Will the New York Jets take advantage of an open AFC East or continue to falter in 2020?
No one could’ve predicted what the 2020 offseason would hold for the New York Jets, coming off of posting a 7-9 record last season, and the rest of the NFL at large. It’s been an offseason unlike any other and that is making way for a regular season unlike any other as well with kickoff rapidly approaching for the Jets on Sunday, Sept. 13.
The visual spectacular planned for the 2020 NFL Draft was replaced by a virtual experience and commissioner Roger Goodell hosting it from his basement/living room. But that draft was a highly productive one for Jets general manager Joe Douglas as he won over many fans in the process.
After witnessing the porous offensive line in 2019, Douglas used New York’s first-round pick to bring in monster Louisville left tackle Mekhi Becton. Sam Darnold‘s new protector is a daunting figure at 6-7, 364 pounds and should help keep the quarterback safe. The Jets then got the young quarterback a weapon in the next round, landing Denzel Mims out of Baylor.
It’s not been a completely easy offseason for the Jets, however. Linebacker C.J. Mosley deciding to opt out put a damper on the hopes for the defense, as did the departure of All-Pro safety Jamal Adams after he forced the organization into a trade. That move yielded two first-round picks and safety Bradley McDougald, which further endeared Douglas to fans.
But the season itself won’t be handled by Douglas. That job belongs to Adam Gase, Darnold and the players on the field. And after a season that was disappointing and filled with hardships, from the quarterback’s illness to numerous injuries, it’s interesting to see what’s in store for the Jets this go-around.