Dear GGN:

It’s been an awesome two years here, and I’ve probably learned more from you all than you from me. We’ve watched the team that previously had a commitment to mediocrity grow into a Super Bowl contender right in front of our very eyes. The Jets have asserted themselves as a force in this league, just ask Rex Ryan.

We now have a team of players and coaching staff in place that will compete for years to come -- and that kicks ass.

Unfortunately,  I regret to inform you all that I’ll be moving on to another online media outlet – Bleacher Report. SB Nation and B/R are clearly two of the top digital publishing platforms on the Web.

Want to give a shoutout to the GGN staff that make this site great:

John B. Where would this site be without its founder? Nowhere. I’ve worked behind the scenes with John for a long time now, as we are both committed to doing whatever it takes to better the experience on the site for its readers. John is a down-to-earth guy, and the most important trait he possesses is loyalty. I can’t tell you how many times he has gone to bat for me. This site is in great hands with a guy who knows exactly how the world of online media operates.

Dave Vill If there is one staff member that doesn’t get the proper credit he deserves, it’s Vill. I don’t think there was an assignment or task that he turned down, ever. One of the most humble (and nicest) guys I’ve ever met, this writer does not put himself on a pedestal and there is nothing he is above doing. Without Vill, we would definitely be devoid of certain types of content and angles that we like to hit on.

Ryan Alfieri The former writer went out with a bang, publishing his Top 15 Jets of the Rex Ryan Era list. Ryan and I have a good personal relationship and I can tell you he is hungry and driven. In the future, don't be surprised if you see him as a featured sports writer somewhere. Ryan is always eager to learn, and I think we all saw a lot of growth from him over his time here, as he did a great job producing narratives and that type of content.

Bro Namath, Judge Gavel, Gang Green Mag, BobDole These guys are great gatekeepers and ensure the interaction on this site stays clean. Bro Namath has been producing great content in recent weeks and another guy who we've seen a lot of growth from. Great team of guys here.

Crackback Him and I always had a great personal relationship -- and really -- what would this site be without Crack? He's the face of Gang Green Nation, just ask the guys on Pats Pulpit, they love him. Very intelligent guy who knows his Jets just as well as the next man, if not better. I personally think Jets should look into bringing him in as a scout!

Most of all, I want to thank our team of loyal readers. We have one of the best groups of guys of anywhere on the Web, and I can't emphasize how much your feedback helped us along. As I said, I learned more from you all than you from me -- you all definitely know your Jets football!

I will keep in touch with all of the GGN staff, and would like to keep in touch with its members/readers, too. Follow me on Twitter (@NYJetsMatt) or shoot me an email, TheMattBirch@Gmail.Com. We still root for the same team – the best f***ing team in the tri-state area – and will be hanging on to every moment of Gang Green’s 2011 season. 

Thanks again, couldn't have done it without your help. Godspeed: The sky is the limit for GGN!

Every season I do a breakdown of how I think the NFL's divisions will shape out. Last year, I pegged the Jets going 11-5 (which they did) and had them winning the Super Bowl. This year, am picking them to return to the postseason but to lose in the divisional round ... Which really means, the Jets will win the Super Bowl this year (thank me later).

Anyway, here are my projections and a short writeup for each division. Obviously, teams are ranked and listed in order of projected finish.

AFC East:

1) Patriots (As much as this pains me. Remember: It took nearly a year and a pact with an ex-member to not refer to them as the "Cheats" anymore. )
2) Jets (Wild Card)
3) Dolphins
4) Bills

NE is still the class of the division as it appears Jets may endure more issues in the trenches this upcoming season than in previous years. I think Jets will compete all season and garner a Wild Card berth; split with Patriots in two season matchups; but come up one game short (10-6 vs. 11-5) in AFC East race. Belichick took a big risk signing veteran defensive linemen and the drama queen WR Chad Ochocinco, but if anyone can pull it off and find a role for them, it's him. Jets had a great opportunity to win the East last year but came up short -- this season will be tougher, especially with a few of our ex-players now on their roster attempting to help them figure out our blitz schemes (bastards!) .. and a lot of film to watch during the long offseason.

Patriots and QB Tom Bieber are motivated after Jets spoiled their Super Bowl dreams and delivered a huge dagger win in Foxboro back in January. And this year, Mr. Bieber has loads of targets at every position on offense and should be able to put up 27+ points on any given night. Belichick took a chance and bolstered their defensive front tremendously by bringing in veterans that weren't contributing to their former teams. Pass rush was an issue last year and Belichick looked to rectify that in free agency. Obviously the experiment could fail, and durability is certainly a concern with aging, veteran acquisitions, but NE coaching staff cycles guys in and out often as they run a hybrid defense so I think it'll work. Fat Albert and Wilfork alongside eachother in a 4-3 would be ... fat.. Coverage by safeties and (hit-or-miss) defensive front experiment are main red flags.

The key to beating this team will, once again, come down to winning the time of possession war/racking up yards in small chunks on offense and keeping Brady off the field.

Jets are loaded at WR/CB and I think Sanchez will have his coming-out party in his third season as Schottenheimer opens up playbook/he takes the reins on offense -- so long as he sharpens his pre-snap reads and develops more consistency. The Plaxico Burress addition should help Jets red-zone woes. But surprisingly, the "Ground and Pound" run game has slowly regressed dating back to last season (ranked #9 in rushing YPA but only 4.4 YPA and Brad Smith padded the stats, too). LT is likely in his last season in NY and there's a lot of pressure on both young RB Shonn Greene and QB Mark Sanchez to step up and take the reins. Also, offensive line has Pro Bowl talent at C, RG and LT but will have issues in certain gaps with both Vlad Ducasse and Matt Slauson starting due to OT Wayne Hunter's injury. Jets also lack depth & are thin up there which worries me late in the season.  On defense, I worry about the lack of pass rush to disrupt opposing QBs' timing. We've installed some young, athletic guys up there so hopefully this will improve as season goes on. But remember, roughly 40% of Jets sacks last season came from players no long on the team (Taylor, Ellis, Coleman, Ihedigbo) .  

I think the Jets passing game will improve, but the run game and lack of pass rushing will be what keeps them from taking their first division title in nearly a decade.

Dolphins have an inaccurate, inconsistent, leadership-lacking QB. Add in a weak WR corps where even BRIAN HARTLINE is a star; lame-duck head coach who should have been fired last year; and owner who is more interested in a "night-life", party atmosphere rather than competing. The Dolphins are a joke right now and will be lucky to go .500. Bills are still rebuilding and will struggle in trenches on both sides of the ball.

(For the rest of the NFL and my Super Bowl selections, please follow along after the jump.)

Continue reading this post »

Jets QB Mark Sanchez has shown plenty of flashes of brilliance in clutch moments in games throughout his short career. He has also had his share of "stinker" games -- having trouble reading defenses and forcing throws into coverage.

Sanchez may not be an elite NFL quarterback yet, but it appears he is on his way.

New York Daily News' Gary Myers released his annual list of the NFL's Top 10 quarterbacks: Patriots QB Tom Brady sat atop of it -- while Sanchez just made the cut at the bottom.

1. Tom Brady, Patriots: He hasn't won the Super Bowl since the '04 season and was awful vs. Jets in playoffs last year. But he did have 36 TDs and only 4 INTs in regular season.

2. Peyton Manning, Colts: He gets an asterisk until we see how his second neck surgery in two years affects his play. He has not practiced this summer but is expected to be ready for the season opener. I think he's fifth all time behind Joe Montana, Johnny Unitas, Brady and John Elway.

3. Drew Brees, Saints: He's had five straight seasons with more than 4,300 passing yards, including 2009 Super Bowl season.

4. Aaron Rodgers, Packers: Three straight outstanding seasons since taking over for Brett Favre. Was great in Super Bowl run.

5. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers: Is 2-1 in Super Bowls in his first seven years. Not the prettiest to watch, just knows how to win.

6. Philip Rivers, Chargers: First in this group who's never been to the Super Bowl. Last three seasons: 92 TDs, 33 INTs.

7. Michael Vick, Eagles: If Andy Reid can keep him healthy, he's most electrifying player in league.

8. Eli Manning, Giants: His Super Bowl MVP keeps him ahead of next level of Matt Ryan, Mark Sanchez, Joe Flacco, Tony Romo, Jay Cutler, Josh Freeman.

9. Matt Ryan, Falcons: He didn't look so much like Matty Ice in playoff loss to Packers, but he's been to playoffs two out of three years after taking over franchise devastated by the Vick fiasco.

10. Mark Sanchez, Jets: I admit this might be a little high and you could make a case for Flacco, too, but this is a league where QBs are judged on how far they take their teams: Sanchez has been to two AFC title games in his two seasons with his four road playoff victories tying the NFL record.

Dolphins QB Chad Henne?

Yeah, he didn't quite make the cut.

Sanchez has already shown signs of growth, maturity and leadership in his first two seasons in the NFL. The sky is the limit and hopefully he takes the reins this season -- taking big steps into becoming an elite QB in the league.

Mike Westhoff is smarter than the average bear. The Jets special teams guru, in his eleventh season with the organization, always finds ways to think outside the box.

Tonight's preseason game was no different, as Westhoff decided to employ a new strategy, attempting to mitigate the effects of the new (awful) kickoff rule. 

Mike Florio was on his A-Game tonight, and pointed out Westhoff's strategy:

He lined up the returner line up seven yards deep in the end zone.  If the returner can catch the ball while moving forward, he was instructed to take the ball out.  If you have to back up for the kick, then take the touchback.

In a nutshell, Westhoff is looking to implement a "rule of thumb" here. The return man has the opportunity to gain momentum by starting deep in the end zone. And if the ball is just too deep, the player takes a knee. I like the idea. 

This is important because we know how big of an asset Westhoff's unit has been for the Jets the last couple of seasons. Two years ago, the Jets used it to springboard into the postseason by shocking the Colts, and last season, to keep teams on their toes throughout the year. And the new kickoff rule could curtail some of the unit's explosiveness.

In looking at the Jets schemes, both offensively and defensively, field position is crucial -- and looking at "70-80 yards to go" more often than not is a tough obstacle to overcome. "Ground and Pound" is built on manageable field position and manageable downs.

The Jets are still a three-headed monster: doing it with offense, defense and special teams. They are just hoping to find ways to operate even with the new kickoff rule in place. 

Damien Woody's football IQ is through the roof -- it's what made him such an effective player.

The 12-year veteran spent the majority of last season fighting through injuries but still managed to take the field and do a good job protecting QB Mark Sanchez.

Even when he's not 100 percent healthy, the crafty veteran found ways to get the job done with his wits.

As such, ESPN and 1050 ESPN Radio have asked him to join their team -- as an analyst. NYDN's Manish Mehta announced the move:

The first time the Jets reached out to CAA Sports in pursuit of a high-profile cornerback, they struck out. Nnamdi Asomugha chose to take his talents to Philadelphia.

But Trader Mike and Co. would not be shut down a second time. The two parties agreed to terms on a deal that would keep CB Antonio Cromartie in NY -- filling the Jets' biggest void on defense. The deal spans over 4 years and is worth $32 million, according to ESPN NY's Rich Cimini.

And this year, Gang Green wants to take care of business and run the table, Cromartie tweeted after the agreement was announced:

"They say Cro is back, Cro is back all #GangGreen fans say is Cro...lol I'm on my FLT headed home glad 2 b a JET...let's go win a Superbowl"

Sounds like a strong possibility, as Jets have been able to resign a good percentage of their top-tier free agents. And it would be great if they could resign FS Brodney Pool, too -- retaining guys who know the system rather than the Philadelphia Eagles' approach of signing every high-profile player on the market.

Cromartie had interest from both the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49'ers -- both of which recently lost their top cornerbacks. Essentially, he turned down a No. 1 spot -- but with two non-contenders. His decision to stay speaks volumes.

With this move, the Jets would essentially save $4 million/year from what the Eagles paid Nnamdi Asomugha.

And the depth chart would remain the same: CB Kyle Wilson would likely start at nickel back, with Cromartie and Revis, again, on the outside locking down whichever receivers they are matched up against.

Last year, Cromartie recorded 41 tackles and intercepted 3 passes -- dispelling rumors that he lacked consistency and was a high-risk, high-reward cornerback. After some work with Jets' coaching staff early in the season helping him come into his role in DC Mike Pettine's system, he displayed strong cover skills and complimented Revis well.

This signing was imperative if the Jets wanted to return to the postseason again, and it looks to be completed. So let's all take a deep breath, and hope the front office can get the safety position taken care of, and maybe land a pass-rusher on the cheap, too.

AlCrotraz is fully-operational and taking prisoners once again.

If Nnamdi Asomugha wants to win a Super Bowl, he'll end this bidding war and take his talents to the beautiful swamps of New Jersey.

You see, Asomugha isn't used to winning, as was drafted by the Raiders organization and has spent his entire career shutting down receivers for Al Davis.

And poor Nnamdi hasn't even had the pleasure of playing in a playoff game during his entire career. He was drafted in 2002 -- the season after the Raiders last participated in the postseason.

Which is why, I believe, the Jets are the favorites to land Asomugha at the current time.

The 30-year-old CB is at a point in his career when he's going to want to play for a Super Bowl contender. The Jets have reached the AFC Championship in back-to-back years. And the Niners, well, they might be contenders to win their little NFC West division -- easily the worst in football. But with Alex Smith still operating behind center, and RB Frank Gore currently holding out, how much noise can they make in the postseason? Not much.

The Houston Texans are effectively out of the Aso mix -- they recently signed (former Bengal) CB Johnathan Joseph to a 5-year deal worth $48.75 million ($23.5 million guaranteed).

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are $56M under the salary cap and are forced to spend money to get within 99 percent of cap. But Glazer doesn't usually get into bidding wars with high-profile free agents, and prefers to field players that come from within the system. And it's hard to see the Bucs winning 10 games again this season, with parity in the division as the Carolina Panthers have upgraded their roster.

The Philadelphia Eagles landed (former Cardinal) CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in a trade earlier today, shipping QB Kevin Kolb to the desert.

The Dallas Cowboys, even after their five potential player releases, would still be roughly $4-5M under cap, which wouldn't be enough to offer Asomugha.

And the Washington Redskins signed (former Raven) CB Josh Wilson.

So much for the "Jets don't have enough cap room to land Nnamdi," as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Jets were roughly $10M under cap earlier this morning. They've cleared just enough space.

This bidding war is between San Francisco and New Jersey.

But Asomugha has always been a California kid: Born in L.A.; went to college at University of California; and was drafted by the Oakland Raiders. He loves the Bay Area, and maybe new head coach Jim Harbaugh will be able to convince him that the Niners are a viable contender.

However, I don't think so -- I think he wants to win, and that will, ultimately affect his final decision. Which is why, in about 12 hours time, I think we will be discussing the best cornerback pairing in NFL history, when Nnamdi Asomugha announces he's signing with the New York Jets.

Exactly four days ago this very time, we were wondering if and when NFL teams were going to resume operations. Since that time, we've already seen some pretty crazy moves around the league. Thought I'd share my thoughts on a couple that piqued my interest. Not going to discuss moves from the Jets front as John and the GGN team did a great job earlier.

     Miami Dolphins:

• RB Reggie Bush's (NO) strong possibility of taking his talents to South Beach doesn't worry me as a Jets homer. He's going to probably cost them roughly somewhere between $8.5 and $11 million for the upcoming season and he's already endured major injuries to his knees, leg --  he's damaged goods. It also means Dolphins would be revamping their offense as Bush is more of a scat back and would be taking on a completely different role than that of Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams. And the odds of Henne being the opening-day starter now are slim-to-none.  Which leads me to ...
  
  QB Kyle Orton (DEN), who, I think will end up taking his talents to South Beach, also. The Denver Broncos are cleaning house/starting from scratch right now and have already announced Orton is on the trading block. His agents and Miami GM Jeff Ireland spoke today according to reports. The QB free agency market is weak this year, and Orton is among one of the hottest commodities. I think he wants to take a shot in a warm weather city and he proceeds to fry in Fish Country.
  
  Washington Redskins:
• Redskins got great value in agreeing to terms with CB Josh Wilson (BAL) , but picking up four receivers in two days is certainly an interesting strategy. Anyway, according to reports, Wilson would average $4.5 and $5.5 million per year, which I think is a steal.
  
  I was very high on Wilson and was hoping the Jets were going to consider him; as he was a viable option to fill the need at CB (releasing Cromartie) and save cap room to still re-sign both Edwards and Holmes. The speedy Josh Wilson loves to play physical so he fits our schemes, his coverage skills are excellent, and he can return kicks. It would be a little confusing with him on the outside and Kyle Wilson at nickel back, though, but so be it.
  
  Minnesota Vikings:
  
• Minnesota and Washington likely agreeing to trade for QB Donovan McNabb shows the Vikings still haven't learned their lesson about veteran players. They were the oldest team in the NFL last season and finally were rid of internet photo legend Brett Favre, so they pursued another aged QB who often throws the ball directly into the ground when he faces pressure. Interesting. They will argue McNabb is being brought in to mentor draft pick Christian Ponder -- but he won't, he's not that type of player.
• Also, losing WR Sidney Rice was a considerable loss and I think Vikings pursue WR Braylon Edwards as a result. WR Plaxico Burress was another option but looks like he is going to the NFC East (NYG or Philly). 
  
  Oakland Raiders:
• I believe CB Nnamdi Asomugha (OAK) will continue negotiations with the many teams (NYJ, SF, HOU, BAL, DAL) that are interested in him through tomorrow evening; and will make his big announcement with his destination Friday morning and will sign Friday evening, when teams can officially sign other teams' free agents. 

• NFC East teams have been uncharacteristically quiet thus far aside from Redskins signing a plethora of receivers. Obviously Philly will be making some noise soon as they're likely to move Kolb for DRC and a draft pick. 
  
  The Dallas Cowboys were roughly $16M over the salary cap until announcing the future releases of Barber, Williams, Colombo and Davis. Dallas has surprisingly been one of the teams that was very quiet this offseason, and watching them find a way to get under the cap so Jerry Jones can make his annual earth-shattering 'big signing of the offseason' will be interesting. They're quietly scheming.
  
  San Francisco is likely going to make an offer for Asomugha as they announced the release of CB Nate Clements. Aso really likes the Bay Area and maybe new HC Jim Harbaugh could convince him to stay awhile longer.
  
  Oh, and I wouldn't be surprised if Jets re-sign WR Braylon Edwards and/or CB Antonio Cromartie -- I would be completely shocked. I strongly believe both will be elsewhere in 2011-12.

The NFL Lockout officially came to an end earlier today, and the Jets and GM Mike Tannenbaum have wasted no time making moves.

Reports from NFL Draft Insider's Jared Tokraz are claiming the Jets have agreed to a deal with the tight end from NW Missouri State, Josh Baker, and ESPN NY's Rich Cimini Re-Tweeted it.

The Jets organization has not confirmed the deal yet, but the information looks to be solid.

This will, likely, be the first of many moves the Jets make during the 2011-12 free agency period. Remember, they have 17 free agents, and Trader Mike and Co. will be very busy in the near future.

After 136 days of hard-fought, grind-it-out litigation, it appears the NFL Lockout will officially be coming to an end later today.

I REPEAT -- FOOTBALL IS BACK!

Pending a vote to gain the Players' approval, which is expected to happen later today, the new Collective Bargaining Agreement would be in place for the next 10 years.

Team facilities are slated to open Tuesday, while training camp would start on Thursday for 10 teams, Friday for 10 and over the weekend for the other 12.

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer delivered the best news since the Steelers (who knocked out Gang Green) lost to the Packers in Super Bowl XLV via Twitter:

"I said I wouldn't jump in til they agreed... They've FINALLY agreed! Sources say 2 sides this hour FINALLY agree to terms of new CBA.

He also added:

"Players still gotta vote [on the new CBA] but it'll pass"

Earlier, NFL Network's Albert Breer Tweeted NFLPA officials met in DC until 12:30 a.m. this morning and that negotiators from both sides would continue to work through the night. Looks like they never stopped working.

There will be a press conference held later in the day to announce the approved deal. We surmise both Roger Goodell and DeMaurice Smith will be in attendance.

More to come as the day rolls on: Keep it here!

Today, former Jets DT Kris Jenkins announced his retirement via his Facebook page:

Wanted to let you all know that I have loved the support and respect that you all have given me throughout my career. But it is time for the torch to be passed to the younger players. I am going to hang up the cleats! The mind is always willing to play but my body deserves the rest. Thank you for the opportunites to play Carolina and New York.

The former Pro-Bowler (2006) joined the Jets before the 2008 season, and his leadership skills quickly permeated throughout the locker room. Jenkins again made the Pro Bowl in his first season wearing green (2008) under former HC Eric Mangini.

Unfortunately, the 6'5", 360-pound DT sustained a barrage of knee injuries in his career, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee against Baltimore last season -- the same knee he had previously had surgery on.

That proved to be the finishing blow and the final game he would play in New Meadowlands Stadium -- even though "Big Jenks" strived to return for the postseason.

Former Jets RT Damien Woody weighed in on his former teammate:

@krisjenkins77 I know I talked 2 u earlier but I wanted 2 congratulate u on your career. We had some battles in our careers & you're def one of the best I've ever gone against! #Salute

My two cents:

Sad that his career here was short; wish we could have stolen some of those years he spent in Carolina.

Jets fans just gravitated to the big guy and he was a role model. I remember attending training camp in Florham Park last season, and he was one of the three players that was mobbed by fans. Most of them were young children, and Big Jenks kept them entertained with his humor and down-to-earth demeanor -- class act. And he signed a TON of autographs.

A leader on and off the field who always made his presence felt during his 10-year NFL career. 

In reviewing Mark Sanchez's career accomplishments since he took his first snap under center in a green uniform, the success-filled resume makes it hard to believe he's only played two full seasons in the NFL.

The 24-year-old has already garnered four postseason wins (all on the road), accumulated almost 6,000 passing yards in only 871 attempts and posted a career postseason QB rating of 92.2.

And the best part about it: His most prominent moments have come in clutch moments in games - something your everyday, run-of-the-mill quarterback won't provide. And the numbers back it up: In his last 20 games, he led the Jets to victory in game-winning drives in seven of said games. 

The young star has already made a name for himself and accomplished what many quarterbacks in the NFL never could, and the good news is: This appears to be the beginning of a long, successful career in the beautiful swamps of New Jersey for the California native.

Continue reading this post »

The NFL may be suffering through a Lockout, but sports organizations are still finding ways to turn a profit. And one specific team that operates out of Florham Park is no exception. 

Forbes has released its annual list highlighting the top 50 most valuable sports teams, and Gang Green rounded out the top 10.

 

1) Manchester United($1.86 billion)

2) Dallas Cowboys ($1.81 billion)

3) New York Yankees ($1.7 billion)

4) Washington Redskins ($1.55 billion)

5) Real Madrid ($1.45 billion)

6) New England Patriots ($1.37 billion)

7) Arsenal ($1.19 billion)

8) New York Giants ($1.18 billion)

9) Houston Texans ($1.17 billion)

10)New York Jets ($1.14 billion)

Money. Power. Respect.

The Jets offensive line allowed just 28 sacks in the 2010-11 season -- pretty solid numbers especially considering they were protecting a young quarterback in his second year in the NFL.

And the run-blocking was even better, as they opened gaping holes with their zone-blocking schemes -- averaging 4.56 yards per carry. 

As such, Pro Football Focus ranked the Jets offensive line as the best in the NFL, for the second consecutive year. 

1.  New York Jets  (2009 Rank: 1^st)

Run Rank 1^st, Pass Rank 1^st, Penalties Rank 12^th

The reigning champions will reign again. You could pick out four fifths of the starters, put them on any team, and the likelihood is they'd be the best offensive lineman on it. That's how good they are.

Best Player: In any other team it would be D'Brickashaw Ferguson. But this isn't just any other line, and Nick Mangold is a once-in-a-generation type player.

Biggest Concern: The decision to move on from Damien Woody. Maybe injuries have taken their toll, but it's going to be a tough task to fill his boots.

Can't disagree with any of their reasoning. Right tackle and left guard will continue to be concerns this season. RT Damien Woody says he wants to return to Gang Green and I think that is still a possibility. But his durability is a concern and we would likely see more of Wayne Hunter there. And at left guard, after a rough start to the season, Matt Slauson finished strong and hopefully he can build on that. Still a question mark for now, though.

During the months leading up to the 2006 NFL Draft, GM Mike Tannenbaum said he was going to build for the future by drafting a stout offensive line. The Jets selected (future Pro Bowlers) OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson and C Nick Mangold in the first round, and the rest is history.

The Jets mantra starts and ends with their strong offensive line play --  ground and pound!

There are a lot of aspects of a player's background that NFL scouts mull over before draft day. 

Normally, citizenship status is pretty important. However, in the case of Jets' third-round draft pick, DT Kenrick Ellis, it must have gone overlooked.

ESPN NY's Rich Cimini has learned that Ellis, a Jamaica native who moved to Florida at age 11, has "permanent resident" status. An aggravated felony would violate the terms of his agreement and cause him to be deported. Remember, earlier this year Ellis was charged with malicious wounding, a Class 3 felony.

Ellis, a native of Jamaica who moved to Florida at the age of 11, has "permanent resident" status. A permanent resident convicted of an aggravated felony is deportable, according to immigration law.

Because of the enormous stakes, Ellis' best move is to negotiate a plea bargain before he gets to court, according to three immigration lawyers contacted by ESPNNewYork.com. That, they agreed, is the likely outcome.

Ellis was initially to appear in court next Tuesday in Hampton, Va. to face the felony assault charge, but his lawyers rescheduled for Nov. 28, according to a Hampton Circuit Court official.

The Jets must be convinced Ellis will agree to a plea deal to have the felony reduced to a misdemeanor; or that he will beat the charge against him and be found not guilty. 

Last season, the Jets won 11 regular season games -- something they had not done since 1998 (when they won 12 games, took the division and lost a heartbreaker to Denver in the AFC Championship).

Mark Sanchez hopes the Jets can build on that success by retaining as many of last year's players as possible, especially their high-profile, soon-to-be free agents.

Sanchez appeared on The Dan Patrick Show, but didn't speak to Patrick and Co. Internet legend Pro Football Talk's own Mike Florio was today's host and chatted with the Jets third-year quarterback.

"Keeping as many guys as possible from last year's team is the most important thing," Sanchez said.  "We have a decided advantage against a lot of teams with new offensive or defensive systems, new coordinators, new quarterbacks, new coaches.  We have a good thing in place; we have a real good thing going, and and we'd love to just build on that."

He goes on to talk about the inconsistency of contract offers in the NFL.

"I would not be surprised if the days of the $50 million rookie contract are over," Sanchez said. "I just think that’s the way things are headed. There are veteran players that have proved themselves, and now ... I've seen the kind of hard work and dedication that it takes, that these guys have put in."

Sanchez also said he wants to see WR Santonio Holmes, WR Braylon Edwards and CB Antonio Cromartie return to the team; and that he personally need to "step up and make a big jump."

You have to love Sanchez's maturity. He is already stepping up and taking a leadership role which we have seen many veteran quarterbacks in the NFL take on. If the pundits want to continue questioning the strategy of trading up to select a quarterback high in the first round of the draft, they can yammer on all they want. The fact remains, Sanchez is proving to be a leader, hard worker (on the field and in the film room) and team player. Love it, the young QB just wants to win.