How to drive a franchise into the ground

Living in NYC I have had the " pleasure" of watching the Jets and Giants every football Sunday. It is obvious which team has its fecal matter in one foot garment.

 Sorry Jet fans I hate to break it to you your team sucks. Not only did this team go from back to back AFC Championship appearances to full blown rebuilding mode inside of 4 years, their superfan Fireman Ed resigned. Fireman Ed people. But hey if you can't do it right you can at least be an example to others. Without further adieu this how you drive a franchise into the ground.

1. Fail to replace key players

There were two things that earned the Jets back to back trips the AFC Championship game - a powerful rushing attack and a stout D.

When LT left the building they never were able to replace his production with Shonn Green. On the other side of the ball there were a number of pieces of that championship caliber defense that were lost for one reason or another and the replacements were simply not up to the task.

2. Whiff on drafting a QB in round one.

Few things are more devastating to a franchise then missing the mark on taking a QB in the top of the draft. May I present Mark Sanchez as exhibit A.

Honestly without the likes of LT carrying the rock he would have been exposed much earlier. Maybe a different coach who actually tried to develop him vs singing his praises at every opportunity would have made a difference. The fact they took Geno Smith means they are about ready to turn the page on the "Sanchize" era.

3.  Engage in stupid front office tricks

Lets start with the guaranteed money thrown at Holmes and Sanchez which precluded ditching either one and put the Jets in a salary cap vise. Then you have the Tebow trade/debacle which cost even more money for a guy they never used. Finally the front office seemed utterly incapable of replacing - well anybody. Running back - nope. Number two WR - sorry. Front seven - nada.

Take heart Jets fans as a Rams fan I can say it can get better. In fact it has already started. It won't happen in one season but IF they stay the course it will get better. And maybe Fireman Ed will sign back on.