Jets fans should temper optimism with caution in 2019

The 2019 New York Jets have made a ton of significant moves this offseason, upgrading many areas of need. The changes may be huge, but fans will need to be cautious with their optimism heading into this season.

The true test lies in the second-year Jets, such as Sam Darnold and Chris Herndon. Even first-year star running back LeVeon Bell has to prove sitting out all of 2018 did not affect his game. Safety Jamal Adams is a sure lock to impress, as he can draw some comparisons to Pittsburgh Steelers legend Troy Polomalu when he’s at the top of his game.

Other Jets such as Robby Anderson and Leonard Williams are just as crucial to the Jets’ chances. Williams had a great 2016, his best but only solid year in a Jets uniform. With the new uniforms, one can hope this is also a new chapter where Williams can redeem himself and prove he belongs here still, or parting ways is best.

Enter Adam Gase, an offensively minded coach who when paired with new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, can look rather good. Many were unsure if Gase was the best option, as Mike McCarthy was the popular choice that many fans wanted. Williams will surely tell you if you need to shape up, and he isn’t afraid to scream it. Gase has a temper as well, and the two of them should fire up whoever is needing that talk.

Do I see the Jets winning the division? As much as I’d love that, the New England Patriots will still be at the top. As most rebuilds take time, the Patriots collapse is sure underway, but they have been so solid for years to come that I see another year of them being on top.

If Darnold can cut back on the turnovers and Bell can provide much comfort for him, his chances of being a bust lessen dramatically. I think this team is dangerous on paper, but only time and the  2019 NFL Draft will tell us more.

To say the least, 2019 is going to be exciting, yet there are many Jets who have to prove themselves. It’ll be fun to see some proven guys go out and make plays, and if Darnold lives up to the praised given by notable people such as Tony Romo and Jets legend Joe Namath, big things will happen in 2020.