The Super Bowl Proved the Jets Shouldn't Pursue Asante Samuel in Free Agency

We learned several things during the Super Bowl. Among others, we learned Eli Manning isn't going to get booed at Giants Stadium any more, we learned that its not a good idea to trademark perfect season phrases before you win all your games, we learned David Tyree's name and we learned that signing Asante Samuel isn't a good idea for the New York Jets.

That last one might take you by surprise, so I'll explain. The Giants dominated perhaps the best passing attack in league history with a cornerback crew consisting of the rookie Aaron Ross, the achy Sam Madison, R.W. McQuarters, James Butler Corey Webster and Kevin Dockery. No slight on any of those guys, but there's not a Lester Hayes in that group. The Giants dominated because of the way their defensive line and linebackers got after the quarterback. Take away a QB's time and protection and you take away a good chunk of his effectiveness.

That's why the Jets should forget about forking over heaps of cash for Samuel and concentrate on upgrading their anemic pass rush this offseason. He's a fine corner but the Jets could have a dozen of them and it wouldn't make a whit of difference if they don't start treating offenses the way the Giants treated the Patriots on Sunday. Samuel is a fine player but he shouldn't be wearing a Jets jersey next season.