ArDarius Stewart could be x-factor the Jets offense needs

Wide receiver ArDarius Stewart hasn’t made much of an impact with the New York Jets at all this season. All that is about to change as he’s going to be given more reps and could very well be the x-factor this offense needs to continue pushing the envelope.

When it comes to the offense of the New York Jets, their offense has been good but inconsistent. Don’t let their huge Week 9 win over the Buffalo Bills fool you, the Jets offense tends to give up game-killing interceptions and tends to go three and out more often than not.

Hopefully, they’ll allow their rushing attack to continue thriving since it’s a proven method of attack that actually works. When it comes to their passing game, quarterback Josh McCown is accurate and a leader among men, but the receiving corps of the Jets still is a work in progress.

Robby Anderson has turned into a real stud at wide receiver but he can’t do it alone. Unfortunately for the Jets, wide receiver Jeremy Kerley will be suspended the next four games due to violating the NFL’s policy on using player enhancing drugs. As always in football, it’s the next man up as wide receiver ArDarius Stewart will now be given more opportunities to show what he can do on offense.

Head coach Todd Bowles recently spoke to the media following practice this week and spoke about the depth chart at wide receiver with Kerley officially being suspended by the NFL. Here’s what he said courtesy of the Media Relations Department of the Jets:

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On Chad Hansen seemingly filling in for Kerley and if Hansen has surpassed ArDarius Stewart on the depth chart…

Specific situational roles that (Hansen) has to play. He has not passed ArDarius on the depth chart, but we have different gymnastics at certain positions that fit him.

Despite being small in size (5’11” and 2014lbs.), Stewart is a physical wide receiver that isn’t afraid to go up against big defenders and go the distance to keep those chains moving. He’s still developing as a complete wide receiver but for the past few months, has been working hard in practice and learning from the sidelines.

So far this season, Stewart has only totaled 36 receiving yards, four receptions, and has yet to score a touchdown in his rookie season with the Jets but mind you, he was limited due to the crowded situation at wide receiver. Hopefully, the Alabama product will take the increased opportunities coming his way and go the distance with them at a time where the Jets need another top receiver to complement Anderson.

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In his collegiate career at Alabama, Stewart totaled 1,713 yards, 129 receptions, and 12 touchdowns. While not known for scoring a lot of touchdowns, if he can bring that speed and solid route-running to the table, he could easily bring a much-needed jolt to the wide receiver corps of the Jets besides Anderson being the only legitimate threat. Stewart has the potential to be an x-factor as now it’s just a matter of the Jets using him to his strengths as a slot receiver and especially on deep passing plays.