New York Jets: 5 Bold Predictions for the 2011 Season
Once again the New York Jets had a successful season, but it ended one game short as they lost in the AFC Championship Game for the second year in a row.
This season the Jets are looking to get back, but this time bring home the hardware to the city of New York. The Jets have re-signed a majority of their players, had a solid draft and even picked up a few solid players in free agency.
Nobody is sure what this season has in store, but here are five bold predictions for the 2011 New York Jets season.
Plaxico Burress Will Have Double-Digit Touchdowns
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Why is it bold?
Plaxico is fresh out of prison and hasn't played football since 2008. He hasn't had a double-digit touchdown season since 2007.
Why it will happen
It's still up in the air if the Jets will re-sign Braylon Edwards but Plaxico is bigger than Edwards and has better hands. Plaxico will be the big, physical red-zone threat the Jets have lacked for the past couple of seasons.
If Michael Vick can come out of prison and dominate a harder position like quarterback, there's no question Plaxico can still be a solid wide receiver. He is still tall, only 33, and I'm sure can still catch.
If in fact he does have double-digit touchdowns, he'll also be the comeback player of the year.
Mark Sanchez Will Throw for at Least 23 Touchdowns
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Why is it bold?
In his first two seasons, Mark Sanchez has only thrown for 12 and 17 touchdowns. This would be at least a six-touchdown improvement from last year.
Why it will happen
Mark Sanchez has been more of a game manager the first two seasons than anything else. With the weapons the Jets are providing him on offense, it is time to take the handcuffs off of the third-year quarterback.
His pass attempts increased last season as well as his passing touchdowns, and most importantly his interceptions declined. Sanchez is improving with time and entering his third year he should be able to take that next step.
Passing for 23 touchdowns would be the next step to prove he can truly lead this Jets team to the promise land.
Shonn Greene Will Rush for 1,200 Yards
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Why is it bold?
Greene has averaged just 146 carries his first two seasons in the league.
Why it will happen
Greene has shown promise, averaging a solid 4.5 yards per carry his first two seasons. His workload is expected to expand this season as the primary running back.
The Jets believe he can shoulder majority of the carries this season, and in his little time on the field he has shown no signs that he can't.
He only had one game last season where he rushed for 100 yards, but with more carries that will change this year.
Muhammad Wilkerson Will Have at Least Six Sacks
4 of 6Why is it bold?
He's a rookie and will have to fight for playing time.
Why it will happen
Wilkerson is expected to replace Shawn Ellis whether the latter is re-signed or not. If Ellis is in fact re-signed by the Jets, Wilkerson will have to earn his playing time, but with Ellis being 34 years old, his chance may come sooner than later.
Wilkerson, at 6'4 and 315 pounds, has the size, and as you can see in the video, the skills to be able to start right away. He's fast for his size and Rex Ryan and company should be able to find ways to include him in their defense.
Regardless of when Muhammad Wilkerson gets his playing time, he will make an immediate impact for this Jets defense.
Jets Will Defeat the Ravens in Week 4
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Why is it bold?
The Jets are 1-6 against the Baltimore Ravens all time, winning the last game in 1997.
Why will it happen
This game is going to be a defensive bloodbath, and the first team that scores 10 points may win. The Jets may have a slight advantage in defense, as the Ravens secondary is a little suspect.
The Jets will also be able to put pressure on Joe Flacco and force him into a couple mistakes that may be the turning point in the game.
New York has the slightly better defense and, with the additions on offense, may have the advantage there as well. Baltimore lacks depth at the wide receiver position.
It will be a tight, close game but the Jets have the better team to end a six-game losing streak against the Ravens.
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