What must the New York Jets accomplish in 2020 to win the AFC East?
Due to former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (finally) leaving the AFC East for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason, one could argue that the division is now up for grabs. There is no long-term frontrunner to be the new favorite in the AFC East — not the New York Jets or otherwise.
While the Jets may not seem to have the talent that some of their division rivals do, at least on paper, it never hurts to think positively. So with the division wide-open, why couldn’t New York shock the world and win it?
If that’s to happen, there are several things that the team must do. These six things are musts for the Jets if they’re going to win the AFC East in the 2020 NFL season.
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6. The Jets must improve on special teams
Back when Jason Meyers was on the team and making the Pro Bowl along with return-man Andre Roberts, the special teams situation was much more favorable. Yet, the New York front office let them walk in free agency.
The Jets need their kicking game to improve to fare better in close games, especially in the division. Signing a free agent such as Stephen Gostkowski would dramatically help the situation after he was released earlier this offseason by the Patriots. It would go a long way in the special teams play getting back up to par.
5. Le’Veon Bell needs to have a 1,000-yard rushing season
Le’Veon Bell was the big free-agent acquisition for the Jets in the 2019 offseason but was overpaid by Gang Green. But to get their money’s worth, they need to use the running back better, finding more creative ways to get the ball in his hands. Pairing him with newcomer and veteran Frank Gore should help. Regardless, if the duo doesn’t put up big numbers for the offense this year, New York needs to part ways with the back next offseason.
4. The Jets must go at least 4-2 in the AFC East
Again, the AFC East is up for the taking in the 2020 season as the Patriots are transitioning, the Bills are overrated and the Dolphins are still rebuilding. For New York to win the division, though, the Jets would need to get four wins, namely by beating Miami twice and splitting with Buffalo and New England. Given the state of these franchises in 2020, that’s a distinct possibility if the gameplans and overall performance can improve from this team.
3. A decision needs to be made about Jamal Adams
Jamal Adams is in a position where, if he’s on the Jets, he needs to put up or shut up. He’s asking to be paid like a defensive star and leader. If the franchise doesn’t give into his trade demands and the drama that he’s created, then the team needs to cut ties with him. Perhaps they should let him play out the 2020 season in New York and, if he’s not producing at an All-Pro level again, trade him in hopes of getting a franchise wide receiver and/or top-end drat capital.
2. Coaching staff — especially on offense — must improve
Adam Gase was not the right man for the job in the Big Apple, an inferior hire to someone like Mike McCarthy in the 2019 offseason. Despite his supposed pedigree, Gase is not as equipped to help with the development of quarterback Sam Darnold as the hopeful franchise player under center in New York.
Chances are, Darnold will continue to stagnate or even regress under Gase and offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains. The latter needed to go last year and be replaced with a more qualified candidate. Having said that, perhaps things improve with the offensive line getting an upgrade and with another year in Gase’s system, which would pave the way for this team to compete in the division.
1. Sam Darnold needs to step up or be replaced
I’ve gotten heat for my belief that Sam Darnold is not the answer at quarterback and for suggesting that Dak Prescott would be the better option. To me, it’s simple — Darnold would not have the same success in Dallas as Prescott has as the latter is the more talented player and more obvious leader on and off the field.
Having said that, he is entering just his third season in the NFL. If he can take a step forward in his development while staying healthy this season, then perhaps that argument will look silly. But based on what we’ve seen from the USC product to this point, it’s not something anyone should be holding their breath for, even if it’s what the Jets need to take the division this year.