Green Spendin' the Green

In the last week, the Jets have made a big splash in the free agent market, acquiring some solid help for their team. Al Faneca, Calvin Pace, Damien Woody, and Kris Jenkins should all make nice additions to the gang green roster.

Several weeks ago, I strongly suggested that the Jets should pursue Shaun Rogers to bolster their defensive line, but I must say I like the Kris Jenkins move a little more. Of course Shaun Rogers is a tremendous tackle and his strength and size are huge assets for any defensive unit. However, I like the athleticism of Jenkins to fit in better with what the Jets try to do defensively. Eric Mangini’s defensive schemes are not unlike those of his nemesis and former mentor Bill Belichick. The Jets, for the past two seasons, have done a lot of zone blitzing with their newly installed 3-4 defense and you want a mobile nose tackle who can play on the ball, off the ball, or split out to the end spot as dictated by the play-calling. I still think Rogers would have helped immensely, but considering what the Browns had to pay to get him (a third round pick and cornerback Leigh Bodden) and what the Jets shelled out for Jenkins (undisclosed draft picks), I believe Jenkins is not only the better fit for their team, but could ultimately be the better bargain.

I am particularly excited about the addition of Al Faneca in the left guard spot. Finally, filling the void left by Pete Kendall when he became disgruntled and left the team for Washington! The 31-year-old Faneca will help hold down the left side of the Jets offensive line which promises to be quite good next year with Nick Mangold at center and D’Brickashaw Ferguson at left tackle. The two seemed to thrive their rookie season while sandwiching the veteran presence of Kendall. Perhaps, this year, with another veteran occupying that intermediate spot, Mangold and Ferguson will resume their dominant play from 2006. I’ve heard some be critical of what the Jets spent to land Faneca, but I think five years and 40 million dollars is a very appropriate price tag to attach to a known talent such as the ex-Steeler, though it does make him the highest paid offensive lineman in the NFL.

The most surprising move is the Calvin Pace signing. I thought that the linebacker spot was one of the strongest on the Jets team after last season. I think as a unit they underperformed, but that had a lot to do with being on the field for 40 minutes a game and getting tired. Also, when teams were able to achieve early leads against New York, they could resort to running the ball extensively in the second half which will wear down any front seven. The Jets defensive line couldn’t stop the run whatsoever, which all but forced their linebackers to play the run and even stack eight in the box. This left man coverage in the secondary or a weak cover-1, hence their pass defense being exploited week after week. There is no quick fix to all of the Jets’ woes from last year, but there was so much individual talent at the linebacker position, I didn’t think Pace was necessary. I could see signing a middle linebacker with the sad but inevitable departure of Jonathan Vilma, but Eric Barton, Victor Hobson, and Bryan Thomas are all viable threats in the 3-4. With some better defensive play-calling and the progression of second-year inside linebacker David Harris, the New York linebacking corps was heading in the right direction. I’m sure Pace will be able to bring his talents effectively to the Jets; I’m just not sure there weren’t more pressing needs this off-season. The 42 million dollars they used to get Calvin Pace could have helped court a shut-down corner to compliment Darrelle Reavis and help replace the recently cut Andre Dyson.

Being the Chad Pennington fan I am, my anxiety won’t subside until after training camp when Mangini announces the starting quarterback for 2008, but no matter who it is, the Jets have done a good job so far of stepping up to the plate and spending the money necessary to get back into the wild card hunt. Even if their moves don’t all pan out; even if Calvin Pace was not an important acquisition; even if their offensive line upgrade with Faneca and Damien Woody proves to be ineffective; even if Kris Jenkins doesn’t bring to the table anything that since-traded Dewayne Robertson didn’t bring; even if all of these things prove true, one thing is certain. The effort is being shown in the front office to take risks, be bold, and try to win.