Are The Jets Back?

Tyler Stearns |

The New York Jets have had a disappointing season. However, after defeating the Texans 21-13 on Thursday Night Football, they may have a chance to turn their year around.

New York Jets versus Houston Texans, Via Gang Green Nation

Aaron Rodgers got off to a slow start, but the offense began to click after they got Breece going in the run game. And their offense was given some cushion because of how great the defense played. The defense sacked CJ Stroud eight times and limited him in the passing game. They played poorly against the run, but it didn't matter, because the Texans' pass protection wasn't good enough to stop the feisty New York defensive line. Haason Reddick offered great speed and strength off the edge, and Quinnen Williams was able to create push through the A gaps. The secondary was strong too, though Sauce Gardner's tackling was a bit suspect at times, even though his coverage was great as always.

The offense for the Jets, as aforementioned, got off to a poor start. But aided by the chances given to them by their defense, Rodgers was able to get in a rhythm with his two-star receivers. And the run game was able to break a few key runs when they needed to. The red zone offense was good, especially in the second half, but what was most important for their second-half success was their play-action game. After running well with Breece early, they were able to incorporate quick play-action passes that got Rodgers into a groove. The first touchdown of the game came off of one of those quick passes, where Garret Wilson made his first one-handed catch of the night. And as the game went on, the Texans' pass rush was subdued, allowing Rodgers to sit back, read the defense, and make good passes. His ability to escape the pocket and make throws on the run was apparent too, which means that his ankle is feeling better. But what Jets fans should be most excited about is how Garret Wilson and Davante Adams were able to both get over 75 yards receiving with a touchdown each. Rodgers was able to find each of them without having to shut down the production of the other.

The Jets have a very favorable schedule going into the playoffs. Assuming they make a trade for an offensive lineman at the deadline, they will likely be favored in over 50% of their remaining schedule. Aside from the Bills, they only play teams at or below .500. That is exactly where you want to be if your record is bad. They are a good team with good players, but the issue has been coaching. But after proving they can bounce back and win even in a game where their fans were booing them, that is a sign of a positive culture shift that was in massive need for New York. If they can go on a streak, they will make the playoffs. But their margin for error is slim, as they can't lose more than one or two games (though it will be tough to make the playoffs if their final record is 9-8 as compared to 10-7).