HISTORY
Founded as the New York Titans in 1960 as an original member of the AFL. Changed name to New York Jets in 1963. Joined the NFL in 1970 as part of the AFL/NFL merger, and has never relocated.

CHAMPIONSHIP SUMMARY
League Championships: 1 - 1968 (AFL)

Conference Championships: None

Division Championships: 4 - 1968 (AFL East), 1969 (AFL East), 1998 (AFC East), 2002 (AFC East)

Playoff Appearances: 11 - 1968, 1969, 1981, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1991, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2004

2005 Finish: 4-12, 4 th Place AFC East

2006 PREVIEW

My how the mighty have fallen, as it is hard to believe that the Jets were Super Bowl contenders just two short years ago.

The offense was non-existent last season averaging only 269.8 total yards per game, 30 th in the NFL. Chad Pennington missed most of the year with a rotator cuff injury, and given that he did not have the strongest arm in the league to begin with, there is some question as to whether he is at full health this season. The Jets traded for Patrick Ramsay, but he failed to secure a starting job with Washington despite being given numerous opportunities. The Jets averaged just 83.0 yards per game on the ground, as Curtis Martin seemingly aged 10 years after his career season on 2004. We do like the draft selection of running back Leon Washington out of Florida State in the fourth round, as he may turn out to be a steal taken that late. The receiving corps is ordinary at best, which does not make the quarterback job any easier. In all fairness, this offense really had no way to succeed behind a beat up offensive line last year, and the first two draft picks D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold should be instant starters. While that bodes well for the future, this group will take its lumps again this season, particularly after losing Kevin Mawae and Jason Fabini.

The Jets were not much better defensively either, despite ranking a respectable 11 th in the NFL in total defense. To give you an idea of how deceptive numbers can be sometimes, the Jets actually ranked second in the league in pass defense. A closer look however reveals that the only reason for that was that opposing teams were able to run the ball on the Jets at will as they surrendered an incredible 136.6 rushing yards per game! Thus teams had no trouble controlling time of possession, ultimately resulting in a lost 4-12 season for New York. The Jets did try and plug things up with free agent acquisitions Kimo von Oelhoffen from the World Champion Steelers and Matt Chatham from New England, but this unit still has a ways to go.

2006 Prediction: 4 th Place AFC East