The 2021 New York Jets are rolling up their sleeves in an appropriate manner
The smells and sounds are a bit different this time of year. The freshly-cut grass in the summer air, the plastic that could only be identified as shoulder pads, and the helmet-smacking sound all adds up to a unique experience that could only equal football.
Unfortunately, as unique as the August football experience is each year, New York Jets fans haven’t felt so special over the last decade.
Not since the 2010 season has the fanbase’s beloved organization qualified for the NFL playoffs—or the tournament, as most in the league call it these days. One shortcut after another has placed the Jets in an unenviable situation within a hard-salary cap league that tortures those that take shortcuts.
Luckily, this new Jets regime, led by Joe Douglas, isn’t interested in the shortcut-taking route.
“It’s really my job to stay out in front and see a big picture,” Douglas told the media recently. “This staff is focused on ‘win now.’ We’re all focused on win now. But we’re all focused on doing what’s best for this organization this year and in the future. I know coach, and what I’ve been preaching really since I’ve been here: We want to do this the right way. We want to build this foundation the right way so that it’s a long-term success and not just a flash in the pan.”
Instead of offseasons highlighted by unwarranted hype, these new Jets go about their business. Instead of new-uniform launch parties and high-priced veteran running backs, fans are now treated to sound development and the youngest roster in the league.
Although the new process will require patience, for fans and all involved, it’s a much better bet than the “win the offseason” strategy. In this league, a formulate consisting of responsible open-market spending, the process, and a legitimate culture is the way to sustained success.
A new NFL season is upon us. The following is Jets X-Factor’s 2021 New York Jets season preview and predictions.
It’s time to grind.
2021 New York Jets roster
Isn’t our world about the youth? The Jets are hoping that’s what the NFL is about, too.
New York enters the 2021 NFL season with the youngest roster in the league, with an average age of 21.5. Nearly every Mike Maccagnan-era player is gone (save for a few) as Douglas molds the roster into his own vision of what long-term success should look like.
Additions
- QB Zach Wilson
- QB Josh Johnson
- RB Michael Carter
- RB Tevin Coleman
- WR Corey Davis
- WR Elijah Moore
- WR Keelan Cole
- TE Tyler Kroft
- TE Kenny Yeboah
- IOL Alijah Vera-Tucker
- IOL Dan Feeney
- IOL Isaiah Williams
- T Morgan Moses
- T Grant Hermanns
- T Parker Ferguson
- T Teton Saltes
- EDGE Carl Lawson
- EDGE Vinny Curry
- EDGE Shaq Lawson
- EDGE Tim Ward
- EDGE Ronald Blair
- EDGE Hamilcar Rashed Jr.
- IDL Sheldon Rankins
- IDL Jonathan Marshall
- LB Jarrad Davis
- LB Hamsah Nasirildeen
- LB Jamien Sherwood
- LB Quincy Williams
- LB Del’Shawn Phillips
- CB Michael Carter II
- CB Jason Pinnock
- CB Brandin Echols
- CB Isaiah Dunn
- CB Justin Hardee
- S Lamarcus Joyner
- S Sharrod Neasman
- S Sheldrick Redwine
- S Adrian Colbert
- S Jarrod Wilson
- K Matt Ammendola
Obviously, the biggest addition is first on the list. Rookie Zach Wilson is the next in a long line of hopeful franchise quarterbacks this organization’s seen come over the last several decades.
Jets fans thought Sam Darnold was the guy. It didn’t happen. They thought Mark Sanchez, Mr. four road victories, could do it before Darnold. It flamed out. Not even Chad Pennington or Ken O’Brien could be labeled a true superstar quarterback in the NFL.
Douglas opting to trade Darnold to Carolina for Wilson will obviously loom large on the franchise moving forward.
The Carl Lawson and Vinny Curry injuries are massive. For the first time in a long time, the Jets could feel good about their edge-rushing situation. Now, it’s a major question mark.
C.J. Mosley’s return will serve as a new addition, but he’s surrounded by two rookies. Elijah Moore is the game-breaker every NFL team needs in today’s league (shifty, hips, explosive, etc.), Alijah Vera-Tucker should be a stud at some point this season, and the rest of the rookie class has looked good thus far.
Subtractions
- RB Frank Gore
- RB Pete Guerriero
- WR Breshad Perriman
- WR Lawrence Cager
- WR Josh Malone
- WR Jaleel Scott
- WR Josh Doctson
- TE Chris Herndon
- TE Ross Travis
- TE Connor Davis
- IOL Josh Andrews
- IOL Pat Elflein
- IOL Leo Koloamatangi
- IDL Henry Anderson
- IDL Trevon Coley
- EDGE Jordan Jenkins
- EDGE Tarell Basham
- EDGE Frankie Luvu
- EDGE Shariff Finch
- EDGE Corbin Kaufusi
- EDGE Bronson Kaufusi
- LB Neville Hewitt
- LB Harvey Langi
- LB Patrick Onwuasor
- LB Bryce Hager
- LB Noah Dawkins
- CB Brian Poole
- CB Bless Austin
- CB Arthur Maulet
- CB Corey Ballentine
- CB Kyron Brown
- S Bradley McDougald
- S J.T. Hassell
- S Elijah Campbell
- S Matthias Farley
- S Saquan Hampton
- K Sam Ficken
- K Chase McLaughlin
In terms of where the Jets are, as compared to a year ago, it’s a no contest. This roster is much more talented.
How it shows up in Week 1 is still a question mark. They’re incredibly young, and considering the coaching staff is also young, it could take some time for things to come together.
The greatest losses come in the form of Chris Herndon, Bless Austin, Brian Poole, Jordan Jenkins and Tarell Basham, but the additions more than make up for those five players.
2021 New York Jets coaching staff
- HC Robert Saleh
- OC Mike LaFleur
- DC Jeff Ulbrich
- ST Brant Boyer
Special teams coach Brant Boyer is the only returning coach of the top four—as he survived yet another head coaching change.
Robert Saleh may have left the Atlantic Health Training Facility to visit the Philadelphia Eagles last winter, but he knew where he wanted to coach once the interview ended. The fact that he brings Mike LaFleur, a Kyle Shanahan disciple with him, is an exciting aspect of the season.
Also interesting is the fact Saleh has no problem dishing out defensive play-calling duties to new defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. The idea that his ego isn’t so massive that he feels he must call the plays is an excellent head-coaching trait in itself.
2021 New York Jets’ keys to the season
It’s all about Zach Wilson
Make no mistake about it: The 2021 season is all about the kid quarterback.
After missing out on Trevor Lawrence—as Jets fans’ screams could still be heard when Adam Gase’s squad knocked off the Los Angeles Rams at 0-13—Same Old Jets took hold yet again. Maybe this time, however, those two wins will do wonders moving forward.
Everything about Wilson is quick—a trait that suits today’s three-step-drop league perfectly. His hands are quick, feet are lightning-fast, and his release is other-worldly. He even processes information pre and post-snap like a veteran.
Sure, the overall record matters, but Wilson’s development is of the utmost importance in 2021.
Offensive line cohesion
Can the Jets offensive line finally come together to a point in which there’s an actual identity? It hasn’t happened since the Rex Ryan days, but a trend is repeating.
The 2006 NFL draft that featured Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson was the beginning of one of the most talented rosters in football. Douglas immediately ended one of the nastier droughts in Jets history when he selected Mekhi Becton 11th overall in 2020.
Not since 2006 had the Jets selected a first-round offensive lineman.
Now, with Vera-Tucker in the fold, that’s back-to-back big heavies. The old-school inside-out team-building philosophy still holds true in today’s league. It’ll be health that determines how good this offensive line can be in the wide-zone scheme.
Development
Sure, the cornerback situation isn’t ideal. The linebacker situation is also of concern. But the development of these youngsters is what’s critical this season.
Which of the four rookie cornerbacks can step up as an NFL starter? The odds are pretty solid that at least one can. Which of the two rookie linebackers can do the same?
Early on, this defense might look ugly—among the worst in the NFL. Hopefully, the offense can make up for it while Ulbrich gets his unit to where it needs to be.
2021 New York Jets schedule, game-by-game results
- at Carolina Panthers: Win (1-0)
- vs. New England Patriots: Loss (1-1)
- at Denver Broncos: Loss (1-2)
- vs. Tennessee Titans: Win (2-2)
- at Atlanta Falcons: Loss (2-3)
- bye
- at New England Patriots: Win (3-3)
- vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Win (4-3)
- at Indianapolis Colts: Loss (4-4)
- vs. Buffalo Bills: Loss (4-5)
- vs. Miami Dolphins: Loss (4-6)
- at Houston Texans: Win (5-6)
- vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Win (6-6)
- vs. New Orleans Saints: Loss (6-7)
- at Miami Dolphins: Win (7-7)
- vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Win (8-7)
- vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Loss (8-8)
- at Buffalo Bills: Loss (8-9)
Final record: 8-9
It’ll be a roller-coaster-type season. Starting off well in Carolina, Wilson and the boys will be rolling high—on offense that is. I expect Darnold, Christian McCaffrey, Robby Anderson and the rest of the Panthers to also put up some big points.
Expect a surprisingly good offense coupled with a horrendous defense this season, especially in the early going. Take the over via points in the weekly betting lines.
Finally, the franchise will snag its first-ever victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Unfortunately, that three-game losing streak in the middle of the season—Colts, Bills and Dolphins—will just hurt too much.
In fact, I felt pretty good about going with nine or even 10 wins about a month ago, but the Lawson and Curry injuries were just too much. Expect seven or eight wins as the team takes a significant leap this season.
Better yet, the year materializes well for the Jets in the form of their big quarterback decision. While Darnold puts up a decent statistical season, the turnovers continue to plague him. Meanwhile, Wilson plays extremely well for a rookie quarterback.
Jets X-Factor staff predictions
Robby Sabo
Jets predictions:
NFL predictions:
Michael Nania
Jets predictions:
NFL predictions:
Joe Blewett
Jets predictions:
Final regular-season record: 7-10
AFC East finish: 4th
AFC playoff seed: 12th
Playoff record (team to knock them off): No playoffs
Team MVP: Quinnen Williams
Offensive player of the year: Corey Davis
Defensive player of the year: Quinnen Williams
Rookie of the year: Zach Wilson
Coach of the year: Robert Saleh
Most surprising player: Trevon Wesco
Most disappointing player: Jamien Sherwood
Offensive yards NFL ranking: 19th
Defensive yards NFL ranking: 21st
Offensive points NFL ranking: 20th
Defensive points NFL ranking: 22nd
Offensive DVOA ranking: 19th
Defensive DVOA ranking: 21st
Special teams DVOA ranking: 8th
2022 first-round pick number: 10th
Pro Bowl players: Quinnen Williams, C.J. Mosley
All-Pro players: None
Zach Wilson’s stat line (PYD, PTD, INT): 3,931, 27, 13
Rushing yards leader: Carter
Receiving yards leader: Davis
Receptions leader: Davis
Sacks leader: Quinnen Williams
Tackles leader: Mosley
Interceptions leader: Mosley
NFL predictions:
AFC East winner (record): Bills 12-5
AFC North winner (record): Browns 12-5
AFC South winner (record): Colts 10-7
AFC West winner (record): Chiefs 14-3
AFC Wild Card 1 (record): Ravens 11-6
AFC Wild Card 2 (record): Titans 10-7
AFC Wild Card 3 (record): Patriots 9-8
NFC East winner (record): Washington 10-7
NFC North winner (record): Packers 12-5
NFC South winner (record): Bucs 14-3
NFC West winner (record): Rams 11-6
NFC Wild Card 1 (record): 49ers 11-6
NFC Wild Card 2 (record): Seahawks-10-7
NFC Wild Card 3 (record): Cowboys-10-7
AFC champion (runner-up): Browns
NFC champion (runner-up): Packers
Super Bowl champion (runner-up): Bucs
Super Bowl MVP: Mahomes
NFL MVP: Mahomes
Offensive Player of the Year: Devante Adams
Defensive Player of the Year: T.J. Watt
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Zach Wilson
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Patrick Surtain
Comeback Player of the Year: Dak Prescott
Coach of the Year: Ron Rivera
No. 1 overall pick in 2022 draft: Spencer Rattler
No. 2 overall pick in 2022 draft: Carson Strong
No. 3 overall pick in 2022 draft: Kayvon Thibodeaux
No. 4 overall pick in 2022 draft: Evan Neal
No. 5 overall pick in 2022 draft: Malik Willis
Vitor Paiva
Jets predictions:
NFL predictions:
Andrew Golden
Jets predictions:
Final regular-season record: 8-9
AFC East finish: 3rd
AFC playoff seed: N/A
Playoff record (team to knock them off): N/A
Team MVP: Zach Wilson
Offensive player of the year: Corey Davis
Defensive player of the year: Quinnen Williams
Rookie of the year: Zach Wilson
Coach of the year: Mike LaFleur
Most surprising player: Jamien Sherwood
Most disappointing player: LaMarcus Joyner
Offensive yards NFL ranking: 15th
Defensive yards NFL ranking: 22nd
Offensive points NFL ranking: 18th
Defensive points NFL ranking: 17th
Offensive DVOA ranking: 13th
Defensive DVOA ranking: 19th
Special teams DVOA ranking: 12th
2022 first-round pick number: 13th
Pro Bowl players: Corey Davis, Quinnen Williams, Mehki Becton
All-Pro players: Quinnen Williams
Zach Wilson’s stat line (PYD, PTD, INT): 4627 yards, 30 TDs, 10 INTs
Rushing yards leader: Ty Johnson
Receiving yards leader: Corey Davis
Receptions leader: Corey Davis
Sacks leader: Quinnen Williams
Tackles leader: Jamien Sherwood
Interceptions leader: Marcus Maye
Wilson shines as a rookie behind an improved offensive line while the defense endures growing pains. Corey Davis finishes as a top 10 wide receiver in yards with over 1,300. Quinnen Williams earns his first All-Pro nod with a 10 sack season. Ty Johnson finishes just shy of 1,000 yards with 954.
Jarrad Davis never gets his starting spot back, as Jamien Sherwood starts all 17 games. The Jets will be looking for a CB2 in the offseason, but Bryce Hall will solidify himself as CB1. Jets finish third in the AFC East after beating Miami twice and beating New England in Week 2 but miss the playoffs at 8-9.
NFL predictions:
AFC East winner (record): Buffalo (13-4)
AFC North winner (record): Cleveland (12-5)
AFC South winner (record): Tennessee (12-5)
AFC West winner (record): Kansas City (15-2)
AFC Wild Card 1 (record): Baltimore (11-6)
AFC Wild Card 2 (record): LA Chargers (11-6)
AFC Wild Card 3 (record): Pittsburgh (10-7)
NFC East winner (record): Dallas (10-7)
NFC North winner (record): Green Bay (14-3)
NFC South winner (record): Tampa Bay (12-5)
NFC West winner (record): LA Rams (12-5)
NFC Wild Card 1 (record): Seattle (11-6)
NFC Wild Card 2 (record): Washington (9-8)
NFC Wild Card 3 (record): Arizona (9-8)
AFC champion (runner-up): Kansas City (Tennesee)
NFC champion (runner-up): Green Bay (Tampa Bay)
Super Bowl champion (runner-up): Kansas City (Green Bay)
Super Bowl MVP: Patrick Mahomes
NFL MVP: Patrick Mahomes
Offensive Player of the Year: Derrick Henry
Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Zach Wilson
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Kwity Paye
Comeback Player of the Year: Dak Prescott
Coach of the Year: Andy Reid
No. 1 overall pick in 2022 draft: Houston
No. 2 overall pick in 2022 draft: NY Giants
No. 3 overall pick in 2022 draft: Jacksonville
No. 4 overall pick in 2022 draft: Cincinatti
No. 5 overall pick in 2022 draft: Detroit
Patrick Mahomes uses the new 17th game to break both of Peyton Manning’s single-season records for yards and TDs, earning his 2nd MVP and 2nd Super Bowl victory. Dak Prescott leads the Cowboys to an NFC East title and finishes second behind Mahomes in passing yards. Aaron Rodgers plays his last season in Green Bay, taking them to the Super Bowl but not winning it.
Myles Garrett wins DPOY with 21 sacks. Derrick Henry becomes the first player in NFL history with back-to-back 2,000-yard seasons. Houston finishes 1-16 and fires David Culley. Cincinnati finishes 4-13 and fires Zac Taylor. Jacksonville finishes 4-13 and fires Urban Meyer.
Kyle Smith
Jets predictions:
YPA 7.2
Passing TDs – 32
Passing INTs – 14<
Rushing TDs 2
Rushing yards – 100
Passing yards 4,100
Completion percentage 61%
NFL predictions:
Andrew Shenberg
Jets predictions:
Final regular-season record: 6-11
AFC East finish: 4th
AFC playoff seed: N/A
Playoff record (team to knock them off): N/A
Team MVP: Quinnen Williams
Offensive player of the year: Corey Davis
Defensive player of the year: Quinnen Williams
Rookie of the year: Elijah Moore
Coach of the year: Robert Saleh
Most surprising player: Hamsah Nasirldeen
Most disappointing player: Bryce Hall
Offensive yards NFL ranking: 14
Defensive yards NFL ranking: 25
Offensive points NFL ranking: 17
Defensive points NFL ranking: 23
Offensive DVOA ranking: 16
Defensive DVOA ranking: 25
Special teams DVOA ranking: 16
2022 first-round pick number: 6
Pro Bowl players: Quinnen Williams
All-Pro players: N/A
Zach Wilson’s stat line (PYD, PTD, INT): 3,745, 24, 15
Rushing yards leader: Tevin Coleman
Receiving yards leader: Corey Davis
Receptions leader: Corey Davis
Sacks leader: Shaq Lawson
Tackles leader: CJ Mosley
Interceptions leader: Marcus Maye
NFL predictions:
AFC East winner (record): Buffalo Bills (12-5)
AFC North winner (record): Cleveland Browns (12-5)
AFC South winner (record): Indianapolis Colts (10-7)
AFC West winner (record): Kansas City Chiefs (13-4)
AFC Wild Card 1 (record): LA Chargers (12-5)
AFC Wild Card 2 (record): Miami Dolphins (9-8)
AFC Wild Card 3 (record): Tennessee Titans (9-8)
NFC East winner (record): Washington Football Team (9-8)
NFC North winner (record): Packers (11-6)
NFC South winner (record): Buccaneers (13-4)
NFC West winner (record): Rams (14-3)
NFC Wild Card 1 (record): 49ers (12-5)
NFC Wild Card 2 (record): Seahawks (11-6)
NFC Wild Card 3 (record): Bears (9-8)
AFC champion (runner-up): Chiefs (Colts)
NFC champion (runner-up): Rams (Buccaneers)
Super Bowl champion (runner-up): Chiefs (Rams)
Super Bowl MVP: Patrick Mahomes
NFL MVP: Patrick Mahomes
Offensive Player of the Year: Patrick Mahomes
Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Trevor Lawrence
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Micah Parsons
Comeback Player of the Year: Dak Prescott
Coach of the Year: Kyle Shanahan
No. 1 overall pick in 2022 draft: Kayvon Thibodeaux
No. 2 overall pick in 2022 draft: Spencer Rattler
No. 3 overall pick in 2022 draft: Evan Neal
No. 4 overall pick in 2022 draft: Derek Stingley
No. 5 overall pick in 2022 draft: Kyle Hamilton
Geoff Magliocchetti
Jets predictions:
NFL predictions:
Thomas Christopher
Jets predictions:
NFL predictions:
Ian Roddy
Jets predictions:
Final regular-season record: 8-9
AFC East finish: 4th
AFC playoff seed: N/A
Playoff record (team to knock them off): N/A
Team MVP: CJ Mosley
Offensive player of the year: Corey Davis
Defensive player of the year: Quinnen Williams
Rookie of the year: Zach Wilson
Coach of the year: Robert Saleh
Most surprising player: Ty Johnson
Most disappointing player: Denzel Mims
Offensive yards NFL ranking: 18th
Defensive yards NFL ranking: 25th
Offensive points NFL ranking: 22nd
Defensive points NFL ranking: 26th
Offensive DVOA ranking: 23rd
Defensive DVOA ranking: 27th
Special teams DVOA ranking: 20th
2022 first-round pick number: 12th
Pro Bowl players: Quinnen Williams, CJ Mosley, Mekhi Becton
All-Pro players: Quinnen Williams
Zach Wilson’s stat line (PYD, PTD, INT): 3,700 passing yards, 24 passing TDs, 12 INTs
Rushing yards leader: Michael Carter
Receiving yards leader: Corey Davis
Receptions leader: Elijah Moore
Sacks leader: Quinnen Williams
Tackles leader: C.J. Mosley
Interceptions leader: LaMarcus Joyner
As new and exciting as this Jets team feels, it’s not realistic to expect such a young team to come out and be amazing right away. That being said, the Jets’ schedule is much easier than last year’s and I do expect Saleh and LaFleur to both be very good coaches. I think the Jets’ offense will, for the first time in a long time, be more effective than the defense. It’s not that the defense isn’t immensely talented, but the combination of an inexperienced cornerback room and the loss of the team’s top pass rusher in Carl Lawson just doesn’t seem to bode well.
The offense, however, will be pretty fun to watch. LaFleur’s system should set up Wilson for success and the team’s receiving core is better than it’s been in years. The season won’t be without low points, but it’s fair to expect a lot of high points as well. All we’re looking for is promise.
NFL predictions:
AFC East winner (record): Bills (13-4)
AFC North winner (record): Browns (12-5)
AFC South winner (record): Titans (12-5)
AFC West winner (record): Chiefs (14-3)
AFC Wild Card 1 (record): Chargers (12-5)
AFC Wild Card 2 (record): Ravens (11-6)
AFC Wild Card 3 (record): Patriots (10-7)
NFC East winner (record): Cowboys (10-7)
NFC North winner (record): Packers (14-3)
NFC South winner (record): Buccaneers (13-4)
NFC West winner (record): Rams (11-6)
NFC Wild Card 1 (record): Vikings (12-5)
NFC Wild Card 2 (record): 49ers (11-6)
NFC Wild Card 3 (record): Cardinals (10-7)
AFC champion (runner-up): Bills (Chiefs)
NFC champion (runner-up): Packers (49ers)
Super Bowl champion (runner-up): Packers (Bills)
Super Bowl MVP: Aaron Rodgers
NFL MVP: Patrick Mahomes
Offensive Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey
Defensive Player of the Year: Aaron Donald
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Najee Harris
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Micah Parsons
Comeback Player of the Year: Dak Prescott
Coach of the Year: Kyle Shanahan
No. 1 overall pick in 2022 draft: Texans
No. 2 overall pick in 2022 draft: Lions
No. 3 overall pick in 2022 draft: Bengals
No. 4 overall pick in 2022 draft: Eagles
No. 5 overall pick in 2022 draft: Jaguars
