Why the New York Jets are a legitimate playoff contender
Six weeks into the NFL season, the New York Jets have a record of 4-2 and are ranked fourth in the AFC. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Some of us predicted New York to have a stellar season alongside established teams like the Buffalo Bills. Now that the 2022 campaign has progressed, it’s time to take a look at why the Jets are winning. Here are five factors that have contributed to their success:
#1 - Great quarterback play from Zach WIlson
The Jets had some turbulence at the quarterback position to start the year. Veteran Joe Flacco was under center for the first three games of the season. he pulled off a miraculous comeback against the Cleveland Browns, but other than that, Flacco couldn’t do much to help New York.
Zach Wilson made an immediate impact in his first game back from injury against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although he was quiet for the majority of the game, he came alive in the fourth quarter. Wilson was the spearhead of an amazing winning drive. He had a receiving touchdown versus the Steelers and a rushing touchdown the following week against the Miami Dolphins. New York operates a run-based offense, but Wilson’s mobility and awareness have given the offensive line a chance to settle down after a jumbled start to the season.
#2 - The Jets' rookies are shining on both sides of the ball
Rookies have been the defining aspect of the Jets’ season thus far. Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson have led the charge on offense, and Ahmad 'Sauce' Gardner has been sensational on defense. Garrett Wilson had the game-winning catch against the Browns, and Breece Hall has a total of 609 yards and four touchdowns through six games. Sauce Gardner has an interception and is on watch for already being an elite cornerback in the NFL.
New York have serious contenders for Offensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year. Their confident, dazzling style of play gives the fans of Gang Green something to be excited about for many years to come
#3 - The whole roster has stepped up their game
Several standout players have not gotten as much attention as the breakout rookies. These players have been vital to New York’s success, yet somehow fly under the radar in terms of national recognition.
Speedster Braxton Berrios has three touchdowns and is an exciting yet reliable kick and punt returner. Veteran C.J. Mosley is the beating heart of the New York defense and is a dominant presence on the field. Brothers Quinnen and Quincy Williams are totally disruptive on the defensive side of the ball, consistently getting to opponents’ quarterbacks and stopping the run game.
Greg 'The Leg' Zuerlein has been a trustworthy kicker, and Alijah Vera-Tucker has been one of the most important pieces of this Jets team. He's played fantastic football no matter what position he’s been switched to.
#4 - HC Robert Saleh has created a winning culture
All these great playmakers have found a way to gel under head coach Robert Saleh’s leadership. The Jets have a new culture now. The final stage of the rebuild is at hand - winning games.
Gone are the days of starting strong and melting down in the third quarter. Gone are the days of being dominated from start to finish. New York finally seems to have the right roster and the right head coach to make this franchise a threat in the postseason. This team has the potential to be a playoff contender, and with Saleh’s guidance and the ongoing process of acquiring and maintaining talent, New York will be a consistently great team in the NFL.
#5 - The Jets are loving the underdog tag
If you missed my warning that this team would be good, hear me now. People have written off New York for many years and that has continued into this season. This underestimation has cost several teams already this campaign and will be a theme throughout the season. Expect more statement wins like the victory over Green Bay last week.
This coming Sunday, New York will travel to take on the Denver Broncos, a game that will likely result in an away win. The Denver offense is at a complete standstill, and even though the Broncos defense is stacked, the New York ground game will continue to pick up steam and carry New York to a 5-2 record.