I don't really see the problem with the claim. The Jets probably are ahead of the Patriots right now. I don't really see why people would be up in arms about that notion, given the free agent issues, the lack of WWW, etc... On the other hand, it's February. The season doesn't start anytime soon, and there are still a host of additions and subtractions to be made before the teams are in final form.
The Jets:
- Backed into the playoffs
- Lucked into a matchup with a Bengals team that didn't belong either
- Somehow squeaked past the Bolts despite averaging 3.9 YPA passing (and only 3.1 YPA rushing if you take out Greene's late run), getting a dismal effort from LdT, Rivers and Kaeding (0-3 FG)
- Got handled fairly easily (outside of 2 pass plays) by a hardly dominant Colts team
Before the last 2 regular season games (right after the home loss to ATL), there isn't a person alive that was suggesting the Jets were close to the Pats...either at that point or in the future. Somehow that run above (combined with a single playoff stinker by the Pats) changed everything.
The Jets have a boatload of issues on their horizon:
1) Do they pay Thomas Jones his roster bonus next month?
2) Re-sign Edwards and/or Washington?
3) If there is a cap in the next CBA, what will the Jets do? They have an insane amount of cash tied up in their top 20 players in 2011, not including re-signing Mangold, Harris and buying back Revis.
4) If the key going forward is developing Sanchez, who is he going to throw to? The only WRs under contract are Cotchery (and his 16 career TDs), Allison (a ST guy with 0 career TDs) and some PS guys.
5) Who is their kicker moving forward?
6) Who is the corner opposite Revis? Sheppard almost certainly is gone ($10M bonus next month) and Strickland/Lowery don't scare anyone. It is great to have a lockdown guy on one side, but is less helpful with a black hole elsewhere in coverage.
7) Do they send Gholston packing this year? If they don't and there is a cap in the next CBA, he will be haunting their cap through 2012.
There are others (age on the lines, Jenkins health, etc.) but you get the idea. Every team has questions during the offseason, but the Jets have a unique problem. The have a QB that isn't ready for primetime, limited ability to get him help, unrealistic expectations and a defense that will be well past its prime if/when he is ready.
If there is no cap in the next CBA, the Jets will be fine since their new stadium should give them unlimited resources to spend (assuming anyone can afford tickets). If there is a cap, the Jets window slams shut after next season.