Fantasy Football articles - Sports Grumblings.com

Can Vilma bounce back to his 2005 form playing in Mangini's schemes?

How do you not love Head Coach Eric Mangini? You have to love the youth, the fire and the enthusiasm this guy has for the game, for the team itself and the players. It is unbelievable how the young players and the veterans respond to Mangini. They want to win for him, plain and simple. It is that type of enthusiasm that makes me believe the Jets have a decent shot at the playoffs this year and surprise a lot of people.

2007 GAME PLAN

Offense: After a full year of health from Chad Pennington and Laveranues Coles, the Jets finally responded in the off-season by filling in the missing link: a solid, featured running back in Thomas Jones. Jones has the playmaking ability to give what the Jets have been lacking since Curtis Martin’s last full season of effectiveness, a complete and solid running game. Jones can run and catch and a real threat from the back field may free up Coles and Jerricho Cotchery to the point that the Jets could give the Patriots a run for their money in the AFC East.

What you will also get out of the Jets offense is a quality back up in RB Leon Washington, someone who could be a useful third down or change of pace back while being a quality fill-in if Jones gets injured. The other player that is exciting to think about is “slasher” Brad Smith. Smith has the ability to play both quarterback and wide receiver while throwing in a run or two just for kicks, but is not exciting enough to draft in most fantasy leagues unless it’s as a last-round flier. What makes Smith great is that if he touches the ball, he’ll create havoc which hopefully will open up the field for Coles, Cotchery and Jones. .

Defense: Defense has always been somewhat of a strength for the hard-luck Jets, but their top linebackers in Jonathan Vilma and Victor Hobson, who each had over 100 tackles, will be a dominant force once again. Add in new right outside linebacker David Bowens and rookie first-round pick Darrelle Revis and the talent just gets better. The Jets defense is a huge sleeper in fantasy drafts this season but I’d pick them as a back up for your team.

SPOTLIGHT PLAYERS

Chad Pennington, QB: What’s not to love about Chad Pennington? He has heart, loves to play and has great chemistry with his teammates. There are two knocks on Pennington, his arm strength and his ability to stay on the field. However, he is quite smart, knows the game and actually has a clue as to what he’s doing on the field. Pennington has a great offensive supporting cast and with the new RB acquisition in Thomas Jones, assuming he stays healthy, should have a nice sleeper year for most fantasy teams who select him as a number two QB. Pennington has the ability to throw 3500+ yards and 20+ touchdowns in 2007.

Thomas Jones, RB: Traded from Chicago to make room for Cedric Benson, the Jets finally found a solid all-purpose RB in Jones. The great thing about Jones is his ability to catch passes and be effective with the ball. The bad news is he can be a bit injury prone. He’s battling calf issues at this point in the preseason but he’ll be ready for opening day. Expect a season of 1300+ yards, 200+ receiving yards and 12+ touchdowns.

Laveranues Coles, WR: Coles is a receptions hog, knows the game and won’t hurt you with fumbles or multiple drops as he’s Pennington’s most reliable target. He’s not overpowering in size or speed but he’s certainly tough. Assuming he can stay healthy again this season, another 1000+ yard season with 5-8 touchdowns is certainly possible as your second wide receiver.

FRANCHISE PLAYER
None

TRANSITION PLAYER
None

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)
FB Darian Barnes, unrestricted free agent
DE David Bowens, unrestricted free agent
DE Kenyon Coleman, unrestricted free agent
QB Marques Tuiasosopo, unrestricted free agent
QB Patrick Ramsey, unrestricted free agent

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
None acquired

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS
None

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
C Wade Smith, unrestricted free agent
T   Anthony Clement, unrestricted free agent
LB Cody Spencer, restricted free agent
TE Sean Ryan, restricted free agent

PLAYERS ACQUIRED
RB Thomas Jones, traded for draft pick
CB Darrelle Revis, signed/draft choice
LB Dave Harris, signed/draft choice

PLAYERS LOST
OT Pete Kendall
RB Kevin Barlow
RB Derrick Blaylock
DE Bobby Hamilton
RB Curtis Martin, retired
LB Jerry Mackey, traded