2015 NFL Preview: Jets looking for quick turnaround after productive offseason
AFC Previews
BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ
BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT
HOU | IND | JAX | TEN
DEN | KC | OAK | SD
NFC Previews
DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS
CHI | DET | GB | MIN
ATL | CAR | NO | TB
ARI | STL | SF | SEA
New York Jets
| 2014 Record | 2014 Finish |
|---|---|
| 4-12 | 4th in AFC East/13th in AFC |
Despite once again fielding one of the league's most dominant defensive fronts, an extremely underwhelming offense saw the Jets struggle to their worst record of the Rex Ryan era. New York fired Ryan following the 2014 campaign, ending his six-year run with the club and hiring Todd Bowles as his replacement.
Highlight of 2014
There weren't many standout plays for the Jets throughout a disappointing 2014 season, but a shocking Week 10 upset win over the Pittsburgh Steelers should be considered the top highlight itself. A smothering New York defense held the Steelers' top-ranked offense to just 13 points, ending the team's early-season losing streak at eight.
Preseason Power Ranking - #19
Same old story for the Jets. The defense has the chance to be truly special, but it won't matter unless Geno Smith finally grows into the player the Jets believed he would be when they drafted him. More ...
2015 Season Outlook
Head Coach: Todd Bowles
Off. Coordinator: Chan Gailey
Def. Coordinator: Kacy Rodgers
The Jets again went with a defensive mind at head coach in hiring Bowles away from the Arizona Cardinals, but some significant improvements made in the personnel department could yield far more successful results than that of Ryan's regime. Darrelle Revis' return was New York's most important offseason move, as a much-improved secondary can now complement a strong front seven. If improvements can be made on the offensive side of the ball under new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, the Jets could find themselves in position to earn a playoff spot for the first time since 2010.
Key Additions
- CB Darrelle Revis
- CB Antonio Cromartie
- CB Buster Skrine
- S Marcus Gilchrist
- WR Brandon Marshall
- G James Carpenter
- QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
- RB Stevan Ridley
Key Departures
- WR Percy Harvin
- CB Kyle Wilson
- DT Kenrick Ellis
- RB Chris Johnson
The defensive acquisitions have received the most attention, and deservedly so given the level of excitement surrounding the returns of both Revis and Cromartie. However, Marshall's addition to the receiver corps may prove to be the most important of them all. The five-time Pro Bowler finally gives the Jets quarterbacks a No. 1 receiver to lean on, fittingly pushing the other wideouts further down the depth chart and thus improving the depth of the position group overall. Marshall, combined with a new offensive system that features plenty of spread concepts, could be exactly what Smith needs to kick start his pro development.
Bold Predictions
Jeremy Kerley will top 1,000 receiving yards. The Jets have had Jeremy Kerley working with the backups during training camp, which is a little curious considering they just signed him to a four-year contract extension last season. Kerley will respond with a big year, topping 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his career. - Caitlyn Holroyd
Geno Smith will be traded during the season. Smith hasn't found his footing in New York and the situation reached a new low when he had his jaw broken by a teammate. Ikemefuna Enemkpali was released for his role in the altercation, but the organization can't be happy with their starting quarterback's involvement in the fight. Smith's play on the field will continue to disappoint and the Jets will bring an end to the experiment. - Justin Boone
New York will allow the fewest passing yards in the NFL. Revis and Cromartie reunited in New York, providing the Jets with arguably the best cornerback duo in the NFL. With emerging star Calvin Pryor and underrated cornerback Buster Skrine in tow, a once-dormant group will suffocate opposing receivers all season long. - Arun Srinivasan