Sheldon Richardson Expects Jets To Be 'Top Team' In NFL
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It turns out the Jets don't need Rex Ryan around for a dose of swagger.
They're doing just fine on their own.
Defensive end Sheldon Richardson kicked off voluntary workouts Monday with a proclamation that he expects to Jets to be a force to be reckoned with under new head coach Todd Bowles.
"We strongly feel like we're going to be the top defense in the league — and top team in the league, not just defense," Richardson said during a video chat with the Jets' official website, according to NJ.com.
The Jets fired Ryan and general manager John Idzik after last season's 4-12 debacle. In came Bowles and new general manager Mike Maccagnan, who transformed the roster within two months, notably bringing back cornerback tandem Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie to lead a revamped secondary, and trading for Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was also acquired to challenge incumbent Geno Smith for the starting job.
And then there were the under-the-radar moves: linebacker David Harris and guard Willie Colon were re-signed, and James Carpenter was lured away from Seattle to add beef -- and a Super Bowl pedigree -- to the offensive line.
"Offensively and defensively, we made moves that I feel like that progressed this team forward, and I feel like Jet Nation feels the same way," Richardson said.
The most exciting offseason addition is yet to come with the Jets holding the sixth overall pick in the upcoming draft. Heisman-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota is a popular possibility, though some experts don't believe he'll fall to New York. Either way the Jets are in position to add one of the premier prospects in football.
Though questions linger, history is on their side. The Jets made the playoffs in the first year under their previous three head coaches: Herm Edwards, Eric Mangini and Ryan.
But the best in the NFL? That road runs through New England, home of the AFC East rival Patriots.
"This is going to be a great season," Richardson said. "I strongly feel like this is going to be a great season for us."
