Florham Park, NJ May 31, 2023 -- General manager Joe Douglas and owner Woody Johnson during the Jets OTA.
A few days ago when ESPN’s Mike Clay picked the Jets to win the Super Bowl this year, some fans were caught by surprise. After all, the Jets currently own the longest playoff drought in American sports at 14 years. Even with that being the case, Clay’s prediction really isn’t that crazy. Joe Douglas has assembled an immensely talented roster.
This isn’t to say the Jets are a flawless football team, but what team is? Do a little digging and you’ll find every club has something to be worried about. Whether it’s the Chiefs at cornerback and receiver, the 49ers interior offensive line or the Eagles wondering how Jalen Hurts will bounce back after crumbling late last season. No team is perfect.
But when it comes to the Jets, the concerns lie more with injury history than talent. After all, when looking at what most view as “premium positions”, one would be hard-pressed to find a team with more talent than the Gang Green.
It starts at quarterback with Aaron Rodgers. Yes, there will be durability concerns given his age and coming off of a ruptured achilles. But if healthy, Rodgers’ floor is probably a top 12 quarterback while his ceiling is top five.
Protecting his blind size will be Tyron Smith who, when healthy, is a top five left tackle. Playing opposite Smith will be veteran Morgan Moses, another player you could argue is top ten in the NFL at his spot.
The trio of Sauce Gardner, DJ Reed and Michael Carter at cornerback is as good as any in the NFL. When it comes to getting to the quarterback, how many teams are stronger up front than the Jets? With Quinnen Williams, Haason Reddick, Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald on deck? And when Quincy Williams creeps up into the box? That’s a whole lot of talent.
Mike Williams was added at wide receiver in free agency so he’s another high ceiling player with injury concerns, but with Garrett Wilson set to be the team’s top wide receiver, the Jets have a potential 1,500 yard pass catcher to team with Williams.
And while running back doesn’t make the list of premium positions, it’s sure to become just that for the Jets. If they’re looking to wear down opposing defenses or hold a lead, Breece Hall isn’t a bad option. In fact, Hall could join the list of legitimate All-Pro level players if the line stays healthy.
At this point in time, if we had to pick the one thing aside from injuries that could stop the Jets from winning it all? It’s the coaching. The talent is there, but what have the Jets done as a staff to make one believe they can make it happen?
Even with that being the case, the last time we looked, the Jets were 20-1 to win it all. Time to scrape a few pennies out from between the sofa cushions to make a few bucks?