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New York Jets
Overall: 116
Title track: 108
Ownership: 99
Coaching: 82
Players: 104
Fan relations: 111
Affordability: 114
Stadium experience: 107
Bang for the buck: 111
Change from last year: -3
For years, the Jets have defied explanation. Accordingly, so do some of their long-suffering fans' survey responses.
What's good
After four consecutive years out of the playoffs, the Jets decided to part ways with their biggest asset -- coach Rex Ryan, whose XXXL personality raised the profile of the team and put it on the back pages of New York's tabloids. Truth be told, Ryan's act had grown stale, and the Jets rightly decided it was time for a change. He was replaced by the anti-Ryan, Todd Bowles, a man of few sound bites. Bowles seems to have connected with the fan base, which craved substance over style after six years of Ryan's bluster. But as of July, when our voting took place, fans were taking a wait-and-see attitude. Before Ryan's last season, the Jets' coaching ranked 44th; at the start of this season, it was 82nd. (Yes, that's the Jets' best showing in these rankings.)
What's bad
The Jets play in the same stadium as the Giants, yet they ranked lower in affordability (114 vs. 109), fan relations (111 vs. 77) and stadium experience (107 vs. 92). How do you figure that? Especially when the average ticket is actually cheaper than that of the Giants ($105.66 versus $111.69)! Maybe it's a matter of less satisfied customers. The Jets are trying to improve: They introduced a rewards program last year for season-ticket holders, who can accumulate points by attending games. The points can be redeemed for unconventional prizes such as flying on the team charter or hanging out with Jets legends. Of course, critics say the Jets are just ringing bells and blowing whistles -- fans would probably prefer a rewards program that came with more victories or a trip to the postseason.
What's new
After two years of pinching their salary-cap pennies, the Jets unveiled a new regime and a new philosophy in 2015. They raised the excitement level of a demoralized fan base by spending money -- big money -- to sign high-profile players, including an old favorite, Darrelle Revis. (Curiously, though, Jets fans ranked their players 100th last season, 104th this year.) New general manager Mike Maccagnan, hired to replace the unpopular John Idzik, arrived with a fresh and aggressive approach, showing that the organization isn't simply waiting for Tom Brady to retire before it gets serious about winning. Maccagnan skipped the rebuilding stage, exercising a win-now mentality. Will it work? Nobody knows, but at least they have a pulse.
Next: Tennessee Titans | Full rankings