Todd Downing already achieved something the NY Jets haven't in 22 games
By Justin Fried
The NY Jets made the decision to switch offensive play-callers this past week, handing the reins of the offense over to passing game coordinator Todd Downing. Downing has been called upon to replace offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, and it's safe to say the experiment is already working.
The Jets' offense has come out firing to start Monday night's game against the Buffalo Bills, scoring on each of the team's first two drives. The team's 124 total yards over their first two drives are the most they've accumulated since the 2022 season.
Perhaps even more remarkably, Aaron Rodgers' touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson was the Jets' first first-quarter touchdown in their last 22 games. Downing's offense is cooking as the Jets lead 10-7 over their division rivals.
Todd Downing has the NY Jets offense firing on all cylinders
The Jets enter Monday night's game in a battle for first place in the AFC East. A win over the Bills would catapult the Jets to first in the division beyond the month of September for the first time since the 2010 season.
The Jeff Ulbrich era is off to a hot start, but it's really Downing's offense that has impressed. The Jets are implementing more motion, more play action, and getting the call in quicker, allowing the offense to be more dynamic and unpredictable.
The result has been more open running lanes for Breece Hall, who has looked the best he has all season tonight. The offense hasn't been perfect, of course. Drops and unforced errors continue to haunt the Jets.
But the process has been better. The Jets are prioritizing getting the ball out quickly to their playmakers and have been able to run the football better than in recent weeks.
The Todd Downing era is off to a good start in East Rutherford. Jets fans are certainly hoping this trend continues.