Last season the Jets finished 9-7-0 and were third in the AFC East, missing the playoffs.

Offense: Last season the offense revolved around a quarterback coming to town, and this year is no different. Last season it was grizzled veteran Brett Favre looking for one more chance at glory, but this season it’s a golden child from Southern California getting as much hype as Favre before making his first career start. Mark Sanchez is the new savior in New York after one season as the starter for USC the Jets drafted him 5th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft to lead their team, but first he has to beat out fourth year quarterback Kellen Clemens for the starting spot. The young quarterbacks will push each other to be better and in part the offense will be better than the 16th ranked in both yards and passing yards last season.

Defense: With the firing of offensive minded Head Coach Eric Mangini the Jets went in a different direction looking for their next head coach. The hiring of former Baltimore Ravens Defensive Coordinator Rex Ryan was one of the biggest defensive pickups for the Jets this off season. Coming with Ryan to New York was Inside Linebacker Bart Scott, who recorded over 80 tackles last season for the Ravens. Also coming over from Baltimore is Strong Safety Jim Leonhard who seems to be poised for a breakout season after recording 69 tackles in his first season of playing every game. The Jets hope these acquisitions can help improve the 29th ranked pass defense and the 18th ranked defense in points allowed.

Star Power: Running back/Return man Leon Washington is primed to have a big season for the Jets. Washington had over 2,300 all purpose yards last season with nine touchdowns with the yards coming from the ground, receiving, and kick returning. Currently, Washington is holding out of training camp looking for a new contract, but when he returns to the field the rest of the league better take notice. He averaged almost 6 yards per carry last season, and is expected to play a bigger role in the offense this season.

Biggest Addition: The head coach position filled by Rex Ryan may end up being the biggest acquisition of the summer for the Jets. With Ryan comes a new dedication to defense that was not present as much with the more offensive minded Mangini in charge. Along with the dedication comes a few pieces from the Ravens to help make this defense better in linebacker Bart Scott and safety Jim Leonhard. With these players coming in it shows Ryan’s commitment to defense and the Jets commitment to Ryan.

Biggest Loss: The amount of draft picks and players the Jets had to give up to move up in the draft for Mark Sanchez may be the biggest loss for the Jets overall. New York had to give up three depth players and their top two draft picks to acquire the 5th overall pick from the Cleveland Browns. This left the Jets without depth on the defensive line and defensive back position and with only three draft picks to replace that depth. Time will tell if this trade will help or hurt the Jets in the years to come.

Biggest Game: For the Jets the biggest game of the season may be Week 1 or it may be Week 17. The biggest game for the Jets is the very first start of quarterback Mark Sanchez whenever that may be. Sanchez is the future of this team and whenever coach Rex Ryan thinks that he is ready he will be handed the reins to the franchise.