When a misread play, turnover, or a blown fourth-quarter lead occurs, it is common for football fans to yell out the phrase “Same Old Jets” when something is related to the New York Jets. 

However, through the team’s first three games of 2026, it is very apparent that these Jets are not the same old Jets. 

It is not crazy to say the Jets could have started the season 3-0. 

Unfortunately, they sit at 1-2, but it is a MUCH stronger 1-2 than people expected.

Week 1 

The team’s Week 1 win over a very weak Robert Saleh-led Titans squad was expected, but the way the Jets dominated the game was encouraging. 

When can you remember a game where the Jets looked in control for the entire 60 minutes? 

Sure, the sloppy play and high number of flags were nothing new, but the team was on offense for THIRTY-EIGHT minutes. 

The offensive line looked strong, not giving up a single sack and only letting Geno Smith get hit once, while Breece Hall and Braelon Allen combined for 142 rushing yards and a touchdown. 

In addition, Geno Smith looked very good, completing 19 of his 24 throws for 215 yards. 

He developed strong chemistry with Garrett Wilson (6-79-0), Adonai Mitchell (3-60-0), and found Omar Cooper Jr. for a 30-yard gain.

The defense was phenomenal, as they only gave up 208 total scrimmage yards, while sacking Cam Ward 3 times, forcing 2 fumbles, and hitting Ward 5 other times. 

No. 2 overall pick David Bailey shined, as he recorded his first career sack, TFL, and QB hit in the performance. 

Week 2 

In a very sloppy and rainy afternoon at MetLife Stadium, the Jets blew a 17-7 lead in the fourth quarter and unfortunately ended up losing 20-17 in overtime. 

Aaron Glenn had some questionable (yet sensible) decisions in this game, including going for it on 4th-and-1 at midfield in the fourth quarter, and then letting the clock run out in the final minute instead of calling a timeout and giving the Jets one last opportunity. 

In addition, the Jets were very sloppy and undisciplined, as they were penalized 13 times for 156 yards, Isaiah Williams muffed several punts, and the play-calls were inconsistent at best. 

Gang Green’s defense neutralized Jordan Love for the majority of the game (9/17, 65 yards through 3 quarters), but great special teams and defense from Green Bay hurt the Jets late. 

Geno Smith was solid again, as Garrett Wilson (5-57-1), Adonai Mitchell (6-62-0), and Isaiah Williams (6-34-0) all contributed. 

Breece Hall and the run game struggled significantly on the ground (2.5 yards per carry), but Hall made up for it with 5 catches and 63 receiving yards. 

This was definitely a game that the Jets should want back, as they controlled possession for 37 minutes and simply outplayed the Packers. 

Week 3 

In a game that was a good test for the Jets offense, they delivered and managed to stay close against one of the best offenses in football, the Detroit Lions. 

Geno Smith was phenomenal, completing 31 of his 37 passes (84%) for 321 yards and 3 touchdowns, while losing a fumble. 

Garrett Wilson (10-107-1) continued his red-hot start to the season, while Kenyon Sadiq (7-105-1) stepped up and delivered a breakout game with the Jets missing several key receivers. 

Jeremy Ruckert (5-39-1) also had a strong game, while Breece Hall struggled again on the ground (13-32), but provided 23 receiving yards.

Unfortunately, Hall hurt his thigh in the fourth quarter, which means he’ll likely miss this week’s game against the Chicago Bears. 

The defense unsurprisingly struggled, as Jahmyr Gibbs went nuclear, scoring 3 touchdowns and recording 165 scrimmage yards. 

A good thing is that the team limited Amon-Ra St. Brown, as he only caught 4 passes for 19 yards and a touchdown. 

Another positive note is that the team was only penalized 4 times for 30 yards, which is a sign that the discipline is beginning to improve. 

In general, fans have to be happy. 

This is definitely progress for the Jets, and they have looked AND played like a competent football team.