A new season and new beginnings for the Jets

The New York Jets are ready to launch another memorable season in which they not only surprise critics but finally end their NFL Playoff drought.

It’s a new season and new beginnings. The New York Jets, after five offseasons filled with turmoil and chaos, successfully had one that was cohesive, professional and all football. In 2010, the Jets brought in Hard Knocks to capture their lackluster performance, distracting a team that had so much promise, ultimately resulting in a disastrous season.

2011 brought another .500 team with no appearance in the NFL Playoffs, despite the hype of Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress joining the team. Then, 2012 had the infamous Mark Sanchez “butt fumble” while 2013 featured “Tebow Time”, a shoulder injury to Sanchez in a meaningless preseason game, including the horrendous performance of Geno Smith.

Soon-after, in 2014, fans paid for a “Fire Idzik” billboard near the stadium to end the nightmare that he created, and finally, 2015 was the icing on the cake when Smith was sucker punched by a teammate.

But this preseason was an extremely uneventful time period, with no major injuries and no outside distractions. In fact, the Jets’ training camp this offseason was only open to fans and media for four days, exemplifying the Jets emphasis on focusing on the field as well as learning from mistakes.

The biggest news revolved around re-signing the stars in defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick along with the four-quarterback-competition heating up. Training camp featured stiff competition for all positions, with the cutting of two major first and second draft picks in cornerback Dee Milliner and tight end Jace Amaro. Now, the team is close to complete, with some recent pickups that are competing for the final spots.

As far as the rest of the division goes, the same can not be said. In Buffalo, ex-head coach Rex Ryan watched running back Karlos Williams receive a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s drug policy, ultimately causing his release from the team, as well as other players’ major injuries.

More from The Jet Press

In New England, the Patriots were told starting running back Dion Lewis would be out at least half of the season.

Also, the Deflategate scandal returned when Tom Brady‘s four-game suspension was confirmed.

And in the very same city, the New York Giants had their kicker Josh Brown suspended for domestic violence following an investigation with his wife.

The Jets did make two straight AFC Championship games, despite the incidents, in 2010 and 2011.

But it was during that 2011 season that things truly seemed to dissolve. A former receiver for those teams, Jerricho Cotchery, spoke about the situation that caused him to leave the team. “It wasn’t about being disrespected. It wasn’t about them signing other guys,” Cotchery said to Daily News reporters, per Rich Cimini of ESPN. “I was taught the game was about the team. You enjoy lining up with guys. It wasn’t about individuals. It was truly about the team and guys being selfless and happy for the next individual. Things started to change a little bit. I didn’t think that was what I signed up for when I was younger. So it’s time to move on.”

new york jets /

Jan 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery (82) catches a touchdown pass and celebrates with quarterback Cam Newton (1) in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Hopefully, under the guidance and leadership of head coach Todd Bowles and his staff, the new Jets will approach the game with a team-first mentality, as opposed to individuality. The combination of general manager Mike Maccagnan and Bowles has been nothing short of excellence to date.

Maccagnan has made spectacular, team-changing moves, most notably the trades for wide receiver Brandon Marshall and Fitzpatrick, along with the signings of cornerback Buster Skrine and running back Matt Forte. And on the field, Bowles’ coaching strategies have the team clicking.

Former Jets’ offensive lineman, Willie Colon, admires Bowles and what he has done for this team. “Todd Bowles changed the culture in that team,” Colon said, per NJ.com of FoxSports’ Cameron DaSilva. “Everybody knows the circus Rex and Idzik was and everything they went through, and we had to go through. Todd, coming in, was pretty much able to hold everyone accountable and get guys to be professionals.”

The Jets went 10-6 last season, a remarkable improvement from their 4-12 season the year before. But after a devastating loss in Week 17 to the Bills in Buffalo, the Jets headed home without a postseason appearance, the Jets knew they had to bounce back this year.

must read: Fantasy Football Start or Sit Week 1: WR Brandon Marshall

Many fans have called this current Jets team the deepest it’s been in years. Following their 10-win season, there are high expectations placed on the Jets. It’s been 49 years since they won the Super Bowl. The Jets certainly have what it takes to compete on the football field, and given the professional and uneventful play during the preseason, the Jets will be heading into the season ready to work and contend. Hopefully, the team will be a true contender at season’s end.

Home/Jets News