It’s Almost Here…

No matter the void of prose in the novel of the 2009 season today, we all no doubt have our “feeling.” Each fan possesses that gut sense of what reality may truly be for their team. For me, as it relates to the J-E-T-S, that emotion certainly exists. However, entering this season so much seems legitimately unpredictable. And you know what? It kind of feels good. Not knowing…

Not knowing just how much impact Rex Ryan and Bart Scott will have on a defense that has been embarrassingly soft and tentative at times over the past few seasons. Not knowing if the wide receiver situation is really as dire as some make it out to be. Not knowing just how desperately the Jets will miss Ellis in week one and Pace for the first month of the season. Not knowing whether the offensive line will show signs of coming together as a unit. And, most of all, not knowing about him. You know, that guy.

On the ‘morrow, answers will come. Opinions will take shape and a body of evidence shall begin to be built. For the Jets, one cannot run from the glaring questions. Today, though, is optimism’s time. This is a team that went 9-7 a year ago. It is a squad that returns six Pro Bowl players and last year’s leading rusher. They boast an inside linebacker tandem in Harris and Scott that may, when all is said and done, be one of the best in the NFL. The all-purpose yardage king of 2008 returns to a backfield that has added another powerful back that played the type of game at Iowa that Ryan wants to see in NY. There’s a shutdown corner. A beast clogging up the middle on the D-line. Arguably, the League’s best in the middle on the other side of the ball.

In fact, there is a lot to be excited about when it comes to the 2009 New York Jets. It all starts tomorrow in Houston. I wouldn’t be surprised with either outcome. But, for now, I’m going to relish in the bliss of ignorance. Tomorrow it begins. Let’s do this.