3 offseason catastrophes the NY Jets must avoid

Being a Jets fan means learning to live with the worst possible outcome from a wide range of options. For some reason, it always seems that the worst thing that can happen will happen in the world of the NY Jets. 

With the recent acquisition of Aaron Rodgers and the quick development of a star-studded defense, it appears the Jets are on the short-list of legitimate contenders. However, they have to stay out of harm’s way this offseason to ensure a successful year.

Below are three things the Jets must avoid this offseason to be successful come Week 1.

1. No offensive lineman injuries

Injuries are a part of the NFL. Big-name players will get hurt every year. That's just the reality when grown men are hitting each other repeatedly day after day and week after week.

However, the Jets must avoid a crushing blow to their offensive line before the season even starts. Last offseason, the Jets saw Mekhi Becton get injured before the first game and miss the entire year. As a whole, the Jets line was injured and beaten up from start to finish. 

If the Jets are successful this year, it will be because of the health and consistency up front. Although the Jets did address their offensive line depth during free agency and the NFL draft, they need their starters to stay healthy and play at a high level. 

Rodgers can always extend the pocket and still possesses enough athleticism to escape and scramble, but at age 40, the Jets want Rodgers to be a pocket passer making plays down the field, not running for his life every week.

With Becton, Duane Brown, and Alijah Vera-Tucker returning from injury, the addition of Joe Tippmann in the draft, and the expected improvement of Laken Tomlinson, the Jets have what it takes to piece together a formidable front. Staying healthy this offseason is the first step in seeing the line improve this year.

2. No coaching changes

Although this seems simple, this is another crucial element to a successful season. Keeping a coaching staff together, without any sudden dismissals or additions, is something that the Jets have struggled with in recent years.

With Zach Wilson, the coaching staff always seemed to be in flux. Trying to surround Wilson with familiar faces who could support him meant a constant stream of new coaches around the team. To get the best out of the window and roster they have, the Jets need to keep the same coaches with the same messages around the team all year.

This also means that the coaching staff must avoid any and all mistakes themselves. Whenever a new quarterback joins the team and shifts expectations, the entire team must work together to reach their goals. Having coaches in place that can do that is important.

3. No suspensions

A third catastrophe the Jets could run into would be a player suspension, especially at an important position.

The NFL has already started cracking down on players' gambling, suspending multiple players right before the NFL draft. The Detroit Lions, a team looking to make a jump to content in their division, found out they would be without star wideout Jameson Williams for the first six games as a result of his gambling.

The Jets cannot afford to have a key player suspended for any amount of time, especially at the start of the year. The team needs as much time as possible to get comfortable with each other, learn the new systems, and build chemistry.

An important piece being suspended would throw a wrench in the development of the team.