New York Jets
Offense
It was a shaky first NFL season for Geno Smith, to say the least, but the Jets front office has surrounded the sophomore signal-caller with talent as he enters Year 2. Eric Decker is now a go-to target, while Chris Johnson adds some lightning to a backfield with a thunderous Chris Ivory.
With a strong running game to lean on and more weapons in the passing game, Smith is poised to progress in 2014. However, any slip-ups may result in Michael Vick taking over.
Defense
Despite injuries to rookie Dexter McDougle and setbacks for Dee Milliner and Dimitri Patterson, Gang Green boasts arguably the best front seven in all the NFL. The reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Sheldon Richardson, Muhammad Wilkerson and David Harris perfectly fit the Rex Ryan defensive mold.
Milliner needs to round into that shutdown corner form, and rookie Calvin Pryor needs to help solidify the back end of the defense.
Outlook
The Jets defense alone is good enough to have the team in contention for a Wildcard spot. The unit should be the anchor of this team, while Smith and the offense have to “just do enough” to put them over the top.
How well Smith — or potentially Vick — performs under center and whatever Johnson can contribute at this stage in his career will be major catalysts for the Jets in 2014. If the offense can make enough strides as the season goes on, the team has a lot of potential.
