Prior to last season the New York Jets stripped their roster and still were able to win five games. With the addition of some better talent, added depth and the possible quarterback of the future, it’s time for them to show some tangible progress in their rebuild. The Jets haven’t had a franchise quarterback since Joe Willie Namath was slinging the ball around old Shea Stadium some 30 years ago. The Jets were ecstatic when Sam Darnold was available with the No. 3 pick in the draft and the club feels it landed the guy to solve their dilemma at the position.
New York Jets Futures Odds at BookMaker.eu
New York Jets Over 6 Wins +120
New York Jets Under 6 Wins -144
2018 New York Jets Offense Preview
The job will be Darnold’s at some point, and if it isn’t to start the season at least the Jets have a deep group of signal-callers to get the job done. Veteran Josh McCown had the best season of his career last year before an injury in Week 14 cut it short. McCown completed over 67 percent of his passes and nearly reached the 3,000-yard mark for the first time. Adding to the dilemma is the play of Teddy Bridgewater during training camp. It’s a nice problem to have, but the QBs can’t be productive unless the line is much better.
There were a few potential upgrades up front after the group allowed 47 sacks in 2017. Free agent Spencer Long anchors the line from his center spot and Brian Winters is finally healthy. The mobility of Darnold behind center will also help reduce the sack total. However, there is a lack of play making talent at the skill positions. Jermaine Kearse will help in the passing game, but the return of Quincy Enunwa would be a huge boost. After leading the Browns in rushing last season, Isaiah Crowell will be a welcome addition to the backfield and should complement Bilal Powell nicely.
2018 New York Jets Defense Preview
The addition of free agent Trumaine Johnson gives the Jets a true No. 1 corner, something they didn’t have last season. Playing opposite Morris Claiborne and with safeties Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye, the Jets have the makings of a solid secondary to improve on their 21st-ranked pass defense. Having help up front would assist the guys in the back end and the Jets are counting on Leonard Williams to up his game. Williams is an immense talent, but he collected just two sacks last year and as a team the Jets had only 28 to rank 28th in the league.
Instead of using free agency, the Jets added bodies up front through the draft taking Nathan Shepherd in the third-round and Folorunso Fatukasi in the sixth. But will that be enough to take pressure of Williams and keep opposing offenses honest? Not willing to fork out the bucks for Damario Davis, the Jets lost their defensive leader in free agency. They added Avery Williamson to fill the spot at inside linebacker alongside Darron Lee. Jordan Jenkins is a talented player but he needs to show he can be a three-down linebacker and assist in the pass rush. If anyone can get the most out of this group it’s Todd Bowles, and he’ll definitely have his work cut out for him.
2018 New York Jets Schedule Analysis
The beginning stretch of the schedule offers promise for a fast start with the opener in Detroit followed by a home game with the Dolphins and a Week 3 matchup in Cleveland. Only two games among the first 10 have a scary element to them. There’s a visit to Jacksonville in Week 4 and a home game against the Vikings in Week 7.
It would behoove the Jets to take advantage of the early schedule since things get more interesting after their Week 11 bye. Two games with the Pats and matchups with Tennessee, Green Bay and Houston certainly won’t be easy.
The Final Verdict
One piece of the puzzle may be Darnold, but huge holes remain throughout the roster and plenty has to go right. There is very little depth on both sides of the football so staying healthy is an absolute must for this team to eclipse the win total. It’s hard to imagine them not doing it though after winning five games last year when some of the so-called experts wondered if they could win one game.
The schedule has some favorable matchups and there is an excitement around the club that hasn’t been there for some time. Darnold will take over at some point and just having him around should make the rest of the team better, and that’s enough to get the Jets over their projected win total.
NFL Betting Odds: New York Jets Over 6 Wins
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