Here are some random thoughts about the upcoming season:

Offense

- I can see Chad Pennington having his most productive season yet. For the first time in his career he is returning as the starter with the same coaching staff and both starting wide receivers. The addition of Thomas Jones will also provide a major boost since one of Chad's greatest assets is his play-action ability.

- D-brick and Nick Mangold will make names for themselves by providing ample time for Chad to throw the ball downfield and by clearing gaping holes for Jones and Leon Washington to skate through. The cornerstone of a great offense in the NFL is a dominant offensive line - the Jets have young studs at the two most important positions.

- Jericho Cotchery will suplant Lav Coles as the Jets premier receiving threat. Coles has become a very nice possession receiver as proven by his numbers over the last few seasons but Cotchery can provide the big bang play on every snap. He has the size, toughness, and hands to battle it out over the middle or catch the ball over the top in the seam.

Defense

- Vilma will be redeemed by ebracing the leadership role and stepping up his game to new levels in his second season in the Mangini schemes. Just as Bruschi does in New England, Vilma will patrol the middle of the field and be an extremely disruptive force.

- Kerry Rhodes is for real. There is only one other safety in the league that I would want on my team and his name is Ed Reed. Rhodes has a nose for the ball and the QB's backside. This is the season where he finally gets noticed and makes the Pro Bowl.

- The run defense will be the key to victory. I am still not convinced that Robertson is the ideal middle lineman in the 3-4 - the Jets need someone wider to man that position so that they can replace Kimo with Robertson as the weak side DE. Losing Jason Fergasun a few years back has had a big impact on the lack of run defense over the last couple of seasons.

Special Teams

- The Jets' kicking combo of Mike Nugent and Ben Graham could be in the top 3 in the league. Both are in their third season in the league and both seemed to figure out how to kick their respective balls a little better. Graham had to adjust to kicking an American football for the first time after a long career in the Ausie Football League. Nugent had to adjust from the college ball to the pro ball. They both figured it out last season and I see no reason why they both cannot continue to thrive.

- Brad Smith will make a big play at some point during the season. I do not know how or when but at some point Smith will score a TD on special teams. He will also down more than a few punts inside the 5 - do not underestimate Smith's contribution to the team on all sides of the ball - something that Mangini loves - can you tell he is a Parcells/Belichek disciple?