MMQB picks Jets as one of NFL’s most ‘combustible’ teams

The New York Jets had a tumultuous offseason in many ways, leading MMQB to tab them as one of the league’s most “combustible” teams heading into the 2019 season.

When you hire a new head coach and fire your general manager after the NFL draft, as the Jets did this offseason, it’s hard to argue with anyone who considers your franchise to be at least a little unstable.

That’s exactly the thought process behind the latest MMQB column from Conor Orr, who picked the Jets as one of the NFL’s most “combustible” teams this year.

Orr says all the upheaval should have recent Jets additions preparing to not be around for the long haul:

An obvious choice given the strange timing of their change at general manager. Mike Maccagnan spent an absurd amount of money at inside linebacker, wide receiver and running back and, as it turns out, the head coach wasn’t that excited about it. What happens next, as the scouting department takes shape and a new organizational blueprint is laid out, is anyone’s guess. If I was a player added recently, I would opt to rent, not buy. Think of all the pressure bearing down on the people trying to elevate Sam Darnold. The moment this starts to slide south, Maccagnan’s signings become easy scapegoats.

Orr’s other picks? The Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys.

There are definitely some big personalities in the Jets locker room this season, but that should end up being a positive for them. Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams is a vocal leader and a dynamic playmaker on defense, while Le’Veon Bell got his big contract and should be ready to hit the ground running after sitting out the entire 2018 season due to a contract dispute with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Jets also added a stabilizing presence in lead-by-example linebacker C.J. Mosley, a four-time Pro Bowler who knows a thing or two about maintaining a healthy locker room culture after his time with the Baltimore Ravens.

It’s easy to see why some people would be worried about the Jets’ stability heading into the 2019 season, but I’m betting they’ll be surprised with the actual outcome. The Jets have one of the league’s most promising young rosters on both sides of the ball, and they have the on-field leadership to navigate the difficulties they may face along the way.

Do you expect the Jets to be “combustible” this season? Give us your take in the comment section!