NFL
By: Edwin Duodu
The New York Jets are heading into their second season under Robert Saleh. An organization still searching for its first postseason appearance since 2010 has high expectations this year. The offseason has been geared towards providing the best talent around franchise quarterback Zach Wilson. The pressure is on the Jets to show improvement and be more competitive in games. Picking top-5 again in next year’s draft is not ideal.
New York Jets 2021 Record (4-13) Missed the Playoffs
Offense
As stated earlier, the main objective this past offseason was to get Zach Wilson some game-breaking weapons. It’s safe to say that General Manager Joe Douglass has done just that. Not only did he ultimately add some exciting pieces to the offense, but he possibly gave the Jets valuable assets to build around for years to come. Drafting Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, considered by many the best in the draft at their positions, was a steal.
Wilson joins a receiving core in Elijah Moore, Corey Davis, and Braxton Berrios. Moore flashed a great deal in his rookie season, and Berrios took a step forward in becoming a complementary receiver for the team. Although his first campaign in New York probably didn’t go as expected, Corey Davis should still see enough targets to make a difference. Adding Garrett Wilson only eases the pressure off the entire group.
Michael Carter also gets a running mate in Breece Hall, who should offer offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur a 1-2 punch in the running game.
Most importantly, the offensive line looks the best it has been in years and could be a top 10 unit this season. Although the loss of Mekhi Becton is huge, Douglass countered by signing 5-time Pro Bowl tackle Duane Brown to replace him. Signing Laken Tomlinson from the San Francisco 49ers was also a savvy move as well.
All of these additions will mean little unless second-year quarterback Zach Wilson can take a step forward in his development. He needs to maximize the opportunity that Douglass has given to him this year. The offense should improve if Wilson can take what the defense gives him and be more decisive. If not, we’ll be questioning if he’s really “The Guy” for the franchise moving forward.
Defense
The Jets finished last in total defense last year. It was a disaster, to say the least. Their ability to stop the run was poor. Their ability to have a solid game plan for the opponents passing game was lackluster. Saleh, who has a defensive background, underachieved mightly. In his defense, the Jets did foster one of the youngest squads in the NFL.
Still, Douglass had no choice but to revamp the secondary, bringing in Jordan Whitehead, Kwon Alexander, and D.J. Reed. He resigned Lamarcus Joyner, a player who didn’t see the field as much last season because of injuries. Joe Douglass also drafted Sauce Gardner, regarded as the best cornerback in the draft. The secondary also has some excellent depth within players Bryce Hall, Brandin Echols, Ashtyn Davis, and Isaiah Dunn, all of which received significant playing time last year.
On the defensive line, he also traded back into the first round to draft Jermaine Johnson, who should offer the Jets a situational pass rusher opposite of Carl Lawson, who missed last season because of an ACL tear. New York’s ability to rush the passer was nonexistent at times. This year should look different. In no way, shape or form should the Jets finish last in defense this season, but if all goes right, this could be a top 13 unit by the end of the season.
Outlook
Unfortunately, competing for the playoffs may still take a while. This year may not be it, Jets fans. However, there are a lot of things to look forward to. Look for improvement in all phases of the game. Even a kicking unit that has been a revolving door for the past five seasons should look to be steady this year.
Although unlikely, if Zach Wilson can take a significant step, there’s no reason why the Jets can’t compete for a playoff spot. We still have to remember that it is still not all on him. There’ll be eyes on Robert Saleh to assess whether or not he has learned from his rookie coaching mistakes a year ago. For now, though, the future looks bright. Get ready for the season with the newest gear here.
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