Through six weeks, the Jets–at the very least–have proven themselves as the best NFL team in New York. The Giants, at 1-5, are plagued by the inadequate Eli Manning, who is a shell of the Super Bowl MVP he once was. Saquon Barkley may be a generational talent, but Manning’s unwillingness to throw deep limits the Giants’ offense and makes them predictable to opposing defenses. The Bills, at 2-4, will have to play Derek Anderson (who was benched for Nathan Peterman–yikes) until Josh Allen returns. While the Bills have been stronger defensively than many realize, their offensive struggles will hold them back. The Jets, at 3-3, possess potential unlike any other New York team.
Isaiah Crowell totals 219 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Broncos (Via Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
With Sam Darnold, Gang Green has already scored 40 points twice; the last time the Jets had two 40-point games in a season was with Brett Favre in 2008. Offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates has challenged Darnold by opening up the playbook, and the rookie has exceeded expectations. Over the past two weeks Gang Green has scored 76 points, led by Sam Darnold with 5 TDs to 2 INTs. To place Darnold’s performances into perspective, Pro Football Focus attributed Darnold a 89.1 QB grade during these two weeks–a rating only topped by Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Darnold’s numbers should fall back down to earth, but fans should be excited at the production from the offense.
The Jets face a tough Vikings team at Metflife this Sunday. This game will show spectators the true character of this team; if the Jets finish their three-game home stretch with three victories, then playoffs become a closer possibility than many predicted during the offseason. Adam Thielen leads all wide receivers in receptions at 58 and recieving yards 712; needless to say, he will pose threat to a Jets’ secondary lacking Trumaine Johnson, Marcus Maye, and Buster Skrine. However, Sam Darnold gives hope that the Jets can get aggressive and compete offensively. The potential for an upset may be more likely than people think.
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