Tebow arrived in New York a year ago following an incredible and improbable playoff run in Denver, but never managed to make any impact on the field for the Jets.

Drawing significant media interest and fanatic personal support from different groups, Tebow was never more than a distraction for a Jets squad and a coaching staff that had literally no idea how to use his skills. It will be a surprise if he is able to make an impact in the NFL in the future.

The Jets and Ivory had been linked for a number of weeks, following a clandestine meeting between the two sides prior to the player opting to sign his Restricted Free Agent tender with the Saints – a necessary precursor to any trade. Whilst the leaks from New York’s front office appear to have been largely contained this off-season, there was plenty to read about on this story as the Saints looked to use the media to drive the cost of a trade up, at one point suggesting that Ivory had multiple suitors (none of which were ever identified and likely never existed).

The post-trade buzz from New Orleans was that the Jets had opened with the offer of a sixth with the Saints looking for the fourth round choice they ultimately received. This has the decided ring of revisionism to it, but the Jets organisation responded as it has to all such reports in recent months, with silence. This is both professional and smart and it is nice to see that this approach is taking root at Florham Park.

Ivory promises to be an exciting and violent runner. Though his injury history suggests he cannot be trusted to carry the load alone, in New York he will not be asked to as Bilal Powell and Mike Goodson share carries, with Joe McKnight available for mop-up duties. Taking into account Marty Mornhinweg’s affection for the passing game it is likely that Ivory will be protected as much as is possible for a player in a starting role.

This addition makes all kinds of sense for the Jets and it will be interesting to see how the running game goes in 2013.

Smith was widely regarded as the ‘best’ quarterback in the class of 2013, though the Buffalo Bills opted to make FSU’s EJ Manuel the first selected, trading down to pick him at the 16th spot in Thursday’s first round. Smith was next off the board as the Jets, who strongly considered using their 13th overall choice on him (they ultimately chose Sheldon “Don’t call me Shelley” Richardson), ended his slide early in Friday’s second round. The upshot is a training camp competition slated to feature Smith, veteran David Garrard, incumbent Mark Sanchez and former Alabama starter Greg McElroy – who usurped Sanchez in the course of a 7-6 victory over the Arizona Cardinals last season, but failed to impress in his lone start at home to the San Diego Chargers. Whether all four make it to camp remains to be seen and that’s before we even think about the future of Tim Tebow.

The Jets selected offensive linemen with their next three picks, starting with Brian Winters from Kent State in round three, Oday Aboushi from Virginia in the fifth round and Michigan DT Will Campbell in the sixth – with the intent of converting him from the defensive line to the offensive side of the ball. Wake Forest fullback Tommy Bohanon rounded out the team’s draft class.

Whilst many Jets fans clamoured for more glamorous selections such as WVU wideout Tavon Austin or a pass-rusher like Barkevious Mingo out of LSU and others demanded safer building blocks like UNC’s Jonathan Cooper, an offensive guard, or Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert, the team opted to go by their board, selecting first Milliner and then Richardson, despite each playing a position that does not represent an immediate need for the team.

Of course there will be football after 2013 and judging selections entirely in light of the upcoming season is unfair, but it is this year that is prominent in the minds of Jets fans who struggle to see ways for the team to be successful with their current roster. With Milliner and Richardson added to Quentin Coples and Muhammad Wilkerson it seems there is a talented young defensive corps developing, which bodes well for Rex Ryan’s continued employment.

You have to think that Mark Sanchez and Marty Mornhinweg are not best pleased, however.

Darrelle Revis is probably the best player on the New York Jets’ roster, but will he be wearing green and white for much longer?
According to a report on NFL.com, new Jets general manager John Izdik was ‘shopping’ the star cornerback this week at the NFL Combine, presumably trying to determine his approximate value ahead of offseason discussions over the player’s future – which at the moment is acrimoniously uncertain.

Coming off of an ACL injury in 2012, Darrelle Revis has one year remaining on his contract, and the Jets must now decide whether to extend his contract, or whether to trade him to another team – more than likely one in the NFC.

The problem with extending Revis’ contract, is that he will be holding out for the big bucks, a Mario Williams-style contract, which seems to slowly becoming the yardstick for negotiating players in the NFL. Looking down the line, this may not be the best move for the Jets. Why would you want to tie up so much money in a cornerback, whose absence was coped with by team MVP, and Pro Bowl selection, Antonio Cromartie, as well as Kyle Wilson and Eliis Lankster last year; especially when you have greater problems at the safety position, with both Yeremiah Bell and LaRon Landry hitting free agency this spring? So, would it make more sense to trade Darrelle Revis instead of offering him a new deal?

A case could be made for Revis being, not only the best player on the Jets’ roster, but the best player in the entire NFL. Over his five-year career, he has drawn many plaudits, and Revis is widely recognised as the league’s best shutdown corner. Even as he returns from his aforementioned knee injury, his stock will still be at a premium, and with the likes of the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos reportedly showing interest in Gang Green’s number 24, the Jets will want to ‘milk the cow’ as much as possible to make sure they get maximum value attainable. Revis may well be the sacrificial lamb needed to help the team rebuild over the next couple of seasons, and with the 2013 Draft being as deep with talent as it is, the Jets might find themselves better off in the long run with multiple draft picks, rather than keeping a hold of their coveted cornerback for the time being.

Personally, I believe it wouldn’t be in the best interests of the Jets if they were to ask for, or to receive, anything less than two high draft picks (either a first and a third, first and a second, or the two second round picks that San Francisco will shortly have thanks to the trade with the Kansas City Chiefs for estranged QB Alex Smith). They could also ask for a player, or players, in exchange for Revis, either in addition to or instead of 2013 (or future) NFL Draft selections; though that would seem the more unlikely option of the two.

However, despite the temptation to trade Revis in order to acquire other pieces, it may not be the best thing to do. After all, Darrelle Revis is an elite player and automatically upgrades the quality of the defence every time he’s fielded. He effectively makes it easier for the rest of the defence to play, and together with Antonio Cromartie, the Jets have the most intimidating cornerback tandem in the league. Not to mention that he would most definitely strengthen potential opposition, or even worse – a rival.

Personally, I have mixed opinions on the subject. My heart wants Darrelle to remain a Jet. He’s a top-drawer player, and the Jets would more than likely enjoy a better 2013 with him than without him. I’m also a big Revis fan, and seeing him in another team’s colours would be a bitter pill to swallow. But, on the other hand, my head is telling me that a trade for draft picks would be the better route to take, because it would allow management to plug holes and improve areas of greater need. At this point in time, building for the future seems a better option than keeping hold of a great player who would more than likely end up costing the club a lot of money over the next few years. What do you think?

When the San Francisco 49ers came to New York to play the Jets in week four of the NFL regular season, few members of Gang Green had reason to be optimistic. The Jets had failed to live up to their week one demolition of the Buffalo Bills, following with dismal showings against Pittsburgh and Miami in weeks two and three respectively, and not many going to the MetLife Stadium on a Sunny Sunday morning in East Rutherford, New Jersey had high hopes for Sanchez and his men. I, however, did. I am naturally an optimistic person, but my optimism was boosted by the fact that this particular game was my first-ever Jets game. I was hoping that I would be a good omen for New York against the high-flying San Francisco 49ers. Unfortunately, it was not to be as I was on hand to witness quite possibly the worst Jets performance I have ever seen, but despite the demolition job by San Fran, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

I was able to make a day of it, as the train left shortly after eight in the morning, and I returned to Manhattan at six in the evening. I was very impressed by the MetLife Stadium, as well as what I’d describe as ‘football culture’. Tailgating is probably the biggest part of it, and shortly after stepping off the train and doing a lap of the stadium, dressed in my Derrelle Revis jersey and sporting my ‘UK JETS’ flag as a cape I headed out into the massive car park where I was immediately greeted by a woman who handed me a flyer to join one of the various tailgating parties that was taking place. After scanning over the piece of paper, I folded it up and slipped it into my jeans pocket and continued on my way, heading over towards one of the busiest areas in the L lot to have a good nose around. I only managed to get a few metres further, before being stopped once more by a man who called me over as he struggled to get out of his car. Cautiously, I approached the man who would soon introduce himself as ‘Jim from USA Today’ and he went on to ask me if I had a few minutes for a quick interview. I happily obliged, and a couple of days later I found out that the scrawl that he had made on his notepad had formulated into an article on the USA Today website, which you can find here. After the interview concluded, I shook hands with Jim, and he left me to go on my way off to tailgate. I didn’t end up joining a party or getting involved with any of the tailgaters, because I was more than happy to just look around being constantly impressed with what I saw. The cars, the food, the drink, and the Jets merchandise; it was quite a sight. Everyone appeared to be having a good time as they underwent the pre-match ritual known as tailgating. Maybe I’ll jump in next year, because it looked like fun.

However, as it was my first trip to the MetLife Stadium, I wanted to be in there as early as possible. Once I peeled myself away from the car park, I went around to my gate and soon entered the grounds. It was pretty much as I expected on the outside of the building; lots of things to do and be involved with, concessions stands galore, and the club shop. There was still a lot of time to kill, but there was also a lot for me to do, so I had no problems. My first port of call was the club shop, followed closely but a spot of lunch at the food court. I then took a look around at the entertainment on show before I made my much-anticipated journey to my seat. It took me a few minutes to find my way, but I eventually I found the block I was sitting in, and my way down the tunnel, out of the shade and back into the light, which is when I stopped in my tracks. It was still pretty empty on the inside, but the MetLife Stadium was breathtaking. I actually expected it to be bigger than it was, which was something I found a little surprising, but it still looked amazing – much different to how it appears on television every week! I spent the time between here and kick-off taking photos, watching the players train, and watching the stadium fill with green and an unexpected amount of red, as the 49ers seemed to herald a hefty away support.

A few snaps and drills later, and we were ready for the game. Lillian Garcia, former WWE ring announcer, sung the national anthem before her stage was dismantled and everyone got into position for the kick. The coin toss also took place, and the Jets kicked first. Just before Nick Folk  struck the ball with his foot, I looked a couple of metres to my right to see none other than Fireman Ed standing up on his perch, getting ready to lead the crowd in the famous “J-E-T-S! JETS, JETS, JETS!” chant. As if I wasn’t already excited enough, this just sent me into overdrive, and just over the shoulder of the Jets’ most famous fan, I took part in shouting at the top of my lungs as the ball was plunged into the backfield of the 49ers. Another chant then followed, before everyone took their seats for the first half.

The first half was a little disappointing by the Jets, who went in 10 points behind. However, it was manageable, and the green and white faithful hoped that we could get back into the game in the second. Whilst the half-time entertainment was taking place out on the field, I approached Fireman Ed, hoping to get a photo with him. He was a very nice man, and he was more than happy for me to have my photo taken with him, as well as the several other people who wanted the same. Once I got my photo, I said goodbye to, and thanked, Fireman Ed and returned to my seat in time for the second half.

The first half wasn’t great, but it was certainly a lot better than the second, as the Jets gave up twenty-four unanswered points to cap off a dismal day at the office, being blown out 34-0. Then, just like out of a television programme – when it appeared that things couldn’t get any worse, the clear blue skies and the beautiful warm sun gave way to grey clouds and rain. It was as if it meant to be. I stayed until the game had ended and all the players had disappeared off, whilst also keeping an eye on the large contingent of 49ers fans celebrating what was an emphatic victory for them, whilst taking the time to sigh, thinking of what could have been. Despite the result, despite the performance, I returned to Manhattan having had one of the greatest experiences that I’ve ever had in my nineteen years on this planet, and I’ll most definitely be back there next year to see the Jets once more (and hopefully put a point on the board)!

Oh, and on a closing note –  after seeing the New York Jets Flight Crew, I have come to the conclusion that the British government should make cheerleaders mandatory for every sporting event here in the United Kingdom. Just sayin’.

- ToffeeYankee

Listen to the full interview here

The news comes as a bitter blow to a Jets team who have become accustomed in recent years to his exceptional play and incredible consistency. With receivers like Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne, Brandon Lloyd, Stevie Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald due to face New York in the remainder of the season it seems the Jets will need to find something special to avoid a series of lopsided defeats.

Revis is likely to be healthy by the start of next season, but there are no guarantees that he will be able to return to the level of play he has displayed so far in his career.

Like with Vinny Testaverde in 1999 and Chad Pennington in 2005, this 2012 season can be added to the list of what-might-have-beens thanks to a cruel injury in the early days of the season, only more so as the Revis injury robs the league of unquestionably the best player in the NFL at any position.

A terrible day for football.

It all started so well. A careless Mark Sanchez interception (which ought to have been overturned following a replay challenge on account of the defender’s second foot coming down out of bounds) was an inauspicious end to the first drive of the season, but from that point until the middle of the third quarter it was, a single CJ Spiller run apart, Jets all the way. Gang Green collected three interceptions of their own on route to a 41-7 lead, before the combination of a defensive let-up and a concussive injury to all-world defensive back Darrelle Revis allowed the struggling Bills to close to 41-28. With anxiety rising in some quarters Mark Sanchez led his group down for a game-clinching score and all seemed right with the world.

Initial indications were that the Revis injury was ‘minor’ (if such a thing can ever be said about a concussion), but as the week wore on it became ever more apparent that he would not travel to Pittsburgh. Bryan Thomas and Dustin Keller were also ruled out, with Rashard Mendenhall, Troy Polamalu and James Harrison sidelined for the Steelers. Although hopes were buoyed by two early scoring drives, it was apparent from the get-go that the absence of Revis had freed Antonio Brown to cause difficulties for the Jets on defense. Repeated failures to get off the field on third down led to a halftime defecit of 13-10, despite only one offensive drive (besides that which ended the half) failing to result in points.

The second half of the game was altogether far less competitive. Pittsburgh stopped the Jets, added a further touchdown on a desperation pass by Ben Roethlisberger to Mike Wallace, with Antonio Cromartie in coverage. Cromartie had his man blanketed, but relaxed in the endzone and allowed Wallace to come back for the ball, the receiver making a remarkable grab and incredible effort to establish himself in bounds. A muffed punt and a blown call, upheld on replay, allowed the Steelers to ice the game in the fourth quarter, without facing any real resistance from Sanchez and his offensive cohorts, with the Jets quarterback establishing a career high for consecutive incompletions.

Overall, a decidedly mixed bag and more to worry about than to be confident in. No unit on the team was solid in Pittsburgh, although the rushing defense was the least unimpressive. A vital game in Miami follows before a tough homestand against the two best teams in football as of right now – San Francisco and Houston. Winning two from three would set the Jets up nicely for the final two-thirds of the season. Anything less and they are going to be in a tough spot with little margin for error. The coming weeks promise to be educational days in our efforts to learn who this Jets team really are.

Smith has been a disappointment in St Louis where the weight of his draft position has been a burden, whilst Hunter has drawn the ire of Jets fans following a series of indifferent (to be charitable) displays through the 2011 season and carrying over into the 2012 preseason. The emergence of Austin Howard at the right tackle spot has perhaps been sufficient to allow the Jets to jettison Hunter without having second thoughts about the move.

Time will tell if this is a problem swapped for another, or a genuine chance for two talented but underachieving men to find success in a new environment.