2016 Record (3-5, 0-1 AFC East)
REVIEW
The first half of 2016 for the New York Jets has been maddening to say the least. The team could easily be 7-1 and has no business being under .500 at this point in the season.
Losses at the 1-yard line to the Ravens, Cardinals, and Chiefs have been must-see TV, but gut-wrenching for Jets faithful.
Rebound wins against the Seahawks & Steelers have shown the league that New York is a team that can truly win (or lose on any given Sunday).
But the trades are the story of the season so far for the New York Jets.
Acquiring players like Joey Bosa and Desmond Trufant in season is unheard of in the NFL.
But the team has a plan and is slowly stockpiling incredible on & off field assets.
BEST ACQUISITION
Rookie WR Braxton Miller has been lights out and one of the best rookies in the NFL to start the 2016 season. The Ohio State product has 762 yards receiving (despite missing a game to a separated shoulder).
His speed has stretched defenses allowing running back David Johnson to blossom into a pounding running force for the improving Jets offense.
BIGGEST BUST
A week ago Sam Bradford may have been listed as the best in-season acquisition by the free-wheeling team.
But after his 3-INT performance against the Browns and subsequent benching, Bradford will be holding a clipboard for Jimmy Garoppolo for the foreseeable future.
MID-SEASON OFFENSIVE & DEFENSIVE MVPS
Offensive MVP: HB David Johnson
As Johnson goes, so do the Jets. After a quiet start to the season, Todd Bowles smartly began to shift the offensive focus towards a ground attack (utilizing their overpowering line to open holes for Johnson, Derrick Henry, and company).
Defensive MVP: FS Joe Haden
Haden isn't the obvious choice, but his selfless decision to make a mid-season position change set the tone for the rest of the team to do whatever it takes in their effort to win.
His three interceptions as a safety have proven that Todd Bowles' recommendation to move Haden was the right one.
SECOND HALF SCHEDULE ANALYSIS AND PREDICTIONS
@ Miami W
vs LA W
vs New England W
vs Indianapolis W
@ San Francisco W
vs Miami L
@ New England W
vs Buffalo W
With a 2nd half surge, the New York Jets will finish 10-6 to sneak into the playoffs as a dangerous #6 seed. Expect the team to go on the road to face the Buffalo Bills in the #1 vs. #6 matchup in the Divisional Round of the playoffs (after the Jets defeat the Bills in a Week #17 matchup that sees Rex Ryan leave most of his starters on the bench after having the division locked up).
