New York Jets: Bold Predictions for the 2013 Season

Aug 17, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Jordan Todman (30) is tackled by New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

With the regular season fast approaching, the time for speculation on the season is nearing an end. However, with a little more than two weeks until the Jets season opener against the Bucs, there is still time to predict what is going to happen to the Jets in the regular season. Now, the key to bold predictions is to make sure the predictions are a little out there, although still realistic. No one wants to read about how people think Mark Sanchez will be terrible, because we all know it is very likely. In this article, I will cover a few of my bold, yet plausible, predictions for the 2013 season.

Muhammad Wilkerson will have 15 sacks this year

There is no doubt that the talent is there for Wilkerson. He has the potential to be a top 5 D-linemen in the league, and this may very well be the year he breaks out. With the addition of Sheldon Richardson, Wilkerson should receive a lot of one on one situations with the opposing team’s tackle because the guards and centers may end up double-teaming Richardson. This means that if Wilkerson can shed one block, he may have a clear path to the quarterback. And yes, 15 sacks is quite an overwhelming number, but Wilkerson may just have what it takes to do that much.

The New York Jets will average less than 15 points a game

Although I would love for this to not happen, the fact remains that it is still a likely possibility. Last year, the Jets finished with an average of 17.6 points per game, ranking 28th in the NFL. The only team to average less than 15 points per game last year was the Kansas City Chiefs, who finished with a league worst 13.2 PPG. Unfortunately for the Jets, their offense won’t be much better than the Chiefs was last year. Both quarterbacks on the roster would be a backup on almost any other team, and our receiving corp lacks any proven star. Stephen Hill’s hands continue to be a problem, and with Holmes hurt our go-to receiver will be JEREMEY KERLEY. As much as I love the guy, he is nothing more than a quality slot receiver, not a No. 1 target.

Also, our backfield is filled with players who have never been starter’s for any team. Chris Ivory was the third string back for the Saints, and although he shows great firepower at times, his consistency is definitely an area of concern. Combine all this with the fact that our No. 1 pass catcher for the last five years (Dustin Keller) is no longer on the team—the Jets offense may be one of the worst in our lifetime.

Nick Mangold will make the Pro Bowl

If you search hard enough, you may find an elite player on the Jets’ offense. His name is Nick Mangold, and he is a four time Pro Bowler and three time All-Pro. However, last season Mangold was not selected to the AFC’s Pro Bowl roster, something that has not happened since 2007. This year, however, Mangold has a chance to assert himself back into the conversation as the league’s best center. Now that he has some more help on the line with the acquisitions of Willie Colon and Stephen Peterman, Mangold will perform much better this year.

Have a Bold Prediciton of your own? Feel free to sound off in the comment section below for a chance to be mentioned in later articles.