2008 New York Jets NFL Predictions

Head coach Eric Mangini was nicknamed the "Mangenious" after leading the Jets to a 10-win season and the playoff in his first season. Reality sank in last season when the Jets finished with a 4-12 mark. Find out in Jimmy Boyd's 2008 New York Jets predictions and season preview if the Mangenious will be back this season.
 

Bet on Football Using Your Credit Card

Offense

Chad Pennington lost his starting job to Kellen Clemens last season. After Clemens proved less effective, the two will be battling it out for the starting job in 2008. The Jets ranked 25th in the leagues in passing and they know they're going to have to be better if they want to turn things around. Fifth round draft pick Erik Ainge could be the future signal caller of the offense.

Thomas Jones gave the Jets a feature back last season who gained 1,119 yards on the ground despite running behind a struggling offensive line. Leon Washington backs up Jones and is a nice change of pace back.

Jerricho Cotchery exploded in his fourth season with 82 catches for 1,130 yards. Former Mizzou QB, Brad Smith, figures to become an even larger part of the offense. This guy is too much of a playmaker to keep off the field. Tight end Chris Baker had a career-high 41 grabs last season. Don't be surprised if rookie Dustin Keller begins to cut into his playing time.

The Jets' offensive line was awful in 2007. That's why the Jets made left guard Alan Faneca the highest paid lineman in the NFL. They then signed veteran tackle Damien Woody just a few days later. The Jets gave up a ridiculous 53 sacks last season and their running game averaged just 106 yards per game. This unit figures to improve, but not enough to make significant strides.

Defense

The Jets were eaten alive by opposing running attacks last season, ranking 29th in the league at stopping the run. The Jets traded their third and fifth round picks to Carolina to get the 6'4'' 335 pound Kris Jenkins to take up a lot of space in the middle. Ends Shaun Ellis and Kenyon Coleman tallied just 6.5 sacks between them a season ago and nothing has been done to improve the pass rush. I guess everything can't be fixed at once.

David Harris starred at the linebacker spot last season, leading the team with 126 tackles and added five sacks as a rookie. He'll play the middle inside linebacker spot next to veteran Eric Barton. The Jets added outside linebacker Calvin Pace in the offseason and Bryan Thomas will likely start on the right side. He'll likely share time with top draft choice Vernon Gholston, New York's best pass-rushing prospect since John Abraham.

Trading up 11 spots to nab Darelle Revis proved to be a great move as the starting cornerback finished second on the team in tackles and added three interceptions. Justin Miller is the likely starter opposite him. Kerry Rhodes is an exceptional strong safety and the Jets just locked him up with a long term deal. He had a team-leading five picks last season. Abram Elam will likely start at the free safety spot.

Special Teams

Leon Washington is a very dangerous return man, averaging 27.5 yards and finished with a league-leading three touchdowns. Mike Nugent was lick clockwork again connecting on 22 of 24 field goal attempts from 40 yards and in and hitting six of eight between 40 and 49 yards. He was just one of for from 50 yards out or longer, but no one in the league is very accurate from those distances.

Prediction – 4th AFC East

Just two seasons removed from a 10-win season and a playoff berth the Jets will likely be bringing up the rear in the AFC East. That means the Dolphins will be even better in 2008. The Jets were swept by both the Bills and the Patriots in 2007 so I expect this rebuilding project is going to need a couple more years.

Let Jimmy Boyd's NFL predictions help you cash in on your futures bets this year. And once the season hits, you can start beating the NFL odds with his award winning NFL picks. Sign up for a season pass this year and you'll win more money that you ever have before.

For more take a look at the official site of the New York Jets or any of these great fan sites:

• Jets Insider - information on the team.
• Gang Green - the most complete source for Jets information.
• Jets Central - blog on the team.