New York Football Teams Put the League on Notice
Michael Siehienczuk
Staff Writer
After seven weeks of football, both New York football teams have a combined record of 11-3. This is a rare occurrence for New York Football teams in recent years. The Jets, have been called the laughing stock of the league, are usually at the bottom of the barrel fighting for a top draft pick year after year, and the Giants are usually stuck in mediocrity, never quite developing a clear identity. But now seven weeks into the season the Jets and Giants are showing the league they are not the same teams of the past, they are for real.
The Jets are coming in at 5-2 while riding a 4-game winning streak. After having a successful offseason and 2022 draft where they draft players like cornerback Sauce Gardner, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, defensive end Jermaine Johnson, and running back Breece Hall, the Jets have seen increased success this season thanks to these rookies. Especially Gardner and Hall who have been the cornerstone pieces of both sides of the ball. Sauce has been playing like a lockdown cornerback, shutting down players such as Courtland Sutton, George Pickens, Ja’Maar Chase, and Allen Lazard. On the offensive side, Breece was putting a campaign together for Offensive Rookie of the Year before suffering an unfortunate ACL tear in the game against the Broncos. With Zach Wilson struggling since his return, the Jets have played very well thanks in part to a great defense allowing just 20 points per game. The Jets have a real chance to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2010 but will need improved play from Zach Wilson if they want to establish themselves as true contenders.
For the other NY Team, the Giants are coming in with a record of 6-1. Hiring new coach Brian Daboll in the offseason, there was a lot of uncertainty regarding the NY Giants, especially with quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley. The Giants have silenced a lot of the critics so far this season having impressive wins over the Baltimore Ravens and Green Bay Packers. Saquon has rubbed off all rust from his ACL tear from 2 years ago returning to his elite running back self and Jones has shown he can be a solid QB in this league posting six touchdowns to two interceptions, while also adding 343 rushing yards as well. Much like the Jets, the Giants have had a lot of success on the defensive side of the ball thanks to their D-Line which consists of players Dexter Lawrence, Azeez Ojulari, and rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux. The Giants are giving up about 18 points per game which is sixth in the NFL (National Football League). The Giants will look to continue their early-season success and make the playoffs for the first time since 2016 when they lost in the Wild Card to Green Bay.
Despite it being a small sample size, it is safe to say both New York teams are building something special in their own respected nature. For once, both teams have the chance to play meaningful games going late into the season and make the playoffs and potentially make some noise. Time will tell how both these teams will finish but for now, fans of both teams can sit back and enjoy the start of both these teams.
Contact Michael at michael.siehienczuk@student.shu.edu