A lot has changed on 1 Jets Drive since the last time owner Christopher Johnson spoke publicly.
January was the last time Johnson addressed reporters following the hiring of Adam Gase as head coach. In the two months that followed, Gase put together a volatile coaching staff and New York engaged in a free agency spending spree to land top-tier players such as linebacker C.J. Mosley and running back Le’Veon Bell, the crowned jewel of this year’s free agent class. The Jets also unveiled the release date for their new uniforms, which have been teased for months.
So, what does Johnson think of all this? At the NFL Owners meetings in Arizona, he caught up with the media to discuss a wide range of topics. Here are X takeaways from Johnson’s comments.
Johnson thinks the Jets could be playoff bound
It’s been nearly a decade since the Jets have made the playoffs, but Johnson thinks this year’s team could be the one to end that drought.
With the additions of Bell, Mosley and others, along with the young nucleus of Sam Darnold, Leonard Williams and Jamal Adams, Johnson believes New York has what it takes to contend in 2019.
“I sure as hell hope we’re a playoff team,” Johnson said before adding that he believes the team has “a really good chance to be quite good.”
Given the offseason the Jets have had so far, it comes as no surprise that Johnson is confident and excited to see what they can accomplish this upcoming season. No playoff mandate has been issued for Adam Gase or general manager Mike Maccagnan, but they will have high expectations to live up to coming down straight from the top.
Chemistry is key
Adam Gase and Mike Maccagnan have only been working together for a couple of months, but Johnson already sees the signs of a solid working relationship.
While speaking to the media, Johnson brought up how well the two have worked together without being asked. His comments about Gase and Maccagnan are interesting for a couple of reasons, as Gase wore out his welcome in Miami due to clashes with the front office and Maccagnan did not have the best working relationship with Todd Bowles.
It’s good news that Gase and Maccagnan have taken a liking to each other. Now, it’s imperative their positive relationship continues.
Johnson excited to watch Adam Gase and Gregg Williams work
When Adam Gase went about filling out his first coaching staff with the Jets, he added some interesting names into the fold. None of the hires were more important than the polarizing Gregg Williams, though.
Williams has a reputation as one of the best defensive coordinators in football. His presence will certainly bolster New York’s defense in 2019 and benefit the likes of Jamal Adams in the secondary and Leonard Williams up front. The Gase-Williams tandem will also be one that Johnson keeps an eye on, as the two have fiery personalities.
When asked what it would be like with Gase and Williams sharing a practice field, Johnson said that things “might get spicy.” Considering the way the Jets operated for the past four years, spicy could be exactly what this team needs.
More moves to come?
Entering free agency, the Jets had more than $80 million in salary cap space at their disposal. Half of that money has since been spent, but that doesn’t mean New York is done adding talent to its roster.
“The fans are going to love this,” Johnson said. “I know they love the Bell signing, Mosley signing, [Osemele trade]. We’ve given Sam [Darnold] more targets and better protection. We still have the draft to go through. I think they’re going to see our plan unfold and they’ll be happy with it.”
The Jets are done making big-money splashes in free agency, but there are still plenty of talented players for the taking on the open market. Look for New York to be active as free agency progresses, as Mike Maccagnan works to fill any remaining needs before the NFL draft kicks off in April.
Johnson is over the Anthony Barr saga
When Anthony Barr backed out of his agreement to sign with the Jets to return to the Minnesota Vikings, it rubbed many the wrong way. On 1 Jets Drive, though, Maccagnan and the rest of New York’s brass took the snub in stride.
Johnson acknowledged that he was disappointed in Barr’s decision to remain in Minnesota, but also pointed out that he wants players who are all-in at all times.
“Not everybody wants to be in New York,” Johnson said. “If he didn’t want to be here, that’s fine. It’s disappointing when someone backs out on an agreement, but we want people who are all-in.”
Johnson excited for New York’s new uniforms.
On April 4, the Jets will debut their new jerseys after a long-anticipated wait. If Johnson’s words are any indication, the fanbase will be happy with what Gang Green is sporting on the field in 2019.
“They’re pretty badass,” Johnson said.
He didn’t provide any details beyond that, but Johnson did say that he has seen the uniforms and the players are happy with the way they came out.
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