New York Jets: Panic Mode - 2021 Schedule Edition

When it comes to the New York Jets, there’s no much for the fans to panic over. Unless second overall pick Zach Wilson is a catastrophic bust right out of the gate expectations are limited. With a rookie head coach, rookie quarterback, and a rebuild in progress there’s little pressure on the Jets to perform. However, there’s plenty of opportunities for the wheels to fall off and go full-blown panic mode from their current schedule.

Schedule from Jetswire.UsaToday.com

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 12 at Panthers (1 P.M., CBS)
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 19 vs. Patriots (1 P.M., CBS)
Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 26 at Broncos (4:05 P.M., CBS)
Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 3 vs. Titans (1 P.M., CBS)
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 10 at Falcons (London) (9:30 A.M., NFLN)
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 24 at Patriots (1 P.M. CBS)
Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 31 vs Bengals (1 P.M. CBS)
Week 9: Thursday, Nov. 4 at Colts (8:20 P.M., NFLN)
Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 14 vs. Bills (1 P.M., CBS)
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 21 vs. Dolphins (1 P.M., CBS)
Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 28 at Texans (1 P.M., CBS)
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 5 vs. Eagles (1 P.M., CBS)
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 12 vs. Saints (1 P.M., FOX)
Week 15: Dec. 18 or 19 at Dolphins (TBD)
Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 26 vs. Jaguars (1 P.M., CBS)
Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 2 vs. Buccaneers (1 P.M., FOX)
Week 18: Sunday, Jan. 9 at Bills (1 P.M, CBS)

Tough End

Looking at their schedule, they were granted no favors. While weeks12-17 look a bit softer, they still peppered in a tough Dolphins defense, the Super Bowl Champs, and AFC East Division winners in 3 of their last 4 games. The fourth game comes down to which rookie develops faster when they face the Jags

More NFL: Bills Panic Mode 2021 Schedule Edition

Toss-up start

Weeks 1-5 have winnable games on paper. With the exception of the Titans, their other four matchups struggled with consistency last season. The Jets have some talent and could easily develop if coaching is even slightly better than last year’s debacle.

Bye Week Struggles

The Jets have an early Bye Week this year and jump right back into the thick of it. Coming off their week off they’ll face a run of young quarterbacks trying to make names for themselves, most of which have had their struggles. They need Wilson to prove he’s got a bit more moxie than the rest of the bunch and come out swinging.

Within reason, the New York Jets might not be all that bad. With low expectations and the right amount of development, they could overperform. It would be foolish for teams to sleep on them late in the season whether they struggle early or not.