3 things the NY Jets must fix after the bye week

It’s been an impressive 3-3 start for the NY Jets, who responded very well to a disappointing start. After losing Aaron Rodgers to an Achilles injury, the team started just 1-3.

However, after wins over the Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles, the Jets have some momentum heading into the bye week at 3-3 with a much easier schedule for the rest of the year.

Through the first six weeks, there have been some positives and negatives as the team adjusts to a new playing style and finds what works and what doesn’t. Below are three things the Jets must fix after the bye week if they are to be successful the rest of the season. 

1. Red-zone efficiency

The Jets' offense has slowly improved during the year, looking like a legitimate offense the last three weeks. After struggling to score against the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots, they have scored 20 or more each of the last three weeks. 

It should have been even more. 

The offense has actually moved the ball well, totaling 277 yards per game and rushing for over 117 yards per game, good for 13th in the NFL. They’ve averaged well over 300 yards per game the last three weeks, indicative of a team ascending offensively. 

It hasn’t all been good, though, from the offense. The team is currently ranked 31st in the NFL in red-zone efficiency, ahead of only the Pittsburgh Steelers.

They are scoring touchdowns on just 29% of their red zone trips and only 25% in their last three games. In the game against Denver that ended in a 31-20 win, the team was forced to kick four field goals in the red zone. 

The game was much closer than it ever should have been, as just 50% efficiency there would have led the Jets to a 39-20 win instead of a game that was decided by a late scoop and score touchdown by Bryce Hall. 

Against the Eagles, the Jets settled for four field goals inside the 25 yard-line before finally scoring a touchdown late when the Eagles allowed them to score. 

The bottom line is this: the team must get better at finding the endzone on their red zone opportunities. Scoring touchdowns instead of field goals can give them leads early in the game and allow the defense to really flourish. Plus, it provides momentum for the offense. This must be addressed and fixed during the bye week.