The New York Jets are an American professional football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey. They play in the National Football League (NFL) as part of the American Football Conference (AFC) East division. The team was founded as part of the American Football League (AFL) in 1960 and joined the NFL in the following year. The Jets have been striving to bring greatness to their fans since the start of their franchise.
The team has a rich history of success, including having won the championship game in Super Bowl III against the Baltimore Colts. They also hold the distinction of having the longest odds to win a championship game when they beat the Colts in 1969. The team has had many great players, such as Joe Namath, Curtis Martin, Wayne Chrebet, and LaVerneous Coles, whose talents have made the Jets an iconic franchise.
The New York Jets have experienced some success in recent years, making the playoffs in 2015, 2016, and 2018, but have yet to make it to the Super Bowl. This once proud franchise is determined to bring their fans another championship and are hoping to do so soon. To that end, here is a look at the team’s history, current roster and potential keys to success to make the Jets NFL championship contenders.
History of the New York Jets
The New York Jets have a long history that dates back to the beginnings of professional football. Founded as part of the upstart American Football League (AFL) in 1960, the team, known as the Titans of New York at the time, moved to Shea Stadium in Queens, New York in 1964 and was renamed the Jets.
The Jets quickly established themselves as one of the league’s best teams and earned their first trip to the AFL Championship game at the end of the 1968 season. During this time, their quarterback, Joe Namath, became one of the league’s most iconic players after famously guaranteeing a Jets win in Super Bowl III and then delivering on that promise by defeating the Baltimore Colts by a score of 16-7.
The Jets continued their success in the 1970s and 80s making four playoff appearances, reaching the AFC Championship game twice, and winning their first division title in the 1982 season.
However, since the 1990s the team has struggled to maintain success and have only made the playoffs five times in the past two decades, and have yet to reach the Super Bowl. The team has been searching for a new identity and is looking to the future in hopes of reclaiming their place as a top-tier football team and a contender for the Super Bowl.
Current Roster
The New York Jets are led by their three-time Pro Bowl-winning quarterback, Sam Darnold, on the offensive side of the ball. Darnold has yet to take his team to the playoffs, but the Jets are hopeful he can be the one to lead them there.
In addition to Darnold, the Jets have a young and talented group of wide receivers. The group is led by Pro-Bowl- deserving speedster Robby Anderson and is rounded out by the hard-nosed Chris Hogan and vertical threat, Jamison Crowder.
On the other side of the ball, the Jets feature an impressive defensive line, notably anchored by Leonard Williams and rookie Quinnen Williams. The group is rounded out by Steve McLendon and Nathan Shepherd, a pair of tackles that can provide some support against the run.
The Jets also boast a formidable secondary led by Trumaine Johnson and Morris Claiborne. Both are experienced veterans who can provide stability in the back end of the defense.
The team is rounded out by their special teams unit, which has been among the league’s best. It is highlighted by punter Lachlan Edwards, who has been one of the league’s most consistent punters, and Jason Myers, who is coming off of a Pro Bowl season in 2018.
Potential Keys to Success:
The New York Jets have all the tools necessary to be a contender in the NFL and it will be up to their coaches and personnel to put the pieces together in order to bring the franchise back to greatness. Here are some potential keys to success for the team in 2020 and beyond.
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Utilize their Offensive Weapons: The Jets have an impressive group of offensive weapons, from the talented Sam Darnold at quarterback to the speed-laden receivers. The key for the Jets is to make sure the team utilizes these talents, both on the ground and in the air, to their full potential.
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Establish the Run Game: Running the ball is a key factor in success in the NFL and the Jets have the talent to do so. With an offensive line anchored by veterans Ryan Kalil and Kelvin Beachum, the Jets should be able to create lanes and set up their run game.
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Utilize a Relentless Defensive Front: The Jets feature a powerful defensive line, led by Leonard Williams and Quinnen Williams, that can create pressure and disrupt quarterbacks and running backs. The team’s secondary also has the talent to hold up in coverage and make it difficult for opposing teams to make big plays.
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Improve Turnover Differential: Turnover differential can be a huge factor for teams looking to make a run for the playoffs and the Jets are no exception. The team must do a better job of protecting the ball and forcing mistakes from their opponents in order to make it to the big dance.
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Bolster Leadership: The Jets are a young and relatively inexperienced team and need strong veteran presence to lead them to success. The team recently acquired running back Le’Veon Bell and he has the ability to be this leader for the franchise. They also have veterans Paul Worrilow, Ryan Kalil, and Jamal Adams, who will help provide some much-needed guidance and experience to the team.
The New York Jets are determined to make their fans proud and bring them back another championship. The team has a talented roster, with some excellent young players, and are looking to figure out the right keys to success that can launch them into the playoffs and beyond. The team’s history is rich and the Jets’ future looks bright and the team is determined to make the most of their opportunities. Good luck to the entire Jets organization and Jet fans everywhere, let’s all hope that 2020 will be the year of greatness for the New York Jets.
