The New York Giants and New York Jets put together stellar seasons in 2020, winning their divisions and earning Wild Card playoff berths. Fans of both teams are rightfully ecstatic, with the Jets making their first playoff appearance in ten years and the Giants winning their first division title since 2011. But how did they manage to be so successful? Let’s take a look at what contributed to their success this season.
The Giants’ Improved Defense
The Giants had one of the most improved defenses in the NFL this season. They added several key pieces in free agency, including edge rusher Leonard Williams, safety Jabrill Peppers, and cornerbacks James Bradberry and Logan Ryan. The group worked together to form a cohesive unit that could make stops when needed.
The Giants also made a smart move by selecting linebacker Isaiah Simmons in the first round of the draft, who proved to be one of the most important players on the team. He was instrumental in stopping the run and provided a jolt of energy to the defense when needed.
The Jets’ Young Playmakers
The Jets had a young core of playmakers who were able to make plays when needed. They had a pair of rookie receivers – Denzel Mims and Jamison Crowder – who emerged as reliable targets for veteran quarterback Sam Darnold. Mims was the team’s top receiver this season, hauling in 59 catches for 714 yards and eight touchdowns.
Second-year running back Le’Veon Bell had a nice bounce-back season as well, averaging 4.3 yards per carry while scoring nine total touchdowns. He was a reliable workhorse for the Jets offense, even when the run game wasn’t always productive.
Coaching Staffs
Both teams also had impressive coaching staffs in 2020. Joe Judge and Adam Gase took their respective teams in different directions and made a difference. Judge and his staff developed a culture of hard work and accountability, which led to the team’s success. Gase was often criticized for his decisions, but he managed to get the team to rally around him and he got the most out of his players.
The Proven Veteran
Veteran leadership was also important for both teams. On the Giants, 38-year-old quarterback Eli Manning showed he still had something left in the tank, throwing for 3,141 yards and 13 touchdowns in his final season. On the Jets, Darnold proved his worth, throwing for a career-high in yards and touchdowns and becoming a better leader in the huddle.
Turnovers and Penalties
The Giants and Jets both excelled in one key area: limiting turnovers and penalties. Neither team gave the ball away very often and both teams did a great job of avoiding flags. The Giants, in particular, had the fewest penalties in the league and only turned the ball over 17 times, good for third-fewest in the NFL.
Overall, the Giants and Jets had impressive seasons, and there were many factors that contributed to their success. Between their improved defenses, young core of playmakers, experienced veteran leaders, and ability to limit turnovers and penalties, both teams had the perfect recipe for success. Here’s to hoping both teams can carry their momentum into the playoffs and beyond.
