Ed Reed to the Jets: An Analysis

Coming into the season, the Jets were a punchline. With the lack of production on the field in recent seasons, many began to wonder whether or not the Jets’ personnel decisions were made for the sole purpose of selling jerseys and tickets. That’s not the case anymore, as with the early success the Jets have had this season--a 5-4 record with quality wins against the Saints and Patriots--it seems illogical to doubt New York’s management.

And perhaps their best move wasn’t made until this week. 9-time Pro Bowler Ed Reed just joined the team, and the Jets are now poised and ready to make a run at a playoff spot--and, I will argue, perhaps even for the AFC title. This move is brilliant, and makes just too much sense.

Ed Reed is now reunited with his Defensive Coordinator from his rookie year in 2002 until Rex joined the Jets in 2009. He knows the system, and can literally take the field tomorrow to contribute to New York’s already strong defensive unit. It was the right move for Ed, but let’s explore why it was the right move for the Jets.

New York has made playoff runs already under Rex Ryan, but even I--as an avid Jets fan--didn’t think it was possible this year. On the 2009 and 2010 rosters, the Jets had veterans and leaders, especially on defense. If the young guys weren’t playing up to par, Bart Scott would let them hear it. If someone made a bad play and were hanging their head, Kris Jenkins would remind them there’s a whole game ahead. If it was a big moment in the game and the team needed someone to step up, Ladainian Tomlinson would make a big play. This year, the Jets don’t have that veteran.

Well, they didn’t.

They have young studs making big plays, but had no one to step up and be the leader that all Super Bowl contending teams have and need. Ed Reed is one of the most knowledgeable defensive players in the NFL, and his addition to the squad makes the Jets contention as an AFC powerhouse legitimate. So there you have it, the Jets have their leader.

Oh, and did I mention he’s a pretty good safety too? The secondary and pass defense of the Jets (ranked 22nd in the NFL) has been the weak link of the squad, and now they have a guy with 61 career interceptions under his belt. Dawan Landry and Antonio Allen are the current safeties for the Jets. They have made big plays, but also have blown coverages.

Ed Reed can help improve the Jets’ secondary, and mentor the young guys that look to be the Jets’ future at that position. He will be officially replacing Antonio Allen, partnering up with another former teammate from Baltimore in Landry as the starting safeties for Gang Green. There is so much to gain, and so little to lose. It’s a low-risk move for the Jets, who are paying him loose change compared to the $5 million he made for five games with the Texans.

As if the move doesn’t have enough intrigue, the Jets travel to Baltimore next weekend to play the Ravens--Reed and Ryan’s former team. There, we will see if Ed Reed still has “it”. If he doesn’t, this move still gives the Jets one heck of a leader, as you should now expect to see them playing in January.