There's always a tendency to overhype NY teams when they are getting better, and the jets are getting better, however i have to wonder if their approach to building a team, trading for vets, and Ryan's coaching style will be able to sustain itself over the longer run, as the patriots have done, and i actually think the fish will be better long term. Ryan brought in some talented players this offseason and with the Edwards trade, but they're also the kind of players who are likely to crumble if things go south, and with that schedule that's a serious possibility. Ryan did a great job with their defense last year but inherited the best OL in football and i think they will take a step back losing Faneca and with Woody getting old, and given their reliance on a power rush game that could really hurt them. I was really impressed with Sanchez, not so much his rookie numbers, as i think he got overhyped, but with his approach to the game, i think he's a worker who will be a really good leader, and that was a great trade by the jets to get him. Overall i think they are stronger this year than last but i also think the Patriots are and they start from a much higher place than the jets, who were handed 2 wins to get them to 9-7 qnd really should never have been in the play-off's. had they not had those giveaways the offseason hype would be very different, and while some would still pick them to win the division it would be more measured and realistic.
I'm glad the fish and jets are better, it makes for a much better season, and i think the patriots players are going into this season knowing they are going to have a battle for the division, and i think they had become complacent last offseason believing they were locks for the play-off's before the first snap, so i see them working harder, playing harder, playing better, and winning the division.
