Inherent advantage in 2007 schedule

[Jetsfan80]

This has probably been discussed before, but screw it, this is the offseason and this is a topic worth discussing.

Due to the fact that our game against the Giants will be considered a ROAD GAME this season (it was considered a home game in our last meeting with the Giants, in 2004), we will technically have NINE home games this season.

I bring this up because many are saying our schedule will be "too difficult". This is a terrible excuse, for this reason and several others. While we proved to be a strong road team last season, there is no reason to believe that playing an extra home game and one fewer road game is a nice advantage to have. Also, I just don't believe the schedule will be as difficult as people say. We have the ability go 4-2 in the AFC East, 3-1 or 2-2 against the NFC East, 2-2 or 3-1 in the AFC North, and beat the Chiefs and/or Titans.

If we play this schedule as I believe we can, we should finish no worse than 9-7 and as well as 12-4 (I think we fall somewhere in the middle, most likely 10-6 or 11-5).

I believe the only thing standing in our way of a playoff berth (and subsequent deep run) are our issues on offense, particularly at QB and offensive line. I have confidence that our OL will not be neglected, which leaves the most pertinent issue of the 2007 season; Pennington or Clemens?

Otherwise, I just don't see why the SCHEDULE is as daunting as many say.

[Maxman]

I think it is way too early to proclaim the schedule easy or hard. The lack of depth being what it is these days a training camp injury or two can seriously impact a team and make a certain game much easier.

And I agree 1 less week of travel is a good thing.

[Barton]

So which fans get their season tickets seats this day? Giants fans right?

[Maxman]

So which fans get their season tickets seats this day? Giants fans right?

Yes.

[Jetsfan80]

It's only fair that Giants fans get them, as we did in 2004.

Still, playing in your own stadium, even with Jets fans outnumbered in the stands, is clearly not a bad thing for us. When you play a 16-game schedule, you take every advantage you can get.

[Jetsfan80]

I think it is way too early to proclaim the schedule easy or hard. The lack of depth being what it is these days a training camp injury or two can seriously impact a team and make a certain game much easier.

And I agree 1 less week of travel is a good thing.

Of course its too easy to make those decisions now, which is why it is insane for me when I hear so many pessimists saying the schedule will be "too hard". How exactly can this claim be made yet?

However, we do have a GENERAL idea of how hard the schedule will be. For example, do you think ANY Chiefs fan is confident that Herm can lead KC to victory over us? I sure wouldn't.

[shawn306]

You can't look at a schedule right now and say, "hey this is an easy schedule or wow this is a brutal schedule". Too many things can happen. Injuries, teams don't live up to expectations, etc, etc.

You really have to take these games one at a time.

[PFSIKH]

This has probably been discussed before, but screw it, this is the offseason and this is a topic worth discussing.

Due to the fact that our game against the Giants will be considered a ROAD GAME this season (it was considered a home game in our last meeting with the Giants, in 2004), we will technically have NINE home games this season.

I bring this up because many are saying our schedule will be "too difficult". This is a terrible excuse, for this reason and several others. While we proved to be a strong road team last season, there is no reason to believe that playing an extra home game and one fewer road game is a nice advantage to have. Also, I just don't believe the schedule will be as difficult as people say. We have the ability go 4-2 in the AFC East, 3-1 or 2-2 against the NFC East, 2-2 or 3-1 in the AFC North, and beat the Chiefs and/or Titans.

If we play this schedule as I believe we can, we should finish no worse than 9-7 and as well as 12-4 (I think we fall somewhere in the middle, most likely 10-6 or 11-5).

I believe the only thing standing in our way of a playoff berth (and subsequent deep run) are our issues on offense, particularly at QB and offensive line. I have confidence that our OL will not be neglected, which leaves the most pertinent issue of the 2007 season; Pennington or Clemens?

Otherwise, I just don't see why the SCHEDULE is as daunting as many say.

While I agree with the theory that there is alot of time between now and Week 1, your schedule is alot harder.

With Chad, he has struggled against teams with Top 10 scoring Defenses (7-19). You have 7 such games on the schedule this year. KC and Pitt were 4 points from being Top 10. He struggles against .500 or better teams (16-21). You have 9 such games this year. He is horrible when his D gives up over 20 points (5-23). There are 5 games against teams with TOp 10 scoring offenses.

The Jets benefitted from a weak schedule. Against a soft schedule, they were only top 10 in two statisical categories. Scoring D and Rush Attempts.

The AFC East benefitted from a soft schedule. You say the Jets will address the issues they have. So will 31 other teams. Some of those teams have been a tad more active this offseason also.

[Jetsfan80]

While I agree with the theory that there is alot of time between now and Week 1, your schedule is alot harder.

With Chad, he has struggled against teams with Top 10 scoring Defenses (7-19). You have 7 such games on the schedule this year. KC and Pitt were 4 points from being Top 10. He struggles against .500 or better teams (16-21). You have 9 such games this year. He is horrible when his D gives up over 20 points (5-23). There are 5 games against teams with TOp 10 scoring offenses.

The Jets benefitted from a weak schedule. Against a soft schedule, they were only top 10 in two statisical categories. Scoring D and Rush Attempts.

The AFC East benefitted from a soft schedule. You say the Jets will address the issues they have. So will 31 other teams. Some of those teams have been a tad more active this offseason also.

Just because the Jets haven't overspent on unnecesarry free agents does not mean that they have been a step behind other teams. All solid front offices know that you build thru the draft.

And just because the teams on this season's schedule were among the best in the categories you spoke of does NOT mean they will be this season. And would you not say that the AFC South was every bit as tough as any other division in the league as it turned out last season? That division nearly produced 3 playoff teams, and the Super Bowl champion Colts.

I'm not saying the schedule is not more difficult. But I AM saying that, if we fail to reach the playoffs this season, the schedule will not be a primary reason. Yet that is a reason pessimists have turned to nonetheless.

[Jetsfan80]

By the way, PKSIKH, just because every team TRIES to fill all or most of their needs does not mean that are successful at it. "Tangini" has given us the ability to trust that this team will have most of its problems fixed heading into week 1 because of his outstanding offseason last year. Not all coaches/front offices can do this.

[PFSIKH]

Just because the Jets haven't overspent on unnecesarry free agents does not mean that they have been a step behind other teams. All solid front offices know that you build thru the draft.

And just because the teams on this season's schedule were among the best in the categories you spoke of does NOT mean they will be this season. And would you not say that the AFC South was every bit as tough as any other division in the league as it turned out last season? That division nearly produced 3 playoff teams, and the Super Bowl champion Colts.

I'm not saying the schedule is not more difficult. But I AM saying that, if we fail to reach the playoffs this season, the schedule will not be a primary reason. Yet that is a reason pessimists have turned to nonetheless.

By the way, PKSIKH, just because every team TRIES to fill all or most of their needs does not mean that are successful at it. "Tangini" has given us the ability to trust that this team will have most of its problems fixed heading into week 1 because of his outstanding offseason last year. Not all coaches/front offices can do this.

So based off of one offseason, Tangini is going to hit on every draft pick and FA they sign? Of course not. They had a good offseason last year. No doubt. Belichick has had very good offseasons also in the past. Plus, he has draft picks and FA signings that looked good, but did not work out.

I think the Jets are heading in the right direction. I also believe that last year, in the long run, might hurt more then help. Last year Mangini did great and deserved Coach of Year Honors. This year might be harder. How much should he change based on last year's success? Alot? None? The Jets were far from perfefct and the AFC is tough. Do they do gradual change and tread water? Or gut the team of useless parts and rebuild?

That is why I am surprised the Jets have done very little this offseason. With the cap space available, they could have signed a player to help the process, but also cut some albatross contracts.

[ECURB]

That is why I am surprised the Jets have done very little this offseason. With the cap space available, they could have signed a player to help the process, but also cut some albatross contracts.

That is why you are not being paid to run an NFL team and they are...

[PFSIKH]

That is why you are not being paid to run an NFL team and they are...

Very true.

If the Jets are going to dethrone the Patriots, they are no closer and in fact a little further from doing it now. And the Patriots were not even a top AFC team last year.

I agree with 80's point that the draft is where a team is built. However, that does not mean ignore FA. Mike Vrabel. Rodney Harrison. Correy Dillon. A few names that helped complete the Patriots that allowed them to win 3 titles.

[ECURB]

Very true.

If the Jets are going to dethrone the Patriots, they are no closer and in fact a little further from doing it now. And the Patriots were not even a top AFC team last year.

I agree with 80's point that the draft is where a team is built. However, that does not mean ignore FA. Mike Vrabel. Rodney Harrison. Correy Dillon. A few names that helped complete the Patriots that allowed them to win 3 titles.

I had no intention of a serious conversation there... I was just pushing buttons and teasing... shame on me...

Yeah there were a few guys I wanted the JETS to get.. they didnt... but I trust Tangini for now... I do have a short fuse thanks to Herm "the jackass" Edwards though...

[914-ny]

WHY DO WE PLAY NEW ENGLAD TWICE IN A ROW??

WEEK 15 AND WEEK 16??

[uart]

I'll let you all know after the draft. We need a guy or two on O-Line, MAYBE a #3 WR, and some run-stoppers on D.

If we get all of that, then I'll predict another good season.

Chad isn't the answer long-term.... BUT... if he wins out in camp this year, and he has a running game, AND some solid protection from the line, there is no reason to believe that he can't run an effective offense.

[PeterNorth09]

This has probably been discussed before, but screw it, this is the offseason and this is a topic worth discussing.

Due to the fact that our game against the Giants will be considered a ROAD GAME this season (it was considered a home game in our last meeting with the Giants, in 2004), we will technically have NINE home games this season.

I bring this up because many are saying our schedule will be "too difficult". This is a terrible excuse, for this reason and several others. While we proved to be a strong road team last season, there is no reason to believe that playing an extra home game and one fewer road game is a nice advantage to have. Also, I just don't believe the schedule will be as difficult as people say. We have the ability go 4-2 in the AFC East, 3-1 or 2-2 against the NFC East, 2-2 or 3-1 in the AFC North, and beat the Chiefs and/or Titans.

If we play this schedule as I believe we can, we should finish no worse than 9-7 and as well as 12-4 (I think we fall somewhere in the middle, most likely 10-6 or 11-5).

I believe the only thing standing in our way of a playoff berth (and subsequent deep run) are our issues on offense, particularly at QB and offensive line. I have confidence that our OL will not be neglected, which leaves the most pertinent issue of the 2007 season; Pennington or Clemens?

Otherwise, I just don't see why the SCHEDULE is as daunting as many say.

It also helps that the Giants are going to reek this year. Coughlin stays, Barber goes, the offensive line is falling apart, they can't stop the run and their secondary is average at best. I would not be surprised if this team quits on Tom Coughlin by mid-season.

It's going to be a long long season for the Big Blow.

[serphnx]

The Chargers of 2 years ago and the Bengals of last year were a lot talented than we are, yet their tough schedules kept them out of the playoffs. We have to get better and fast, or it could be a long season.

[leviot]

Just wanna point out that if you consider the Jints game an advantage, playing in Dallas on short rest on thanksgiving will be a disadvantage. Then again, I think it's way too early to be discussing schedule strength as we don't know the true strength of any team untill they actually start playing..

[Cmart28Coles87]

I completely agree. Although a lot can change between now and the season and sometimes schedules that look tough now can become easy during the season and vice versa. Also this schedule right now still doenst look all that tough. The NFC East is overrated in my opinion.

[SeniorFlaJet]

Just wanna point out that if you consider the Jints game an advantage, playing in Dallas on short rest on thanksgiving will be a disadvantage. Then again, I think it's way too early to be discussing schedule strength as we don't know the true strength of any team untill they actually start playing..

Its possible we can still get the bye week before the thanksgiving game.

[SeniorFlaJet]

I completely agree. Although a lot can change between now and the season and sometimes schedules that look tough now can become easy during the season and vice versa. Also this schedule right now still doenst look all that tough. The NFC East is overrated in my opinion.

Agree with you about a lot can change during a season. However, AFC East teams aside

if you just go by the teams we will be playing the road games seem to be a lot

tougher than the home games.

[Jetsfan80]

While we do play Dallas on short-rest, we do follow that up with an 11-day rest. It's almost like an extra bye week!

[ECURB]

WHY DO WE PLAY NEW ENGLAD TWICE IN A ROW??

WEEK 15 AND WEEK 16??

Are you kiddding...

Did you notice there are no dates next to those games yet on the JETS website??? And it also says we play the Bills and Phins back to back right before that...

[rick34125]

if there is a lot of time between now and week 1 how do you know how much harder the schedule will be?

the last time i checked football is a team sport. so your stats of pennington against whatever is meaningless. besides i'd like to see your stats for a healthy pennington who's not recovering from injury.

so like what's your point? it was their first year in both offensive and defensive schemes. more than 40% of the roster was new, not to mention all the rookies. are you saying this is like an old team with little upside?

again like what's your point? that being active in the offseason makes you a better team? like that's been new england's success formula.

its still a long way off til the season begins, but barring any unforeseen circumstances the Jets stand to be a better team, maybe a lot better. they might even be closer to competing with new england than the way you see it, but we won't go that far.

if your like most pats fans deep down your sick of Darth Belichik and boy brady and want to see them get their asses put down on the turf and kicked just as much as everyone else.

Go Jets!

[PFSIKH]

The point is spelled out for you. Sorry, you cannot comprehend the message.

[Jetsfan80]

Not really. You're saying that we have a difficult season ahead of us because 1) the schedule is tougher, 2) we haven't spent on free agents, and 3) because every team will improve, not just us.

1) If the schedule is tougher for us, then it will also be tougher for New England and the rest of the division, no? Besides, the schedule is set in place each season years in advance, and the divisions we drew (NFC East, AFC North) do not appear any stronger than the AFC South and NFC North of last season. Furthermore, only two games are determined by record, and we drew the Chiefs in one of those games. Lucky for us; Herm is running that team into the ground.

2) successful teams build through the draft, and our draft class last season made an immediate impact. We have 4 picks on day 1 and have chosen not to overspend on pricy, aging free agents that don't fit the system. Spending money just to spend it is unwise.

3) Not every team improves equally. The cream rises to the top each offseason as intelligent front offices patiently bring in quality players to meet the needs of the coaching staff. Dan Snyder is the antithesis of this (the hapless Redskins are on the schedule, thankfully), while the front offices for the Patriots, Jets, Ravens, Steelers, Chargers, Bears, Seahawks and several others are proving to be effective whereas the Browns, Cardinals, Lions, etc. are not. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. This point is based on opinion more than the other 3, but Tannenbaum/Mangini showed the world that they are more than capable leaders last season by taking a 4-12 team with zero confidence to 10-6. I trust him.

Add on to this the fact that the Jets will be playing 9 games at home, the original point of the thread, and I must say that I am very confident in this team next season.

[PFSIKH]

Fair points.

1) I said in another thread. Probably, the other one about the 2007 schedule , I said both teams will be hard pressed to match their 2006 win totals. At least in the Patriots defense, our stats looked decent. When we took on Indy and San Diego, our numbers were alot more pedestrian. In theory, the slide back will be less. Look at the Jets, and I realize that their numbers are skewed a bit by a slow start, were pedestrian at best. Then they were handled by the fourth bext team in the AFC in the playoffs.

2) I do not disagree and in fact agree with most of your points. However, like with free agents, not all draft picks are great. Belichick/Pioli are largely regarded as being very good at the draft, but even they miss. Just because Tannebaum/Mangini had a great draft, do not mean they will have another great draft. It suggests they will, but it does not gurantee it. Most of us have been around long enough to know that there are no gurantees in the draft.

3) Again, I am not disagreeing with you. As I said above, all those teams have made a habit of finding players in the draft and free agency. However, they all have dropped the ball also.

I am not saying the Jets are going to be 4-12. They will be hard pressed to repaeat the success of last year. One, they do not have two firsts to rebuild their OL. The weak schedule and teams not looking past them.

[Jetsfan80]

I am not saying the Jets are going to be 4-12. They will be hard pressed to repaeat the success of last year. One, they do not have two firsts to rebuild their OL. The weak schedule and teams not looking past them.

How is the schedule TOUGHER than last season's? The Titans were supposed to be an easy foe; they were not. The AFC South nearly produced three playoff teams. The NFC North produced the conference's champion and two others competed for playoff spots. I just don't see that big of a gap between this year's schedule and last year's.

We don't have two firsts, but we have two 2nd rounders. And if given a choice between two 1st's in last year's draft and two 1st's in this one, I would have taken last year. This year's draft just isn't looking as strong. And while we may not have the opportunity to rebuild the OL, two of the biggest pieces were already filled last season, the two most IMPORTANT ones (franchise LT, center). We still need upgrades at G and RT, but they don't need to be filled in the 1st.

As for teams looking past us, does ANYONE ever look past a team in the NFL? In a 16-game schedule, you simply cannot afford to do that.

[rick34125]

what a lame non-answer. about as lame as Darth Belichik in the boston globe:

"Eric and I go back a long ways, our connections at Wesleyan, the same fraternity. It's just disappointing the way things went.

"The way I see it, it takes two to have a good relationship, and it takes two for that relationship not to be that way. It would take two to repair it."

"The fact of the matter is when he did take the job, I said complimentary things. I meant the things I said. It was a professional decision he had to make. I know it's his first [head coaching] job and that's a significant opportunity. It's just unfortunate where things went from there."