New York Jets 2018-19 - NFL Season Preview & Future Odds Predictions

The New York Jets are coming off a disappointing 5-11 season in which they finished last in the AFC East. The Jets must win more games if Todd Bowles wants to keep his coaching job. The rebuilding process continues for the Jets evidenced by the drafting of quarterback Sam Darnold at No. 3 overall. Darnold will fight for the starting quarterback job, but if coaches decide to hold off starting him to begin the season, then Josh McCown will start under center.

Darnold joins first year offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates who should use an approach similar to the West Coast offense, which was used last season by then-OC John Morton. Darnold’s strength is his accuracy in short and mid-range passes, but he struggled at times his final season at USC with turnovers. Josh McCown will start if coaches decide Darnold is not ready.

The Jets offensive line is worrisome for the Jets. The Jets Offensive Line gave up 47 sacks in 2017. Center Wesley Johnson left and Spencer Long will replace him. Brian Winters is once again healthy after surgery that corrected an abdominal muscle tear. At the skills positions, the Jets need a running back with game-breaking speed and a true go-to receiver. Bilal Powell gives New York versatility at running back, but he is 30. Isaiah Crowell was signed and will back up Powell.

Quincy Enunwa is a question mark at wide receiver after sitting out all of 2017 due to a neck injury. He or Robby Anderson will be the team’s top receiver, but neither is proven. Terrelle Pryor was signed as a Jets free agent and will help in the red zone with his size. NY Jets have two rookies Chris Herndon and Jordan Leggett will fight for the starting tight end position. Leggett was drafted last season but did not play due to a knee injury.

Starting in the back, the Jets secondary was mediocre at best and that can be said generally for the entire defensive unit. However, New York Jets signed Trumaine Johnson who is one of the league’s best cornerbacks. Johnson gives them physicality and size. Morris Claiborne will become the No. 2 corner and should thrive there. Buster Skrine will play slot corner and overall the secondary will be much improved.

Jets middle of defense is anchored by Jordan Jenkins is strong at run stopping from his outside linebacker spot but needs to step up when it comes to pass rushing. Demario Davis in the middle played well for the Jets in 2017 but he left to play for the Saints and was replaced by Avery Williamson who played previously with the Titans. Questions marks exist about Williamson’s coverage ability. Darron Lee will start opposite Jenkins.

The Jets need a better pass rush and Leonard Williams could be but must make dramatic improvements from last season when he had only two sacks. The Jets will look to veterans Henry Anderson and Xavier Cooper and rookies Foley Fatukasi and Nathan Shepard to pressure the QB.