It doesn’t seem that long ago the New York Jets were the toast of the Big Apple. Eric Mangini was being hailed as “Man-Genius”, quarterback Chad Pennington had come back from injury to challenge for a Pro Bowl berth, and the Jets entered the NFL Playoffs with visions of a Super Bowl dancing in their heads. Then 2007 fell like a ton of bricks. The New England Patriots dominated the AFC East, the Jets stumbled through a 4-12 season, and the I.Q. of Mangini dropped 100 points overnight. Throw in “Spygate” and New York looked like a team in decline only one year removed from a playoff appearance.

So what’s in store for the Jets in the future? Well, dealing with New England will never be easy but it’s doable, while the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins are both beatable teams. That puts an AFC Wild Card spot within reach. If not for some key injuries along the offensive line and some disappointing linebacker play, the Jets could have been 8-8. Realistically, Mangini hasn’t lost anything and Chad Pennington would benefit immensely from better protection and maybe a solid free agent wide receiver. All told, the Jets are closer to being a good team than one might think. With a few key moves and some good health the Jets, and Giants Stadium, will be in better shape for years to come.