Jets believe this is the year playoff drought ends

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Jets players reported to the team’s facility on Tuesday believing that they could accomplish something that hasn’t been done in more than a decade.

It’s playoffs or bust in 2022 for C.J. Mosley. The veteran linebacker believes the Jets have a team that can make the postseason for the first time in 12 years.

“I feel like it’s a realistic goal,” Mosley said. “That’s why we play this game. We come here to win football games. You want to leave a legacy wherever you are.

“Guys came here this offseason to try to win and be great in New Jersey-slash-New York. That should be everybody’s expectation every day they wake up and every day they come into the building.”

The Jets open training camp on Wednesday with much more optimism than recent years.

Things will have to go really well for the Jets to end their long playoff drought in the loaded AFC, especially with a difficult schedule the first half of the season. But the Jets, who finished 4-13 last season, are confident they can prove doubters wrong.

It’s their second year playing for coach Robert Saleh so they know what’s expected from them on both sides of the football. They also had a good offseason acquiring players who have been in the same or similar systems. Familiarity with the schemes should allow the Jets to play faster and maybe even get off to a good start.

Since OTAs, coaches and players have spoken about not only the upgrades in talent but also how this group of players is committed to working hard, improving and helping turn around the franchise.

“Everybody’s excited,” cornerback D.J. Reed said. “Me personally, I couldn’t sleep last night . . . I’m just looking forward to the new things and what’s to come for the Jets organization.”

Reed was one of the offseason acquisitions who comes from a winning program and knows Saleh’s system well. Reed played his first two seasons with San Francisco, where Saleh was the defensive coordinator, before spending the last two with Seattle.

Reed agrees with Mosley that the playoffs are realistic and said it’s going to take a serious commitment that includes focusing solely on football.

“I think he’s spot on,” Reed said. “I think it’s going to take everyone to be at their best. That isn’t just on Sunday. That’s an everyday commitment.”

Reed said he texted his girlfriend and told her he loves her and values her but he’s “back in that mode” and “about to dial in.”

“She already knows the head space I’m about to get into — it’s about to be all about football,” Reed said. “I think when guys take it to that level, find their purpose so it’s even more deep and meaningful then things are going to transpire, and good things are going to happen.”

The Jets have confidence that quarterback Zach Wilson is going to take a big step in his second NFL season. Reed said Wilson has “an elite arm” and “looks like a proven quarterback.” The Jets have improved the offensive line and added skill-position players to help Wilson become the franchise quarterback they believe he can be.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Jets can’t wait to add edge rusher Carl Lawson, who missed last season with a ruptured Achilles, and rookie Jermaine Johnson to an already strong line. They also boosted the secondary with the additions of Reed, safety Jordan Whitehead and rookie corner Sauce Gardner.

“This defense can be spectacular,” fourth-year tackle Quinnen Williams said.

The Jets’ optimism is real. Mosley believes his teammates share in his belief that this team could make the playoffs.

“Yeah, I really do,” Mosley said. “You can just see how everybody’s just excited to be back. We got to make sure we take care of our bodies and make sure we compete and just stay in playbook and hope for the best.

“There’s always going to be ups and downs going into a season. There’s setbacks and drawbacks but all that builds character for each other when we’re trying to build something special.”

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.