Each day, from 7/7 - 8/19, we will be discussing one NFL Team and their fantasy prospects for 2003. Below are excerpts from the Team of the Day thread for the New York Jets.

2003 Fantasy Outlook
(Krueger:) Just when Laveranues Coles and Chad Pennington where building some chemistry, Coles departs for Washington. Curtis Martin is another year older (30) and FB Richie Anderson split for Dallas. WR Curtis Conway was brought in to soften the blow but it might be difficult for Pennington to pickup where he left off, finishing with a 104.2 QB rating over the last 12 weeks.

(GreyTheory:) The Jets' preseason schedule stretches five games and includes the dreaded Tokyo game to start. One of those teams usually suffer throughout the year as a result of the extra game, and while this might be their opponent (Tampa), the "Jets" and "Jet-Lag" just seems too karmic.

The Jets' regualr-season schedule also does them no favors, as they start off in Washington, at home against Miami, then in New England; then finish against Pittsburgh, New England, and at Miami.

Quarterbacks - Chad Pennington, Vinny Testaverde

(Dagger:) Chad Pennington - The Jets were in dire straits when Pennington was elevated starter. All he did was lead the Jets to 8 wins and the playoffs. You will not find a better NFL qb as far as putting touch on the football. Pennington is deadly accurate as he was 1st in the NFL in completion percentage (68.9%). He was also first in QB rating (104.2). Another telling stat was his YPA which was second in the NFL. Pennington is not known as a strong armed QB, but he throws the ball to his receivers in stride which lead to long gains. He is a definite #1 fantasy starter and an excellent choice in keeper leagues. Don't fret about the loss of Laveranues Coles. It was Pennington who made Coles, not vice versa. In his two starts before Pennington became the QB, Coles totaled 46 yards.

Vinny Testaverde - Stay away from Vincent, he is 40 years old, throws a plethora of INTs, and runs a 14.20 40 yard dash. He showed in the beginning of 2002, he is done.

(Dan Sez:) Chad Pennington seems to be taking his place as a viable Fantasy Starter. It will be interesting to see who made who (Coles or Pennington). I suspect that he will put up similar stats as last season but show improvements in field generalship (sorry, not many fantasy points there). Don't reach too early and scout your league, there maybe a Jets homer lurking who will take Pennington in the 3rd round.

(Krueger:) Pennington took over for Testaverde in Week 4 and didn’t look back, posting an impressive TD (22) to INT (6) ratio and building a great rapport with WR Laveranues Coles. Unfortunately, Coles has been swapped with Curtis Conway and pass-catching FB Richie Anderson has re-joined his old boss Bill Parcells in Dallas. Sophomore slump for Pennington or can he plow through the personnel changes to be a viable fantasy starter? It would be difficult to think that he can keep up last year’s pace. Error on the side of caution and slightly downgrade Pennington’s numbers for 2003.

Chad Pennington: 292-479, 3211 yds, 21 TDs, 15 INTs; 60 rush yds, 2 TDs
Vinny Testaverde: 16-28, 177 yds, 1 TDs, 2 INTs; 0 rush yds, 0 TDs

Running Backs - Curtis Martin, LaMont Jordan, Jerald Sowell

(Tusekan Raiders:) When Curtis Martin got the ball, he still produced. The problem for the guy who was one of the most consistent producers at RB in ff was he didn't get the ball as much. Pennington's success and Jordan's increased workload came at his expense. Martin still can be a top RB, but it's developing into more of straight RBBC. The playoffs were particularly alarming, where attempts where split 60/40, as opposed to 75/25 during the regular season.

(Electric Mayhem:) Curtis Martin - Will we see a changing of the guard in New York this year? Sources say yes, as Curtis wears more tread on his tires, and new kid Jordan looks to get his. As long as Pro-Bowl regular Mawae is pulling for Curtis, I see a decent year when it's all said and done.

Lamont Jordan - Once he gets the full time nod, look out. This kid may be a true fantasy force, but not until C-Mart is put to pasture. Will he get more chances? Yes. Will he be "the man" this year? No.

(Krueger:) Workhorse Curtis Martin battled through ankle injuries last season although he did manage to break the 1000-yd barrier. Still he’s getting old for a RB (30) and you have to wonder how much more does he have in the tank? To his credit, he’s increased his off-season workout program and is dedicated himself to becoming “one of the first backs who gets to 30 and their career takes off.” Sounds good, but that will remain to be seen. LaMont Jordan provides a viable backup and has the talent to carry the load despite some early season struggles last year.

Curtis Martin: 267 carries, 1148 yds, 8 TDs; 37 rec, 272 yds, 1 TDs
LaMont Jordan: 80 carries, 382 yds, 2 TDs; 26 rec, 166 yds, 0 TDs
Jerald Sowell: 3 carries, 11 yds, 0 TDs; 13 rec, 89 yds, 0 TDs

Receivers - Curtis Conway, Wayne Chrebet, Santana Moss, TE Anthony Becht

(Dagger:) Curtis Conway - Reports are that Pennington and Conway have already hit it off. However, Curtis is the receiver version of Fred Taylor, he can never stay healthy. He is a given to miss at least 3 games with some ailment (my guess: hamstring). With that said, he is going to love playing with Pennington and should post solid stats when he isn't on the sideline. He can also run with the football.

Wayne Chrebet - 2002 was a solid season for Chrebet who caught 9 touchdowns. In the process, however, he showed he is a huge whiner who cried about not getting the ball, after a Jets win. Unbelievable. He has great hands and finds a way to get open and you can be sure Pennington will get him the ball. Chrebet is going to have tremendous value this season, and I expect him to have a big year.

Santana Moss - If the Jets start Moss, they are making a huge mistake. He can be an awesome NFL player if used correctly, as a #3 receiver and a ridiculously gifted returner. This is not the type of player you want on your fantasy squad, because he will go through a stretch of poor games and then bust out with a 180 yard receiving day with 2 60 yard tds.

(GreyTheory:) Curtis Conway - Conway is a workhorse, dedicated to his job, and a great deal faster than most people suspect (especially after making the catch). During his last two seasons with the Chargers, Conway was asked to run several reverses (in fact, the injury that ended his season in '02 happened on just such a play), and did surprisingly well. Sure, he does not possess Coles' raw skill, but he does surpass the work ethics of 98% of WRs in The League today. Two serious concerns (age and injury) may make him a late-round steal.

Santana Moss - Wildly inconsistent and frustrating, yet does possess the skills to be an above-average WR. Might prove worth an ultra-late round pick, but as mentioned before, determining when to use him can best be done using the Magic 8-Ball.

Wayne Chrebet - Makes the tough catch, but sticks his nose into plays he has no business in, thus getting his bell rung at least 3 or 4 times a season. Not worth a pick.

(Krueger:) The addition of Curtis Conway was a necessity after the loss of Laveranues Coles. Conway is a solid receiver but has battled injuries throughout his career including a shoulder injury last season in Week 11. Expect Santana Moss to pick up some the of slack from Coles’ departure. Veteran Chrebet and TE Anthony Becht round out the weapons at Pennington’s disposal.

Curtis Conway: 81 rec, 1000 yds, 6 TDs, 136 FF Pts
Wayne Chrebet: 62 rec, 730 yds, 5 TDs, 103 FF Pts
Santana Moss: 39 rec, 600 yds, 4 TDs, 84 FF Pts
Anthony Becht (TE): 49 rec, 466 yds, 4 TDs, 71 FF Pts

Defense

(Tusekan Raiders:) With Josh Evans lost for the season for violating the substance abuse policy, the need and opportunity for Dewayne Robertson both skyrocketed. Now he appears on the verge of holding out.

John Abraham quickly became one of the top DEs in the league, but his stats dropped off a little last year. He seems a lock for double-digit sacks again and potential to move into Simeon Rice/Jason Taylor elite territory as an all-around disruptive force. Bryan Thomas was a bust last year, but has put some weight on and some off-field issues behind him. He has great speed and could become a great third down rusher.

Sam Cowart was already being inducted to the club of elite LBs when a torn Achilles struck him down in the middle of monster year in 2000. He bounced back well last year, but needs to turn in some more big plays to elevate his FF value. Marvin Jones was consistent, but his numbers dropped a bit, partially due to Cowart's presence. Mo Lewis is solid, but is no longer a 100 tackle player and can't get to the QB anymore. He's coming off off-season hip surgery, and getting up there is age, along with Jones. Those are some of the reason Victor Hobson was drafted. He can play all the LB position, though he eventually projects as a MLB. He's a big hitter and is an exciting player for dynasty leaguers.

Jon McGraw is expected to take over at FS and is a young player to keep an eye on.