New York Jets currently leading NFL
The Jets are off to an excellent start this year as they are currently leading the league with 5 wins and only one defeat. They rank fourth in terms of points scored and sixth best in terms of points allowed. Their rushing game is second best so far this
season while they ranked first last year and they are quite capable of stopping the run too. The Jets were the best defensive side in the league last year and this season too, they have been displaying their skills.
However, New York Jets started the season with a bit of disappointment. Their first opponents in the regular season were Baltimore Ravens and the Jets just fell behind them to lose their first game. When the season opened, the Jets’ traditionally strong
defence looked a bit flimsy. Baltimore stopped them for a total of 176 yards and gave a tough time while Ravens' quarterback, Joe Flacco passed 248 yards. Flacco and the wide receiver, Anquan Boldin seemed unstoppable. Jets' coach, Rex Ryan maintained that
the Jets were not at their best that day and as the season moved along, Ryan’s words would prove to be prophetic.
After losing 9 against 10 points to Baltimore Ravens, the Jets started off on their winning streak and haven’t lost a game since. Their AFC East record is 3-0-0.
The Jets were expected to rely on their defence to keep their opponents in check and pull out just enough from the offense to take wins. But as we have seen, Jets' offense has really kicked in and pulled through for them more than their defence has.
The quarterback, Mark Sanchez has shown some great improvement. In the six games so far, he not only set his career best but also matched it again in the next game. The Jets can rely both on their offense and defence and that is the reason why this year,
they are leading the league.
Ryan, true to his style and without a humble bone in his body, said that the 5-1 record shows that Jets are the best team in league right now. Ryan isn’t the kind of coach to settle for what the best his team can do. He wants to win and believes that Jets
can win. He has high expectations from the team and has told them that upfront. He added that at their best, the Jets can beat any team in the league.
The Jets' 5 games winning streak has given them confidence and faith in their coach’s words. Their top runner, LaDainian Tomlinson acknowledged, saying, “You build something during the regular season, so winning five straight — it is a big deal.” He added
that a team gains confidence and an understanding of what it takes to win even in tough situations from being on a winning streak.
Only last week against the Denver Broncos, the Jets’ winning streak came so close to ending. The Jets scored first in that game but the Broncos came back stronger. Broncos and Jets led alternatively but near the end of the 4th quarter, it was
the Broncos who had a 3 points lead. The touchdown that put the Jets in final lead didn’t come until one minute before the game came to a close. It was the Jets' offense as much as the mistakes on the part of Broncos that enabled Jets to score that touchdown.
46 yards pass interference penalty set up Tomlinson’s two yard touchdown that won the game for the Jets.
If the road so far was bumpy, what lies ahead is going to be even more difficult. The Jets have entered the bye week and when they come back, they would have the Green Bay Packers as their opponents.
It won’t be easy but if anyone can do it, its the Jets. They look all set to make waves in the off season. If only they can keep their poise and stay consistent. The picture would be clearer in the coming weeks.
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