Three keys to the Jets' 2022 NFL season
The Jets' Zach Wilson throws during the first half of an NFL preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Aug. 12 in Philadelphia. Credit: AP/Matt Slocum
1. Wilson’s Wellness
Zach Wilson’s development remains the most important thing for the franchise. The Jets were confident that Wilson was progressing well and ready to the take the next step in his second NFL season. That’s on hold while he recovers from a knee injury he suffered in the preseason, one that will keep him out until Week 4 the earliest. When he returns fully healthy, Wilson will have to show his decision-making and accuracy have improved and that he’s moving quickly through his progressions and not holding on to the football too long.
2. The Front Lines
The Jets have invested heavily on disruptive players for the defensive line and more protection for Wilson up front. How quickly the offensive line jells is crucial. The front-5 didn’t take their first snaps together until Aug. 24. They have two new players (LT Duane Brown and LG Laken Tomlinson) and two switching sides (RT George Fant and RG Alijah Vera-Tucker). The new guys are Pro Bowlers who have played in the system before so that helps.
3. The Back End
The Jets' improved secondary includes cornerbacks D.J. Reed and No. 4 overall pick Sauce Gardner. They also added safety Jordan Whitehead and re-signed LaMarcus Joyner, who suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1 last year. That defensive backfield will be tested by some top quarterbacks — Josh Allen (twice), Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Joe Burrow — and some of the NFL’s best receivers in Stefon Diggs (twice), Tyreek Hill (twice), Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson.
Beat writer's prediction
Record: 6-11
The Jets are trending in the right direction and will be much more competitive than last season. They added playmakers on both sides of the football and are more familiar with the system in Year 2. So much depends on quarterback play. Zach Wilson missed valuable time after suffering a knee injury. Wilson’s rhythm and timing could be off initially when he returns, and the Jets have a rough early season schedule. The playoff drought won't end, but they will win a divisional game for the first time since 2019.
This is Al Iannazzone’s fifth season covering the Jets for Newsday.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
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