New York Jets: If…And…But for 2015

Jun 9, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) and New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) talk during New York Jets minicamp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

If

New head coach Todd Bowles and new defensive coordinator can turn this Jets’ defense into a much more opportunistic unit.

In 2013, the Jets ranked 11th in the NFL in total yards allowed and only two teams in the league gave up fewer yards on the ground. This past season, only five clubs in the NFL gave up fewer yards per game while New York ranked sixth in the league in rushing defense.

But almost inexplicably, this Rex Ryan-led team managed a mere 28 takeaways in 32 games the past two seasons, forcing an NFL-low 13 turnovers in 2014.

Consider last season’s pass defense, which ranked 14th in the league in yards allowed but had the distinction of allowing 31 scores through the air while totaling only six interceptions. The additions of free-agent cornerbacks Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and Buster Skrine should solve some of those issues.

So should the arrival of Bowles. As defensive coordinator the past two seasons of the Arizona Cardinals, the team amassed a combined 55 takeaways.

Next: Losing a Key Component