The Jets had a bold low season.
Hire a defensive coach in an offensive season. Exchange franchise quarterbacks. Gather the youngest roster in the NFL.
So, according to the topic, here are The Post’s five bold predictions for the Jets in 2021:
1. Zach Wilson wins the offensive rookie of the year.
It’s much easier for a runner or receiver to have an immediate impact, but like the MVP, voters tend to favor quarterbacks. Kyler Murray (Cardinals) and Justin Herbert (Chargers) are the last two winners (among the six quarterback winners since 2010) and neither has needed more than six wins to achieve that.
After the Jets have filed the worst offense in the NFL in consecutive years, Wilson will make a shock by providing a boost to mediocrity. But his style, the sometimes out-of-script throwing, leads to more respectful reflections with social media that help generate a buzz of awards. Becoming the first Jet since Joe Namath in 1967 to throw 4,000 yards will help his campaign.
2. Elijah Moore is the newest receiver for the most productive Jets in history.
Wayne Chrebet (66) has the Jets rookie record to receive. Keyshawn Johnson (844) holds the rookie record for receiving gardens. Both numbers will fall to Moore, who did not play the preseason due to injury, giving the Jets the unplanned advantage that opponents guess where they will line up and how they will be used.
Corey Davis signed the $ 37.5 million free agent contract to make big plays and score touchdowns, but Moore has the soft, smart hands to be a rookie quarterback’s best friend.
3. The planes surpass last year’s total victories … in week 5.
The Jets went from 2 to 14 last season, so the third win will mark progress whenever it comes. But three wins before week 6? A winning record after facing the Panthers, Patriots, Broncos, Titans and Falcons?
The fan base will head to New England to rest more.
4. The Jets rank last in the NFL in passing defense.
Yikes. It is not what is expected of a defense coached by Robert Saleh. Not when you think of his association with the “Legion of the Boom.”
But the Jets played a huge bet by not signing a veteran free-kick. He then doubled down on starting quarterback Bless Austin, with six freshmen and sophomores, none of whom surpass the fifth-round draft.
Playing young players is fine if there is a long-term commitment to development. If they become toasted, impatient and replaced next year, it is a foolish strategy.
5. Quinnen Williams becomes a 10-sack star ready for a huge payday.
Defensive end, Carl Lawson’s torn Achilles had a double effect: he robbed the Jets of the opportunity to see what Lawson could do after a remarkably dominant training ground and redirected attention to the blocking schemes towards and Williams.
Williams added four sacks in his last five games last season (without Lawson) before ending up on the injured reserve. Recovery from foot surgery delayed his start on the training ground, but nothing happens. Less wear on a large body.
The 49ers, with Saleh leading the defense, considered retiring Williams over Nick Bosa in 2019, and it’s easy to compare Williams to DeForest Buckner, who had 12 sacks and made his first Pro Bowl as a third-year under Saleh. Williams is eligible for a contract extension for the first time since this season and the top defensive teams get about $ 20 million a year.