I know what we'll be doing in January: watching 6 other teams not named the Jets from the AFC play football.
It's amazing to me how much people overvalue skill position players. I mean, it's simplistic, but didn't we go just as far in the playoffs without Holmes and Cromartie as we did with them? And we did that with no significant contributions from Kyle Wilson, or Mohammed Wilkerson, both of whom could fill in significant gaps. Add in 3rd year development from Mark Sanchez, and I think we're likely to be as good as last year regardless of those three. I dunno - I'd like to have Holmes back, but it's not a make or break situation even if we lose all three. 45 (now 46) guys suit up on game day, and almost all of them will see real game time. This isn't basketball where two guys can dominate a game. Nobody (other than maybe the QB) is that important.
We aren't gonna keep everybody. That much is clear. However..people need to realize that the players we ultimately lose,are not only replaceable but the replacements ARE available, at a cheaper rate. The only player I really fear losing is Holmes. Holmes is that clutch explosive playmaker that this team has been missing since Wesley Walker...and he's better than Walker. Say what you will about Braylon,Rice or Moss as alternatives...but none of them are anywhere near as explosive or clutch as Holmes is. All this talk about Holmes "Losing motivation" after signing a big deal given that he already has a ring is crazy. Holmes isn't the most media accesible guy..but one thing he always makes clear is that he is a football player above all else. The reason he demands the ball in the clutch is because he cares so much about winning. He's irreplaceable. I believe Harris will get his long term deal. He sets the defensive tone,has been a contributor from day 1...and is extremely valuable as a thumper in rex's D.Signing him to an extension will actually create more cap space short term... As for Cromartie and Edwards. I like both players...but given their ages and reputations, they are likely gonna command huge deals that don't really match up with their on field production. There are a few big target WR's similar to Edwards who are either alittle older or not quite as flashy. Both Malcolm Floyd and Plaxico burress could play a similar role that braylon did and will come alot cheaper. You drafted Wilson round 1 last year. His on field production was up and down which is not uncommon for a rookie. But he's known to be tough,resilient...and I believe once he learns how to turn his head with the ball in the air could be a better fit in Rex's D than Cromartie was. W/ Revis and Wilson you have 2 young, athletic bump and runners...one of which is flat out dominant. I think you target a veteran capable of playing the # 2 or nickel to support Wilson in his development, and ultimately upgrade the nickel spot. I really like Nate Clements if he does get released. Likely not the # 1 corner he used to be..but he's made his money, has experience in the AFC east and can play inside or out. It will be painful to lose the big names..the good news is...there are alternatives that will keep this team headed in the right direction.
Oh please. Braylon has just as much baggage as Holmes does. Really? The deciding factor between Holmes and Edwards is Edwards ability to block? If you prefer Edwards, i can respect that...but in what scenario does a reciever's blocking ability become the key factor in any personnel decision.
Braylon is not 1 joint from a 1 year suspension. We are a run first team and Braylon is by far the superior blocker. Braylon is a better teammate IMO, clearly showing he is commited to being a Jet longterm.
