New York Jets poised and ready to win AFC East title
The New York Jets should be poised and ready to capture their first divisional crown since 2002 this coming season.
You’ll probably think I’ve lost it at this point, and I wouldn’t blame you. However, I seriously believe that the New York Jets, the much-beleaguered New York Jets, are poised and ready to capture the AFC East crown in 2019.
It sure won’t be easy. It never is for Gang Green. The New England Patriots have Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and are the defending Super Bowl champions. With that being said, with some key free agent acquisitions recently and the NFL Draft upcoming, the Jets will have a much-improved talent base when the 2019 campaign kicks off in September.
Here are three reasons why Gang Green is set to knock the Pats off their perch and win their first AFC title since 2002 (yes it’s been that long):
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Le’Veon Bell
There is some concern that he may be rusty after sitting out the entire 2018 season, but Bell was the top free agent prize and general manager Mike Maccagnan got him. The Jets must continue to improve the offensive line. Their recent trade for left guard Kelechi Osemele from Oakland was an excellent move. They need to continue to strengthen the line via the draft as well.
Bell is a two-way threat as he’s also one of the premier pass-catching halfbacks in the entire NFL. With solid blocking and more dynamic weapons around him, Bell should help take pressure off second-year quarterback Sam Darnold. The Michigan State product can split out wide as a wide receiver as well and he’ll provide Gang Green with a powerhouse offensive weapon for a squad that ranked 23rd in the league in scoring last year (20.8 points per game). Bell is a huge difference maker.
Sam Darnold
The rookie signal-caller from USC really came on over the last four weeks of the 2018 campaign (six touchdowns, one interception) but he must continue to develop into New York’s franchise quarterback. With Bell, Jamison Crowder, Robby Anderson and Quincy Enunwa, Darnold has some effective weapons to work with, but Maccagnan needs to add more pieces through the draft or other free agent signings.
Don’t be surprised to see Maccagnan select wide receiver Deebo Samuel (South Carolina) or Riley Ridley (Georgia) if either are available in Round 3 (68th overall). The Jets need more speed and either player can provide it. Darnold should be coached more effectively by new head coach Adam Gase, who was the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears when quarterback Jay Cutler enjoyed his finest season (2015).
This will be the year that Darnold eclipses Brady as the premier signal-caller in the AFC East. That’s a bold statement but a true one.
The Draft
Maccagnan has to nail this draft. Cold. His job is on the line. Gang Green should get a top edge rusher at number three (either Nick Bosa or Josh Allen). Maccagnan also needs to reinforce the offensive line (center), defensive backfield (cornerback) and the interior defensive line.
Next. 2019 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Combine two-round projection. dark
As of this moment, the Jets own six selections in next month’s extravaganza. Maccagnan should be able to add quality talent and depth to a roster that is going to be much improved over last year’s unit.
Remember, Tom Brady will be 42 next season. It’s time for a new sheriff in town. Write it down now: The Jets will go 11-5 and capture the AFC East in 2019.