2. Rex Ryan, New York Jets (42-38) – Don’t let the offseason contract extension fool you: Rex Ryan’s job is not safe heading into 2014. After going 3 straight years without a winning season, 2nd year GM John Idzik finally gave Rex enough weapons to make the team look less like an expansion team and more like a legitimate contender, if not for the division then certainly for a Wildcard spot. The jury is still out on his soon-to-be starting QB Geno Smith, but now that he has NFL-caliber receivers in Eric Decker, Jacoby Ford and rookie Jace Amaro there are no more excuses for him to play poorly. The defense has taken a step back – statistically and personnel-wise – and if it doesn’t rise to a level that is typical of Rex Ryan, then the entire team will fall apart.
The Jets cannot be expected to win more games than the Patriots, but without a return trip to the playoffs or a winning record that clearly indicates the team is on the upswing, Rex Ryan will be fired either during or after the season.
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