The Jets took a serious dive at the end of the season, and two years after being dubbed "The Mangenious", by some clever New York sportswriters, Eric Mangini was let go (eventually bound for Cleveland) and quarterback Brett Favre retired after one tumoltuous season in the Big Apple following a long career in Green Bay. Fourth-year vet Kellen Clemens figures to be in a battle with rookie Mark Sanchez (USC) for the job behind center for new head coach Rex Ryan. The son of Buddy Ryan (architect of the 1986 Bears' famed 46-defense) is as brash if not moreso than his father. He ran the Baltimore defense last season, one that smashed foes in their collective mouths. At least one Baltimore defender has gone on record as saying that the Jets figure to at least have more fun this year playing for their cock-sure coach, and Ryan got ILB Bart Scott to follow him from Baltimore to help lead the defense.

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The defense should be more stout with Ryan's changes being stamped all over it. The offense is where the concerns come into play. The Jets slid out of the playoff picture despite being in position to win the AFC East in the last week of the season. Favre was successful at times, but too mistake-laden in the end to result in any kind of playoff run. Ryan is on record of saying he'll count on his defense, rushing game and QB - in that order - to win games. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and O-line coach Bill Callahan have been held over from Mangini's staff and will try to keep some stability to that rushing offense while the new quarterback gets his feet wet. The Jets also have three capable running backs in camp.

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