4 reasons for the New York Jets to remain optimistic about 2019

The New York Jets were one of the worst teams in 2018, going 4-12 in the regular season. Here are four reasons to be excited for them about 2019 though.

The New York Jets were one of the worst teams in the NFL in 2018. In fact, their 4-12 record was tied for the second worse in the entire league.

Despite their terrible record, there are some major positives that they can build on.

With new pieces and young returning faces – they have a solid core that should excite the fans. There's a pretty decent chance they show a lot of growth in 2019 as well.

So what exactly is there to be optimistic about when it comes to the New York Jets in 2019?

Here are four things.

4. Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold has to be the most obvious reason, right? The New York Jets selected the quarterback with the third overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. His rookie year was shaky, but he did have some fantastic starts. Even more importantly, those starts came at the end of the season.

Darnold will be just 22 for all of the 2019 season. He's still growing but also has the talent that could make the Jets interesting to watch already.

There are many that believe the quarterback will take a big step forward in 2019. If that happens, the Jets become must-see TV. Even if it doesn't happen though, you'll want to tune in to see if it ever does.

Either way, it's hard not to be optimistic about Sam Darnold.

3. The Williams' on the defensive line

The New York Jets defensive line already touted Leonard Williams. Then they went and drafted Quinnen Williams in the first round this year.

Leonard Williams is a versatile defensive lineman. He's great in the run game and can disrupt the quarterback with a solid pass rush and active hands. Although Williams hasn't looked as dominant as some may have hoped, it's hard to complain when watching him on the field. Sometimes impact doesn't translate to numbers.

Leonard Williams is also still just 24 and getting better. Being billed at 6'5″, 302 lbs is a good way to keep people excited about you too.

Then there's Quinnen Williams. The defensive tackle out of Alabama was the third overall pick in this year's draft. The 21-year-old is a unit as well, listed at 6'3″, 295 lbs. Quinnen Williams will plug up the middle and gives them an absolutely deadly rushing defense. He's also someone that can effectively get to the quarterback.

Those two together create a young duo that should wreak havoc for years to come. 2019 is the first look you'll get at them.

2. New offensive weapons

Of course, the major addition to the offense this offseason was Le'Veon Bell. He's still one of the best running backs in football and immediately gives the New York Jets offense a massive boost and legitimate threat – both rushing and receiving.

Bell isn't the only addition that was made though.

The Jets also added running back Ty Montgomery. He's similar to Bell in the sense that he is a dynamic receiving threat from the position. This gives them flexibility when it comes to play calling. They won't have one designated “receiving back” – which will keep opposing defenses from knowing the plays based on the personnel on the field.

Finally, there's the extremely underrated addition of Jamison Crowder. He's a legitimate monster from of a slot receiver and should benefit from having an up-and-coming QB that likes to sling it, and a great running game.

Crowder has great speed to pair with his fantastic route running and hands.

He has the potential for massive reception numbers in this offense.

1. C.J. Mosley

The New York Jets had a very eventful 2019 offseason. One of their biggest acquisitions was easily the signing of C.J. Mosley.

The linebacker is one of the best in the middle of the field in the entire NFL. He is adept at plugging up holes and stopping the run, but can also defend the pass well and is excellent at wrapping up the ball carrier.

Mosley is the type of player that makes the entire defense better. Everyone around him will benefit from his presence.

This is the type of addition that could make the New York Jets' defense go from being a fringe defense to a top-tier unit.

A great defense wins games, and will take a lot of pressure off that young quarterback in Sam Darnold. Everything can gel together and create a winning environment.

It's impossible not to be optimistic about that.