Jets prime to take over AFC East once Tom Brady retires

MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 04: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets reacts in the fourth quarter of their game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 04: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets reacts in the fourth quarter of their game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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The New York Jets look to be well on their way to the tops of the AFC East once New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady finally calls it quits.

The New York Jets have had many unfortunate years as of late and with the New England Patriots leading the AFC East for quite some time, it hasn’t been easy. Once quarterback Tom Brady decides to call it quits, however, many opportunities will present themselves for the Jets to emerge as the top team in their division.

Although the Buffalo Bills have the promising Josh Allen, another quarterback who has the arm talent needed to come up big in situations, the Jets have Sam Darnold. Darnold has shown his resilience throughout his rookie season, coming back from an injury last year that cost him three games.

Darnold was able to give legendary signal-caller Aaron Rodgers a run for his money in one game against the Packers last season when the Jets lost to Green Bay 44-38. That was only a glimpse of what he hopes to bring to a team desperately in need of their franchise quarterback.

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Let this sink in. Yes, this is a Packers team that has fallen off a little due to the absence of wide receiver Jordy Nelson among other issues, but they are still led by the elite Rodgers. The Jets didn’t go down without a fight.

Darnold and the Jets also came close to defeating a solid Houston Texans team last year. They appeared to have it in the bag, but came up short later in the fourth quarter and ended up losing 29-22.

The Jets won big in the season opener against Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions as that game certainly was a nice way to start the year. While Darnold started off shaky to begin the game with a pick-six on his very first pass attempt, he redeemed himself shortly after, settling down in what was simply an amazing first game for the rookie and the team in 2018.

The Jets have shown fight in many games this year. They have a lot of work to do, including adding a running back or two, drafting to build the offensive line, and even adding another wide receiver to help out the established Robby Anderson and Quincy Enunwa.

This means that once the rebuild is fully completed and the division leaders say goodbye to Brady, there’s a better chance for the Jets to win big and take the division by storm if all goes as planned this offseason.

All in all, it’s nothing but space and opportunities for the rest of the division and most importantly the Jets once the Patriots dynasty comes to an end. Darnold has what it takes to be a winner. With Jets legend Joe Namath and current CBS broadcaster Tony Romo offering high praise for the 21-year-old, the future appears bright.

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Trust the rebuild and good things should come to those who wait. It shouldn’t be long before the Jets become contenders again.