Rex Ryan voices confidence in Jets playoff chances

Credit: Hans Pennink
Heeeeeeeere’s Johnny.

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan opened his mouth again, but this time what he said wasn’t really ridiculous. Ryan expressed confidence that the Jets would be a playoff team this season.
Ryan was quoted in a recent New York Daily News article, saying:
"I believe we're better than that. I believe we're a lot better than that," in reference to his 8-8 team last season. "Eight and eight would be a hell of a disappointment for us. I'm just telling you that I believe this team is on the cusp of doing some special things. . . . I'm confident we will be a playoff team."

It’s understandable if your automatic first thought was to laugh at the thought of the Jets in the playoffs this coming season merely because of how Ryan has carried himself during his tenure as head honcho in East Rutherford. Or maybe that’s just me. But in all seriousness, he might have a legitimate case here.

The Patriots withstanding, the Jets play in what might be third weakest division in the AFC, the South being the weakest. Furthermore, if we know anything about a Rex Ryan-coached team by now, it’s that its defense is always usually pretty good.

We know, barring catastrophic injuries, the Broncos should come out of the AFC West, the Colts should come out of the South and the Patriots should come out of the East. The only question mark would be the AFC North. Many people would likely pick the Bengals, but the Ravens, and possibly the Steelers, should be able to give them a run for their money.

That leaves two wildcard spots up for grabs, and it seems like the race for them would be pretty wide open.

One would have to figure the Ravens, Steelers, Chiefs and the Chargers are all going to be competing for those two spots, and you should add the Jets to that list.

There are some big time questions for New York, however. This includes who opens the season at quarterback, although many signs point to it being Michael Vick. Can Eric Decker thrive without Peyton Manning? Can Chris Johnson be the back he was in Tennessee? Can Dee Milliner live up to his reputation as a first round pick after a putrid 2013 season in which he gave up 770 yards to receivers he was covering, and more?

One thing that could work against the Jets is that their schedule isn’t necessarily favorable, as it seems that they’re going to be going through a brutal stretch virtually all season. They’ll face five teams that made the playoffs last season, with obviously the Patriots being one of them. They also have games against Chicago and Detroit early in the season, and face the Steelers going into their Week 11 bye.

The Jets should be better, but how much remains to be seen. For now, they’re little further down the list of teams that could challenge for a wildcard spot, but they aren’t a team to take lightly.

What do you think about the Jets chances this season? Reach out to me on Twitter and let’s discuss - @JesseGaunce