"Maybe Thomas Jones should blame Bill Polian. As it turns out, Indianapolis' decision not to pursue perfection, orchestrated by team president Polian, may wind up impacting the Jets much more than the Colts.

The Jets' subsequent playoff run after their win over the conceding Colts on Dec. 27 gave then-rookie running back Shonn Greene a chance to showcase his talents, and the effects of a nagging knee injury during the postseason suggested that perhaps Jones, 31, is about to decline. So the Jets' impending release of Jones on Friday has a lot to do with what happened during the playoffs.

But is it the correct decision? Well, general manager Mike Tannenbaum has pushed enough of the right buttons in recent seasons that he certainly deserves the benefit of the doubt. But Jones' departure certainly will alter the chemistry in the Jets' locker room. While he was reticent around the media, he was outspoken with his teammates, especially on game days. That and his incomparable work ethic (shown by his incredible biceps) helped him to twice be voted the Jets' most inspirational player by his teammates."