Kevin C.Lynchburg, VAQ: What do the Jets need to win a championship again?
EA: Since Super Bowl XLVII will be played Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, this is a good place for us to start.
The Jets have to shore up a number of holes, but the No. 1 priority has to be improving the offense. The NFL is all about points and playmakers.
Out of the 12 teams that made the postseason, the Colts averaged the lowest point total at 22.3 points per contest. While both the Ravens (24.9) and the 49ers (24.8) averaged nearly 25 points a game, the Jets averaged 17.6 points an outing. One of the most staggering statistics from last season is the Jets offense failed to produce more than 10 points in eight games.
Now that Marty Mornhinweg is in place as offensive coordinator, will Mark Sanchez be the man leading the Jets' West Coast attack in 2013? The Jets are going to add competition to the position and it would not surprise me at all if they signed a veteran and drafted a signal caller. Most pundits think the Jets and Tim Tebow will eventually part ways and it would not be wise to forget about Greg McElroy.
While the Jets have to determine what they want to do at guard, they also have to provide the quarterback with more talent at the skill positions.
The situation at receiver might not be as dire as some would believe. If Santonio Holmes can return to form after his Lisfranc injury and two surgeries, that would be a huge addition in itself. Tone was on pace for 80 catches (which would have been a career-high) and 1,088 yards. The Jets are in excellent shape at the slot with Jeremy Kerley and now how much of a jump will the raw but gifted Stephen Hill make as a sophomore? If Tone is healthy, they need another legitimate threat on the outside to feel good heading into 2013. Free agents Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh), Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City) and Greg Jennings (Green Bay) all could be headed to free agency, but those three will command sizable contracts.
Tight end is another question. Dustin Keller, who suffered through his first injury-plagued season as a pro, is scheduled to be a UFA. If the Jets don't get DK back in the fold, they need a No. 1 tight end. Then you move into the backfield and see Shonn Greene also has an expiring contract. Interestingly the Dolphins find themselves in similar territory with the explosive Reggie Bush.
To get back into contention, the Jets need a better offense.
Adam K.North Arlington, NKQ:In Coach Ryan's first two seasons, the defense played eight-men in the box and press coverage on the outside. In the last two seasons, there has been more of a 4-3. Under Dennis Thurman, will the Jets go back to original blitz happy defense like their first two years?
EA: After losing star CB Darrelle Revis to a torn ACL in Week 3, the Jets definitely played more zone coverage last season. You lose a dominant player like that and it has an impact on how you call a game. The Jets also struggled to stop the run early, so that meant not a lot of situations where you can dictate.
I do anticipate DT blitzing more in 2013. He knows exactly what his defensive backfield is capable of and he has always held his DBs to a high standard. If Revis is back healthy, the Jets could potentially lock down the outside again with Antonio Cromartie. The Jets have a talented young pair up front with Muhammad Wilkerson and Quinton Coples on the outside in base looks and on the inside in sub packages.
The primary questions on defense reside at OLB and S. Like many teams, the Green & White would love to add an explosive edge rusher who the opposition worries about on every play.
In the weeks ahead, we will have DT join us for a special installment of "Jets Talk LIVE." When we have that time set, I will ask Jets Nation for questions.
Ed T.Hope, NJQ:What happened to "The Terminator" John Conner ?
EA:After the Jets released Conner, the Cincinnati Bengals signed the FB on Dec. 15, 2012. He appeared in the final two regular season games for the Bengals and did not record any statisticis.
AlbertLos Angeles, CAQ: Do you think the Jets should get D.J. Swearinger in the later rounds since LaRon Landry might go? He would be a great steal to put at free safety — he is good in coverage and (he has) amazing hit power. If they get him, he would be a great duo with Antonio Allen since they played in college together. Both will be dangerous.
EA: Albert, I see your love for the Gamecocks! I like Swearinger quite a bit too, but he is no secret and the South Carolina product might not make it past round three. The defensive standout was not afraid to step up at times in press man against excellent receivers. Swearinger, a 5'11," 210-pounder, has experience at both safety positions and he likes to deliver the punishment. We will have to wait to see what happens with Landry in free agency and Yeremiah Bell for that matter. Allen does have the potential to start in the league at some point because he does have quality physical tools.
