PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS

NO. 9

NEW YORK JETS

The New York Jets were the darlings of the NFL in 2006, making it to the playoffs in a top-heavy AFC during the first year of the Eric Mangini regime.

And with 21 of 22 starters returning, the Jets have high expectations for 2007.

But there's an odd feeling to this team, and it's hard to consider them to be serious Super Bowl contenders.  Thomas Jones is the new workhorse tailback, but he's already injured.  Chad Pennington is the unquestioned No. 1 quarterback, but he is playing like No. 2.  Disgruntled left guard Pete Kendall wanted a $1 million raise and the team refused; now, they've got a huge weakness between last year's first-round draft picks.

Defensively, there's no reason to be concerned, and that's why we're willing to put this franchise into the top ten.  If the Jets are going to finish any higher than that, the offense really needs to get it together -- and quickly.  Week One features a game against the Patriots.

Key departures:  OL Pete Kendall, FB B.J. Askew.

Key arrivals:  RB Thomas Jones, DE Kenyon Coleman, FB Darian Barnes.

Draft pick most likely to make an impact:  CB Darrelle Revis.

Coach's current job security:  Three years.