Mid May Musings

One of the things we enjoy about JetNation is the passion and knowledge we see every day in our forums. Thousands of die-hard fans all talking about their favorite team. Sure, it can get heated and there are times where we read posts that are real head scratchers. There is a post from this weekend from “Betty Boop” and I feel that it is worth sharing. Jets fans often see the worst possible outcome in every situation. There are reasons to feel good though and this post shares both sides, the reasons for optimism and what we should be skeptical about. Check it out and let us know what you think in our NY Jets forum.

By BettyBoop

I’m old. I’ve been a Jets/Titans fan for a long, long time.  And like virtually every Jets fan I’ve had my share of cockeyed optimism.  And I have had much of those hopes and dreams about this team shattered.  C’est la vie.  It’s sports.  Still, I have a renewed optimism about this team along with a healthy dose of skepticism.  Here are my reasons for both.

Optimism

• We have a really good chance of finally having our franchise QB.  We went through the Mark Sanchize, Geno Smith, Chad Pennington and (fill in the blank) QB, but there is something different about this kid.  With all of the other guys there was always something in the back of my mind telling me he wasn’t the guy.  Darnold just seems to have ‘it’.  He’s smart, athletic, aware and just plain likable.  There’s hope.
• The defense has been collecting individual talent and pieces over the last few seasons.  Unlike most, I really like Leo and think he gets a bad rap.  And I think Jamal Adams is a great player and is a ‘glue’ guy.  He brings this defense together and gives them an identify.  Unfortunately, there wasn’t much talent around him but I think that has changed.  I am thrilled we took Q and I believe he will be a game changer in middle of the defense.  He’s smart, athletic and extremely likable.
• CJ Mosely was a great signing.  Swapping him out for Darren Lee is an improvement of monumental proportions.  Around these guys are solid, if not spectacular complimentary pieces.  Williamson, Henry Anderson (kudos to Mac for that trade) and Jenkins (if only all of our third round picks turned out this way) are very solid, as is Marcus Maye if he can stay healthy.
• Another key aspect of this team is youth.  Among the alpha-dawgs Le’Veon is 27 and the rest are between 21-26.  With Darnold, Adams, Q, Leo, Maye, Herndon, Crowder, Anderson and Enunwa all on the right side of 26, the window should remain open for several years.
• I really, really like the Wesco pick.  I think it’s safe to say he is an addition to the OL (see skepticism below).  

Skepticism

• The biggest potential issue I see is chemistry.  Not between the players but among the coaching staff.  Will Gase and Williams co-exist?  That’s the wild card (pun intended) here.  As for the rift between Gase and Mac, I think, or at least hope, that’s the media trying to remain relevant between the draft and camp.  I’m surprised they haven’t called for an independent investigation and asked for Mac’s tax returns since he took office.
• While most are clamoring away for a better CB2 I am more concerned about CB1.  IF Trumaine returns to form, I think the CB2 issue is far less relevant.  IF Tru locks down one side of the field Williams can give CB2, whomever that is, enough help to keep the damage to a minimum.  If not, we can expect a lot of 42-41 final scores.
• This “concern” actually falls somewhere between optimism and skepticism.  I love the Polite pick and I’m hoping that his poor decisions leading up to the draft turn out to be the “20 pounds that saved the Jets season”.  He has first round talent and falling to us in the third round may be the saving grace to finally provide us with a pass rush.  I watched every Florida game last year (notice I didn’t say I watched the “tape”.  Let’s face it we posters don’t watch tape, we watch CBS!) and this kid stood out.  And playing next to CJ and Williamson and behind Leo, Q and Anderson, I am optimistic.  If not, well, that’s where the skepticism part comes in.
• As for the OL, I remain skeptical.  I think Winters has finally proven he is not the RG we need.  I really hope Mac has a trade up his leave so we don’t go into the season with Harrison and Toth as the two guys.

Overall I am excited about this season.  I think this team will be fun to watch on both sides of the ball.  There will be hiccups and bad plays/games but the final product should be far better than last year’s version.  I expect around eight wins but more importantly I think we will go into the 2020 offseason with just a few holes to fill and a plan to fill them.