9 at Patriots, 4:15pm
Week 6- Oct 17 vs Dolphins, 8:30pm (MNF)
Week 7- Oct 23 vs Chargers, 1:00pm
Week 8- Bye
Week 9- Nov 6 at Bills, 1:00pm
Week 10- Nov 13 vs Patriots, 8:20pm
Week 11- Nov 17 at Broncos, 8:20pm
Week 12- Nov 27 vs Bills, 1:00pm
Week 13- Dec 4 at Redskins, 1:00pm
Week 14- Dec 11 vs Chiefs, 1:00pm
Week 15- Dec 18 at Eagles, 4:15pm
Week 16- Dec 24 vs Giants, 1:00pm
Week 17- Jan 1 at Dolphins, 1:00pm

Moves
Free Agent Acquisitions:
Plaxico Burress, WR (FA)
Derrick Mason WR (Ravens)

Free Agent Losses (and those unsigned as of 8/5/11):
Kellen Clemens, QB – Signed by Redskins
Drew Coleman, CB – Signed by Jaguars
Braylon Edwards, WR – Signed by 49ers
Shaun Ellis, DE – Signed by Patriots
James Ihedigbo, S
Kris Jenkins, DT
Lance Laury, LB
Trevor Price, DE
Tony Richardson, RB
Brad Smith, WR – Signed by Bills
Jason Taylor, DE – Signed by Dolphins
Steve Weatherford, P – Signed by Giants
Damien Woody, T

Re-signed:
Santonio Holmes, WR
Wayne Hunter, T
Robert Turner, T
Antonio Cromatrie, CB
Brodney Pool, S
Eric Smith, S
Nick Folk, K

Trades:
None of note

2011 Jets Draft Review:
The Jets filled some needs with a limited number of picks.  While none of the picks may be superstars, all have a good chance to make the 2011 squad.  This may be a draft where the sum of the parts are much greater than the individual grades.

Overall Draft Grade:
B

Picks in 2011 NFL Draft
Rd 1, Pick 30: Muhammad Wilkerson – DT – Temple- Wilkerson was a selection as the jets have been without Kris Jenkins over the past two seasons with injuries.  The jets defense can only work with a strong presence in the middle of the defensive line.  He is considered athletic and should be a strong addition to an already strong defense
Grade: B+
Rating: 8

Rd 3, Pick 94: Kendrick Ellis, DT – Hampton- Another pick to keep the middle of the defensive line strong.  He is listed at 6’5” and 345 pounds.
Grade: C
Rating: 6

Rd 4, Pick 126: Bilal Powell, RB – Louisville – He has a chance to run behind Green and Tomlinson, but those number of carries will be limited.  He has a chance to be a major contributor to the team as Greene has injury history.
Grade: C
Rating: 6

Rd 5, Pick 153: Jeremy Kerley, WR – TCU – Kerley was drafted to take over Brad Smith’s position as a special teamer and receiver if Smith left due to free agency.  Smith left.  This was a good pick for the Jets, protecting a need.
Grade: B
Rating: 8

Rd 7, Pick 208: Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama- Considered a smart, thinking quarterback and can be a backup to Sanchez in time.  He may not have the “stuff” to be a starter, especially with the Jets, but he is a smart thrower and a good game manager.
Grade: C
Rating: 6

Rd 7, Pick 227: Scotty McKnight, WR – Colorado – McKnight is Sanchez’ best friend since they were 8.  He is under 6 feet but could fill the role that Wayne Chrebet used to fill with the Jets as a possession receiver.  Who knows, maybe friendship matters.
Grade: D
Rating: 4

2010 Stat Leaders
QB: Mark Sanchez: 278-507, 3291 yards, 54.8%, 6.49avg, 17 TD, 13 int, 75.3 rating
RB: LaDanian Tomlinson: 219 car, 914 yards, 4.2avg, 6 TD
WR: Braylon Edwards: 53 rec, 904 yards, 17.1avg, 7 TD