1976 New York Jets Outlook

"The story of the New York Jets, 1975 vintage, reads like the nightly log at precinct 36- rumbles, factions, racial disharmony, internal violence.
There is even an argument about when the Jets hit bottom last season: Was it the game in which defensive tackle Ed Galigher punched his teammate, linebacker Steve Reese in front of the bench in a moment of dispute over who was to blame for what? Or was it when Joe Namath attempted to peddle his services to the Los Angeles Rams on network TV just before the Super Bowl?
But don't get the idea that all the Jets' troubles were spiritual. They had the third worst defensive record in the history of the NFL. Their yield of 433 points was 54 more than the next worst defensive team, the Chicago Bears, gave up. The Baltimore Colts alone scored 97 against them in two games.
The Jets never have been a defensive titan. But their offense used to pull them out of a lot of holes. Not last year. Even the weak Buffalo defensive unit limited them to 14 points in the season opener, which broke a six-game winning streak for the Jets that extended back to the '74 season.
That six-game winning streak might have been the Waterloo of Charley Winner. He was deluded by it and overestimated his strength. As a result he was canned in mid-season '75. Ken Shipp served as overseer the rest of the way.
After the disastrous campaign ended, Lou Holtz, who made a success of college programs at North Carolina State and William & Mary, was hired. Holtz is an organizer and he maintains discipline.
What does Holtz have to do to make the Jets a winner again? Almost everything.
As a signal that he is willing to start from the beginning, he made Alabama quarterback Richard Todd his No. 1 draft choice. The last time the Jets drafted a No. 1 quarterback was in 1965, when they took another promising kid from Alabama named Namath. The idea now is that Todd will learn at Namath's knee for a year or two- if Joe stays healthy and available for that long.
If Todd gets to play at all, he'll discover that he has some assets, beginning with pass receivers. Say what you will about the Jets, few teams have people who can catch the ball as well as tight end Richard Caster and wide receiver Jerome Barkum.
And providing that the tides are right and he decides to play in Gotham, John Riggins can be an awesome fullback. He carried the ball 238 times for 1,005 yards and eight touchdowns last year.
So much for the assets.
There is no visible running mate for Riggins and the offensive line is aging and slow. The only players with a future up front seem to be tackle Robert Woods and guard Garry Puetz.
The Jets wheeled and dealed for new defensive linemen Billy Newsome and Jim Bailey last year to pump up a weak pass rush. The result: an even weaker pass rush. Holtz still thinks that Newsome, Richard Neal and Carl Barzilauskas, who went into a terrible slump after a good rookie year, give him a sound nucleus.
There could be an entirely new linebacking corps. Walt Michaels is back as the Jet defensive coordinator after several years in Philly. None of the incumbents played his kind of football. If they can't adjust they'll soon be gone.
The secondary was often a disaster area. But there is no reason Burgess Owens can't be rehabilitated to help. He was the best defensive back coming out of college football just three years ago and he's only 25. The Jets still think there is some good football in Phil Wise, a free safety, if he can stay healthy.
All these troubles open great opportunities for the rookies.
Todd may not be ready to start but there are others who are. The second round pick, Ball State defensive back Shafer Suggs, should fit in somewhere. He has size and he hits. Penn State linebacker Greg Buttle could find himself an immediate job.
On offense the best chance may be that of Steve King, a Michigan stud who could fit in at tackle or guard. There may be an opening for James Richards, who had some big games as a Florida ball carrier, or even little Louie Giammona, who was ranked among the nation's leading ground gainers despite his small size.
Another thing Holtz has in his favor: He won't have to do much deferring to Namath, as other Jet coaches have done. At 33, and coming off last year's shoddy performance, Joe may be a luxury the Jets no longer can afford."

-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1976

OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Is Namath a good idea whose time has passed? Coach Holtz won't take long to find out. Todd should break in gradually, but that luxury might not be available. J.J. Jones hasn't shown much.
Performance Quotient: 3 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
Running Backs: The situation here is more a matter of temperament than talent. If Riggins chooses to play, few are in his class. But if he's serious about signing elsewhere, the rating of this entire unit plummets. Carl Garrett hurts his team as much off the field as he helps it when he's in pads.
Bob Gresham is inconsistent and Emerson Boozer is too old. Steve Davis isn't bad, but he hasn't shown starting talent. Kids like Richards and Giamonna could find work here.
Performance Quotient: 3
Receivers: Barkum and Caster are good ones, Caster's embarrassing drops notwithstanding. Opposing coaches and defensive backs know the worth of this pair. Ed Bell is reliable, but the Jets hope that David Knight comes back from last season's leg injury and captures the starting spot on Bell's side.
Young Ronnie Moore is here in case Lou Piccone is serious about his option playout; both are primarily kick returners. Willie Brister is handy for two-tight end formations.
Performance Quotient: 2
Interior Linemen: It's time for change in this department, and there are bodies aplenty for Holtz's experiments. Puetz and Woods are the only holdovers with much of a future. The new coach isn't likely to be sentimental about Winston Hill, long the Jets' premier lineman. Randy Rasmussen's pass blocking may save him. It's about time for Gordie Browne to make his move- if he is ever going to. Wayne Mulligan doesn't have much competition, but the coaches may bring in some.
If King doesn't win a job, it will be an upset. Before he got hurt, Michigan coaches thought he'd be a first round draft pick. Joe Davis has a chance, too. Joe Fields snaps for punts and field goals. Darrell Austin is a long shot.
Performance Quotient: 3
Kickers: Pat Leahy, a former college soccer All-America, is getting the hang of pro football. Greg Gantt has shown repeatedly that he can't do the job. This year's challenger is Rick Faulk, a 15th rounder.
Performance Quotient: 3"

-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1976

DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: Holtz thinks this bunch can be rehabilitated. They didn't do much last year, though. The key is big Barzo. Foes say he didn't hustle last season as he did in his rookie year. Galigher got so frustrated he punched a teammate during a game; at least he cares about winning. Newsome, Neal and Bailey are up and down.
Performance Quotient: 3
Linebackers: There's unlimited opportunity for rookies, free agents, guys off the street, etc. Rookie Buttle is almost a cinch to start somewhere. Godwin Turk hasn't yet delivered on all his promise and Jamie Rivers is used up. Richard Wood is inconsistent; he's found the transition from college to pro tough to handle. John Ebersole is average.
Performance Quotient: 4
Cornerbacks: Suggs is another rookie who should waltz into a starting job- here or at strong safety. The problem, wherever he plays, is to find a partner for him. Roscoe Word and Rich Sowells both had horrible seasons, helped by the lack of a pass rush. Ed Taylor wasn't much, either.
Performance Quotient: 4
Safeties: Owens, the best deep back the Jets have, may move to the left corner. Or Delles Howell could move back up there.
The hope is that Wise reclaims his old job. But he and Owens must stay healthy if this unit is to improve. Steve Tannen is also injury prone.
Performance Quotient: 3"

-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1976


"It's a good thing Lou Holtz, the new coach of the New York Jets, has a sense of humor. As the inheritor of a club which was in total disarray by the close of last year's 3-11 disaster, he may need it.
'The rope trick is my best trick,' says Holtz, an amateur magician, 'because if it doesn't work I have the rope to hang myself. I don't know if I was named after Lou Holtz the oldtime comedian or if dad looked in the crib and said, 'this must be a joke.' I had the choice between Miami of Ohio and Kent State; Miami is known as the cradle of coaches and I chose Kent State, so that tells you how smart I am.'
Holtz, who most recently built North Carolina State into a major college power, takes on a considerable task with the Jets. The team was completely disorganized by the end of last season, morale had hit rock bottom and the on-field performance was uninspiring, to say the least. Some players feuded and fought amongst themselves, while others seemed to shrug their shoulders at the mess and just went through the motions. Finally, the team's main man, quarterback Joe Namath, spent much of the off-season talking about how much he'd like to be traded to Los Angeles.
The 39-year-old Holtz knows he must instill some sort of team spirit if the Jets are to rise to respectability.
'I'm no miracle worker,' he told a gathering at New York's posh 21 Club when he took the Jets job, 'but I guarantee we'll field a team that'll play exciting, enthusiastic football with a will to win. You're what you think you are. I've seen this team play and we have enough talent to win. I'm not a pollayana- I don't think everything will be fine- but I'd rather be positive than negative.'
Why did the Jets choose Holtz? 'He was strongly recommended by football people at all levels- players, scouts, college coaches and pro coaches,' explained General Manager Al Ward. 'Everything about him checks out. There is just something about Lou Holtz that just clicks.'
To make the Jets click, Holtz will have to do something about a defensive unit that ranked dead last in the entire National Football League last season. Much of that poor performance was due to a lack of team spirit and cohesion, since guys just playing out the string are hardly likely to keep up with those battling for playoff berths.
'If you're good defensively, you're always in ballgames and you're respectable,' says Holtz. Fortunately, he does have some talented players to work with on defense, including tackle Carl Barzilauskas, ends Richard Neal and Billy Newsome, linebacker Godwin Turk and defensive back Phil Wise. Rookies Shafer Suggs, a defensive back from Ball State, and Greg Buttle, one of those Penn State linebackers, could help right away.
If their defense can keep things reasonably under control, the Jets should win some ballgames, since their offense can put points on the board. The key, as always, is Namath. He ranked fourth from the bottom on the official NFL passing statistics last season and led the league with 28 interceptions. But he passed for 2,286 yards and 15 touchdowns and was playing catch-up much of the time, so he often had to throw into deep zones and penetrate defenses.
'Joe Namath is a winner,' says Holtz. 'The guy desperately wants to win, and I'm looking forward to working with him.'
Namath, entering his 12th pro season, has a fine group of receivers to throw to. Richard Caster, grabbed a career-high 47 passes and led all NFL tight ends with 820 yards and an average of 17.4 yards per catch. Jerome Barkum, Eddie Bell and a healthy David Knight are capable receivers.
Fullback John Riggins is coming off the best year of his career when he became the first Jet ever to crack the 1,000-yard barrier, rushing for 1,005. He also caught 30 passes and was named the club's most valuable player by his teammates. At halfback, Carl Garrett showed flashes of brilliance in rushing for 566 yards but remains a personality problem for Holtz to deal with; Steve Davis and Bob Gresham are other possibilities.
The Jets took a big plunge in the college draft, going for Alabama quarterback Richard Todd No. 1. Though restricted by what he could show by the Crimson Tide's wishbone offense, he looked outstanding passing for 332 yards in the Senior Bowl and will be groomed as the successor to that other Alabaman, Namath. Todd is big and mobile and effective and on the rollout, a sharp contrast to the stationary, weak-kneed Namath.
The big question around the Jets is how long it will be before Holtz decides to restructure New York's offense around the mobility of Todd. Holtz will probable take a long look at the youngster in training camp and make his evaluation then as to how much time it will take Todd to get ready for the NFL wars.
So, in the meantime, Namath remains No. 1. If the Jets are to rise above the .500 mark and into contention in the AFC East, they'll need a big season from him as well as a complete turnaround by the defense."

-Alex Sachare, Gridiron News 1976 Pro Yearbook


"HEAD COACH: LOU HOLTZ
Youthful Lou Holtz has his work cut out for him as he steps up from the North Carolina State campus to take over the sagging fortunes of the sadly deteriorated New York Jets. Coming off their worst season ever (3-11), the Jets appear in desperate need of a complete overhauling before they can begin their climb back to respectability. At the moment, they remain a team with lots of flash but very little substance.
OFFENSE
Broadway Joe Namath tried unsuccessfully to peddle his high-priced services elsewhere during the off-season after suffering through the dismal '75 campaign in which he led all passers with 28 interceptions and compiled a woeful 48.2 percent completion average. Once described by Vince Lombardi as 'the perfect pro passer,' Namath appears to have lost the quick-strike velocity that made him famous. Holtz has stated he likes a quarterback who can run; Namath has difficulty walking, so top draft pick Richard Todd of Alabama could see plenty of action in his rookie season. Todd is a rugged type who can throw long and run with power, but needs to master the drop-back technique so necessary in the pro circuit.
Tight end Richard Caster is an accomplished deep threat with his great speed and combines with flankers Jerome Barkum and clever David Knight to form an exceptional set of pass receivers. Little Eddie Bell, sprinter James Scott and tight end reserve Willie Brister are the relief men.
Burly Steve Davis and Bob Burns can run with power while Carl Garrett and Bob Gresham offer good speed at the halfback post. Rookies James Richards of Florida and scatterback Lou Giammona of Utah State, a do-it-all type, could win jobs this year.
Steve King (6'5"/245) of Michigan and Joe Davis (6'3"/245) of USC are two big-school collegiate stars who may inject quickness in the notably slow-footed, run-clogging offensive line. Randy Rasmussen, best of the regular unit, is secure at one guard slot while strongman Joe Wysock, out all of '75, and Garry Puetz return at the other. Winston Hill, Robert Woods and Gordie Browne are big, ponderous tackles. Joe Fields and Wayne Mulligan are only adequate at the center position.
DEFENSE
Under ex-coach Charley Winner, the Jets came apart on defense, yielding more yardage and more points than any team in the league. Holtz and defensive aide Walt Michaels have their work cut out for them as they try and regroup the troops. Mark Lomas, another casualty last year, looms a sure starter up front along with powerful Carl Barzilauskas and hustling team MVP Ed Galigher. Eligible candidates for the fourth slot include Billy Newsome, Richard Neal, Jim Bailey and rookie Larry Faulk (6'3"/235) of Kent State.
All-American Greg Buttle (6'2"/225) of Penn State should beat out Richard Wood and Rich Lewis on the weak side while tough Godwin Turk plays the left linebacker post with savage abandon. A quality middle man is desperately needed; as of the moment, John Ebersole, Jamie Rivers and veteran Al Atkinson are the contenders.
The secondary will be reconstructed to compensate for a glaring weakness at the corners. Prized rookie Shafer Suggs of Ball State is an unusually strong and fast safety prospect so Holtz will shift versatile Burgess Owens, a standout performer, to a corner slot. Phil Wise, Steve Tannen and soph Ed Taylor are solid safety types. The remaining cornerback job is up for grabs with Eldridge Small and Lou Piccone challenging '75 starters Roscoe Word and Rich Sowells.
FORECAST
It is highly unlikely that the Jets will be in contention in the Eastern Division this season, but they still pack sufficient offensive punch to improve on their 3-11 record of 1975. Lou Holtz has always been a successful motivator of young athletes; this talent will be severely tested this year as he tries to put the pieces together in New York. PFI tabs the Jets as winners in a duel with the young Patriots to escape a cellar finish."

-Complete Sports Pro Football Special 1976, published by Complete Sports Publications, Inc.


"Lou Holtz steps up from the North Carolina State campus to take over a badly deteriorated, atrociously coached and sadly disorganized New York Jets football team that comes off the worst season (3-11) in its history. Coach Holtz, general manager Al Ward and new defensive coach Walt Michaels face a massive reconstruction challenge as they strive to lift the Jets, a team with lots of flash but very little substance, back to respectability.
Prior to the start of the '75 season, then coach Charley Winner tried to strengthen his defense with some 'hand-picked' NFL rejects; the result was catastrophic. New York yielded more yardage and more points than any team in the league and nearly set an all-time low for defensive efficiency. Michaels will be charged with the task of reorganizing the defensive unit.
The front four registered a mere 19 sacks and allowed rival runners to gain 4.8 yards per carry. Hustling MVP Ed Galigher (6'4"/255) was the only bright light and can play either tackle or end. Carl Barzilauskas (6'6"/285) had a dull sophomore season but remains a formidable figure in the middle. The return to action of Mark Lomas (6'4"/250), out all of '75, improves the situation at end. Rookie Larry Faulk (6'3"/235) of Kent State will vie with disappointing Billy Newsome (6'5"/245) for starting honors, with Jim Bailey and Richard Neal slated with reserve duty. The Jets are badly in need of another starter up front.
Young Godwin Turk developed fast and earned his tough guy reputation with brutal play at strong side linebacker. All-American Greg Buttle (6'2"/225) of Penn State has little competition on the weak side where Rich Lewis and Richard Wood proved lacking last year. Bob Martin (6'1"/210) of Nebraska, a small but scrappy outside man, may also push into the picture. Steady John Ebersole may win the middle slot by default since Jamie Rivers and Ken Bernich do not figure to pose any threat.
The Jets are surprisingly strong at the safety positions where they have multi-talented Burgess Owens, hard-hitting Phil Wise, stickout soph Ed Taylor and veteran Steve Tannen. At the same time, they were totally devoid of talent at the corners, which was reflected in an NFL-high 26 touchdown passes yielded. Prized draft pick Shafer Suggs (6'2"/195) of Ball State looms a sure starter in the secondary due to his 4.5 speed and exceptional jumping ability. Holtz may be forced to shift Owens or Tannen to a corner position since Roscoe Word, Rich Sowells and Delles Howell appear to be spot-play relief men at best.
The Jets, who lived by the pass in better years, died by it last year. Joe Namath experienced his worst season as a pro, throwing 28 interceptions, most of any NFL passer, and compiling a very poor 48.2 percent completion mark. In his prime, no one ever threw the ball any better, but Broadway Joe seems to have lost not only his enthusiasm but also the zip that made him famous. Top draft pick Richard Todd (6'2"/210) of Alabama is a rugged runner and has a strong arm but must adapt to the drop-back technique demanded in the NFL. Neither Al Woodall nor J.J. Jones appear up to the challenge posed by Todd, so one or both may be dealt away. Holtz likes a quarterback who can run; Namath has trouble walking, so Todd may see plenty of action.
Flankers Jerome Barkum and David Knight, along with tight end Richard Caster, give New York an outstanding pair of pass catchers. Barkum is the strongest flanker in the game and a great receiver in heavy traffic while Knight is a clever pattern-runner with magical hands. No tight end is as feared or more consistently accorded double coverage than Caster, who uses his great speed to intimidate rival safety men. Little Eddie Bell, James Scott and tight end Willie Brister are the reserves.
A slow-footed offensive line needs reconstruction. Winston Hill (280), Robert Woods (260) and Gordie Browne (265) are ponderous and immobile tackles. The same can be said of the guards where Randy Rasmussen (265), Garry Puetz (265) and Joe Wysock (250) operate. Joe Fields (240) appears to have edged veteran Wayne Mulligan (250) at center. Holtz hopes newcomers Steve King (6'5"/245) of Michigan and Joe Davis (6'3"/245) of USC will crack the regular lineup and inject some needed speed.
Big John Riggins is the main man of the offense and set club records last year with his 238 carries and 1,005 yards gained rushing. A bull of a back with good speed, Riggins could move over to halfback and team with burly power runner Steve Davis to give New York a big back tandem. Both Carl Garrett and Bob Gresham disappointed in '75 but are capable of rebounding. Rookies James Richards of Florida and exciting scatback Lou Giamonna of Utah State may push veteran Emerson Boozer off the roster.
There is little basis for optimism as the Jets enter the '76 campaign. Joe Namath said as much when he was trying to peddle his $500,000 services elsewhere during the off-season. The debilitating effects of the Ewbank-Winner reign may prove too much of a handicap for Holtz to overcome in just one year. A cellar finish seems in the offing.
Forecast: 5th Place"

-Football Forecast 1976, published by Lexington Library, Inc.


"Joe Namath once again remains to lead the development (or lack of it) of the New York Jets. Namath's position is probably unique in pro football. Although all clubs are realistically built around their quarterback, the Jets' fortunes have been umbilically tied to Namath ever since his arrival at Shea Stadium in 1965.
The entire backfield and offensive line must be geared to pass blocking because of Namath's lack of mobility on gimpy knees. When the team had a solid pass blocking line and a solid blocking fullback (Matt Snell), Namath was superb and the Jets were tough to beat. Without those factors, Namath is less of a threat and the Jets are less of a team.
After last season's 3-11 disgrace, the Jets underwent somewhat of a front office house cleaning that saw not only coach Charley Winner but also his interim successor, Ken Shipp, and almost the entire staff get dismissal slips from president Phil Iselin and general manager Al Ward. What will transpire this year under the new field leadership is anybody's guess. But the best analysis is that the Jets will be reconstructed around their 33-year-old quarterback.
Namath didn't have his best season in 1975, failing to finish among the top ten AFC quarterbacks for the first time in his career. But his presence is still the dominating factor in the scheme of things. And he will probably be less vulnerable this year in at least one department- his backup depth. The Jets drafted no less than two quarterbacks in the NFL's selection meeting last April, including Richard Todd who, like Namath, was thrown up on the New York beach by Alabama's Crimson Tide. Todd, whom Bear Bryant has compared favorably with Namath, has all the credentials that go with directing an Alabama football team. The other rookie quarterback is Dave Buckey of North Carolina State, who was chosen in the 12th round along with his twin brother, Don, a wide receiver. And brother! The Jets need somebody to catch passes! As a club, they ranked tenth in the AFC in pass receptions last season.
In 1975, for the first time, the Jets had a 1,000-yard rusher in tough John Riggins, who ran over or into anything in his way. None of the other New York runners had much of a 1975 season. Carl Garrett was a regular most of the time, but largely by default, and he can hardly be considered the answer to the pass blocking situation in the backfield. Jazz Jackson presents some potential as an outside threat, but shows a distinct lack of experience. What sort of help comes out of the draft may determine the direction new coach Lou Holtz, the 39-year-old former North Carolina State mentor, goes with his offense.
One of the places Holtz will be looking to shore up the Jets will be on the front line, defensively, where Carl Barzilauskas is about the only pro-quality man who delivers a consistent performance. The Jets were so easy to run against in 1975 that the line often resembled hot butter being sliced by a very busy knife whenever the opposition had the ball. The defensive statistics were kept from being worse than they were only because the defensive secondary was also porous, and a constant target for opposing quarterbacks.
One hope for the Jets this season, however, will be the presence of Holtz himself. If he can restore some semblance of harmony on the bench, that, in itself, may advance the cause at Shea Stadium a good deal. Internecine warfare among the Jets last season probably led directly to Winner's departure and probably contributed to Shipp's failure. Players who dislike each other don't tend to play well together- a certain degree of espirit de corps is mandatory, especially in an emotional sport like pro football.
It is here that Lou Holtz has a chance to make his greatest immediate contribution. The Jet personnel includes one of the best all-around pass receiving units in pro football. Namath, when protected, is still a singularly dangerous passer. If the offense performs better, the other team will handle the ball less and some pressure will be taken off the defense.
The Jets have the manpower to be better than 3-11- if they all pull together. Look for an improvement in the New York record this season, simply on the basis of morale."

-Norman MacLean and Herbert Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1976

OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Namath's knees are all right for now, but he has a bad thigh muscle and his arm isn't what it used to be. He was intercepted 28 times in 1975, stubbornly trying to throw into a crowd as he played catch up. Now he has another Alabama QB for a backup, Richard Todd. Al Woodall, longtime backup for Namath, returns after a season of injury. J.J. Jones is still good on occasion. Dave Buckey's twin brother, Don, is a Jet rookie wide receiver.
Running Backs: Riggins has gone to Washington. Emerson Boozer may not be back after an inactive season. Garrett is flashy, but he's not a good blocker and he fumbles too much. Steve Davis is a plow horse; Bob Gresham is merely a hope. Bob Burns may be only a two-year man, but he's a veteran.
Receivers: A good outfit. Richard Caster finally proved his true worth and stopped dropping almost everything that landed in his hands. In 1975 he hung on to 47 balls on a pass-crazy team and may be the NFL's fastest tight end. Jerome Barkum adds style to this unit.
Tim George will contribute much to the receiving department, and receiver coach Dan Henning hopes James Scott will live up to his potential. Eddie Bell is too small, and the Jets may dump him. David Knight got hurt and lost half the year, but has ability. Introducing Buckey to Buckey, a new Jet aerial combination.
Interior Linemen: The Jets feel good about their much-buffeted offensive linemen. They have quality youth in center Joe Fields, tackles Darrell Austin and Gordie Browne and Garry Puetz at guard. Puetz, Randy Rasmussen, Winston Hill and Robert Woods were starters last year, but there'll be some changes made this season.
Pass protection around Namath broke down in 1975. This may be Hill's last hurrah. Steve King has good credentials- he was part of a powerhouse Michigan team. Joe Davis was one of two eighth round draft choices.
Kickers: Greg Gantt did all the punting in 1975 for a mediocre 36.5 average- the Jets need better. Pat Leahy was 13 of 21 on field goals, but missed a couple of easy ones; with confidence he may still make it. Rick Faulk is a rookie punter from San Francisco State."

-Norman MacLean and Herbert Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1976

DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: The Jets were 26th and last against the rush. That means Barzilauskas, Billy Newsome, Ed Galigher and Jim Bailey are in trouble- if new bodies can be found. One hope is that former regular Richard Neal will come off the injured list. Mark Lomas, too, is coming off injury in 1975. Larry Faulk, chosen in the seventh round of the draft, can also play defensive end. Physically, the Jets are big enough, but do they have the smarts?
Linebackers: The Jets need a middle linebacker badly. Jamie Rivers is plagued with knee injuries and may retire; he's a nine-year veteran. John Ebersole has a chance to move up and take over the middle.
Godwin Turk was a young turk at left linebacker, although he made some rookie mistakes. Richard Lewis is still a question at right linebacker, but Richard Wood may be good. Greg Buttle is another top-flight linebacker from Penn State.
Cornerback: The Shea tenants badly need a cornerback, or then again it may be a safety, whichever becomes available. They were 25th in pass defense in 1975. Rich Sowells and Roscoe Word have been overrated.
It's up to the new coach to move quickly here. Delles Howell may come into focus yet, but still- it's a weak point. Shafer Suggs had good notices at Ball State.
Safeties: The incumbents are Burgess Owens and Ed Taylor, with Steve Tannen and Phil Wise coming off the injury list. Help is needed, or perhaps a comeback by Tannen, who has the potential. Carl Capria is getting experience, of a sort."

-Norman MacLean and Herbert Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1976


"The Jets gave up more points- almost 31 per game- and yielded more yardage to rushers and passers than any team in the NFL. (Only two teams in history gave up more yardage- the 1961 Vikings and the 1967 Falcons.) The offense was no whizbang, either. The Jets ranked ninth in the AFC in total offense, sixth in rushing, ninth in passing.
OFFENSE: 'Overall' says new coach Lou Holtz (from North Carolina State), 'we probably have more question marks than any team in the NFL.' His biggest question mark may be at quarterback. Joe Namath, limping on glass-brittle knees, threw 28 interceptions last season, his most ever. The Jets No. 1 draft pick was a quarterback, ex-Alabama tosser Richard Todd, but Todd wheeled out of a wishbone offense and will have to learn how to drop back to pass.
The running back corps will be dotted with new faces. John Riggins (a 1,000-yard rusher) and Carl Garrett, who gained four and half yards a rush, are gone as Lou Holtz builds his kind of team. The workhorse runner figures to be Ed Marinaro, who jumped to the Jets from the Vikings.
All-Pro Rich Caster caught more passes than any tight end in the NFL and flanker Jerome Barkum is one of the best at going fast and deep. Ed Bell was the other flanker, Ed Bell his backup. Holtz says he wants more blocking and more devious pass routes from his pass catchers.
Pencil in Robert Woods at left tackle, but Winston Hill, once an All-Pro, may be replaced at right tackle by Gordie Browne. Randy Rasmussen is the left guard and Darrell Austin could win the other guard slot. Center Wayne Mulligan will have to fight off ex-guard Garry Puetz to hike the ball.
DEFENSE: The front four sacked only 19 quarterbacks last season, a pitiful number that must be improved upon or changes will have to be made. Starters are likely to be giant Carl Barzilauskas and veteran Ed Galigher at the tackles, Billy Newsome and Richard Neal on the ends. Depth is needed here.
Linebacking was porous last season. Godwin Turk may move from left linebacker to the middle, replacing Jamie Rivers, with Dick Wood on the right and John Ebersole on the left. Rookie Greg Buttle (Penn State) will get a shot here.
The deep backs, mourns Holtz, 'are young and good but made lots of mental errors.' Rich Sowells and Roscoe Word were at the corners, Burgess Owens and Phil Wise the safeties. A veteran, Ed Taylor, along with second round draft pick Shafer Suggs (Ball State) will try to land jobs.
SPECIALISTS: Pat Leahy kicks straight and long (13 of 21 field goal tries, seven from beyond 42), but punter Greg Gantt was the league's worst. Rick Faulk will try to toe his way to a job. Kick returners are Word and Lou Piccone; Holtz demands sweepier blocking for them.
THE CRYSTAL BALL SAYS: The Jets play against tough division opponents- Baltimore, Miami, Buffalo and New England- and must also play crack non-division clubs like Washington and Cincinnati. This will be a year that Holtz tries to put the Jets' head together."

-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1976