New York Jets: Behind Enemy Lines

It is widely known just how dysfunctional of a team the New York Jets are. Some of that is due to coaching, and other parts are because of horrid roster construction. The effort of some players have been marginalized. Those that have been lucky to receive their exodus, have mostly gone on to thrive for other teams. On the other hand, this team is starting to get healthy and the Kansas City Chiefs aren’t taking them for granted. All week, coaches and players have been quick to mention that the Jets will still provide a challenge. That remains to be seen. Before then, we will get to know this week’s Chiefs’ opponent. From behind enemy lines, here is our view of the New York Jets.

All Alone

Ever since 2018 first round pick Sam Darnold was drafted, the Jets have done next to nothing in placing him in an environment to succeed. Darnold has seen a revolving door of blockers come and go in front of him, year after year. Meanwhile, his best option to throw to consistently was Robby Anderson. Unfortunately for Darnold, good defenses would figure out to eliminate him from the game plan. And Anderson was one of the many that were fed up with head coach Adam Gase last season. As a result, he left in free agency this past offseason.

The first and only draft pick spent on a wide receiver since Darnold has been QB, happened this past April. Baylor’s Denzel Mims was considered somewhat of a steal in round two. However, injuries have sidelined him throughout much of the season and Mims has only appeared in one game. Other receivers like Breshad Perriman and Jamison Crowder have also been banged up.

Overall, this was a make or break season for Darnold. It’s safe to say that he has not been able to make any improvement so far. And now, the New York Jets look like a shoo-in to “earn” the number one overall pick in 2021. Due to his own tendencies, and lack of support, Darnold could very likely become a quick flameout with New York. Against the Chiefs this Sunday, Darnold will enter the matchup known to be hesitant. His lack of taking chances and inaccurate throws, combine to set the Jets back. Elsewhere, there has been a lack of pace for the offense.

Dead Last

For more on this New York Jets offense, or lack thereof, we see that they rank dead last in almost every category. Their 85 points scored is a good 30 points less than the team that is second to last. In seven games, New York has only managed seven touchdowns scored on the season (four passing, three rushing). Other areas where the Jets are in last offensively, includes total yards, first downs, passing yards, net yards per pass attempt and scoring percentage.

With Kansas City coming off of two dominant defensive games, the Jets are going to have to come in with a different game plan. Trying to be much more balanced in their attack may help. But of course, you have to be able to score in bunches against the Chiefs. That is something the New York Jets do not feel capable of doing.

Mixed Bag

Watching the New York Jets defense is a little bit tough to analyze. At some moments, their pass coverage appears to do a fair job of reading routes and playing the football. Other times, they can be bested by the simplest route concepts. Trading away disgruntled safety Jamal Adams in the offseason took away some of that communication and leadership on the backend.

Their run defense is actually been somewhat meaningful. Though if it was not for linebackers Avery Williamson, Neville Hewitt and sometimes Blake Cashman, it could be a lot worse.

The part of the game where the New York Jets defense has really struggled? Generating a pass rush. This seems like a long lasting problem, that has carried over for far too long. In categories like sacks, hurries, hurry percentage, pressures and pressure percentage the Jets rank in the bottom ten of the league. The problem is, no players have consistently answered the bell. Or, certain mainstays have been given the short end of the stick from the coaching staff. Oh and also, the New York Jets’ 76 missed tackles is by far the most in the NFL. Kansas City’s speed may create even more of those on Sunday.

Be on the lookout for the Kansas City Chiefs vs New York Jets game preview article and podcast episode from FPC Chiefs. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9 //platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs //platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.