Jets' up-and-down start to 2026 defies all offseason logic

While many expected Aaron Glenn and the New York Jets to start the 2026 season off 1-3, the way in which they have done so has been so bizarre that it has left many who analyzed this team in the preseason wondering how this roster has turned out like this.

Those taking stock of this new-look Jets roster envisioned a team that would be able to get after the quarterback on defense and lean on a strong running game on offense. These strengths would theoretically cancel out poor run defense on the edges, a patchwork secondary full of below-par players, and a limited passing game overseen by Geno Smith.

Instead, the Jets have completely inverted those preseason expectations. The defense has been able to keep the opposing passing game under wraps, and Smith has been an efficient, productive passer. The pass rush and running game, however, have severely underperformed.

The New York Jets have looked like the exact opposite of what many fans expected in 2026

Smith coming to town after a disastrous stint with the Las Vegas Raiders had many worried about the passing game, but in three of the four starts he's put on film, he's uncorked some big throws and played well. He may even play himself into a role in 2027 as a bridge quarterback.

Glenn's decision to play more zone coverage than ever before in his career has greatly benefited his secondary. Azareye'h Thomas and Brandon Stephens look solid at the outside cornerback spots, and the safety combo of Minkah Fitzpatrick and Dane Belton might be the best unit on the team this year.

In the offseason, the biggest concern with the Jets' edge room was their inability to defend the run. Will McDonald IV has evolved from unplayable to simply below-average in that area, while No. 2 pick David Bailey has actually been quite impressive in that aspect. What were supposed to be the pain points are actually areas of strength.

The New York Jets aren't the ground-and-pound offense many thought they would be

On the other hand, where is the Jets team fans were promised? Wasn't Breece Hall supposed to show everyone what an elite running back he was after signing his three-year contract? Instead, he's regressed and gotten injured. The offensive line, while good overall, has struggled at times.

The defensive line was meant to be the strength of this team, but this is now the second year in a row where the pass rush has been completely invisible. Bailey seems like the only one with a pulse on that line when it is time to rush, and he hasn't been perfect. The lack of havoc is once again leading to a lack of turnovers.

The Jets are a better team than last year despite the record, but they have done so in a way that has been so unexpected that it has thrown many of the offseason predictions completely out of whack. If the Jets are in an expectation-defying mood, maybe they can also win some games.

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