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It's time to get bold about the 2016 NY Jets. While the weekly Bold Predictions series has passed into the more capable and wiser hands of WilkersontoHawaii, I will still be posting annual predictions to be ritually mocked and roundly ridiculed. Before we unveil the latest preternatural prognostications, let's review last year's version, primarily because it was my rare blind squirrel stumbles into acorn moment. Last year I predicted the following:
1. The Jets will finish in the top five in the NFL in terms of least sacks allowed for the season.
2. The Jets defense will finish in the top three in both yards and points allowed (not counting points given up by the offense or special teams, such as pick sixes or kickoff return TDs).
3. The Jets will have two 1000 yard receivers for the first time since Wayne Chrebet and Keyshawn Johnson pulled it off in 1998.
4. The Jets will make the playoffs for the first time since 2010.
5. Chris Ivory will rush for more yards in 2015 than any player in Jets history other than Curtis Martin.
And a bonus prediction: the Jets will finish ahead of the Patriots in the final regular season standings.
Unlike my usual dreck, I actually got a few right. Nailed #1 and #3. Came agonizingly close to nailing #4. Came sorta kinda in the ballpark for #2. As for the bonus prediction, well... bonus prediction? What bonus prediction? I don't remember any bonus prediction. First rule of bonus predictions -- we don't talk about bonus predictions.
Let's put together some ludicrous new Bold Predictions for the 2016 season. Disclaimer: A Bold Prediction is not something that is likely or probable to happen. Bold Predictions are guesses that are beyond what anyone can reasonably expect to happen, but not so far as to be virtually impossible. Saying that Matt Forte will run for 4300 yards and 48 touchdowns is not a Bold Prediction, nor is saying that Leonard Williams will get 4+ sacks. By definition, Bold Predictions are unlikely, but not impossible, to occur.
So let's get to it.
1. The Jets big three on the defensive line, Williams, Richardson and Wilkerson will all finish with double digit sacks.
2. The Jets quarterbacks as a group will finish with team records in touchdown passes, yards, passing attempts and passing completions, though no single quarterback will set any Jets records.
3. Calvin Pryor will finish with more sacks than any Jet other than the big three on the defensive line.
4. The Jets will make it to the AFC Championship game for the first time since 2010.
5. The Jets will score a touchdown on a kickoff return, a punt return, a blocked punt and an interception return.
And a bonus prediction: the Jets will finish ahead of the New England Patriots in the final regular season standings.
What about you? What are your Bold Predictions for the Jets in 2016?