It’s nearly impossible for Rex Ryan and the New York Jets to fly under the radar. With the horrors of the 2011 season in the rearview mirror, Gang Green is gung-ho for a fresh start this season.
FIRST DOWN: Sanchez-Tebow Experiment
The 2012 NFL season is still three months away, yet the Jets quarterbacking duo of Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow are off to a stellar start so far. Tebow’s work ethic is already wowing teammates, while coaches are lauding Sanchez’s sharp performance and laser-like focus this year. All encouraging signs from a leadership standpoint albeit the Jets are less than two weeks into OTA’s.
SECOND DOWN: Sparano’s the Boss
Make no mistake about it, newly hired offensive coordinator Tony Sparano is transforming Gang Green’s offense overnight. Players are buying in to the ground-and-pound system which aims to utilize the triple rushing threat of Tebow, rookie running back Terrance Ganaway and fourth-year ball carrier Shonn Greene. Sparano’s system will feature ‘chunk passing plays’ to keep defenses honest.
THIRD DOWN: The Mad Backer is Back
Undoubtedly the heart and soul of the Jets defense, linebacker Bart Scott is leaner and meaner with the 2012 season on the horizon. New York’s man in the middle shed 15 pounds this offseason with the hope of becoming an every-down player once again. Scott mended the fences with New York’s coaching staff and has returned to his rightful place as Gang Green’s emotional and vocal leader.
FOURTH DOWN: Rookie Impact
The Jets 2012 draft class is the strongest in recent memory. Defensive end Quinton Coples, wideout Stephen Hill, linebacker DeMario Davis and running back Ganaway are all expected to see significant playing time this year. The Green-and-White’s youth movement could infuse excitement and energy to a locker room that lacked camaraderie and chemistry a season ago.
Rick Laughland covers the New York Jets for Greenandwhitereport.com
You can follow him on Twitter @rlaughland
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