This was expected to be a big season for the 2019 New York Jets. Gang Green retooled the roster in the off-season, and led by second-year quarterback Sam Darnold – they had their sights not just on the playoffs. No. They wanted to take over the city of New York.
The New York Giants were in disarray. The Buffalo Bills had a rather quiet off-season. With the flashy additions of halfback Le’Veon Bell and linebacker C.J. Mosley, it seemed as if it might actually be the year the Jets took over…
Until it wasn’t.
The 2019 New York Jets Need to Get Their Act Together
The Giants sit at 2-2, and more importantly, have won two straight since benching Eli Manning for rookie phenom Daniel Jones. Meanwhile, in Western New York, the Bills have stormed out of the gate to a 3-1 record. Despite a loss on Sunday to the New England Patriots, the Buffalo Bills are a legitimate playoff contender.
Not the 0-3 Jets.
Entering their Week 4 bye, the Jets have already lost starting linebacker Avery Williamson (ACL) and receiver Quincy Enunwa (neck) for the season. Enunwa’s replacement Demaryius Thomas has been dealing with hamstring issues. The franchise quarterback has been battling mono since before the opener and has missed every game since. Mosley’s groin injury three quarters into the season has left the defense a mess. The injuries to defensive lineman Quinnen Williams and edge rusher Jordan Jenkins have not made things easier.
The team’s supposed “offensive mastermind” head coach Adam Gase leads an offense that is 31st in scoring and last in yards per game. No team will win while averaging 3.4 yards per play.
Having a different starting quarterback each of the first three games does not help. In 2019, where backup quarterbacks have stepped up for numerous other teams, the Jets’ injuries are no excuse. Now, the team heads off to face the Philadelphia Eagles before the Dallas Cowboys and Patriots at home.
But what if the Jets woke up. What if it were possible to go on a miraculous run?
Imagine if everything started clicking after the bye week for Adam Gase’s team. Darnold plays Sunday against the Eagles. Demaryius Thomas becomes an impact player, and the offensive line suddenly plays effectively. The defense sees Mosley and other starters return too in time to face Carson Wentz and Jordan Howard.
The Eagles secondary is limping home after a win against the Green Bay Packers this past Thursday. With Darnold potentially returning, it’s time for Gase to take the training wheels off the offense, specifically receiver Robby Anderson. Given he is the teams best receiver, only 10 receptions for 115 yards is unacceptable through three games. Gase needs to work the ball his way. Primarily because it would allow Jamison Crowder to work underneath, and Bell to be a threat as a receiver out of the backfield. Additionally, the offensive line must block better in the run game. Through three games, Bell and Ty Montgomery combined for 193 yards rushing. Gase’s offense thrives off of an efficient run game and short passes, both which have not been working for this offense this season.
Gang Green needs to step up. Simple as that, because they have not played like an NFL team through the first three weeks. So far they have been on the same level – if not worse – than the Miami Dolphins. The Jets came into the season expecting to contend for a playoff spot, not a top-5 pick in April.
How can the Jets turn things around? It’s simple. Gase must march into the City of Brotherly Love and unleash his offense. Darnold must come back healthy and firing on all cylinders. The offensive line must protect Darnold and create holes for the run game. The defense needs to stop the run game, and maybe even get after the quarterback. At 0-3, there is no more room for error.
New York Jets, the time is now to wake up.
