Jets 2012 Season Predictions: A Jet Press Roundtable

Aug 30, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) and quarterback Tim Tebow (15) along the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Jets 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

The season is just a few days away for the New York Jets. Mark Sanchez and company open the season on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. It’s time for myself, and the staff of “The J-E-T Press” to make our predictions for the Jets record for 2012. So, here are our predictions for the Jets 2012 season record, from each member of our staff:

ALAN SCHECHTER

The Jets will go 10-6 this season. The defense is going to be absolutely elite. The pass rush is far better than it has been at any point in the Rex Ryan era. The linebackers are faster, and led by a rejuvenated Bart Scott, ready to make a stand in 2012. LaRon Landry and Yeremiah Bell are ready to lead a new look secondary to a bigger level than ever before.

The key is going to be what happens with this offense. I know this is obvious, but I say it anyway. We just don’t know what this offense is going to look like yet, since we haven’t seen the whole package. We don’t know what the Tebow script is going to look like. Nor do we know how effective it is, since we haven’t seen any of the plays rolled out yet. How they handle the QB situation will be key to the Jets success. If they handle it well, they can return to the playoffs. If not, well, you know what I think if not.

Bottom line, the Jets will do it well enough to return to double digit wins, at 10-6.

BOB MONTGOMERY My prediction for the 2012 season is that the New York Jets finish out 11-5.

The Jets have a tough schedule lined up in 2012. Any team that must face Tom Brady twice in the regular season is going to face a challenge to win their division. While the Jets do have games against struggling teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins (Twice), St. Louis Rams, Indianapolis Colts and the Arizona Cardinals, games against top level opponents look break up what could be long winning streaks. The Jets face three left coast teams in 2012, The San Francisco 49ers and San Diego Chargers at home, and the Seattle Seahawks on the road at Century Link field. Thankfully the two home games are against the better 2 of these three teams as the Jets have traditionally struggled with games in the Pacific Time Zone. Overall if the Jets win the games they are supposed to, can split the series with the Patriots and rely on strong defense to grind out close wins the New York Jets should not have a problem securing a playoff spot in 2012.

Aug 26, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) during the second half of their game against the Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Jets 17-12. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

DEBBIE SCHECHTER

My prediction for the team is that the Jets will go 9-7 for the season and sneak into the sixth spot for the playoffs.

Thought process: For starters, this defense is way too talented for the Jets to be south of the .500 win mark but a lot of the test for this team is going to come early on in the season. Darrelle Revis, David Harris, and that defense will emerge as one of the top three defenses in the NFL.

They have an tough start to the season where they could easily be 1-4 if they’re not careful.

Much of this season is going to ride on the offense being efficent and not turning the ball over. Mark Sanchez has to prove in his fourth year that he can be a top notch NFL quarterback. He will take the next step this year. Sanchez showed me a lot in the preseason even without finding the endzone. This offensive line will hold up and give him time. Tim Tebow will show what he can do in the wildcat and running the ball, being an asset to the team.

SEAN L DURHAM

The 2012 NY Jets are one of those teams that I can see going 5-11 or 11-5 and that of course, speaks to the testament of the uncertainty surrounding the Jets’ offense. The Jets defense is ready to roll and looks primed to have a stellar season, the offense on the other hand is a different story. After the first team offense failed to score a TD in the pre-season, most have all but BURRIED this Jets offense and any chance it has at being half way efficient during the regular season. I on the other hand see it differently of course. I believe the Jets’ offense will ultimately feed off the defense and I believe the defense and special teams, namely Joe McKnight will provide the Jets’ offense with short fields more times than not. Offensive Coordinator Tony Sparano is looking for redemption and it starts with the Jets’ offense. The Jets will of course struggle at times due to the offense and at times, sur.ngly the defense but at the end of the season I believe the Jets’ offense will surprise some with their efficiency and do more than enough to match the defense’s intensity. Jets will mix in a 2 game losing streak somewhere in there TWICE but will finish the season 11-5.

MAX MCKENNA

9-7 The defense can carry this team. Still, with matchups against the staunch defenses of San Francisco and Pittsburgh, as well as potential shootouts with Houston, New England and San Diego, the offense has to find some firepower. As much as Rex wants to run the ball, they need balance in the passing game making it critical that Sanchez and his receivers stay on the same page. I think this is the year that Sanchez finds himself and if given any time in the pocket, should put up career numbers and have the team in position for a wild card spot.

DREW FERRARO AKA JETSERIOUS

After a disappointing 8-8 record last season, I believe that Rex Ryan and the New York Jets will redeem themselves. I have them competing with the New England Patriots for the AFC East Title, and eventually making a playoff push late in the year.

Through the first four games, I believe the Jets will sit at a 2-2 record. With the two loses coming @ Pittsburgh and Vs. San Francisco, I can see the New York media overreacting. Headlines will rip the Jets and Sanchez, questioning the team and their ability to make a playoff run.

Instead of hitting the panic button and calling Tim Tebow’s number to start at Quarterback, I think Rex Ryan will stick with Mark Sanchez and let things play out. Rex will not regret his decision. The Jets will go on to win two straight—one against a fierce Houston Texans defense, and another against Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts.

Next the Jets will travel to New England. As much as I would love a win here, I think that the Patriots steal a win and get the lead in the AFC East. The Jets should head into the bye after a win vs. Miami.

Traveling to Seattle, I believe the Seahawks will get the best of the Jets and get a win. However, the Jets will then go on to win 5 of 6, including the Thanksgiving game vs. New England. The lone loss will come at home, against the Chargers.

With that being said, the Jets will finish with an impressive 11-5 record. They will have a shot at the AFC East Title, but it’ll be a close finish with the Patriots ending with a 12-4 record. The Jets will make it to the playoffs, and make a strong push towards the Super Bowl.