Big ask for Jets to be Bengals of 2022
The NY Post recently posted an article suggesting fans to bet on the New York Jets, and the Giants (!), to be the next Cincinnati Bengals in 2022, with both having odds of over 100/1.
The Bengals went from 4-11-1 in 2020 to an impressive 10-7 and a ride to the Super Bowl just a year later, only to lose out to the Lombardi Trophy to the Los Angeles Rams.
A Super Bowl appearance came in just quarterback Joe Burrow’s second year as a pro. The methods taken by the Bengals to build around Burrow so quickly, particularly in the draft, have been praised.
Not only did they land a franchise quarterback in Burrow, but they also added key offensive pieces like J’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins among others over the past couple of drafts. With the defensive additions of Logan Wilson and the free agency signing of Trey Hendrickson, suddenly the Bengals had a very good roster going into 2021.
DRAFT WELL
“There is a blueprint” said Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh, speaking of the Bengals strategy at the Senior Bowl earlier in February. “When you develop within, you draft well, you select the right free agents and you build a culture that you believe in and you stay with continuity and you don’t fall into peer pressure with whatever Cincinnati has had to endure over the last couple of years, you end up reaping the benefits of your patience.”
Ahead of the upcoming draft, General Manager Joe Douglas will have a huge 9 draft picks, four of which in the top 38 selections, so the Jets are poised to continue rebuilding this year. We’ve even predicted that the Jets would add two star offensive pieces to their roster in a recent mock draft.
But given that New York has won just six games in the last two seasons and have finished bottom of their division in five of the past six years, the idea of Gang Green making a Super Bowl appearance anytime soon seems a little crazy.
Quarterback Zach Wilson, drafted second overall in 2021 and despite plenty of encouraging signs, the Jets finished with a record of 4-13.
That hasn’t stopped many fans of the Jets, who memorably beat the Bengals in the 2021 regular season (with Mike White at QB), are predicting something similar to Burrow’s rise in Wilson’s second season.
But despite being a huge fan of Wilson, there was a lot more evidence that Joe Burrow was going to be success than there currently is with the former BYU star.
For the Jets, this will be a slow progress. Other draft pieces Elijah Moore and Michael Carter showed signs of being great offensive additions last year, but this needs to be backed up with more of the same this offseason.
Sam Darnold got little support during his time in New York, the Jets cannot make the same mistake with Wilson.
OvercomE rivals
There are other considerations to bear in mind for the Jets, their divisional rivals in the AFC East.
The Jets haven’t won a divisional game since 2019 when they beat the Buffalo Bills, who are now a genuine Super Bowl contender.
You have to go back to 2015 for a win over the New England Patriots and with the Dolphins showing signs of improvement during 2021, the Jets have a monumental task in their division.
Elsewhere, free agency is a concern for Jets fans in recent, given the difficulties that they have had with big-name signings.
The amount of money GM Douglas has at his disposal this year is significant. This could mean the Jets can also make some serious additions during free agency. But the number one priority should be the draft.
Carl Lawson will feel like a new signing when he returns from injury. With one or two more top players on either side of the field, the Jets roster is starting to look very competitive.
This will be a crucial couple of months for Saleh, Douglas and the Jets. With the right additions this offseason, I’m sure the Jets will have a positive 2022.
But for them to reach Super Bowl LVII, it may require a miracle.
Way too early Jets 2022 record prediction: 7-10
