New York Jets: 5 Bold predictions for 2018 at start of OTAs

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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 10: Dean Lowry #94 of the Green Bay Packers tackles Isaiah Crowell #34 of the Cleveland Browns in the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

4. 2,000 team rushing yards

In 2017, six teams rushed for 2,000 yards. Well, in 2018, the Jets will be one of them. With Carpenter and Winters back healthy and ready to go, and Beachum and Shell showing signs of improvement in the second half of 2017, expect a new rejuvenated offensive line ready to maul whoever gets in there way — opening holes for the tandem of backs behind them.

With three or four backs in the mix, expect fresh legs back there at all times. This will lead to more carries, and more burst runs for guys like Bilal Powell and Elijah McGuire. They averaged 4.0 yards per carry as a team in 2017 — with 1,702 total yards — despite a poor offensive line. Imagine what they could do behind the improved offensive line.

As mentioned earlier, Crowell has averaged 4.2 yards per carry in his career. Powell also set career highs in carries and touchdowns in 2017. So, the two of them should be able to make a difference behind an improved offensive line.

When you look back at 2017, things may look bleak, but it’s not as bad as it appears it will be in 2018. If they can get over 1,700 yards behind what is believed to be a completely abysmal offensive line, then they can do better behind an improved line.

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