AFC East 2009 Jet Kingdom Throne Picks

Hope springs eternal with another full season of football ahead. This it the forth annual Jet Kingdom AFC East Throne Picks and will prove to be yet another wild ride.

Jet Kingdom's 2008 Picks - Revisited

Just a quick recap of how we did last year in our 2008 AFC East Throne Picks.

• Predicted 12-4 for the Patriots who actually went 11-5
• Predicted 11-5 for the Jets who went 9-7
• Predicted 6-10 for the Dolphins who won the AFC East at 11-5
• Predicted 7-9 for the Bills which we got 100% correct at 7-9

Overall a good showing as we nailed the Bills, got very close on the Patriots and had some swing teams with the Dolphins. We will accept our prize at the podium.

The 2009 New York Jets

In a lot of years, the New York Jets make drastic changes over the offseason and in it was no different in 2009. The Jets fired head coach Eric Mangini, hired Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan as the new coach and went to town in free agency. The biggest pickup was the signing of Bart Scott who brings a fire and energy to the game that the Jets haven't seen in awhile. The Jets also picked up Jim Leonard for the safety position to help with the overall Ryan defensive scheme which will be fun to watch.

Heading into the draft the big question again was at the Quarterback position and the Jets made the big jump up to the fifth pick to take the USC star, Mark Sanchez. Sanchez won out the job for starting quarterback against four year pro Kellen Clemmens and looks like he is the real deal. We expect big things from Sanchez, just maybe not this year.

Rookies All Around

We don't think there is much question as to wether or not the defense will be good. They will be aggressive and make some teams just weep in the new Rex Ryan system. The big question mark comes from the combination of the rookie head coach and rookie quarterback. Sure it worked twice last year in Atlanta and Baltimore, but can lighting strike three times? We don't think so. While Sanchez will take his snaps behind a great offensive line and be helped out by a good running game, his lack of college playing time and weapons in the receiving core will keep the 2009 New York Jets from the playoffs.

The Predictions

While expectations from the fans and the media are high, there is also the rookie excuse. We see the New York Jets having a slow start and a strong finish but ultimately only winning eight games and missing the playoffs again. There are just too many unknowns on the field and too many other good teams in the division. So to make it real, we are calling the 2009 Throne Pick a 8-8 season.

• W: Houston - The Texans are going to be surprised by a team ready for the fight.
• L: Patriots - Just too much Tom Brady in a stadium he almost never loses in.
• L: Titans - It might be close but the Titans won't let the Jets walk away with a win this year.
• L: Saints - Dome teams are going to be tough and the Saints know how to score.
• W: Dolphins - Sanchez will shine on Monday night against the Dolphins.
• W: Bills - The defense will finally be clicking and TO will be a no show.
• W: Raiders - Jets will not let this team beat us yet again.
• L: Dolphins - This will be close, but we usually split with the Dolphins.
• L: Jaquars - The Jags will run it hard but lose harder.
• L: Patriots - If Brady is still playing the Patriots are still winning.
• L: Panthers - An up and down team, we meet them on a up day.
• W: Bills - Nothing like the Bills to snap a losing streak.
• W: Bucs - The Bucs have issues all over the field, the Jets can take them.
• L: Falcons - The party stops as the Falcons come to town and play to win.
• W: Colts - The Jets will be playing well down the stretch, the Colts will be resting for the playoffs.
• W: Bengals - End the season strong by winning the last game in the Meadowlands.

So there you have it, a good if not great season and a rest in the post season.

In Other Kingdoms

So how will the Jets stack up against the AFC East this year. It is hard to pick against the Patriots with a healthy Tom Brady so we won't and while they are missing some pieces on the defense can still put up 40 points at will. The Dolphins are going to have a hard time repeating their success of last year. Pennington is known for up and down years and they have a target on their backs, wildcat or not. The Bills might have added TO to the roster but they still have issues at offensive line and a hurt Trent Edwards can't throw to an aging wide receiver. Overall the Jets will sit in the middle of the pack while the Patriots take off.

• 13-3 - Patriots
• 8-8 - Jets
• 8-8 - Dolphins
• 6-10 - Bills

Disclaimer

We are huge homers and that is our disclaimer. Sorry it is true.