Underrated NY Jets going into 2007

Ok lets face it when it comes to baseball, the Yankees are the most overrated team by far in baseball, as evidenced by their early season collapse. But when we talk about football, especially going into next season, the Patriots have to be the most overrated team due to the hype of their off-season acquisition moves of Stallworth, Walker and Moss.



With the drafting of Darrelle Revis, combined with Kerry Rhodes and Erik Coleman the Jets secondary will improve immediately with potential for big plays. Speaking of big plays, the explosiveness of Cotchery, Coles, Washington and Thomas should more than dismantle strong defenses. Add Justin Miller and Mike Nugent to the mix and special teams should come up big.

With a healthy Pennington and established running game in Thomas Jones (sacrificing life and limb on every down), anchored by a solid offensive line, the jets defensive line should get a much needed rest this season as gang green controls more time possession.

Hey, New England looks great on paper, but with a hamstring ridden Stallworth and Moss coming off a horrendous season, I would venture to say that the Jets will matchup pretty well with them, similar to last season.

Why A-Rod is bad for New York

When I think about the Yankees roster, I see a group of hard-working, humble players who lead by example. Look at Jeter, Cano, Posada, Rivera. Even Damon has a genuine, good-natured sense about him.



Then I see A-Rod. I can’t help but make the analogy of an untamed streetdog who enters upon the gates of Cesar Milan’s loyal, disciplined pack and stirs up chaos with a different energy. I see the way other players look at him, slap him five or force a smile or reaction. They feel obligated to do such things maybe due to intimidation or maybe out of loyalty to keep the clubhouse in order by not rocking the boat. Either way, I know most of the team does not like A-rod. Do they feel that way with Jeter? No way. Jeter is like your best friend who you’ve hung out with for years.

I don’t think A-Rod is a bad person. I just think he’s put himself in a situation he wished he handled differently through his initial talk and cockiness. But similar to Iraq, his only viable strategy is to fight his way out of it, only his chances of success may be slightly better than our chances of resolving sectarian conflict and restoring order.

The weekend sweep at Boston

Despite what many say that this weekend sweep by Boston was a huge loss for the Yankees, I tend to agree, only that in my view the loss was the best thing that could have happened for this team. The biggest wakeup was the reinforcement that pitching wins ballgames. Yes we all know this, but how much more focused, or are I say obsessed are we about it after the monstrous four consecutive homeruns given up by Chase Wright. This embarrassment will cause a huge trickle down effect from management to pitching coach to player, treating the current pitching state at a much-needed crisis level.