WATCH: Why revamped offense can propel Jets back to playoffs
Armed with a fortified offensive line, dynamic running back stable and receivers of all shapes and sizes, Jets second-year quarterback Sam Darnold will have a wide array of weapons at his disposal in 2019.
Because of this, the Jets are poised to return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2010 season.
Let's break down the pieces that will aid Darnold this season:
Offensive line
When the Jets managed to pry 34-year-old Ryan Kalil out of retirement to sign a one-year contract, the move signified the confidence that GM Joe Douglas has in his roster as a potential playoff contender. Kalil, a five-time Pro Bowler, adds toughness and leadership to an already vastly improved offensive line.
The strongest part of the unit is on the left side. A mainstay for the past two seasons, Kelvin Beachum serves as Darnold's blindside protector and free agent guard Kelechi Osemele is an athletic mauler who is effective in space. The functional tandem of Brian Winters and Brandon Shell will reprise their roles at right guard and right tackle, respectively.
I've always been of the belief that the game is often won or lost in the trenches. Gauging the Jets' offensive line, it's hard not to come away impressed with its current landscape.
Running backs
Any time you add one of the top skill players in the NFL to front your rushing attack, it creates balance on offense and opens up the playbook.
Le'Veon Bell returns after a year away from football to join a surging Jets team with playoff aspirations. One of the premier slashers in the game, if Bell can return to form, expect the offense to run through him.
Ty Montgomery is the perfect complement to Bell. A former starter in Green Bay, the wide receiver-turned-running back is a natural pass catcher out of the backfield and looks surprisingly fluid running the ball between the tackles. Veteran Bilal Powell is the ever-versatile Swiss Army knife, who will likely serve as the primary third down option.
Like the New York Giants of old, the Jets have their own version of earth, wind, and fire.
Wide receivers
The Jets top-three pass catchers include receivers of all shapes and sizes.
There's Robby Anderson, the downfield burner that sits atop the depth chart. The former Temple star is looking to expand his route tree this season, and will likely lead the team in receiving for the third consecutive year. The 26-year-old has quietly risen from undrafted obscurity to one of the most underrated pass catchers in the NFL.
Quincy Enunwa is entering his third season as a starter. The 27-year-old is the team's top possession receiver, doing most of his work between the hashes. Enunwa has excellent body control and specializes in making contested catches. He also has the versatility to act as a hybrid tight end on occasion, to create mismatches.
I'd be remiss if I failed to mention perhaps their most important free agent addition, Jamison Crowder. The diminutive slot receiver should thrive in the middle of the field for the Jets, using his short-area quickness and precise route running to regularly create separation; The quick-twitched jitterbug specializes in using his feet to get open. He can take screen passes for long gains, and he should serve as a security blanket for the second-year quarterback.
The pieces are in place for the offense to challenge for division supremacy if Darnold is ready to take the next step in his career.
