Q&A With A Jets Fan

Earlier this week I was Emailed by Brian Bassett of TheJetsBlog.com asking if I had any interest in a short Q&A about each others teams. I know, A Jets Blog? I too didn’t know they existed. But guess what? There is one. All kidding aside, Brian was very gracious in reaching out with that olive branch this week and although we both wished each other luck this weekend, we both knew neither of us meant it. Still, Brians’ a good guy and I encourage all of you to take a trip over and read my answers to his questions and read up on one of our more bitter Eastern division rivals.

Phinphanatic – Regardless of records, the Jets always play Miami tough. In fact, they have owned the Dolphins as of late. With the records of both teams being what they are, do you think this game, this Sunday, means more to the players or to the fans?

Brian Bassett – I would never tell a player to their face that it means more to the fans. No one wants to lose, and the Jets who aren’t great, still don’t want the Dolphins to get their first win on their watch, meanwhile the Phins now this might be their best chance between now and the end of the season. All that being said, both teams fans are looking for anything to tide them over until next season, and winning against a bitter old rival is always nice.

PP – The Jets were in the playoffs last year and were considered a real threat to the Patriots this season. Where do you think the blame for this season belongs?

BB – Overly high expectations from fans and media and a lack of trying to get substantively better through free agency by the front office. Yes, the schedule was somewhat better, but the team played in a number of close game last year and this year. They found some more role players like two years ago, but this team just isn’t ready for prime time, and is still shedding it’s more 4-3 tendencies and players. The Jets have a core of players to work around, but they had better be busy come the offseason to find some quality players to upgrade both lines, find a pass-rusher and another deep receiving threat. If the Jets don’t address the defense seriously this offseason, it’ll be a crime.

PP – When scouting this years Dolphins, what do you see as the weaknesses and what do you see as the strengths in terms of match ups?

BB – When the Jets are on defense, in terms of weaknesses, I’d have to say that the skill players on the Miami Offense are out of sorts. Between losing Ronnie Brown, Chris Chambers, Randy McMichael AND hold-the-fort starter Trent Green, it’s been a rough adjustment for the team with no continuity. Ronnie Brown is what’s going to make this team go, and without him, it’s been a tough road which is a shame since the offensive line has been consistently decent, at least compared to the Jets. To take away the Phins’ one strength, their line, the Jets should try to force the Dolphins to throw. Rex Hadnot had a great day abusing Jonathan Vilma on pulls last time, let’s see how he fares against rookie David Harris who is more up to the task.When the Jets are on offense, the will likely play some wrinkles in their plan from last time … which was to run the ball a lot at the Dolphins, something they haven’t done well. Kellen Clemens has struggled against some excellent defenses the past few weeks, so I expect him to have a better game, provided they can use Clemens judiciously rather than as someone who has to win the game out of third and longs.

PP – How do Jets fans view the whole Belichick scandal “spygate” in terms of how it was handled by Mangini? There has been rumors that Mangini broke the “don’t tell” code of the NFL and that it may deter him from finding a job down the line.

BB – I think Jets fans were happy to see Belichick get taken down a peg, but at the same time I think we all know that it didn’t have an effect on the outcome of the game. He’s a hard worker and smart, and more than likely did what he could to keep his opponent honest. Mangini isn’t the type of buy to care about his job down the line. He was looking at a situation that needed to be addressed, thought it was the right thing and did it. Total conspiracy here, but I imagine that the Pats had been warned in some way shape or form and let’s face it, they knew better. I do think that there are plenty of coaches around the league like Lovie Smith or Dungy who have experienced some “radio malfunctions” and whatnot while visiting Gillette, so there’s probably a mixed bag in terms of for and against. I do imagine that Mangini is cut out of most of the Belichick tree though, with the exception of RAC.

PP – Both teams will likely be picking high in the draft this year, what do you believe is the Jets biggest off-season priority in terms of player personnel.

BB – Different people will tell you different things, and I think it will depend on who the Jets land in free agency. In my estimation though the top areas that the Jets need to address are as follows, based on who looks to be in the top ten: Defensive Line, Monster Pass Rushing Outside Linebacker, Offensive Line.