NFL 2015: Five most delusional fan bases
Look at the picture above. Need I say anything else? This is Fireman Ed, who actually turned his back on the team during the misery that took place following the consecutive years in 2009 and 2010 when the Jets made it to the AFC Championship game. Sadly, this character is a symbol of New York fans. This year, the optimism is through the roof for a team of mediocre stature.
The Jets did a nice job in the offseason. After going 4-12, owner Woody Johnson decided to get rid of Rex Ryan and general manager John Idzik, replacing them with Todd Bowles and Mike Maccagnan, respectively. The front office then acquired Ryan Fitzpatrick to compete with Geno Smith while also trading for Brandon Marshall to accompany Eric Decker as a weapon on the outside. Add in the signings of Antonio Cromartie and Darrelle Revis, and the roster is much better.
Still, this is not a playoff team. Fitzpatrick has never led a team to the postseason, and Smith has been brutal in his short two-year career. The offensive line is decent and the defensive line is great, but the pass-rush is lacking from the edges. Factor in the four-game suspension for Sheldon Richardson, and you are likely looking at an 8-8 team, despite New York fans expecting a deep run.