I could only stay away for so long. After a two month drought, it’s nice to come back feeling more refreshed than Brett Favre leaving a massage parlor (Jets fans get it). Let’s dive right into my five predictions for the New York Jets this season.
1. Calvin Pryor becomes a household name in the NFL
Pryor clicked with coach Todd Bowles’ defensive scheme last season. In just his second season, we saw a player with all the physical tools come into his own and emerge as a vocal leader for this Jets defense. It also helps when you get to play alongside Marcus Gilchrist, who has been one of the Jets’ most underrated players since signing with them last year. Pryor has tripled his passes defended from 2014 to 2015 and if he continues this growth in 2016, he’ll give opposing offenses a lot of trouble. Coming out of Louisville, his physicality reminded scouts of Bob Sanders and that could very well be the type of player Pryor molds into.
2. Ryan Fitzpatrick breaks the franchise record for passing yards in a season
This is very breakable. The sole fact that this record has still yet to be broken epitomizes why it was imperative to sign Fitzpatrick this offseason. Joe Namath holds the record with 4,007 yards, which Fitz just missed by about 100 yards last season. Given that 2015 was Fitzpatrick’s first time developing chemistry with his receiving core, I’m predicting he throws for over 4,200 yards this season. The rapport that he developed in just one season with Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker makes me have high hopes for 2016. After already breaking Testaverde’s record for touchdown passes with 31 last season, give Fitzpatrick two seasons with the Jets and he will conquer all of their single season passing records. By the way, this about sums up just how miserable our luck has been when it comes to drafting quarterbacks. See how lucky Pats fans are? Ungrateful pigs.
3. Robby Anderson in the slot
The Jets are looking for a third wide receiver and love collecting talent from Temple University. Don’t be surprised if undrafted free agent Robby Anderson becomes a regular contributor to this Jets offense. Although Quincy Enunwa will see a majority of time as the number three receiver to start, expect to see Anderson on third downs. Devin Smith had some promise last season, but that ended after tearing his ACL and should see limited use this year. Like Smith, Anderson is a legitimate deep threat with top end speed. The guy ran a 4.34, 40 yard dash on his pro day and fits the physique of a slot receiver. If the preseason accomplished anything it was a roster spot for Robby and possibly a opportunity to crack into the starting offense.
4. Bryce Petty is the backup QB
I firmly believe the Jets will move on from Geno Smith. The guy has yet to show any signs of improvement. Given his experience, he should be dominating second teamers in the preseason and that has not been the case. It will depend on roster spots if the Jets have enough incentive to trade Smith. For me, keeping four quarterbacks is a waste of time. Petty and Hackenberg are still developing and have the potential to succeed in the NFL, but we all know what we will get out of Geno Smith. Moreover, it doesn’t seem like he brings anything positive to the locker room. In a quarterback desperate league, the Jets should shop Smith for the better of the franchise.
5. The New York Jets win the AFC East
This defense will be impenetrable. After establishing themselves as a top three rush defense in the league last season, this defensive line looks even better going into 2016. In fact, I believe Muhammad Wilkerson will emerge as one of the top defensive players in the NFL. After breaking his leg in Week 17, he returned this past weekend and looked as explosive as ever. I know it was only preseason, but Mo was blowing up every play up behind the line of scrimmage. The Patriots will begin the year behind the eight ball with Brady’s four game suspension, which will allow the Jets to keep pace with them despite their difficult schedule to start the season. Everything is shaping up for the Jets to make a run at the division title. It will come down to minimizing mistakes offensively because this defense will keep them in every game.
P.S. Don’t sleep on rookie LB Darron Lee for Defensive ROY.
