WATCH: C.J. Mosley aware 'whole NFL is sleeping on the Jets' but 'ready to prove them wrong'

Optimism is certainly in the air for the Jets heading into the 2019 season. With a budding quarterback in Sam Darnold and the addition of stars such as running back Le'Veon Bell and linebacker C.J. Mosley, the Jets could potentially challenge as a dark horse for a Wild Card spot in the AFC.

However, until they prove it on the field, the naysayers will remain.

That doesn't bother Mosley one bit though. The four-time Pro Bowl selection embraces the challenge of silencing the doubters.

“Now that we’ve got a new little mix-up, got some new people around and some new faces, we’re all eager and we’re all ready,” Mosley said to New York Jets.com. “We know the whole NFL is sleeping on the Jets, so we’re ready to prove them wrong.”

One area where the Jets are unquestionably elite is rushing defense and Mosley will bolster that aspect. Even as the Jets struggled to a 4-12 record last season, the run defense ranked fifth according to Pro Football Focus with a grade of 90.7.

With the addition of Mosley alongside linebacker Avery Williamson and Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams, Pro Football Focus thinks the Jets can have one of the "most formidable run defenses in the NFL."

In terms of run stops last season, Mosley recorded 30, Williamson amassed 29 and Adams led all safeties with 28, according to Pro Football Focus.

Additionally, Mosley is confident the defensive line including Leonard Williams, Henry Anderson, Steve McLendon and rookie Quinnen Williams will dominate up front.

“I live and die by my big guys in front of me..." Mosley said. "I’m going to be excited to see them make plays and stop the run during the season.”

Mosley admits that the Jets have been overlooked since he's been in the league and it inspired him to join Gang Green to transform them into a legitimate contender for years to come.

"I’m always about great tradition and what better city and what better state to come in and turn a great organization around and be champions," Mosley said.