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.
Game-by-game predictions for the New York Jets
Week 1 at Bills
New York faced the Bills in the season-opener last year, giving up 17 points after holding a 16-0 lead to take the loss. This game will be an immense test for Darnold as he begins year three and he will rise to the occasion. Optimism for a new season will lead to a surprise victory. Prediction: Win
Week 2 vs. 49ers
Facing the reigning NFC champion 49ers will be a real test for the Jets. New York can’t allow themselves to suffer a heavy defeat which could affect their confidence heading into Week 3. However, this should be a road win for San Francisco. Prediction: Loss
Week 3 at Colts
Second-year defensive tackle Quinnen Williams will have his work cut out for him trying to make an impact against the Colts elite interior offensive line. On the road against veteran Philip Rivers, the Jets suffer back-to-back defeats. Prediction: Loss
Week 4 vs. Broncos
Sam Darnold vs. Drew Lock offers an intriguing battle between young quarterbacks. Unfortunately, even with a facelift, the offensive line could still struggle against the Broncos experienced pass rush. Denver’s defense will be the driving force in Week 4. Prediction: Loss
Week 5 vs. Cardinals
Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins have the potential to be a game-changing duo that pushes the Cardinals to a win. However, home-field advantage and a sense of urgency for the Jets defense means they rise to the challenge and get the club to 2-3 on the year. Prediction: Win
Week 6 at Chargers
The Jets’ journey to the west coast will prove to be a victorious venture. Becton will have a tough battle against the Chargers defensive line. Having said that, the Jets defense will show up against a suspect LA offense and get a critical road win. Prediction: Win
Week 7 vs. Bills
Getting revenge for the loss in Buffalo in Week 1, Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs will have developed a better rapport and the Bills defense should be hitting its stride. The result will be the Jet’s brief two-game winning streak coming to a close at MetLife Stadium. Prediction: Loss
Week 8 at Chiefs
The Jets take a trip to Arrowhead and, although they have a two-game winning streak in Kansas City, they will need to pull off a miracle to win here. That is possible, however, the more likely option is a capitulation in which Patrick Mahomes throws five touchdowns. Prediction: Loss
Week 9: vs. Patriots
Maybe this is just an overinflated sense of preseason optimism but the Patriots could be quite unsettled still at this point in the season. With a new quarterback and a ton of defensive opt-outs, it could be a bumpy road for New England, which will give the Jets the win in East Rutherford. Prediction: Win
Week 10 at Dolphins
The Dolphins joined the Jets in having a successful 2020 draft but they also have plenty of myster about them. Miami has a high ceiling but New York should be the better side — though this could be a close one. Prediction: Win
Week 12 vs. Dolphins
Running it back after the bye week for back-to-back matchups for the Jets with the Dolphins, Miami comes to MetLife in Week 12. Darnold’s experience should prove to be the difference against Tua Tagovailoa, who will likely be starting by this point. Prediction: Win
Week 13 vs. Raiders
The secondary is one of the Jets’ most questionable units on the 2020 roster and speedy rookie Henry Ruggs III as part of the Las Vegas Raiders offense could cause them problems. He’ll be the difference-maker as New York drops one at home. Prediction: Loss
Week 14 at Seahawks
Jets fans will surely be hoping to see Le’Veon Bell or any other player on the New York roster truck safety Jamal Adams in this game, especially after the running back’s Twitter war with his former teammate. Unfortunately, a trip to Seattle won’t help Gang Green’s record. Prediction: Loss
Week 15 at Rams
Staying on the west coast, the Jets get a matchup against Sean McVay’s club as the Rams try to regain their NFC champion form. Jared Goff has issues to address and, though optimistic, the Jets cause the quarterback problems and pick up the win. Prediction: Win
Week 16 vs. Browns
Both the Browns and Jets are building around young quarterbacks and addressed issues on the offensive line this offseason. At MetLife Stadium, this should be a close game and, though the Browns have the edge on paper, Darnold will prove to be the smarter quarterback and push his team to victory. Prediction: Win
Week 17 at Patriots
Traveling to Foxborough is never easy when Bill Belichick is patrolling the Patriots sidelines. New England will have likely found their rhythm by the end of the year and that will end the Jets’ season in sour fashion. Prediction: Loss
New York Jets predicted final record: 8-8
The Jets posting a .500 record is undoubtedly optimistic and, in truth, is near the full potential of what New York could do in the 2020 season. Injuries are always a factor, both for Gang Green and their opponents, which could change things but New York looks like a team that won’t win the AFC East but won’t finish in last place either. Sam Darnold being healthy and progressing should be the difference between 8-8 and 3-13.
New York Jets X-factors for the 2020 NFL season
Marcus Maye, Safety
At the start of the offseason, Marcus Maye’s future with the Jets was questionable. However, since Adams was traded, Maye will play a critical role as he lines up with McDougald. May graded out as the No. 20 safety in the 2019 season according to PFF (subscription required). The free safety had a grade of 74.5 per PFF.
He also has had praises heaped on him throughout the offseason. Adam Gase outlined his versatility in training camp, per SI.com:
"Marcus has very good awareness, especially in zones. He’s really good in man-to-man. He has a really good ability to break up balls in man-to-man coverage. You notice out here, he gets a lot of hands on the ball. He has a pretty tough match-up every day when him and Chris Herndon go at it. It’s fun to watch, When you are either a coach or a spectator, that’s a good match-up. Those are two good players going at it. Marcus brings a lot of versatility"
Adams left some big shoes to fill but Maye appears ready to step up as the new leader of the secondary and perhaps the defense as a whole.
Le’Veon Bell, Running Back
In his first season with New York, Bell looked like anything but a former All-Pro as he had only 789 rushing yards last season. But with the offensive line improving, could Bell’s effectiveness also increase? Could he hit 1,000 yards this season?
One of the reasons Bell also put behind his lack of production in 2019 was his fitness. That’s no longer the case, though. The running back is an offseason “best shape of his life” guy for the Jets but he also posted proof of that recently:
I CANNOT WAIT TIL WE STRAP TF UP pic.twitter.com/RHMjy3Q3m9
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) August 8, 2020
The Jets might just see a return of the Le’Veon Bell who dominated in Pittsburgh, eating yards for fun.
Denzel Mims, Wide Receiver
Yes, the Jets’ second-round pick has yet to play a down in the NFL. But in a toss-up between him and Breshad Perriman, the rookie is the bigger X-factor for this offense.
At Baylor, Mims thrived in contested-catch situations. For Darnold, the youngster can provide a big target that can make plays when the quarterback is under pressure and forced to make quick decisions. He will need to clean up his drops (13 over the last two seasons in college) but, if he can do that, he could be the start of something quite exciting in the Jets wide receiver corps.
Biggest questions the New York Jets must answer in 2020
3. Is Adam Gase the right man for the Job?
Adam Gase’s time in Miami was not as successful as all parties involved hoped it would be. However, the Jets still chose to hire him, at least in part, due to his work with Peyton Manning. The legendary quarterback recommended Gase to the Jets but the head coach still has plenty of doubters, even if the Jets have improved since he arrived.
The third-year for Sam Darnold and second under Gase’s thumb will be absolutely pivotal. Joe Douglas has put his trust in Gase but the head coach must prove himself further to win over fans and his locker room. Will an 8-8 season be enough to change that, or will it take making the playoff to convince them?
2. Can the offensive line step up?
With the addition of Mekhi Becton and several free-agent signings, the overhaul of the offensive line is complete. And though it may not be a totally elite unit, it’s a group that will positively influence Darnold and, in turn, the wide receivers. Playing behind a stable line could dramatically change Darnold’s performance, namely helping to clean up his 28 interceptions over two years.
But the big question is if the line is actually strong enough as a whole. Becton will be critical while the addition of Connor McGovern is a clear improvement over Spencer Long. Having said that, the rest of the group is comprised of stopgap veterans, not building block pieces. The question is if they can be good enough to allow the Jets’ young quarterback to take the steps in his progression that we need to see.
1. Will the Jets secure another receiver before the season begins?
Douglas and the Jets signed Breshad Perriman and drafted Denzel Mims this offseason in wake of Robby Anderson’s departure in free agency. However, injuries have already plagued a relatively poor wide receiver corps in training camp as Mims, Perriman and Jamison Crowder have all been banged up. They won’t have long-term effects but could it lead to New York signing another pass-catcher?
Admittedly, there aren’t many quality players available in free agency at this point as Mohamed Sanu is the most accomplished player on the market. However, for a group of receivers that needs to step up and help Darnold, signing another could be key for adding depth, especially in an unprecedented season.