Jun 9, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) and New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) talk during New York Jets minicamp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
4) New York Jets
It’s fair to say the New York Jets most probably rank fourth with most football analysts, when it comes to the AFC East. However, that doesn’t mean you should count them out altogether, as they have also improved their roster during the offseason.
(Ever since the St. Louis Rams unexpected/sensational turnaround in 1999, I try not to discount anyone. As the saying goes: “Any given Sunday baby, any given Sunday…”)
Besides, it’s not like they didn’t have any talent. Despite finishing 4-12 last year, they still had the NFL’s sixth-best defense, when it came to yardage allowed, including an average of just 93.1 yards on the ground.
In fact, now that the prodigal son, i.e. Darrelle Revis, has returned, this should give the Jets more confidence. Throw in the acquisitions of Antonio Cromartie and Buster Skrine, and the secondary will be in much better hands this season.
Offensively, the Jets have all but said the quarterback position is Geno Smith’s to lose. The 24-year old endured a tough campaign in 2014, and the Jets as a whole propped up the entire league in terms of passing yards.
Interestingly, former Bills starter Ryan Fitzpatrick is now on the roster, and – regardless of people’s thoughts on him as a starter – provides arguably the best veteran depth at the position in the league. (John Clayton’s words, not mine!) At least whoever is behind center will have a couple of excellent targets to aim at, in the shape of Eric Decker and offseason acquisition Brandon Marshall (who actually moved in with Smith after joining the team, in an effort to build up some chemistry).
Overall, even the Jets won’t be a pushover in the suddenly competitive AFC East. I do expect them to finish in fourth place again, but they will be a definite improvement on last season’s sorry showing – the rest of the division has been warned!