The New York Jets have won two of their first three games after beating the New England Patriots. This early success puts them in second place behind the undefeated Buffalo Bills in the AFC East. While the Jets have a talented roster that can help them turn things around, having success in one crucial facet helps them to have a positive start this season.
NFL writer and insider Dov Kleiman shared that the Jets are leading the league in third-down conversions at 56.8 percent. New York’s AFC squad has been successful in 21 of 37 third-down attempts, which extends their drives and increases their scoring chances. The Jets failed to dominate this aspect last year, converting a league-worst 26 percent of their third-down chances.
Doing better with their third-down opportunities has improved the Jets scoring. Last year, they finished the regular season with the third-worst 15.8 points per game. This year, they rank 14th, averaging 22.3 per game.
Wild: The #Jets have converted a league-high 56.8% (21-of-37) of their third downs this season.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 24, 2024
In 2023, they converted a league-worst 26.0%.
The Aaron Rodgers effect pic.twitter.com/MzXFuvO9Ll
While the Jets have elite talent like Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, Aaron Rodgers’ presence uplifted the team’s offense in execution and swagger. The four-time NFL Most Valuable Player has completed a pass to ten different receivers through three games. More importantly, he has activated other receivers like Allen Lazard and tight-end Tyler Conklin.
Maintaining their success on third down could help Rodgers and the Jets end the franchise’s 14-year playoff drought. But before reaching that phase, they must first defeat the Denver Broncos in Week 4 at home.
-Lance Fernandez