Year One: Success

The New York Jets magical run finally came to an end. Surprising? Not necessarily. Unfortunate? Absolutely. But Jets fans, worry not. Next year is right around the corner and here are a few reasons to look forward to it.
1) Mark Sanchez- as a rookie quarterback (who could have just as easily been finishing his collegiate career at USC) his team finished just one win shy of reaching the Super Bowl for the first time since January of 1969. However, the loss to the Colts was no fault of his. Throwing 2 touchdowns and only 1 interception, he went punch for punch with Peyton Manning for 3 quarters. He has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, and the Jets and their fans can certainly look forward to a bright future with number six under center.

2) Rex Ryan- In his first year at the helm of the New York Jets, Ryan proved that he could back up his confident words with remarkable success. He lead the Jets to their first AFC Championship game since 1998. His confidence was sky-high all season, and surely matched his team's on field performance. He certainly made believers of his players, and their fans, and by season's end, he had also made believers out of the rest of the league. While surely Rex was disappointed with the team's playoff loss, as any good head coach would be, he can rest assured that thanks to his personality, and reputation as a player's coach, the Jets, from this point on, will only keep getting better.

3) Defense- Without a doubt, this team's strongest asset was their defense. While they certainly disappointed in the 2nd half against Indy, (not that there's any shame in giving up yardage to Peyton Manning) they certainly did not play up to their ability. However, that does not take away from the fact that they were one of the league's most vaunted units, and led Gang Green to an improbable playoff run. And in the years that lie ahead, you can expect them to be just as great. With electrifying, hard-hitting players such as Bart Scott, Kris Jenkins, and Shaun Ellis, (not to mention a certain corner who banishes opposing receivers to his own island)the New York Jets defense is, and will continue to be, a fantastic group of players who will keep any offensive coordinator or quarterback shaking all week long.

So cheer up Jets fans. We know the season didn't end as well as hoped, but realize this team is one built for the future. They will co-open a new stadium next season, with higher expectations than ever. Worry not, the "same old Jets" mantra is a thing of the past. These new Jets' best days lie ahead.

- contributions were made by both James Stumper & Jack Dorn.