J-E-T-S

The NFL Network has been ranking the 32 teams in the league heading into training camp in less than two weeks. The Pats came in at #9. I think that's a fair spot for them. It's the first time in quite a few years that they aren't ranked in the Top 5. They were a 10-6 team that got stomped at home in the playoffs and they still haven't completely addressed their big weakness -- all together now -- the lack of a pass rush. So #9 fits.

A team that did make the Top 5? The New York Jets. They are the hot pick to make the Super Bowl out of the AFC. They came in at #4. (Top 3 haven't been named yet). The Jets the fourth ranked team in the league? With that defense, yes. Just ask Rex Ryan.

The Jets coach talks loudly and carries an even bigger stick. It's an approach that doesn't often work in the world of the NFL. I can't really think of a cocky coach who has had success. John Gruden certainly was cocky and he won a title. But he did it mostly with Tony Dungy's team. Maybe Brian Billick is the closest in attitude to Ryan but even he didn't go around predicting Super Bowl titles in preseason. That's Ryan's style. It's fun to watch. We'll see if it works.

The Jets did make it to the AFC title game last year and that's where much of the expectations for this year were built. But the Jets were a 9-7 team. If it wasn't for the Colts gift wrapping a game for them at the end of the season the Jets wouldn't have made the playoffs. Ask any Jets fan who was paying attention and they will tell you the team lost several games last year that they could have, and should have, won. They had a great running game but often chose to let rookie QB Mark Sanchez pass. They have one the best defenses in the league but often didn't play nearly as aggressively as they talked. The jury on Ryan as head coach is still very much out.

The Jets went 1-3 against the Dolphins and Patriots last year. 1-3. And both teams are at least as good as they were. So the Jets have added some interesting pieces to the roster for their run at the AFC East and ultimate greatness. Veterans LaDainian Tomlinson and Jason Taylor joined the team in a quest for a title before their time runs out. Taylor is a good addition to an already stacked defense. He should create serious problems for the opposing quarterbacks. LT should create serious problems for his own team. Tomlinson is one of the most talented running backs of the past 10 years, but he is always on the verge of a meltdown and when the Jets hit a rough patch -- and they will -- he is the kind of player who makes things worse by sulking and whining. Certainly he could be what Corey Dillon was to the Pats in 2004 and have a great season. But he could just as likely get hurt and be found sitting with his jacket over his head alone at the end of the bench. He can single-handedly drag the morale of a team down. Just ask Phillip Rivers.

If the team plays poorly -- and remember Sanchez threw 12 TDs and 20 picks last year even though I thought he showed he will be a solid starter for years to come -- the pressure will build unreasonably for a 9-7 squad. If the Jets improved on their nine wins and made the playoffs that should be seen as a success and a continued step in the right direction. But Ryan has set the expectations so high that anything less than a Super Bowl will be a failure.

That's the danger of being a loud mouth. You run the risk of someone knocking you around and making you look foolish. Belichick and the Pats have to be looking forward to their chance to do just that. I think the Pats will finish somewhere in the top 10 teams this year. Probably higher than 9th. I expect the Jets to be right behind them.