The New York Jets are entering the 2019 NFL season supremely confident despite not having reached the playoffs since Mark Sanchez led the franchise to the 2010 AFC Championship Game.
The Patriots have won the AFC East division in 10 consecutive seasons and 15 of the last 16. They also have won six straight games against the Jets.
Can the Jets actually compete with the Patriots in the division and the conference as a whole in 2019?
"Yeah, 100 percent. Plain and simple." Jets running back Ty Montgomery recently told Sports Illustrated.
"Just watching the Patriots from afar, something I think they do really well is they limit the self-inflicted wounds. Be it the discipline penalties offensively or defensively, turning the ball over, and they capitalize on their opponents' mistakes. I think that's going to be key for us to make sure we do. I think we have the talent. I think we have the potential to be great in this division and to win a lot of football games."
The Jets did make some impressive upgrades to their roster this offseason. They signed running back Le'Veon Bell, wide receiver Jamison Crowder, linebacker C.J. Mosley and Montgomery in NFL free agency. New York also selected Alabama defensive end Quinnen Williams with the No. 3 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Will these additions be enough to help the Jets actually challenge the Patriots for the division crown? We wouldn't bet on it. However, these moves could make the rivalry a little more competitive, and that might result in the upcoming regular season being more exciting for everyone involved.
New England Patriots
The first Patriots-Jets matchup of the season is Week 3 at Gillette Stadium. Circle that date on your calendar right now.
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