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New York Jets: All or nothing in 2015

By Paul A. Esden Jr.

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The New York Jets have had arguably the best off season in the NFL, but does that equate to immediate success? According to Jordan Schultz of the Huffington Post it doesn’t. Rookie head coaches typically don’t come out of the gates on fire, here is what he had to say about the Jets and their situation with a new head coach?

“The NFL has become a win-now, “what have you done for me lately” league. Head coaching jobs, as a result, have become a revolving door of fresh faces and boy wonders (Lane Kiffin or Chip Kelly, anyone?) and 2014 is no exception. We have a laundry list of recycled coordinators and first-time head coaches to watch out for this season.

Though this reference is from last season, the revolving door persists. In 2015 the theme seemed to be recycled former head coaches as Denver, Chicago, Buffalo, and Oakland decided that somewhat proven commodities were the best approach. The word proven is the relative word there. But the Falcons and Jets went with the recycled coordinators approach. Bringing in former defensive coordinators Dan Quinn from the Seahawks and Todd Bowles from the Cardinals respectively.

So can Bowles break history from repeating itself here with the Jets? And perhaps an even more important question, are the Jets ready to break their postseason drought? They haven’t been to the NFL Playoffs since the glory days of those historic AFC Championship runs quite some time ago.

Sep 14, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; New York Jets quarterback

Geno Smith

(left) celebrates his touchdown with offensive guard

Brian Winters

(center) and tight end

Zach Sudfeld

(right) during the first quarter of a game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

But it’s time for a new chapter in the history books for Gang Green. Expectations are higher than they’ve ever been as they should be. This team again on paper could compete for the AFC East title. On the surface it’s the quarterback play that will decide this division: Geno Smith appears to be the guy Week 1.

But looking beyond the quarterback, how Bowles is able to replicate his defense from Arizona to the Jets will be another vital cog in determining how the Jets fare this season. Specifically how the secondary holds up: are the Jets getting the Revis + Cromartie pairing from 2010? Or are the Jets getting a 30 year old Revis who may be past his prime and an often injured Cromartie whose a shadow of his former self?

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I tend to think that Revis will reestablish himself as the best corner in the game in Bowles’ defensive scheming. I also believe that Cromartie will be able to show his last stint with the Jets was more the nagging hip than a reduction in his play due to age and wear-and-tear.

As per Dom Cosentino of NJ.com, here are some quotes directly from Revis on how he plans to do in his return to the Jets:

“You know what? I think I’m better than I was before, when I played earlier in my career,” Revis said  at the Jets’ voluntary veteran minicamp, per NJ.com.

“I think I’m more way more intelligent in the position. I had a great learning experience last year with Bill (Belichick). He helped me in a lot of ways. I’ve seen the game a different way. But at the same time I think just the growth, of me growing as a player, and growing as a man has helped me tremendously. Now I’m a different type of player — a better player — than I was when I was younger.”

There are several more pressing questions including Quinton Coples’ ability to finally realize his true potential. If he can, the Jets can continue to build upon their sack numbers. Especially in year-one with Bowles whose Cardinals were ranked in the bottom half of the league in getting after the quarterback.

Another important factor will be how general manager Mike Maccagnan’s first draft class does in their rookie years. From Leonard Williams stepping in to replace Sheldon Richardson for the first quarter of the season to how Devin Smith can make an impact early in a crowded receiving corps, are all key story lines to watch. And if the Jets can hit on some late round gems to round out the roster, everything will fall right into place.

There are so many story lines for the Jets who head to training camp next week to start preparing for the regular season. The mentality for this team is that they can contend early in this regime and that losing will not be accepted. Playoffs or bust? The Jets are all-in and they’re ready to get out of the AFC East basement they’ve been trapped in for the last several seasons. So all or nothing is pretty much the expectations for Jets fans, time will tell if the Jets can cash that check.

Next: Coffee with the New York Jets: Mangold still the best

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