" ..how 3 of Last year’s worst teams may make it to the playoffs ".. yup, we're one of them ~ ~ ~

[kelly]

Every year, there seems to be at least one NFL team that goes from being a laughingstock the year before to making the playoffs. In 2014, there were a couple of teams that fit the mold.The Dallas Cowboys went from 8-8 and unreliable from week to week in 2013 to 12-4 and NFC East champions in 2014. The Detroit Lions went from being an underachieving 7-9 team in 2013 to an 11-5 playoff team in 2014. So who are the top candidates to turn things around in 2015?

 

We previously ranked the 2015 strengths of schedule for all 32 NFL teams based on the combined 2014 winning percentages of their 2015 opponents. These statistics factored into our decision, along with coaching changes, offseason roster additions, and veteran talent. In coming up with this list, we decided to focus on teams that could pull off dramatic turnarounds in 2015.We looked solely at teams that finished the 2014 season with a bad enough record to have earned a top-10 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. We believe that we have found three teams that have everything in place to go from picking in the top 10 to playing in the postseason in 2015. Here’s what we came up with.

 

1.  New York Jets

• 2014 record: 4-12
• 2015 strength of schedule: 18th
• Key to success in 2015: The play of quarterback Geno Smith

Behind a new regime led by General Manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles, the Jets had arguably the strongest offseason in the league this year. They started things off by trading a fifth-round draft pick to the Chicago Bears for Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall.

 

The Jets followed that up by re-signing linebacker David Harris, and signing a flurry of impactful free agent players, including All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis. If that weren’t enough, the Jets hauled in one of the best draft classes in the league, headlined by defensive end Leonard Williams, wide receiver Devin Smith, and quarterback Bryce Petty. Their biggest draft day steal, however, may have been acquiring running back Zac Stacy for a seventh-round draft pick.

 

Based on their roster additions and Bowles’s background as a defensive mastermind, the Jets should have one of the best defenses in the league in 2015. Their success in 2015 will likely come down to their play at the quarterback position. Geno Smith will likely again be the team’s starter, and the third-year pro’s job should be made much easier by having an excellent group of pass catchers (Eric Decker, Brandon Marshall, Devin Smith, and Jace Amaro) and a vastly improved group of running backs (Stevan Ridley and Zac Stacy) at his disposal.

 

The Jets have only the 18th most difficult schedule heading into the season. With that said, the Jets may be able to capitalize on a potentially slow start for the New England Patriots following Tom Brady’s suspension. If Smith can improve in time for the 2015 season, it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising to see the Jets making a push for a spot in the AFC playoffs in the month of December.

 

rest of above article :

> http://www.cheatsheet.com/sports/nfl-how-3-of-last-years-worst-teams-may-make-it-to-the-playoffs.html/2/

[Miss Lonelyhearts]

The talk about the money and the names is kind of trivial. Whether we significantly improve this year depends more on Fitzpatrick playing quarterback at a roughly average level than everything else.

[section314]

The talk about the money and the names is kind of trivial. Whether we significantly improve this year depends more on Fitzpatrick playing quarterback at a roughly average level than everything else.

 

Absolutely. If we are depending on Geno to be successful, we will be picking in the top 10 again.

[GREENBEAN]

The real X factor is whether to not Todd Bowles will be a good HC. We literally have no idea if that will be the case. Sure he looks to have the chops but he would be far from the first great coordinator to fall on his face. 

 

Yes the QB play is essential and will be a major factor as well, but if bowles is in over his head then so are the Jets. 

[RutgersJetFan]

Geno isn't the key to anything. If Geno plays, no playoffs. If Fitz still has life in his legs, we have a shot.

[jetsman1]

The real X factor is whether to not Todd Bowles will be a good HC. We literally have no idea if that will be the case. Sure he looks to have the chops but he would be far from the first great coordinator to fall on his face. 

 

Yes the QB play is essential and will be a major factor as well, but if bowles is in over his head then so are the Jets. 

That's not exactly true.Bowles was the interim head coach in Miami when they fired Sporano and went 2-1 and looked very competent.I was relieved when he wasn't given the permanent job.I believe he is going to be the best head coach we've had since Parcells.

[Patriot Killa]

That's not exactly true.Bowles was the interim head coach in Miami when they fired Sporano and went 2-1 and looked very competent.I was relieved when he wasn't given the permanent job.I believe he is going to be the best head coach we've had since Parcells.

Ironically branching off Parcels tree.

[Ken Schroy]

I like our chances actually. It feels good right now.

[Larz]

the jets offense turned it over a bunch, but the defense didn't force turnovers.  it was brutal.  1 or 2 mistakes by the offense over 65 plays and the jets were done for

 

i'm hoping to see what a football game is like with even a neutral turnover margin

 

if the jets can get to a +4 on the year they will be very tough to deal with

[njjetman]

I'm not so much worried about geno's 13 interceptions , but his 13 td is where he needs to improve.

Most of geno's TD passes came from outside the red zone

I blame Marty for not taking shots at the end zone when in the redzone

I think geno + new receivers + new system = playoffs

[GREENBEAN]

That's not exactly true.Bowles was the interim head coach in Miami when they fired Sporano and went 2-1 and looked very competent.I was relieved when he wasn't given the permanent job.I believe he is going to be the best head coach we've had since Parcells.

I hear ya man.  Three games does not a great coach make though.   I'm as hopeful as the next person but it's still a huge question mark.  This isn't an interim in Miami either. It's a high expectation NY area guantlet. Tons more pressure in this situation.

[Patriot Killa]

I'm not so much worried about geno's 13 interceptions , but his 13 td is where he needs to improve.

Most of geno's TD passes came from outside the red zone

I blame Marty for not taking shots at the end zone when in the redzone

I think geno + new receivers + new system = playoffs

Not to mention the playbook is similar to WVU and he has Ryan Fitzgerald to help out with the proper understanding. Geno has turn the switch on this year or his career in NY is done. No excuses.

[Jetlife33]

I like our chances actually. It feels good right now.

[kelly]

Absolutely. If we are depending on Geno to be successful, we will be picking in the top 10 again.

 

agreed ! ..it ALL comes  down to our QB dept. if we can get some good production...playoffs  

[kelly]

saw this..

 

~ ~   No excuses. And be ready when the gates open.

 

That is all that can be said to the Dolphins, Bills and Jets with the news Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has been suspended for the first four games of 2015 due to the NFL’s depiction of his role in #DeflateGate, as well as the league’s dissatisfaction with his cooperation with the Ted Wells-led investigation.There are no excuses for the Dolphins, Bills and Jets now. The Patriots look set to be without their most integral player for four games, with the untested Jimmy Garoppolo taking his place in the lineup. New England might be vulnerable in those first few weeks, so Miami, Buffalo and New York better be set when the running starts in September.

 

This point can’t be stressed enough. The Patriots last failed to win the division in 2008, when Brady suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week One. The Dolphins capitalized, winning the East at 11-5 — but only on account of a better AFC record than the Pats, who also won 11 games. In short, it still took a big effort from Miami for the Patriots to lose the East, and that was with Brady missing the whole season unexpectedly.So maybe Brady missing four games isn’t a huge opening for the Bills, Jets and Dolphins. But it is a ray of sunlight nonetheless, and that is something, and it’s more than most teams get.Maybe it’s Miami that kicks the door down. The Dolphins begin the regular season with favorable road trips to Washington and Jacksonville and return home to play the Bills and Jets. A strong opening to 2015 would reflect well on head coach Joe Philbin, who has yet to lead Miami to the postseason in three previous seasons.

 

Buffalo gets a favorable start to the season, too, with three of the first four games at home, including a visit from the Patriots win Week Two. The Bills also draw the Colts and Giants at home. With new head coach Rex Ryan at the helm, the Bills figure to carry themselves with more swagger, and a hot start could propel them forward.

 

   New York appears to have the toughest early schedule of the AFC East upstarts, with a road trip to Indianapolis and a home game vs. Philadelphia in the first four games. Still, the Jets have a ferocious defense.So who’s going to step up when the Patriots aren’t at full strength? Outside of how New England fares without Brady, it’s the storyline to watch in the first four weeks. If a team or two rises to the occasion early, the final three-quarters of the season could be fascinating.But if the Jets, Bills and Dolphins stumble about in the first quarter trying to find their bearings, it could be a long season — and subsequent offseason — for them, and especially for the Dolphins and Philbin. The Patriots are always rolling down the stretch, and they figure to be in less-than-a-pleasant mood in 2015. If somebody else doesn’t get the jump in these first four weeks, the Pats might find themselves right where they typically are — right in position to seize control of the AFC East and leave their competitors flailing at shadows.

 

> http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/11/for-bills-dolphins-and-jets-opportunity-knocks-after-brady-suspension/

[JiFtheOracle]

The real X factor is whether to not Todd Bowles will be a good HC. We literally have no idea if that will be the case. Sure he looks to have the chops but he would be far from the first great coordinator to fall on his face. 

 

Yes the QB play is essential and will be a major factor as well, but if bowles is in over his head then so are the Jets. 

 

This.  

 

The truth is, both Fitz and Geno suck.  And while Fitz might be the more consistent QB on paper, he's a loser.  Not that Geno is a winner but at least in his rookie season he won 8 games on one of the worst rosters ever assembled.  Fitz has never won 8 games in a season in his entire career.

 

It's going to be on Bowles and his staff to win despite the QB.  Sounds familiar.

[Jetsfan80]

Fitz has never won 8 games in a season in his entire career.

 

You keep saying this.  Is there no case in the history of the NFL where an average NFL QB can still be considered average even when he's been stuck on bad teams?  He's better than Sanchez, and Sanchez once QB'd a team that won 24 games (including playoffs) over a 2-year period. 

 

This is what the defenses of teams Fitz has been starter for were ranked by FO:

 

2010 Bills:  28th

2011 Bills:  24th

2012 Bills:  27th

2013 Titans:  22nd

2014 Texans:  6th

 

So only last year has Fitz played with anything better than a subpar defense.  And unfortunately the defense didn't come on strong until the 2nd half of the season.  With Fitz under center they started out 3-1, then Houston lost a 20-17 OT game @ Dallas, a 33-28 shootout at home against Indy, and a 30-23 road game @ Pittsburgh to drop to 3-4.  Fitz ended up going 6-5 as the starter last season, 6-6 if you want to count the Week 14 game against Indy where he got hurt after throwing 6 passes.  His contributions helped the Texans end up with a winning record in '14.

 

Again, he's an average QB, nothing more.  But he's not a "loser".  Judging by pure W's and L's without examining any of the other data to make up your mind is exactly what people used to do to tell us that Sanchez was actually a good QB.  You're doing the exact same thing but in reverse. 

 

If we end up a top 10 defense, the OL does a reasonable job, and Fitz stays healthy (three big if's but certainly none of the 3 are unreasonable), we're definitely a potential Wild Card team.

[JiFtheOracle]

You keep saying this.  Is there no case in the history of the NFL where an average NFL QB can still be considered average even when he's been stuck on bad teams?  He's better than Sanchez, and Sanchez once QB'd a team that won 24 games (including playoffs) over a 2-year period. 

 

This is what the defenses of teams Fitz has been starter for were ranked by FO:

 

2010 Bills:  28th

2011 Bills:  24th

2012 Bills:  27th

2013 Titans:  22nd

2014 Texans:  6th

 

So only last year has Fitz played with anything better than a subpar defense.  And unfortunately the defense didn't come on strong until the 2nd half of the season.  With Fitz under center they started out 3-1, then Houston lost a 20-17 OT game @ Dallas, a 33-28 shootout at home against Indy, and a 30-23 road game @ Pittsburgh to drop to 3-4.  Fitz ended up going 6-5 as the starter last season, 6-6 if you want to count the Week 14 game against Indy where he got hurt after throwing 6 passes.  His contributions helped the Texans end up with a winning record in '14.

 

Again, he's an average QB, nothing more.  But he's not a "loser".  Judging by pure W's and L's without examining any of the other data to make up your mind is exactly what people used to do to tell us that Sanchez was actually a good QB.  You're doing the exact same thing but in reverse. 

 

If we end up a top 10 defense, the OL does a reasonable job, and Fitz stays healthy (three big if's but certainly none of the 3 are unreasonable), we're definitely a potential Wild Card team.

 

Career record - 33-55-1

 

He's never won more than 6 games in a single season.

 

He's the very definition of a career loser. 

[Jetsfan80]

Career record - 33-55-1

 

He's never won more than 6 games in a single season.

 

He's the very definition of a career loser. 

 

Mark Sanchez, definition of a career winner.  He's got a career winning record so he's totes awesome. 

 

Fitz has played for loser organizations.  He himself is not a loser.  And that "loser" was brought in by our OC and GM, who are both very familiar with him.  Why do you think they did it?  He wasn't the ONLY option out there when it came to veteran QB's, after all. 

[Obrien2Toon]

We go 11-5 and Geno is most improved player in NFL

If Fitz starts its 8-8, guy is just too reckless with the ball. He thinks he's Favre or something.

He's not the game manager some here think he is, guy thinks he's a gunslinger

[JiFtheOracle]

Mark Sanchez, definition of a career winner.  He's got a career winning record so he's totes awesome. 

 

Fitz has played for loser organizations.  He himself is not a loser.  And that "loser" was brought in by our OC and GM, who are both very familiar with him.  Why do you think they did it?  He wasn't the ONLY option out there when it came to veteran QB's, after all. 

 

What are you arguing here?  Fitz is ******* terrible and a loser.

 

Mark Sanchez sucking and getting carried by Rex Ryan is irrelevant. 

[FloridaJetsFan]

The real X factor is whether to not Todd Bowles will be a good HC. We literally have no idea if that will be the case. Sure he looks to have the chops but he would be far from the first great coordinator to fall on his face. 

 

Yes the QB play is essential and will be a major factor as well, but if bowles is in over his head then so are the Jets. 

 

He's 2-1 as a Head Coach (Dolphins). So if he can manage that record percentage with the Jets, we're looking at 11-5.

[GREENBEAN]

He's 2-1 as a Head Coach (Dolphins). So if he can manage that record percentage with the Jets, we're looking at 11-5.

Yes. If that can happen it will be very very good and nice

[Jetsfan80]

What are you arguing here?  Fitz is ******* terrible and a loser.

 

Mark Sanchez sucking and getting carried by Rex Ryan is irrelevant. 

 

It's very relevant, because the only statistic you are bringing to the table to say Fitz is a loser is his W-L record.  Whereas I have clearly shown that every other available metric and when factoring in variables such as team strength into the mix shows Fitz is an average NFL QB.  No better, no worse.

 

Sanchez is a loser because he dragged down teams.  Fitz is average because, at worst, he never elevated bad teams to the playoffs, and at best, he was one of the only bright spots for bad teams.

 

Sanchez is not irrelevant, because him being "carried by Rex" is a criticism you're allowing yourself to levy Sanchez without taking the opposite of the coin into account.  What about decent QB's who were failed by their teams? 

 

Fitz is a pretty significantly better QB than we've had here since Favre in '08.  That's not insignificant.  We say we won't be successful without a QB.  Well at least our front office finally opted to go with a capable veteran this year.  It's not who we want under center in 2016, but it's a step in the right direction and a suggestion that our front office and coaching staff have some idea of what they're doing at the QB position, compared to our front office/coaching staff the past 6 years, who had no clue.

 

But whatever.  Blah blah blah Fitz sucks and is a loser, blah blah blah.  For a team that's been so starved for QB's you'd think we'd be welcoming Fitz like a conquering hero.  But instead everyone gets all whiny because we couldn't get a Brees or Rivers.  Fitz is an upgrade.  That's how I choose to look at it.  Let's see how he does with a solid roster around him before chalking him up to a failure already.

[JiFtheOracle]

It's very relevant, because the only statistic you are bringing to the table to say Fitz is a loser is his W-L record.  Whereas I have clearly shown that every other available metric and when factoring in variables such as team strength into the mix shows Fitz is an average NFL QB.  No better, no worse.

 

Sanchez is a loser because he dragged down teams.  Fitz is average because, at worst, he never elevated bad teams to the playoffs, and at best, he was one of the only bright spots for bad teams.

 

Sanchez is not irrelevant, because him being "carried by Rex" is a criticism you're allowing yourself to levy Sanchez without taking the opposite of the coin into account.  What about decent QB's who were failed by their teams? 

 

Fitz is a pretty significantly better QB than we've had here since Favre in '08.  That's not insignificant.  We say we won't be successful without a QB.  Well at least our front office finally opted to go with a capable veteran this year.  It's not who we want under center in 2016, but it's a step in the right direction and a suggestion that our front office and coaching staff have some idea of what they're doing at the QB position, compared to our front office/coaching staff the past 6 years, who had no clue.

 

But whatever.  Blah blah blah Fitz sucks and is a loser, blah blah blah.  For a team that's been so starved for QB's you'd think we'd be welcoming Fitz like a conquering hero.  But instead everyone gets all whiny because we couldn't get a Brees or Rivers.  Fitz is an upgrade.  That's how I choose to look at it.  Let's see how he does with a solid roster around him before chalking him up to a failure already.

 

I should welcome Fitz like a conquering hero?  Did you really just say that?  I know you're ridiculous homer but come'on man.  A conquering hero who's never won more than 6 games in his career and is 33-55-1?  Show me a starting QB with a worse record in the league. 

 

If you want to argue the Fitz is a JAG.  Ok.  Sure.  He's a JAG.  But being a JAG QB means you suck, IMO.  And none of that changes the fact that in 7 tries he's never won more than 6 games and Geno won 8 his first season...on a team that was much much worse than any team Fitz has played for....much worse.

 

And I'm not whining, I'm simply pointing out that relying on a guy who's never won more than 6 games isnt exactly the most assuring situation.  I mean jesus christ man, you want me to be excited about Ryan Fitzpatrick?  Sorry, I'm not.  

 

All that said, Geno beats him out.  Watch.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Jetsfan80]

I should welcome Fitz like a conquering hero?  Did you really just say that?  I know you're ridiculous homer but come'on man.  A conquering hero who's never won more than 6 games in his career and is 33-55-1?  Show me a starting QB with a worse record in the league. 

 

If you want to argue the Fitz is a JAG.  Ok.  Sure.  He's a JAG.  But being a JAG QB means you suck, IMO.  And none of that changes the fact that in 7 tries he's never won more than 6 games and Geno won 8 his first season...on a team that was much much worse than any team Fitz has played for....much worse.

 

And I'm not whining, I'm simply pointing out that relying on a guy who's never won more than 6 games isnt exactly the most assuring situation.  I mean jesus christ man, you want me to be excited about Ryan Fitzpatrick?  Sorry, I'm not.  

 

All that said, Geno beats him out.  Watch.  

 

I'm saying I think you should be more excited about Fitz than f*ckin Geno.  Average is NOT the same as sucking.  Average is Andy Dalton or Alex Smith.  Sucking is Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith.  It's 2 different levels yet you're putting anyone who isn't a top 10 QB on the same exact plane. 

 

You think Geno actually beats him out?  Are you serious?  Fitz was ranked the 13th best QB last year by FO.  Geno was the 40th.  Get a clue.  In an open competition, a healthy Fitz will beat him out with ease.  Dude is at least a professional who can lead a huddle, Geno is just terrible.  You seem to not know the difference.  The difference is our offense can be respectable with Fitz.  With Geno its a disaster.  Again, see the difference?  Has it entered your stubborn brain yet?

[peebag]

I'm saying I think you should be more excited about Fitz than f*ckin Geno.  Average is NOT the same as sucking.  Average is Andy Dalton or Alex Smith.  Sucking is Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith.  It's 2 different levels yet you're putting anyone who isn't a top 10 QB on the same exact plane. 

 

You think Geno actually beats him out?  Are you serious?  Fitz was ranked the 13th best QB last year by FO.  Geno was the 40th.  Get a clue.  In an open competition, a healthy Fitz will beat him out with ease.  Dude is at least a professional who can lead a huddle, Geno is just terrible.  You seem to not know the difference.  The difference is our offense can be respectable with Fitz.  With Geno its a disaster.  Again, see the difference?  Has it entered your stubborn brain yet?

Our only hope is that Bryce Petty is the real deal - otherwise I hope Chan dusts off the old single wing.

[JiFtheOracle]

I'm saying I think you should be more excited about Fitz than f*ckin Geno.  Average is NOT the same as sucking.  Average is Andy Dalton or Alex Smith.  Sucking is Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith.  It's 2 different levels yet you're putting anyone who isn't a top 10 QB on the same exact plane. 

 

You think Geno actually beats him out?  Are you serious?  Fitz was ranked the 13th best QB last year by FO.  Geno was the 40th.  Get a clue.  In an open competition, a healthy Fitz will beat him out with ease.  Dude is at least a professional who can lead a huddle, Geno is just terrible.  You seem to not know the difference.  The difference is our offense can be respectable with Fitz.  With Geno its a disaster.  Again, see the difference?  Has it entered your stubborn brain yet?

 

I'm sorry I'm not excited about a JAG QB who's never won more than 6 games and has a career record of 33-55-1.  

 

You keep throwing this 13th best QB around.  Like that's something to celebrate.  I know you're part of that new generation that gives out trophies for participation but 13th of anything, isnt good. And how long did it take Fitzpatrick to accomplish such an incredible feat?  10 years?  Yeah, sure its marked improvement from what the Jets have seen in recent history but its not good and it was also heavily skewed by his 6 TD game which was a fluke.

 

Here's what I know of the two: Geno his rookie year on one of the worst teams ever assembled, won 8 games.  Fitz in 10 years, on much better teams, has never topped 6.  Geno in his 2nd season, had an equal TD to INT ratio.  Fitz didnt get there till his 7th season in the league.  Geno in his 2nd season, reached 59.7% completion percentage.  Fitz didnt get there till his 7th year in the league.  Geno was widely considered a first round talent who got drafted in the 2nd.  Fitz was drafted in the 7th.  Geno has the ability to make plays with his feet. Fitz doesnt. 

 

Here's what to considered: you've seen Fitz under Gaily and he a was loser JAG.  We havent seen Geno under Gailey.  We've only seen him under the worst Head Coach ever who was a QB killer. There is at least a chance, albeit a small one, that a new coach and system turns the lights on for Geno.  Fitz isnt getting saved.  He is what he is...a career loser JAG.

 

Overall, it benefits the Jets for Geno to win the job.  So maybe its hope, maybe its a true belief...but yes, I see Geno winning the job.  

[Jetsfan80]

I'm sorry I'm not excited about a JAG QB who's never won more than 6 games and has a career record of 33-55-1.  

 

You keep throwing this 13th best QB around.  Like that's something to celebrate.  I know you're part of that new generation that gives out trophies for participation but 13th of anything, isnt good. And how long did it take Fitzpatrick to accomplish such an incredible feat?  10 years?  Yeah, sure its marked improvement from what the Jets have seen in recent history but its not good and it was also heavily skewed by his 6 TD game which was a fluke.

 

Here's what I know of the two: Geno his rookie year on one of the worst teams ever assembled, won 8 games.  Fitz in 10 years, on much better teams, has never topped 6.  Geno in his 2nd season, had an equal TD to INT ratio.  Fitz didnt get there till his 7th season in the league.  Geno in his 2nd season, reached 59.7% completion percentage.  Fitz didnt get there till his 7th year in the league.  Geno was widely considered a first round talent who got drafted in the 2nd.  Fitz was drafted in the 7th.  Geno has the ability to make plays with his feet. Fitz doesnt. 

 

Here's what to considered: you've seen Fitz under Gaily and he a was loser JAG.  We havent seen Geno under Gailey.  We've only seen him under the worst Head Coach ever who was a QB killer. There is at least a chance, albeit a small one, that a new coach and system turns the lights on for Geno.  Fitz isnt getting saved.  He is what he is...a career loser JAG.

 

Overall, it benefits the Jets for Geno to win the job.  So maybe its hope, maybe its a true belief...but yes, I see Geno winning the job.  

 

See, now, this is a good post.  If Geno's ceiling is indeed higher than Fitzpatrick's, and Gailey is the one who turns the light on, that would be super awesome.  I just don't see it happening.  So we'll just agree to disagree on the rest of it.

[kelly]

Career record - 33-55-1

 

He's never won more than 6 games in a single season.

 

He's the very definition of a career loser. 

 

he is very,.. VERY average