NFL Power Rankings: October Edition finds LA Rams rising
By Bret Stuter
32. New York Jets
The New York Jets are caught in the crossroads of wanting to become a playoff contender but stuck in a loop of trying to do that despite the incompatibility of the front office, the head coach, and the roster.
2020 Summary
After four games, the Jets are 0-4 and many are asking not if, but when head coach Adam Gase will be fired. The Jets are not a good team right now. They are dead last in yardage gained by their offense after four games and 18th-ranked in yardage allowed by their defense. Translated into points, the Jets offense is ranked 31st with just 16.3 points per game, while 30th-ranked in defense by allowing 32.8 points per game.
The Jets continue to operate under the premise that quarterback Sam Darnold just needs more help to turn it around. And each off-season, we read that the Jets have indeed finally placed Darnold into a position to win this year. But where the ball is snapped, Darnold continues to flail, look lost, and struggle.
2020 Outlook
Now let’s look at the rest of the season? There is always 2021. The Jets could mail in their season, dangle Darnold on the trade block while he retains some value, and aim at the 2021 NFL Draft and Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence who is a much more refined quarterback.
The Jets could convert the return from Darnold into investing in their offensive line. Clearly this is not working, and each year New York fans must be tortured into hopeful optimism, only to be ripped apart.