Of all the things we learned on the football field this summer, I think we all can come to one conclusion off of it. Lots of folks just don't like the New York Jets.
And it don't matter. But you know what the preseason has done for this team? It has lowered external expectations. After the Jets 1st unit failed to reach the end zone in three preseason games, the general consensus out there is this squad will struggle to reach .500.
In three seasons under Coach Ryan, the Green & White have posted regular season records of 9-7, 11-5 and 8-8. The club went winless in exhibition play this summer, but the hope tank is full.
"I know there are high hopes for every team in the league, but I truly feel this will be the best team that I've had since I became coach of the Jets," Ryan said Thursday night in Philadelphia. "We get to prove it and we'll see."
It says here Ryan has every reason to be confident. He will field one of the best defenses in football and Mark Sanchez is a quarterback on the rise. There is no reason this club shouldn't be competitive in any game and if Sanchez improves, then look out.
"They'll start counting these games for real coming up and we'll see, but I'm certainly confident," Ryan told me. "I thought Mark had a tremendous training camp and preseason, and I think LaRon Landy and Yeremiah Bell coming over to add what we have defensively has really helped."
The best thing is the preseason is over. Did you know the Bills went winless too and people in Western New York are very nervous? I actually think both the Jets and the Bills will be in the playoff hunt in December. September is upon us and it's about damn time.
Note: Remember to get those questions in for our "EA Q&A" on Tuesday and Thursday. Also I will pick one entry for "Fan Friday" next week. Just write a short take on the Jets, Bills matchup with your prediction and you will have a chance to get published in his space.
