ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
(Editor's note: This article is the first of a series of three)
Doesn't this feel a lot like that Bill Murray movie "Groundhog Day?"
The only absolute guarantees in life are death, taxes, and each spring, Brett Favre making his team sweat out whether or not they have to find a new quarterback.
The Jets got their answer Wednesday when Brett Favre informed the Jets he would be retiring after just one year with the team. So where do the Jets stand now?
The Jets are coming off a season which can only be described as inconsistent. On November 23, Favre's Jets handed the Titans their first loss of the season giving the Jets an 8-3 record and first place in their division. The Jets proceeded to kiss their postseason hopes goodbye by losing four of their last five games with Favre falling apart throwing two touchdowns and nine interceptions over that span.
The Jets replaced head coach Eric Mangini with former Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan who has vowed to bring out a fiery attitude in his new team. The Jets had a decent season last year and Ryan certainly has some nice talent to work with on both sides of the ball.
On offense, Thomas Jones is coming off a Pro Bowl season. Receivers Laveranues Coles, Jerricho Cotchery and rookie tight end Dustin Keller all proved dependable and Leon Washington showed himself to be a great third down back. The only question is who will be leading them out of the huddle next season.
PREDICTION:
With the NFL Draft Combine set to begin Feb. 18 and free agency opening up nine days later, the Jets will have some options as to who will take the reins at quarterback.
The early favorite is Kellen Clemens. Clemens, who has a total of eight career starts, is the only quarterback on the Jets roster with NFL experience.
The Jets will also most likely hedge their bets and bring in a lower tier veteran such as Byron Leftwich or Jeff Garcia as insurance.
New coach Rex Ryan saw firsthand last season how a great defense can help carry a young quarterback and lead a team to the playoffs. The Jets have the cash to bring in a couple big time defensive free agents now that Favre's 13 million dollar salary is off their books. Can anyone say Ray Lewis?