It’s only the preseason; but after last night’s 26-3 lackluster performance against their Metlife Bowl nemesis the New York Giants, the New York Jets and their loyal fan base did not hesitate to begin pointing fingers. And it began with offensive lineman Wayne Hunter.

After starting all 16 games last season for the Jets, the starting Tackle performed abysmally while the Giants’ front-four on defense traveled en route to seven sacks and a handful of run plays for losses. Wording it kindly, Hunter was not even a speed bump on the Giant defensive line’s highway to sacking the Jets’ quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow.

Things were looking brightly for Sanchez early on. His throws were crisp and on target, until wide receiver Patrick Turner allowed a 3rd-and-1 pass play to go right through his hands, forcing the Jets to punt (as they did multiple times throughout the game). Sanchez’s body language and facial expressions clearly portrayed a mentality of “if you won’t help me, then I’ll do it on my own.”

Minutes later, Sanchez forces and under-throws his man on a crossing-out route towards the sideline, leading to the advertised pick-6; without a doubt, Sanchez best represented the Jets, throwing 9/11 (technically completing ten passes, except one was for a touchdown to the other team). He easily outplayed his teammate and immediate competition Tim Tebow.

After throwing 5-of-14, averaging below 5 yards per completion and being sacked four times for 33 yards, Tebow was poorly protected; he was also being put in position to fail.

But it’s only the preseason.

The Jets have been using Tebow in preseason in situations like playing under-the-center and playing an empty backfield shotgun. Translation: there is no option. Tebow has said that the run-pass option system is “his game,” and in a place where both quarterbacks are looking for their opportunity to succeed, it seems obvious that the Jets aren’t interested in Tebow falling back into his comfort zone.

Starting the second half down 13-0 seemed like your traditional Tebow comeback setup, but the offensive situations and play-calling didn’t morph into allowing Tebow to conform to the icon from the Florida Gators, or even the almost Cinderella run in Denver last season. Through the display of last night’s exhibition, head coach Rex Ryan and the rest of the coaching staff aren’t interested in Tebow displaying his magical abilities; they want him to become more educated within the Jets system. Whatever happens in preseason is a mere learning experience.

There is nothing more popular from their loss, however, than hunting Wayne Hunter. The media (and social media/Twitter) world have obviously shown their disapproval with their veteran offensive lineman. Even the lead play-by-play commentator for the New York Jets agreed.

Since last night, Hunter has been moved down in the depth chart and, if his post-game comments were any consolation, is well aware the Jets will be hosting a variety of offensive linemen before their opener on September 9th.

And by the way, the scoreboard does not accurately reflect the performance by the Jets defense. They held the Giants to one offensive touchdown (that came midway through the 4th quarter) and they allowed a mere 12 points prior on field goal kicks, the first two as result of great Giants field position after punts. They also forced Giants’ quarterback Eli Manning to throw an on-the-run, out of the pocket throw to avoid an inevitable sack; it was significantly overthrown and easily intercepted. It seems obvious that despite losing Safety Eric Smith to a sprained MCL for at least a couple weeks, the Jets defense has nowhere near as many question marks as their offensive counterparts.

But it’s only the preseason.

The New York Jets seem to believe they will make the playoffs.

After two consecutive days at Jets’ Training Camp resulted in brief tryouts for the United States Olympic boxing team in Rio for 2016, two things became clear: the Jets want to win, and we need better male U.S. boxers in the Olympics.

It seems hard to believe that the Jets players truly have animosity towards one another (minus the quarterbacks). That being said, that does not translate into a lack of competitive nature; they are paid athletes fighting for playing time, potentially resulting in larger paychecks. They are contracted into proving they are the best at their position.

In the case of Jets’ Cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who not only told reporters he was the second-best wide receiver on the team, but also provided a hard, leveling hit on starting Tight End Dustin Keller on a pass over the middle in a “7-on-7″ drill. Not only did this encourage another exhibition of the XFL circa 2001, but it resulted in wind sprints; apparently, number two Quarterback Tim Tebow won every single repetition.

Safety Eric Smith stated that the media was “tired” of talking about Tebow, so they chose to discuss the skirmishes that they started (in front of the media).

How can the world be tired of Tebowmania? Tim Tebow continues to push forward and stay focused on being his best, along with the rest of the Jets’ team. If anything, Tebowmania is the perfect situation for everyone.

Tebow is getting his opportunity to perform, while QB Mark Sanchez continues to hold the starting job. Other players are certainly taking advantage of the extra attention at Training Camp, but with a sense of adversity.  Antonio Cromartie is getting his opportunity to attempt to play both ways, participating in team drills at wide receiver. And with this hovering light in Cortland, NY, there is no way Sanchez or any other player does not use Tebow’s spotlight in attempt to steal it. For players like Sanchez, it allows for them to show to not only their coaches, but to the media (and therefore the fans) why they deserve their own “Tebowmania.”

Isn’t it obvious? Right now, the New York Jets are not a team.

They are a group of football players. Like most groups in the NFL, a lot needs to be shown in order for coaches and fans to be confident in their team for the upcoming season. No roster is set in stone; ask Tim Tebow. And for Tebow and the rest of the Jets’ players, they all are out with the same goal in mind: succeed as a football player for the New York Jets.

Once the regular season practices start, then this team endeavor will further mold. But what seems to make it difficult is the mentality that this is a football program that surrounds around personalities. That’s how Rex Ryan chooses to coach and lead his players. But through leading by example of loud, direct comments, it’s clear that it will develop other personalities who make loud, direct comments as well.  But that hasn’t happened before. Right?

Don’t discourage Tebowmania; it keeps the focus off of a lackluster exhibition called “Jets Training Camp.”

Rex Ryan is entering his fourth season as the New York Jets’ Head Coach. His animated personality and his hard-nosed, dedicated attitude has led Ryan to become a powerful motivator while demanding respect from his foes. With Ryan’s antics come mistakes; whether it be claiming which team is best in New York, stating he would have won at least two Super Bowls if he was the head coach of another team, cursing at heckling fans, or making games “personal” between himself and New England Patriots’ Head Coach Bill Belichick.

Darrelle Revis is entering his sixth season as the New York Jets’ best Cornerback. He resides on a place entitled “Revis Island” due to his incomparable talent. Knowing that there is no one better at his position (for now), it has created an ego as large as the island Revis lives on. He has threatened to hold out of practices and games for not being paid enough, speaking out against players, and has acknowledged backup quarterbacks on their team are “born leaders.”

Santonio Holmes is entering his third season as the New York Jets’ best Wide Receiver. Best known for a Super Bowl winning, body-extending, toe-touching touchdown catch for the Pittsburgh Steelers, he has earned success as the most popular target on the team. Fellow Jets’ players have noted him as a cancerous distraction for his lack of dedication, while Holmes has publicly admitted his disapproval in the offensive line, starting quarterback Mark Sanchez, and recently confessed the QB tandem of Sanchez and Tim Tebow will fail.

Three key figures in the Jets’ locker room, two captains and a paid leader have one significant similarity: they talk too much.

After appearing in the AFC Championship game in back-to-back years, last year provided a disappointing, playoff-less 8-8 season amidst locker room struggles. Rex Ryan admitted he “lost the pulse” of his team. This off-season, Darrelle Revis admitted their new quarterback tandem “could cause a problem.” Santonio Holmes enlightened the media the best way they can be a part of the Jets’ team is to “write positive things.”

It would seem that the easiest way to stop reporting their respective quotations would be if the words were never said to begin with. Granted, players and captains are required to talk to the media, but that does not translate into “give them something to talk about.”

A main difference between this trio and their ever-hated rival coach Bill Belichick is their choice of words. Belichick in his press conferences bores the spectators, usually repeating the same sentences and briefly explaining his stance. The most exciting thing Belichick has said in years was not to the media; it was to his son as he ran off the field in a victory against the Jets, mocking the Ryan-claimed “best defense in the league.”

These three Jets’ leaders are obviously leading by example, but it does not seem to be translating well. With the opportunity to start fresh, acquiring QB Tim Tebow and most recently Right Offensive Tackle Jeff Utoh from the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers in trades. With a handful of rookies, including highly-rated Defensive End Quinton Coples from North Carolina and talented WR Stephen Hill from Georgia Tech, it would seem optimal bring these new players in with a new, uncharacteristic attitude.

A shape-shifting season is one day away with the start of training camp. Many things are going to change across the Jets’ locker room between Wednesday and Week 17 of the regular season.

The first change to make: be quiet.

Photo by Marianne O’Leary

Dear Mr. Chad Ochocinco,

During your time with the New England Patriots, you grew on me. Putting aside the over-the-top touchdown celebrations (maybe because you only had one all season), the off-field antics varying from antagonistic comments to debatable decisions and most importantly: proving you can take a back-seat to someone else (or in the case of the Patriots, about 15 other players on offense), refraining from prematurely inserting yourself into the limelight.

The Patriots organization agrees: it’s not the physical aspect of the game that you lack, but rather the inability to pick up the complex playbook. Considering your high football-IQ is easily comparable to other wide receiver sensations like Terrell Owens and Randy Moss, it seems obvious that the kind of team you need is a simpler, non-Tom Brady shuffle dominated offensive strategy.

Maybe that’s why you chose to go to the Miami Dolphins. In between their appearance on this season’s HBO Series “Hard Knocks,” an offense led by a quarterback who most football watchers refer to as “What’s His Name?” and a team that was in desperate need of a significant wide receiver presence. It allows you to enter an immediate leadership role and mentor not only fellow receivers, but a quarterback in Matt Moore who is in desperate need of a significant offensive guidance (especially with the loss/firing of offensive guru Tony Sparano, and what do you know, he’s now the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets).

You should have followed Sparano.

Few other teams are in as dire need of a wide receiver as the Jets. Aside from end-zone toe-tapping, Super Bowl-saving leader Santonio Holmes, New York lacks a quality wide receiver core.  Potentially with only two major targets (including you), it would seem obvious that an offensive coordinator as innovative as Tony Sparano would be able to find a way to return you, Mr. Ochocinco, to the 1,000 yard season form you had with the Cincinnati Bengals.

In between the continuously growing quarterback controversy of Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow, what better buffer could possibly be provided than Chad Ochocinco? I think it’s obvious that you have a tendency to “keep it real,” finding it unnecessary to sugar coat your advice and comments. Coming into an organization cold-turkey that is in dire need of black-and-white answers would not only have put you in a leadership role, but your opinion would immediately be worth as much as a team captain (although that might not mean much, considering Sanchez is a captain).

Speaking of limelight, is there a brighter one (excluding Los Angeles, because they’re football team-less for now) than in New York? Even with LeBron James taking his talents down to South Beach and now being fitted for his NBA Championship ring, Miami has nowhere near the outreach as New York. It would allow you to establish your credibility and personality quickly, primarily because New York would love you and your up-front approach.

The last time Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan saw an athletic talent available in the off-season, he pounced on newly released from prison wide receiver Plaxico Burress, infamously quoted saying: “Oh my goodness. Let’s go get this guy, are we crazy?” Obviously Burress is taller and a larger physical presence, but as far as talent goes, Mr. Ochocinco and I will agree that he belongs in the same category.

Everything points to the fact that with an Empire State of Mind, there is no doubt whatsoever: you are a star.

You could have returned to immortality. You would have thrived. You should have gone to the New York Jets.

Sincerely and respectfully,

Aaron

Photo by Jeffery Beall

Quarterback controversy doesn’t apply to the New York Jets.

At least that’s how it seems amidst all of the questions and quotations. Recently, a senior reporter released a story explaining the relationship between the two; simply reiterating the idea that both quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow understand their roles and will work in perfect harmony.

Good joke.

Both Sanchez and Tebow have had problems in their on-the-field performance; it’s extremely intriguing to wonder and see who evolves more this off-season, developing into a solid quarterback. Or, in the perfect world, they both improve and return as excellent starters.

But the main problem with having this already infamous tandem is the fact that two quarterbacks cannot play on the field at the same time (unless it’s some sort of Brad Smith player that can throw… or Tebow moves to running back). Like there are two quarterbacks, two sides have emerged: Sanchize or Timsanity. And as the two quarterbacks continue to progress forward with smiles and childish laughter, players follow behind the player they believe in.

While multiple players have given their opinions, Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis was the most recent to comment; he explained Tebow is a born leader and simply has ‘it,’ leading by example in and out of practices.

Teams with strong confidence in their starting quarterback generally don’t come close to controversy. The New York Giants, New England Patriots, and San Diego Chargers all contain non-headlining backup roles; even the Broncos have solidified Peyton Manning’s job.

Look at the Washington Redskins. After drafting Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III with the second overall pick in the 2012 Draft, some believe that fellow rookie third-rounder QB Kirk Cousins could create a large debate if the team fails under RGIII’s leadership.

Tebow has made it extremely clear since his arrival and self-introduced, coach-less press conference: he’s excited. And with all of his excitement will come the excitement of the millions of fans that parade after him. But it’s not like that’s happened before.

Ex-Denver Broncos QB Kyle Orton was out after five games as the starter and replaced amidst the Tebowmania. Tebow did not allow him to reclaim his role, leading to him being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. Denver received a slight sense of karma after their Week 17 loss to the Chiefs with Orton at QB, while the Tebow-led offense compiled three points.

Orton finished the final three weeks with higher completion percentages, QB-ratings and more yards than both Sanchez and Tebow during that time; Sanchez’s QB rating never exceeded 68, while Tebow’s average was below 47.

But the statistic is clear, and Skip Bayless stresses every day on ESPN First Take: Tebow wins games. The fact that the Jets went out to get Tebow almost clearly proves they want him to win games at the quarterback position. Assuming the goal is to not only win the Super Bowl, but win all the time, why would a black-and-white coach like Rex Ryan limit snaps for someone who was brought in to win?

He won’t.