The Jets finished the 2013 season strong, winning three out of their last four games. Even with the strong finish, it was not enough to salvage their season as they finished the season 8-8 and missed
the playoffs for the third straight year. However there is a sense that this year will be different than the prior three seasons, and many feel the Jets will make the playoffs this year.
1. Improved Quarterback Play- Last season as a rookie, Geno Smith threw 21 interceptions and at times seemed to struggle reading defenses and taking control of the huddle. Now, coming into
his second season, Smith should make significant improvements with his play and decision making. If Smith should falter, the Jets can replace him with Michael Vick who throughout his career has led two franchises into the playoffs. Despite being 34 years old, Vick is still one of the most dangerous dual threat quarterbacks in the NFL.
2. The addition of wide receiver Eric Decker – Last season the Jets passing game was anemic as they were 31st in the NFL in passing. In the offseason the Jets acquired wide receiver Eric Decker who
spent his first 4 seasons in the NFL with the Denver Broncos. While some may debate whether Decker is a true number 1 receiver, there’s no debating how productive he’s been the last two seasons. Over the last two seasons Decker has caught 172 passes for 2,352 yards and 24 touchdowns.For those thinking Decker’s productivity is purely based on playing with Peyton Manning the last two seasons, keep in mind that in 2011 Decker had 8 touchdowns with Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow as his quarterback. There’s no reason to believe that Decker won’t produce for the Jets.
3. Jets have one of the best defenses in the NFL- Throughout head coach Rex Ryan’s tenure with the Jets, defense has always been the backbone of the team. In Ryan’s first few years with the Jets, the
secondary has been the strongest part of the defense. But starting last year it has been the Jets front seven that has been the strongest part of the team. Defensive ends Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson are two of the best defensive players in the league. Together last year they combined for 141 tackles and disrupted opposing team’s offensive schemes. With the Jets front
seven poised to dominate again, the Jets are hoping that second year cornerback Dee Milliner improves from his rookie season where he struggled.
4. The acquisition of running back Chris Johnson- Although some feel Chris Johnson is not the player he was in 2009 when he rushed for 2,006 yards; he is still a productive running back. Last year while with the Tennessee Titans, Johnson ran for 1,077 yards and scored six touchdowns. The Jets offensive line is vastly better than the Titans, so this should revitalize the 28 year old Johnson. With the addition of Johnson the Jets now have a trio of quality running backswith Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell. Each running back brings a different skill set which will give them one of the most dynamic backfields in the league.
5. Jets have a favorable schedule- With the exception of playing the rival New England Patriots twice, of the Jets 14 remaining games only 4 of them are against teams that made the playoffs last year. Although the landscape of the NFL changes year to year, this is a plus in the Jets hopes of making the playoffs.