Know Thy Enemy: New York Jets

Mack, one of our newest bloggers from NY Landing Strip was kind enough to answer a few questions about our head coach's former team. Without further adieu...

Tell us how you really feel about Herm Edwards as a head coach.

NYLS: I'll be honest with you, I really liked Herm when he was here. He wasn't too laid back, and seemed to have somewhat of a decent hold on his players. He also had an excellent relationship with Chad Pennington, something I just don't see with Mangini. Now, whether he could win games or not was a question. He did however, have somewhat of the same feel as Mangini does, leading the Jets to the playoffs in his first two years, something Eric won't be able to do. Personally, I'd rather have him back. Many disagree.

Rumors have been swirling about the Chiefs and Jets and a possible trade for Chad Pennington and Laveranues Coles. How likely is it that those two guys aren't playing for the Jets next season?

NYLS: I think that the chances are about 50-50 that they'll both be back next year. I don't think there is enough circulation of these rumors to think that it's more than likely to happen. I don't want any of them to leave, they've both made solid contributions as Jets. Even though I was very upset that we got rid of Santana Moss for Coles, it ended up working out for us. As for Chad, it would be one of the stupidest moves to get rid of him. He is the only type of quarterback out there right now (if we got rid of him) that is a veteran, but is still young enough where he could play a starting role. I think he's the man for the job, not Clemens.

What are your impressions of the Chiefs so far this season?

NYLS: Well, the Chiefs are a team that were in a situation close to the Jets this season, by bringing in a QB that was very young in place of the proven veteran that in both cases (Jets and Chiefs) led you to the playoffs the year before. It hasn't really paid off for them, but Croyle is young and he'll get better. Now, the huge problem with you guys is the fact that there is nothing else on the team to compliment Larry Johnson when he's healthy. The wide receivers have usually been terrible, and now you guys have yourself a stud in Dwayne Bowe, who I think could be a pro bowler next year. Kolby Smith has done amazing, and to be honest he may be the man you want to go to if L.J. continues to not stay healthy.

What lesser known Jets player should we keep an eye out for this weekend?

NYLS: Oh, there's so many guys. Let's see, well if I had to pick one I'd go with Chris Baker, our tight end. Baker has had an amazing year, logging the most receptions of any one year in his career. And the guy is versatile, big, and can catch the football. I'd look out for him.

Finish this sentence. The Jets will be playoff contenders when...

NYLS: When they win close games. That's been the big problem this year for the Jets. Yeah, they had a hard schedule and that's what everyone was talking about before the season started. But they still almost won some of those hard games, but they couldn't make the big play when it mattered. Think about it. The Jets lost seven games by a touchdown or less this season. If they had scored at least an extra 7 in those games or maybe even less, they would have won all of them and they'd be a playoff team. It's so hard to think about what could have been if only the Jets put up some more points in those games.

Head on over to NY Landing Strip and welcome Mack. He's already doing a great job with the site.