2010 NFL Predictions: New York Jets

Rex Ryan and the New York Jets have set themselves up to be relevant in the AFC East for years to come. The loss of Thomas Jones during the off-season may look as though it’s a big deal, but the Jets offensive line has the ability to make any running back look good. A solid running game and a stout defense is a recipe for success in the NFL, and that’s exactly what the Jets have.

Shonn Greene is a much more stocky and powerful runner than Thomas and should have no problem adapting to the starting roll. LaDainian Tomlinson will be a solid back-up and will also be a great teacher for Greene. It may take a week or 2 for Greene to get used to leading the show offensively, but he has a tremendous upside and will be a top 10 running back in the league behind his line. Tomlinson is clearly on the downside of his career, but if the Jets utilize him properly he could be a valuable part to this offense, especially in the red-zone.

Defensively, the Jets ranked number 1 overall as they absolutely dominated the passing game. New York allowed just 153.7 yards per game through the air due to a phenomenal secondary that’s led by Derrell Revis. At 252.3 yards per game, the Jets were better than the next best team defensively by over 30 yards per game. The fact that they have the majority of their starting defense back for this upcoming season shows that they will be in the hunt once again for the AFC East title. Currently, the oddmakers have them just behind New England in term of NFL predictions for next season to win the East. This may very well be the case, but with the amount of injuries that happen over the course of a season, making a football pick on the Jets to win the division wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Mark Sanchez had a case of the “Sophomore Jinx” in his second full season, but showed signs of maturing during the process. His numbers will never be eye-popping as he is in a run-first offense, but he will need to do more in order to keep opposing defenses honest. The first order of business for Sanchez will be cutting back his interceptions. Last year he through 20 int’s to just 12 touchdowns. This ration will have to change dramatically if the Jets are to get through their difficult schedule unscathed.

Overall, the Jets are in great shape to have another good year, and have the potential to make a deep run in the playoffs due to their awesome defense.

Related posts:

1. Cincinnati vs. New York Jets: NFL Playoff Preview
2. 2010 NFL Predictions: New York Giants
3. AFC Divisional Playoff Preview: New York Jets v. San Diego Chargers
4. AFC Championship Preview: Indianapolis Colts v. New York Jets
5. 2010 NFL Predictions: Miami Dolphins

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