Early games are actually winnable in 2016

Most people think that the New York Jets face a daunting schedule in 2016, especially early on. It’s not as daunting as the experts think, given the ability of the Jets’ defense to get turnovers.

On paper, the schedule of the New York Jets looks tough. The game order is vs. Cincinnati, @ Buffalo, @ Kansas City, vs. Seattle, @ Pittsburgh, @ Arizona and vs. Baltimore.

The Jets have a great defense. Their front seven is starting to show signs that they can get to the quarterback, and the secondary showed last season that they can get interceptions.

Let’s play the blind resume game:

With the Jets’ front seven and secondary you’d think those numbers favor the Jets. Those quarterbacks are on the Jets’ schedule this season. At a first glance, you probably think that those games should be at least winnable, especially with the against the Jets defense.

Opponents Nos. 1 and 4 are toss up in most people’s minds. They are Andy Dalton and Joe Flacco. One has a Super Bowl ring and the other doesn’t. They’re both above-average quarterbacks but are vulnerable.

The other two quarterbacks might be a surprise. No. 2 on this list is quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sixteen of his multiple interception games have come in Pittsburgh. So, it looks tougher just because of name recognition, but given the circumstances, it may be easier than imagined.

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Quarterback No. 3 on this list is Carson Palmer and the Arizona Cardinals.

Like the previously aforementioned quarterback, it’s on the road.

With that said, whether it’s Arizona, Oakland or Cincinnati, playing at home hasn’t been kind to him.

He has 44 multiple interception games, with 21 of them at home.

Similarly to Big Ben, the Jets’ defense can take advantage of this. Last season, despite a relatively weak pass rush, the Jets had 18 interceptions. While the number won’t be much different, they will be more timely.

Weeks 2-4 may be the toughest to get interceptions early based on career history. Tyrod Taylor, Alex Smith, and Russell Wilson all have thrown at least one interception in less than half of their games, with Taylor and Wilson throwing multiple interceptions in fewer than 10% of them. So, their best games to getting turnovers may be against Cincinnati and Baltimore, and in Pittsburgh and Arizona.

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The games won’t be easy, per say. However, the games appear more winnable when you look deeper than the names of the teams.

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