The Jets got better last week, but they’re still a long way from being a contender.
This is their depressing reality right now. The AFC landscape is daunting and it seems like every day brings another transaction that makes it even more difficult.
The latest news was that Deshawn Watson stayed in the conference with the Browns when word got out for a few days that the Texans would send him to the NFC South team. While Watson remained at the conference, the more important trend was for NFC stars to come to the AFC. Russell Wilson (Seahawks to Broncos), Davante Adams (Packers to Raiders), Khalil Mak (Bears to Chargers), Von Miller (Rams to Bills), Chandler Jones (Cardinals to Raiders) and Marcus Williams (Saints to Ravens) move to AFC via trade or free agency.
You have to imagine Jets head coach Robert Saleh’s stomach turning with every tweet on his phone about another star landing at his conference.
Look, the Jets should be happy with what they’ve accomplished under free will. They provided upgrades in many positions. Laken Tomlinson is a Pro Bowl quarterback. CJ Uzomah and Tyler Conklin give them a good tight end tandem. DJ Reed and Jordan Whitehead will give Saleh some pieces to work with in the second grade. By all accounts, these players are people of high character who will help in the locker room.
Von Miller is introduced as Bill. AP
But will any of these players make a major impact? Tomlinson may have the most and doesn’t touch football.
The grim reality for the Jets is that they still need more playmakers and high-performance players on both sides of the ball. Some of them may appear in the draft next month, but it’s hard to count on the rookies to make an immediate impact. Many of the best take at least half a season to adjust to NFL play.
This makes the Jets feel like they’re skidding. This year they could be a more talented team and still finish with 4-5 wins.
Here are some quarterbacks the Jets will face in 2022: Josh Allen (twice), Aaron Rodgers, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Watson (if not suspended) and Wilson. That’s seven games where the Jets will take on some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and are sure to be heavy underdogs.
Russell Wilson is introduced as the Bronco. Getty Images
For the Jets, the 2022 season should be judged on two fronts: How much will Zach Wilson add, and can they be “on schedule” in December? You know the graphic where CBS, Fox, NBC and ESPN post a picture of the playoffs with all the teams in the playoffs and those who are “hunting”. The Jets have not been on the hunt for the past six seasons. This is the first step towards making a difference. It’s too early to expect a Super Bowl or even the playoffs, but it’s time to stop feeling like the season is over before Halloween.
As for Wilson, all the pressure is on him. The Jets gave him Uzoma, Conklin and Tomlinson to help on offense, and they brought back one of his favorite targets in Braxton Berrios, but the franchise rests on Wilson’s right hand.
The terms of Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas also depend on Wilson. Douglas had a strong 2021 draft and could improve the Jets by repeating the game next month. His free agent strategy was sound and he provided the team with flexibility. But none of that will matter if the player he picked last year as his second overall quarterback flops.
The Jets have gotten better this week, but so have the AFC. This could mean another painful year for fans.