Rex Ryan’s first two seasons as coach of the New York Jets ended with losses in the AFC Championship game. But that’s been quickly forgotten as the team finished its past two seasons a combined 14-18.

In the process, the Jets have become almost a sideshow, with an appearance on HBO’s Hard Knocks and the acquisition of Tim Tebow providing at least some of the several memorable punch lines. The 6-10 2012 season cost Mike Tannenbaum his job as general manager and it has to have Ryan on the hot seat heading into 2013 as well.

So how bad off are the Jets? Joe Caporoso, owner, head writer and editor in chief of Turn on the Jets, says a talent-barren roster likely leaves the Jets more than one offseason away from competing for a playoff spot.

Zoneblitz: After another disappointing season, the Jets fired Mike Tannenbaum as general manager yet kept Rex Ryan as head coach. Were those the right moves and, if so, why did Ryan deserve another year?

Caporoso: Yes, Tannenbaum deserved to be more of the fall guy than Rex Ryan. The Jets roster was devoid of talent and depth in 2012, especially after injuries to Darrelle Revis and Santonio Holmes. Despite that, Rex Ryan managed to keep the team relevant into late December. Ryan is far from a perfect head coach but is one of the best defensive minds in the game and is a coach that players respect. I’m not sure he survives past 2013, only because it makes sense that John Idzik will eventually want to hire “his” guy but he deserved another crack this year.

Zoneblitz: What are your early impressions of John Idzik as the new general manager?

Caporoso: It is really too early to tell. From all accounts, Idzik is a measured, analytical guy who isn’t going to act on impulses to make a big splash, which is what this team needs. He is also expected to focus much more heavily on building through the draft instead of free agency and trades, which is another thing this team desperately needs.

Zoneblitz: Mark Sanchez is a mess, but almost has to stay on the roster. Tim Tebow is likely gone. Greg McElroy jumped Tebow in the depth chart. What happened to the quarterback position in 2012 and what is going to happen with it in 2013?

Caporoso: It was a disaster in 2012 and doesn’t project to be much better in 2013. Look for the depth chart heading into camp to end up being – Mark Sanchez, Cheap Free Agent X (David Garrard, Brady Quinn or somebody like that) and then a mid- or late-round draft pick. Tebow is a goner and it wouldn’t surprise if McElroy didn’t make the 2013 opening day roster.

Zoneblitz: How are the Jets set for talent around the rest of the offense for whoever is taking the snaps in 2013?

Caporoso: Very poorly. As of today, their starting RB under contract is Bilal Powell, their starting tight end under contract is Jeff Cumberland. Their projected starting wide receivers are (Santonio Holmes and Stephen Hill) are both coming off major off-season surgery … oh and both their starting guards (Matt Slauson and Brandon Moore) are about to hit the free agent market. Look for their offense to be filled with 2013 Draft picks and cheap free agent signings this season.

Zoneblitz: What do you think will happen with Darrelle Revis?

Caporoso: Ultimately, I think he gets traded. The team has a poor history negotiating with him and they can’t afford to give a cornerback $16 million per year when the rest of the roster is so weak. Look for him to get shipped out to a team like San Francisco for a large haul of draft picks to aid in the rebuilding process.

Zoneblitz: Several players have already been purged off of a defense that hasn’t lived up to its billing the last couple years either. What has to happen to fix this unit?

Caporoso: Pass rushers. The team was awful at linebacker in 2012 and badly needs an infusion of speed on the edges of their defense. Look for them to spend a high draft pick or two at outside linebacker and maybe add a free agent to the mix as well.

Zoneblitz: Just a couple years ago this team was coming off of back-to-back AFC Championship seasons. The last couple seasons have been busts. What’s the big picture? Where is this team at and how far is it from competing for the playoffs?

Caporoso: This team is in full rebuilding mode and don’t project to be a 2013 playoff team unless they overachieve substantially. They need more than one offseason to restock the roster with talent and depth, along with fix the quarterback and linebacker situation.

Zoneblitz: Is there anyone on the roster you think could be ready to have a break out 2013?

Caporoso: Quinton Coples is going to be a double-digit sack guy, particularly if the Jets find an outside linebacker to help take attention away from him. Muhammad Wilkerson already broke out last year but should receive the All-Pro recognition he deserves in 2013. On offense? Look for Jeremy Kerley to continue to develop as a playmaker at wide receiver.

Zoneblitz: What would you like to see the Jets do in the draft and free agency?

Caporoso: They should take a low-key, bargain hunting approach in free agency. There are valuable pieces they could find for cheap, particularly at tight end, running back and outside linebacker. In the draft, they just need to take the best player available because they need help everywhere.

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