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Almost every year, fans of the New York Jets say, "this is going to be our year!" While we're always inevitably disappointed, there's always a glimmer of hope, something to look forward to. This year, however, doesn't appear that way. Most people have already cast this season aside as a wash and are looking forward to 2014. I don't share that pessimism. While I understand that we're likely in for a rough season, considering our roster and level of competition, there are just a few things I'm looking forward to seeing:
1. John Idzik
The first thing that I'm excited about is to see how Idzik handles the offseason. Free agency, the 2013 NFL Draft, restructuring the front office, Darrelle Revis, etc. Idzik is going to have to make a significant number of tough decisions that will have a profound influence on the future of this franchise.
2. Rex Ryan
This is it. It's all come down to this. Two years ago, after the Jets lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship, would you have ever thought it'd be like this? Rex is taking his last gasps; he may survive this season, he may not. Will he go out with a bang, or a whimper?
3. The Defensive Line
One of the few bright spots of last season was the breakout of Muhammad Wilkerson as a premier lineman in the league and the development of Quinton Coples, who ended the season as the team's sack leader. With a second year under DL guru Karl Dunbar, I'm truly excited to see what our studs have in store. Throw in a pass rusher, and lookout. This will be a dangerous group.
4. The Open QB Competition
When was the last time the Jets had a truly open quarterback competition? 2006? It's stunning, but remarks from Idzik and Rex have indicated that it finally is time that we'll see a real struggle to claim the starting role. We don't know who the combatants are yet, but it's difficult to foresee a worse result than what happened this past season.
We're going to have a general mantra here with the New York Jets and it's going to be 'Competition Through and Through." - John Idzik
Sign me up.
5. A New York Super Bowl
To cap the season off, we're going to see something really exciting. A New York (slash New Jersey) Super Bowl. Whether or not the Jets are in it is no matter (although it would obviously be a dream come true if they were), I'm excited to see a cold weather throwback Super Bowl right in our own backyard.