New York Jets will be in the NFL playoffs in 2014 if…

And: Ryan’s defense discovers that opportunistic touch. That shouldn’t be too difficult given the team’s disappointing numbers in this area in 2013.

Make no mistake. This is a very talented and young defensive unit that features veterans such as linebackers such as unsung David Harris and Calvin Pace, as well as budding stars such as defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (10.5 sacks in 2013), outside linebacker Quinton Coples and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson—the latter the 2013 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Despite a pass rush that produced a respectable 41 sacks a year ago, Ryan’s team managed a mere 15 takeaways in 16 games. Jets’ defenders managed just 13 interceptions as well as a league-low two opponent fumble recoveries. Look for those number to increase in 2014, at least if the team expects to take another step forward.

Where there is room for concern is the team’s situation at cornerback. Former first-round pick Kyle Wilson has not lived up to billing, 2013 first-round draft choice Dee Milliner had a disappointing rookie campaign and we’re not sure what we’ll see from free-agent pickup Dimitri Patterson. And as Dom Cosentino of NJ.com explains, the team won’t have Dexter McDougle this season as the third-round pick in May was lost with a torn ACL.