Most people aren’t expecting big things from the Jets this offseason but coach Rex Ryan sees things differently. “I believe we’re better than that. I believe we’re a lot better than that,” Ryan told Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. “Eight and eight would be a hell of a disappointment for us. I’m just telling you that I believe this team is on the cusp of doing some special things. . . . I’m confident we will be a playoff team.” For a detailed look at what the Jets have done this offseason to try and improve, check out their Offseason In Review. Here’s more from the AFC East..
- There are several camp sleepers that could help make Ryan’s vision come true for the Jets, as Seth Walder of the New York Daily News explains. Center Dalton Freeman, former Patriots cornerback and No. 33 overall pick Ras-I Dowling, and defensive end Kerry Hyder are among the sleepers who could make a big impact in 2014 if they’re on the roster.
- Outside of top cornerback Brent Grimes, there are lots of question marks in the Dolphins‘ secondary, including new CB Cortland Finnegan, writes Chris Perkins of the Sun Sentinel. Finnegan, whose 2013 season was cut short by a fractured orbital bone, was one of the league’s worst corners even before the injury, according to Pro Football Focus advanced metrics (subscription required). PFF ranked Finnegan 109th out of 110 qualified corners, with a grade of -19.7 in just seven games.
- Mark Gaughan of The Buffalo News is keeping his eye on Bills second-round pick Cyrus Kouandjio. The 6’7″, 325 pound lineman could potentially beat out Erik Pears for the job at right tackle and his readiness will largely dictate the club’s strength at tackle.