The 2021 season isn't about winning a Super Bowl for the New York Jets. It is a chance to take a step forward in this rebuild, and to make the most of the fresh start with Robert Saleh and Zach Wilson. New York Jets football odds don't provide much to excite the fans. They are likely heading for another season dominated by losses, and with the focus very much on the future.
NFL fans need to be able to find optimism in such seasons, though. Here are three reasons the Jets faithful can be positive about 2021…
Saleh's arrival
New York Jets fans should be excited about the appointment of Robert Saleh. The former Niners defensive coordinator is well deserving of his opportunity as a head coach. Time is on his side, too, with the Jets once again rebuilding.
Saleh knows what it takes to build a contender. He’s seen the Niners take their group of young players and develop them into a Super Bowl caliber team. There will be no cruising, there will be no settling for losses with Saleh around, and that can only help to build a positive culture.
The Jets’ last five head coaches have won less than half of their games. Saleh is destined to start in a similar manner, but his impact on the organization shouldn’t be underestimated.
Zach Wilson
From an irrelevance to the second overall pick, Zach Wilson's stock has flown up over the last year or two. He might not be an imposing figure like many other elite quarterbacks, but he's a very good athlete and has a quick release on his passes which catches defenses out.
Going 15 of 20 for 195 yards with two touchdowns in preseason, Wilson looks at home in the NFL. Stepping up to the pros can spook some rookie quarterbacks. There’s no such issue with Wilson, who has been the best of the rookie QBs in the warmup games.
The Jets coaching staff didn't force Wilson into anything too complex or test his deep throwing range. They will be careful with what they ask of him early on, and it will take time to develop chemistry with his receivers, but there are plenty of signs that Wilson can have a strong rookie year.
Sense of direction
Saleh and Wilson are both indicative of a new direction for the Jets. The Sam Darnold and Adam Gase era has been assigned to the history books, and Joe Douglas has been proactive in restructuring the roster around their new quarterback.
Mike LaFleur should make the offense fun to watch at the very least. Alijah Vera-Tucker looks to be a good pick to play left guard. Corey Davis is a reliable option for Wilson, and plenty are still optimistic about Denzel Mims.
There's upside in Chris Herndon and Elijah Moore. Tevin Coleman is a serviceable running back.
This isn't a perfect roster by any means, but the Jets have addressed many of the holes from 2020. There's finally a feeling they are heading in the right direction.