Fansided

Jets hope bold additions spawn playoff spot in 2019

By Paul A. Esden Jr.

FLORHAM PARK, NJ - JUNE 05: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets during day two of mandatory minicamp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on June 5, 2019 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
FLORHAM PARK, NJ - JUNE 05: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets during day two of mandatory minicamp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on June 5, 2019 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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After a decade of ugliness and incompetence, the New York Jets finally have the look of a team ready to make a serious move.

Best-case scenario

The Jets haven’t been to the playoffs since 2010. In a great world, the green and white end their playoff drought with a 10-6 record. For that to happen, second-year quarterback Sam Darnold has to make leaps and bounds. All of the free-agent acquisitions have to be as advertised: Le’Veon Bell has to be the 2017 version of himself and C.J. Mosley has to be a fearless leader who can deliver against both the run and the pass. If all of those things happen, the Jets could challenge for the a playoff spot.

Worst-case scenario

Adam Gase isn’t an offensive genius and instead is a hard-headed, off-putting coach that will continue to ruffle the feathers of the star talent on the team. Darnold doesn’t make the leap in his development that so many are expecting. The offensive line for the squad can’t stay healthy and thus the team collapses. Defensively the lack of talent and depth at cornerback is too much to overcome and the Jets get lit up by every other team’s passing attack on a weekly basis. Worst case the Jets bottom out at 4-12 and finish as one of the worst teams in the AFC East.

Confidence level (Low, medium or high)

Schmedium? It’s right in between medium and high.

The depth at corner is scary and could come back to bite the team. But overall Jets fans are super-optimistic about the 2019 season: new uniforms, new players, and a franchise quarterback in Darnold. Anytime you have a quarterback you believe in, you have a chance, and Jets fans aren’t used to that feeling.

X-Factor

Trumaine Johnson.

The Jets lack proven NFL experience at cornerback. The No. 1 corner on the roster is Johnson and he played terrible in his first year on a massive deal. The Jets desperately need him to play up to his contract or the team could be in huge trouble in 2019.

Turning point

If you look at the beginning part of the schedule for the green and white, you could make an argument the Jets can start the season 0-6 with the competition they’re facing. But from Week 8 vs the Jacksonville Jaguars through Week 14 vs the Miami Dolphins, you could make an argument the Jets could win seven straight games. This is a clear turning point in the schedule.

If the Jets survive the opening stretch (2-4 or 3-3), they’ll have a great chance to end their playoff drought, but it all starts in Week 8.

Best moment in team history

Super Bowl III. ‘Broadway’ Joe Namath guaranteed a victory for the underdog Jets and became a living legend and simultaneously punched his ticket to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. With the 16-7 victory, the Jets not only fulfilled the guarantee of Namath but also helped merge the AFL and NFL to become what it is today.