The NFL standings suggest the Jets (2-6) are a bad team. The statistical rankings make the same claim, as the Jets rate 27th in …
The NFL standings suggest the Jets (2-6) are a bad team. The statistical rankings make the same claim, as the Jets rate 27th in points scored per game,24th in yards gained per game,32nd in points allowed per game and 32nd in yards allowed per game. But as the Jets get ready to take the field Sunday against the Bills at MetLife Stadium, allow me to challenge the notion this is “one bad team.” Rather, the Jets could be two teams — one that’s been horrendous on the road and one that’s been pretty good at home. Let’s look at those statistical categories again, focusing only on where the Jets rank in home games. Their record is 2-1. Their 22.3 points per game ranks 15th and 400.7 yards per game ranks seventh. Their 26.7 points allowed per game jumps to 23rd and 336 yards allowed per game is ninth. It makes sense. The Jets are a very young team with first-timers at head coach, both coordinators and quarterback. They have not been able to handle the onslaughts on the road, but at home these kids have been able to rally around small successes against the Titans and Bengals, and turn them into big wins. The Titans game came after a desultory 26-0 loss at Denver. The Bengals victory came after the 54-13 debacle at New England. Last week, the Jets’ defense was embarrassingly invisible in a 45-30 loss at Indianapolis. These are the same guys who had 10 sacks and a goal line stand against Ryan Tannehill and Joe Burrow. Yes, the Bills have solid statistics on the road and will be coming in angry off a 9-6 loss at Jacksonville.
