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Why the Jets are the Team to Bet on

Smashdown Sports News via Flickr

NFL

Why the Jets are the Team to Bet on

Don’t let all the hype surrounding Cleveland overshadow a New York team that people can believe in. The New York Jets have new leadership, an exciting rookie, and new a star addition. This is a New York team that could very well go all the way. Here’s how the Jets can march their way to the Super Bowl.

Betting on a QB and His Targets

Sam Darnold finished his rookie season throwing almost the same number of touchdowns as interceptions. He completed 17 TDs, threw 15 picks, and racked up 2,865 passing yards. But given his inconsistent target options, Darnold’s underwhelming numbers should not be held against him.

Receiver Robby Anderson ended the season with 752 receiving yards and pulled in six touchdowns. While these numbers aren’t exactly star-studded stats, Anderson is still a prime target option because he has the ability to make big plays.

Him and Darnold connected on his biggest play last season against the Broncos, pulling in a 76-yard touchdown catch.

Darnold’s latest target for the upcoming season is veteran slot receiver Jamison Crowder. Crowder is one of a few additions to the Jets and he’s hoping to build a bond with the second year QB.

Crowder spent time with Darnold during the start of voluntary workouts and expressed the importance of on-field chemistry. “I think at this point right now, I’m just trying to get that chemistry and that bond between me and him. I think he’s really good.”

Crowder is the receiver the Jets need, particularly because he can be a crucial target on converting downs.

Darnold’s second year is already loaded with offensive opportunity, bolstered by a deep threat in Anderson and a veteran slot-receiver in Crowder. Not to mention, a former Pittsburgh Steeler always ready to explode from the backfield has entered the mix.

Le’Veon Bell is Back with a Vengeance

Le’Veon Bell is a New York Jet — arriving in a move that had every football fan on the edge of their seats.

Bell is returning to action after sitting out the 2018 season and looking to remind us why he’s a three-time Pro Bowl selection.

The dumpster fire in Pittsburgh is over and Bell can get back to tearing up the field with his speed and vision. His season with the Jets is one of the most highly anticipated and he’s ready to light up Met Life.

New head coach Adam Gase also recognizes Bell’s talent and eagerness to help the team win.

He told Sports Illustrated, “I think he’s very motivated to do well and help this team win.” Gase also said he knows Bell will be a valuable asset when discussing Bell’s powerful efforts on the field.

Bell is, without a doubt, one of the most explosive running backs in the game. He rushed for 1,291 yards and nine touchdowns in 2017. Notably, that production from Bell accounts for more rushing yards than Isaiah Crowell and Bilal Powell combined.

This upgrade in the Jets’ backfield automatically makes them a prime contender to win the AFC East and bury their previous 4-12 season.

Star Additions on Defense

The Jets drafted defensive powerhouse Quinnen Williams in the first round this year. Williams is promising rookie that is, for some reason, largely overlooked. All despite his tremendous athleticism, especially for his size, and phenomenal college career.

With Alabama, Williams racked up a total of 70 tackles and seven sacks. Williams will be playing defensive tackle for the Jets, a position he can dominate using his strength and size.

Fellow teammate, C.J. Mosley, told the press last Thursday that he thinks Williams will be important on defense.

He has a high motor, and from what we’ve seen on film, he’s definitely a player that could disrupt the passing game and run the game.

Speaking of Mosley, he joined New York from the Ravens in the offseason, intending to be an unstoppable force in the green and white.

Mosley’s numbers last year with Baltimore are solid. He ended the season with 105 tackles and an interception.

Gregg Williams, Jets’ defensive coordinator, believes in Mosley’s play-calling ability just as much as his skills. He gave Mosley the okay to improvise.

As reported Monday, Williams is depending on Mosley to be a “defensive quarterback” in a sense. “He told me the first day I’ll be able to control a lot of stuff on the field.” Mosley added, “I can make a lot of extra calls, different calls besides what the original call is.”

Given these points, the Jets are awaiting a front office change, added Gase as head coach, and have a few new personnel additions. Things seem to be going very smoothly and optimism oozes from their press conferences. The Jets are embracing much-needed changes and focusing on chemistry, which will make them a top contender this upcoming season.

Written by Samiya Green

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