A few months ago, who would’ve thought the New York Jets would be 6-3 and just half a game out of first place in the AFC East by Week 10?
Well, it has happened.
They have done so despite not exactly having an elite quarterback and ranking in the bottom half of the NFL in several key offensive categories.
Instead, New York has been getting the job done in a unique way, and these have been arguably the two biggest factors in its success.
1. Garrett Wilson
The Jets only rank 19th in passing touchdowns and 20th in passing yards, so at first glance, it may seem they don’t have any standout wide receivers.
But they actually do have one in Garrett Wilson.
The rookie has accumulated 521 yards and two touchdowns through nine games, and he has emerged as starting quarterback Zach Wilson’s favorite target.
In fact, Garrett Wilson has accounted for half of Zach Wilson’s touchdown passes this year.
Garrett Wilson putting some smooth moves on display in his NFL debut. pic.twitter.com/ckE4CiCXMF
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) September 11, 2022
When combined with productive running backs such as Michael Carter and Breece Hall, the Jets have something to build around on offense.
2. New York’s Secondary
Could it be that the Jets have one of the league’s best cornerback duos?
DJ Reed and rookie Sauce Gardner have helped the team rank third in passing touchdowns allowed, seventh in total yards allowed, and eighth in points allowed.
Reed has seven passes defended while Gardner leads everyone in the league with 13, and they’ve combined for three interceptions and four tackles for loss.
Defense is the key to winning championships, and it has allowed the Jets to win, even against Super Bowl contenders such as the Buffalo Bills, who beat last Sunday, even while they’re figuring things out on the offensive side of the football.
