3 reasons the Jets can make the playoffs in 2019

We’ve seen quick turnarounds in the NFL before, and the New York Jets could easily end up writing their own postseason story in 2019. Here’s how.

While the Jets have occasional flashes of success, they generally don’t inspire much faith in their fans.

And who can blame them? This is a team that has won only one championship, and that was five decades ago. And the Jets have almost no recent success to speak of, compiling only one winning season over the past eight.

I have frequently lamented the team’s struggles. Okay, I admit it. I have almost always been negative and critical when writing about the Jets.

However, perhaps it’s time to try something different. It’s summer, the sun is shining, the Jets have a shiny new roster, and the season hasn’t started yet.

Hope springs eternal, and maybe this will finally be a good year for the Jets. If they do somehow make the playoffs in 2019, they can credit their success to the following three reasons.

1. Sam Darnold finally has enough weapons

The Jets almost never have a good offense. Whether it’s the lack of a supporting cast or the continued struggle to find a competent quarterback, the team just never seems to have it all together.

Sam Darnold showed flashes last year, but the overall offense was inconsistent and largely ineffective. In addition to Darnold’s inexperience, the Jets didn’t have enough offensive talent around him.

This coming season things might finally be different. While I was skeptical of it initially, the Jets’ decision to sign Le’Veon Bell does give them one of their most potent offensive weapons in recent memory. And adding slot receiver Jamison Crowder to the pre-existing trio of Robby Anderson, Quincy Enunwa, and Chris Herndon gives the Jets a respectable arsenal of talented pass catchers.

If Darnold takes a step forward in 2019, look out. The Jets might actually have a good offense. *gasp*

2. Reloaded defense could be dominant

While the Jets seldom have good offenses, they have had some elite defenses in recent memory. The 2009, 2010, and 2015 Jets defensive units all ranked in the top ten in points and yards allowed.

If everything breaks well for them, the 2019 Jets have a chance to return to that level of dominance.

The additions of free agent superstar C.J. Mosley and top draft pick Quinnen Williams add to an already stout defensive front seven. The Jets should be able to consistently generate internal pressure and stop the run.

The 2019 Jets defense certainly comes with some big question marks, in particular the pass coverage and outside pass rush. But if a few key players currently on the roster step up (i.e. Trumaine Johnson, Jordan Jenkins, Jachai Polite), those concerns could be mitigated.

1. Darnold makes a huge leap

As much as coaches talk about football being a team sport, the supporting cast of an NFL team hardly matters if the quarterback play is poor.

Fortunately for the Jets, their time in quarterback purgatory might finally be coming to an end. Although his rookie season was filled with ups and downs, Sam Darnold ended the season on a high note (6 TD/ 1 INT over his last 4 games).

With a year of experience under his belt and some new offensive players to support him, Darnold needs to build on the progress he’s made.

If Darnold becomes a top quarterback in the league, the Jets will have a great chance of contending in 2019 and beyond.