Jets news: C.J. Mosley places boom-or-bust expectation on New York for 2022 NFL season

New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley thinks it's playoffs-or-bust for the franchise in the 2022 NFL season.

C.J. Mosley’s expectations for the New York Jets this season couldn’t be more clear.

“I’m really expecting playoffs or bust,” Mosley told AL.com. “Obviously, that’s my goal every year, but I think it’s something that’s a realistic goal for our entire team and our coaches.”

Mosley is the second defensive player to go on record predicting big things for the Jets. Corner D.J. Reed said reaching the Super Bowl is realistic for the Jets this season.

Reed’s take is extreme, to say the least. The Jets have not played for the championship since winning Super Bowl III in 1969. They have not reached the playoffs since 2010. And they’ve won six games the past two seasons combined, including just four in 2021.

But Mosley’s words carry more weight. He is the unquestioned leader of New York's defense and, perhaps, the most respected voice in the locker room.

The 30-year-old is not one for hot takes. He is more a throwback veteran. So, if he says the revamped Jets have a realistic shot at making the playoffs, well, he believes it.

“You have guys that have been in the system that are used to hearing (about the Jets miserable history),” Mosley said. “Even though they come on the field expecting to win, wanting to win, it takes more than one person to change the mindset of an organization or of your teammates. I feel everyone is more comfortable, mainly because our coaches have been together over time.”

Mosley thrived under first-year coach Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich last season. A four-time Pro Bowler with the Baltimore Ravens, Mosley had an NFL career-high 168 tackles in 2021, including a whopping 103 solo. He played 99 percent of the defensive snaps in his 16 games and had two sacks and two forced fumbles.

✅ Team Captain
✅ Fourth in the @nfl in total tackles
✅ Pro Bowl Alternate
✅2021 @nyjets Team MVP@TreyDeuce32RTR came back. STRONG. pic.twitter.com/OifsTOKp4F

— NYJ Communications (@NYJetsPR) March 8, 2022

His ferocious play was a welcome sight for the Jets. Mosley played parts of two games because of injury after signing as a free agent in 2019 and then sat out the 2020 season due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.

Mosley said he expects even more from himself in 2022.

“Just looking forward to stepping up to another level as far as being a player and a leader and try to get us to the Promised Land.”

An Alabama native, he was back in his hometown of Theodore on Thursday hosting the free C.J. Mosley Football Skills Camp when he made his comments about the upcoming NFL season.