NY Jets: Much work lies ahead in 2016

The NY Jets have much work ahead of them to build upon this year heading into the off-season.

After the anger, disappointment and sadness leaves your heart, remember that to be a true fan of the Jets means to deal with all the heartache that comes with it. The Jets had “NFL Playoffs” written all over them but they failed to deliver when it mattered most. Regardless, what’s done is done as it is now time to prepare for the long off-season ahead.

As the football world prepares for what should be some exciting games in the playoffs, one can’t help but wonder what happens to the Jets now. Will their marquee players that are eligible for free agency leave town for bigger money and opportunities elsewhere? Will the Jets bring back Ryan Fitzpatrick? If they can’t reach an agreement with Muhammad Wilkerson, will they franchise tag him?

Many questions will be answered over the coming months but one thing is for sure, ths team is in good hands thanks to general manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles. Last off-season, Maccagnan was brilliant and not only had a great free agency but he also had a solid draft.

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The Jets have some pressing needs when it comes to their situations at running back, tight end, special teams and bolstering their pass rush capabilities.

Bottom line is the Jets’ defense needs to get younger, faster and be able to bring more aggression on that part of the team if they are to not only make the playoffs but actually have a shot at advancing.

Courtesy of the Media Relations Department for the Jets, here is what Bowles had to say on what to expect from the Jets heading into the off-season:

It’s going to be a lot of work. The way teams are now-a-days with free agents, the draft and people getting hurt, you’re going to have a new team every year. There’s going to be about 12 to 15 new guys on your team. So, you just have to find the right mix and try to find the right guys to sign back. Obviously, free agency is a crapshoot and a gamble and certain guys may try to leave. Hopefully, a lot of guys stay. We’re building something here. Everybody understands that. We’ll try to get as many of our guys as we can.

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Overall, expect the Jets to continue making smart decisions in free agency as well as in the upcoming draft. Just like Bowles said, it won’t be easy but there is indeed something special brewing across this team. Once all the pieces fall to where everything is clicking on all cylinders, there is no telling how far this team can go in 2016.