X-Factors; Who has to Step up to Make Jets Playoff Contenders?

Fresh off the heels of a New York Knicks world championship, their first on over fifty years, Jets fans are asking once again; “When is it our turn?  When do we get to see our team win a ring?”.

A championship may never materialize, but in order for it to happen, the Jets will first have to snap their fifteen-year playoff drought.

While such a task is highly unlikely to happen this season, we thought we’d take a look at the key figures who would have to step up to make the playoffs even a remote possibility.  Some names blatantly obvious while some are less so.

As is the case with every team in the NFL, it starts with the quarterback.  If the Jets are hoping to even contend for a playoff spot, they’ll need Geno Smith to stay healthy while being closer to the player he was two or three seasons ago than the past two seasons where he threw a total of 32 interceptions.

If Smith is going to get back to being close to what he was in 2022 when he threw for over 4,000 yards while completing just under 70% of his passes, he’s going to need a receiver other than Garrett Wilson to step up.  If early indicators out of OTAs would offer any hints, AD Mitchell could be that guy.  As a pass catcher speed who has shown he can get open deep down the field, Mitchell could be the big play threat who opens things up for the tight ends underneath while making hit harder to double Wilson.

With a solid offensive line and backfield with Breece Hall expected to carry the load, there is the potential for the Jets to put up a lot of points.  But as is always the case, teams looking to win games have to win the turnover battle, which brings us to the next x-factor.

Having failed to intercept a single pass last season, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick becomes a huge figure for Aaron Glenn’s defense as the head coach takes over play calling duties.  Fitzpatrick has seen a significant dip in ball production with just two interceptions in the past two years, the Jets need something closer to the version of Fitzpatrick who intercepted twelve passes from 2020-2022.  If not Fitzpatrick, perhaps Andre Cisco can become the next safety to develop under Glenn.

Aside from needing somebody to step up in the secondary, the second level could also use a boost which is where veteran DeMario Davis comes in.  After opposing offenses ran the ball up and down the field last season, a player of Davis’ stature could go a long way bringing that to an end.

The Vegas odds makers have the Jets sitting at between five and six wins.  That’s the most likely outcome when the season comes to a close, but if a few players step up and elevate Gang Green on both sides of the ball, that unlikely playoff push won’t be as impossible as it seems.

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