Brett and the Jets seek to take off in season opener in Miami

Finally football season is here. Mostly every team thinks that their team can make a move to get into the playoffs, or something even better. That is the case with the New York Jets, who after going 4-12 last season decided to open their purse and shell out about 140 million to a slew of free agents like Alan Faneca, Calvin Pace, and others to shore up the team. All of that was overshadowed in late July with the acquisition of Brett Favre from the Green Bay Packers. This was the best move that the Jets could have hoped for, because they knew that they were not going to go far with incumbent qb Chad Pennington (who by coincidence was later cut by the Jets and signed with Miami, the Jets opponent this sunday). Pennington had no arm strength whatsoever, and that limited the big plays that the Jets wanted to do. That all changes now with Favre.

Favre will no doubt be motivated to make the Packers regret trading him. With that said, do not even think for a second that the Jets are automatically Super Bowl bound. A lot of things to consider:
1. New System- It would be hard for any quarterback in this league, and that includes Favre himself, to be at ease with new terminoligy and new strategy when with a new team. Even Favre said that he had to adjust his thinking about the nuances of the system. He has not had much time to fully digest all of it, so it would be no surprise if he struggled early.
2. The Pats- Until dethroned, the New England Patriots are the best team in the division and maybe the AFC. Favre and the Jets will get an early test against the Pats, when the Pats visit the Jets in week 2. The Jets have not beaten the Pats at home in eight years, so this game could set the barometer for the season.
3. The AFC as a whole- Even though the current super bowl champ resides in the NFC, this is still the best conference in football. Teams like the Pats, Colts, Jaguars, Chargers, and the Steelers can all make a case at making a run to the superbowl. It will be very difficult for the Jets to keep pace if they do not buind a long winning streak. They will not make the playoffs if they do not beat the teams they should beat, like this week in Miami.

As for the game, expect Pennington to be very motivated to show the Jets up and keep it close. If running back Ricky Williams keeps the Jets on their toes they can pull this one out. But the Jets will use a late drive by Favre to put Miami away....barely.

Jets 20 Dolphins 17