The New York Jets have one winning season in the past 11 and have not reached the playoffs since 2010. They were 4-13 under first-year coach Robert Saleh last season, which was actually an improvement over a 2-14 finish in 2020. But there’s optimism that better days are ahead, perhaps as early as the 2022 NFL season.
By all accounts, the Jets killed it in the 2022 NFL Draft. And their free-agent moves this offseason have been widely applauded, as well. They have a young team with intriguing talent at several positions, though they do reside in one of the tougher divisions in football.
That said, here are three early predictions for the Jets in 2022.
Jets Early Predictions for 2022 NFL Season
3. New York will finally win a game within the AFC East
The Jets have not won a game against an AFC East rival in two seasons. That is 12 straight losses within the division dating to the final game of 2019, a 13-6 road win in Buffalo against the Bills. That streak will end this season.
After adding more talent this offseason, the Jets will win at least two divisional games, likely one each against the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. The latter is quite the leap of faith since the Jets have lost 12 in a row to the Patriots since a 26-20 overtime win on December 27, 2015.
It’s hard to see the Jets knocking off the Super Bowl-favorite Bills. But they’ve closed the gap on the Dolphins and Patriots and will snap their skid within the AFC East.
2. Breece Hall and Michael Carter will combine for more than 1,500 yards rushing
The Jets are going to run the ball a lot and effectively this season. And they’ve got the horses on the line and in the backfield to get it done. Assuming full health, the offensive line of Mekhi Becton, Laken Tomlinson, Connor McGovern, Alijah Vera-Tucker and George Fant should dominate in the zone running scheme employed by coordinator Mike LaFleur.
Hall and Carter will benefit. They will give the Jets one of the league’s most intriguing 1-2 punches, each complementing the other.
Carter led the Jets with 639 yards last season and could better that figure. The rookie Hall is a major upgrade over Tevin Coleman, who was second with 356 yards in 2021, and will pass Carter as their rushing leader this season.
1. Zach Wilson will be better, but questions will remain
An improved running game will help Wilson be more successful in year two. So, too, will be a deeper receiving corps featuring first-round pick Garrett Wilson, Elijah Moore, Corey Davis and tight ends C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin.
Surrounded by more talent, Wilson will take a nice step forward in 2022 as the Jets quarterback. He had nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions as a rookie. Think 20+ touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season.
But the “beefy” quarterback will still be frustrating to watch. There will be more big plays made. Yet there will also be inconsistency in his game leaving the coaches and fans wanting more, as is expected for someone so young still finding their way at the hardest position in sports.
He should certainly be able to improve on his 55.6 percent completion percentage. But he’s still going to miss enough open throws to make you scratch your head and wonder if he’s the answer as QB1. Wilson is going to be good. Will he be great?
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