New York Jets coach Rex Ryan made another bold prediction for his team heading into the 2014 season. Jets quarterback Geno Smith, meanwhile, appears ready to have a breakout season.
The Jets missed the playoffs the last two seasons, but Ryan is confident the postseason drought will end in 2014. Albeit tempered down from his previous predictions, Ryan made it clear he believes his team is bound for the playoffs this season.
"I believe we're better than that. I believe we're a lot better than that," Ryan told the New York Daily News of missing the playoffs last season. "Eight and eight would be a hell of a disappointment for us. I'm just telling you that I believe this team is on the cusp of doing some special things ... I'm confident we will be a playoff team."
Ryan conceded the Jets are rebuilding, but he still believes they will earn a spot in the postseason.
"I think it's a transition year, but we're going to bring it to another level," he said. "I know where I want this team to go and that's where I expect this team to go. So, you know, are we a better team? Dang right. ... That may be a fact that we're rebuilding this team, but by no means does that mean that I don't expect to improve on where we were. ...
"I believe this football team is a hell of a lot better right now than we were at any point last year."
One area the Jets need improvement in is under center. Smith accounted for 25 turnovers last season, including 21 interceptions. Now in his second year, however, some believe Smith is poised for a breakout season.
"He is taking authority over the offense and taking command over that group," Jets receiver David Nelson told FOX Sports. "When you see that, you see guys who want to play for him and you see a bunch of guys star to embrace him. You're going to see a much more cohesive unit this year because of his maturity and because of his understanding of the offense and how the NFL works as a whole."
