Rex Ryan has spoken at length about going into this season with an us-against-the-world locker room, one that won't be torn apart by off-field distractions.
Jeremiah: Bounce-back candidates
Which players are in line for a bounce-back season in 2012? Daniel Jeremiah has a few guys in mind, including two QBs. **More ...**
That's exactly what happened to the New York Jets last season, but cornerback Antonio Cromartie believes a full slate of workouts and team meetings has helped.
"We have an offseason," Cromartie told The Star-Ledger in Tuesday's edition. "That's the biggest thing, we have an offseason. Last year we didn't have an offseason, and I think all the focus we put into last year didn't -- we weren't able to blend well last year. I think the offseason we've had now, everybody can get a feel for everybody else and just go out and play football."
The Jets must prove they can make it through September focused on football. Strip away the hype surrounding Tim Tebow's arrival, and we still don't know how New York might respond to a shaky start by quarterback Mark Sanchez, if he falters early.