The start of a new year marks a good time to start making resolutions to improve yourself. That mentality should apply to sports teams as well, especially in the New York area since none of our teams in the four major leagues have won a championship since the Giants toppled the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI. There is always room to improve so we're going to offer some suggestions for how each team can plan to make 2022 a great year.
New York Mets
The Mets ended 2021 on a strong note and look poised to become the favorite in the National League East. A good resolution here would be to continue changing the culture of an organization that had become too toxic over the years.
New York Yankees
The Yankees need to resolve to open up the checkbook and exceed the luxury tax to make a big splash like adding Carlos Correa to the mix. Simply running back last year's team and hoping for a different result is not acceptable.
New York Knicks
This resolution applies primarily to James Dolan and it is to not overreact to this season's results. A decline from fourth place in the East was expected but Leon Rose has earned the right to build this team into a contender without interference from Dolan.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets have now made their bed by backing down to Kyrie Irving's part-time status but they have to resolve to not let the situation become a distraction. Irving can be an asset to the team's playoff push but constant questions about his vaccine status will drain the Nets' focus if they aren't careful.
New York Rangers
Dolan blew up a rebuilding plan by firing his front office last year so he should also demonstrate patience if this team doesn't advance in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Rangers have built enough of a cushion that they should be able to get out of the Metro but advancing in that meat grinder is a tough task so panic isn't necessary if the season ends with a first-round loss.
New Jersey Devils
The Devils need to resolve to show legitimate progress by the end of the season. There is an opportunity for advancement in the Metro as teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals age into decline so New Jersey needs to be ready to challenge for a postseason spot soon.
New York Islanders
The Islanders need to resolve to improve the fan experience getting to UBS Arena. The parking situation is a disaster that needs to be fixed immediately since the LIRR extension won't be ready for a while.
New York Jets
The resolution for the Jets is to build on a solid finish to 2021 and make a huge push to add to the roster this offseason with an aim at playoff contention in 2022. The Jets haven't made the postseason in 11 years and there is enough parity in the NFL that a good offseason should have this team in the hunt by the time December rolls around.
New York Giants
This one is the least likely to happen but the Giants really need to back up the truck on this team. Dave Gettleman is likely retiring after the season but John Mara also needs to send Joe Judge out the door with an eye towards bringing in an external candidate with the autonomy to completely rebuild a franchise that needs an overhaul in the worst way.