Behind Enemy Lines: Talking Jets-Dolphins With a New York Blogger

As we get ready for week one matchup of the Dolphins and Jets, I chatted with longtime blogging friend John Butchko, aka "George Coztanza", from his own Coztanza's Commentary blog. John was nice enough to offer some insights on the Jets for this week's Behind Enemy Lines feature.

John: Pennington was a very polarizing figure during his time in New York. Half of the fanbase loved Chad for his leadership, his toughness, and his intellect. The other half was frustrated by his physical limitations, his extensive injury history, and his inability to take the team past the second round. Both sides were right. Chad was an above average quarterback who had success in New York. Fans will never forget his magical 2002 season, the way he gutted a win at San Diego during the 2004 Playoffs while playing through a torn rotator cuff, or the 10 wins he delivered in 2006 after almost every observer said his career was over. Still, one cannot help but feel like there could have been more. He was a first round pick and seemed like a Super Bowl quarterback early in his career. I think Drew Bledsoe in New England is a good analogy. Even though he was pretty successful by most standards, he never reached the lofty expectations set out for him.

Sportz: What Jets player do you see having a breakout season in 2008?

John: It is tough to say he will have a breakout season since he was team MVP last year, but Leon Washington is a guy to keep an eye on. He was quietly in the Hester-Cribbs class of kickoff returners in 2007.He is a versatile threat out of the backfield, elusive with pass catching skills. I think the coaching staff realizes it underutilized him on offense last year and will make a point to get him more involved in gameplans. Thomas Jones is getting older, and the additions of Alan Faneca and Damien Woody on the offensive line will vastly improve New York's run blocking. All of the ingredients are there for a big year for Washington.

Sportz: What advantage do the Jets have over the Dolphins today?

John: This team has a real sense of urgency. Brett Favre makes the Jets contenders for the time being, but everybody on the roster knows he is a year to year proposition. 2008 might be the club's only shot at making a run with him. There would normally be a tendency to look past a team that went 1-15 last year, but with New England and San Diego coming up in Weeks 2 and 3, a loss would mean a realistic chance of an 0-3 start, which would be a tough hole.

Sportz: What advantage do the Dolphins have over the Jets?

John: Chad Pennington went up against the Jets defense in practice every day for years. He knows the system inside and out and how to exploit the tendencies of just about every defender on New York's roster.

Thanks John for the insights!!