In 2021 the New York Jets finished 4–13 under first year head coach Robert Saleh. The first half of the season for their rookie QB Zach Wilson was a disaster. Before week 14, he recorded only 6TD and 11 INT. But the second half of the season was different, Wilson started to play with more poise and not forcing anything downfield. Although he only recorded 3 TD in the last 5 games, in these 5 games he did not throw any INT. The other player that showed some sparks is Braxton Berrios. His speed is very lethal when the Jets can give him the ball on end arounds or quick bubble screens.
It is very apparent that Wilson is not ready for professional football in the first half of the season. In college he was able to get away with bad progression with his arm, but in the NFL the level is different. Against a disciplined team, an easy mistake could lead to a turnover. Week 2 against the Patriots was a perfect example where he threw for 4 INT in that game. The turning point of this season is when he started to complete underneath passes. The WR group that is around Wilson does not have the ability to win one on one jump balls, since their WR is all shorter than 6’0 outside of Corey Davis. A good example of Wilson’s improvement is his Y/A dropped from 6.33 to 5.68 after week 12. Normally, this isn’t a good phenomenon, but his AY/A increased from 4.79 to 6.11. The identity of this team is using a lot of misdirection and play action to create space for their WR to have yards after catches. After finding out their identity, the Jets offense completely opens up for Braxton Berrios. He recorded his career best in reception and yards. After drafting Garrett Wilson in the first round and Breece hall in the second round, their offense looks more lethal than last year. Garrett Wilson’s speed and length is a huge asset on the Jets offense to stretch the defense. His arrival will open up more space for Berriors. The Jets don’t really have a good running back to run their outside zone run scheme. We all know that the Jets coaching staff is from the 49ers and the bread and butter of the 49ers offense is based on outside zone run. If the Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur can get the run game going, they can mix in play action plays in their play calls. Breece Hall’s college performance was really outstanding especially when he is running the ball to the outside and forcing the defense to play laterally.
After talking about the offense, it is time to talk about the Jets defense. As good as Robert Saleh was in the 49ers, the Jets finished last in points allowed, third highest in passing yards allowed, and fourth highest in rushing yards allowed. The Jets identified this problem really fast and drafted two talented defense players in the first round, Ahmad Gardner and Jermaine Johnson II. Gardner was a lockdown cornerback in his junior year at Cincinnati. I know a lot of people think that the AAC isn’t that competitive so his number can not be transferred to the NFL. What I think is that his physicality gives him a spot in the NFL, also the performance against Jameson Williams was incredible in the playoffs. Gardner held Williams to only 7 receptions and 62 Yards. The arrival of Gardner gives the Jets a good chance of shutting down elite WRs in the AFC East such as Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle. In pressure rate and sacks they are bottom 6th and 7th in both these categories. Drafting Jermaine Johnson II will definitely help in both these sections. Prior to the drafts, a lot of people put Johnson II as a top 10 prospect, but his inconsistency to generate pressure due to his poor angle lets him drop out of top 10. The Jets eventually traded up to draft him on the 25th. I believe these two assets definitely will help the Jets defense. The combination of Gardner and Johnson II reminds me of the 2019 49er’s Richard Sherman and Nick Bosa. Robert Saleh utilized these two player’s talents perfectly. It will be no surprise that he can explore the potential of Gardner and Johnson II again.
In my opinion, the Jets did a really good job on this year’s drafts. Even though they might not make it to the playoffs this year due to the competitive AFC East, they will have a better year than last year. What makes me believe in them is the game that they played the Buccaneers in week 17 last year. That game went down to the last minutes. The Jets played incredibly well on both ends. Unfortunately they lost, but their performance gives me a glimpse that their future will be bright in the next five years.