NFL 2007: New York Jets

(This is the Corners look at the upcoming NFL season. For the next 32 days we'll be previewing each team and their prospects for the 2007 season. Today we look at the New York Jets).

Eric Mangini exceeded all expectations during his first season at the helm of the Jets by leading the team to a 10-6 record after going 4-12 in 2005. Mangini, the Bill Belichick protege, installed confidence and a strong belief system into a young Jets team which translated into a playoff berth. It also helped that Mangini had a healthy Chad Pennington last season. His veteran presence kept a young New York offense together. Now with some new blood added through free agency and the draft, look for the Jets to be playoff contenders once again.

Offense: Pennington bounced back in a big way in 2006, throwing for 3,352 yards and 17 TDs, leading the Jets to the playoffs. Kellen Clemens and free agent signee Marques Tuiasosopo are the backups.

The big addition to the Jets in the offseason was RB Thomas Jones. The former Chicago standout rushed for 1,210 yards and six touchdowns last season leading the Bears to the Super Bowl. Chicago decided to go with Cedric Benson full time and New York scooped up Jones right away. Second-year pro Leon Washington (650-4) will serve as the number two and Cedric Houston the number three. Darian Barnes is the starting fullback.

The Jets have a solid receiving corps with Laveranus Coles (91-1,098-6) and Jerricho Cotchery (82-961-6) starting with Justin McCareins in the slot and Tim Dwight set at number four. Chris Baker mans the top spot at tight end with Sean Ryan backing him up.

The offensive line returns almost intact with D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Anthony Clement at tackle, Nick Mangold at center, and Brandon Moore at right guard. Veteran Pete Kendall wants out of New York and is thinking of retirement. If he goes, Wade Smith or Adrien Clarke will battle for his spot.

Defense: The defense returns all eleven starters and has a fine mix of veteran leadership and hot blooded youth in its 3-4 scheme. Shaun Ellis (58 tackles, 5 sacks) and Kimo von Oelhoffen start at defensive end, while Dewayne Robertson mans the nose. Free agent David Bowens, Kenyon Coleman, Michael Haynes and Sione Pouha provide depth.

As in most good 3-4 defenses, linebackers are the strength of the Jets defense. Victor Hobson (100 tackles, 6 sacks) and Bryan Thomas line up on the outside and Jonathan Vilma (103 tackles) and Eric Barton stuff the run on the inside. Brad Kassell, Anthony Schlegel and rookie David Harris are solid backups.

Andre Dyson (62 tackles, 4 INT) and Justin Miller start at corner with Drew Coleman, David Barrett and rookie Alphonso Hodge in the mix. Kerry Rhodes (98 tackles, 5 sacks, 4 INT) is a solid free safety and Eric Coleman had over 100 tackles from his strong safety slot. Rashad Washington and Eric Smith serve as backups.

Special Teams: Entering his third season, Mike Nugent (24-of-27, 106 points) is fast becoming one of the top kickers in the league. Ben Graham (44.2) handles the punting chores, while Miller and Dwight return kicks and punts respectively.

Outlook: The team took to Mangini's style quickly and emerged as a playoff caliber franchise. The addition of Jones makes the offense stronger. The lack of a big-time running game was a huge reason the Jets went one and done in the playoffs. The ability of Pennington to stay healthy is key to New York's success. If he goes down, fortunes change, because Clemens and Tuiasosopo aren't exactly world beaters.

Prediction: Mangini has sold the players on the Belichick system and the talent is coming together to place the Jets as a future elite team. New York is still a few players away from being a Super Bowl contender, but they are good enough to get back to the playoffs once again. Record: 11-5.