Same Record, Different Stories

Author: Frank Caggino

Editor: Aaron Mesco

After the first two weeks of the 2020 NFL season, the Jets and Giants feel like they are headed for another year of losing records. Both teams had disappointing seasons last year and were hoping to improve. The Jets had a bad offensive year and tried to address this need by building up the offensive line. The Giants struggled on defense and made moves in free agency to improve in that department. Neither team has shown drastic improvement as they are both 0-2, but one team feels significantly better than the other.

Last year, the Jets brought in Adam Gase to be their head coach to develop Sam Darnold and as an attempt to improve the offense. That did not happen, as they had one of the worst offenses in all of football. One would imagine that the Jets would have to improve in year two. That has not happened, as the team is still one of the worst offensive teams in the league. They are struggling in all areas on offense with play calling, passing the ball, and establishing a running game. Injuries have made it even tougher for the Jets, and they have not looked competitive in either one of their first two games. The Jets could not move the ball against the Bills, while Buffalo could do whatever they wanted with Josh Allen under center. The following week, the Jets played a heavily injured 49ers team and still got blown out. This has led to fans calling for Adam Gase to be fired and questioning if Sam Darnold is the franchise quarterback. The Jets look like one of the worst teams in the NFL and might have a major decision to make in the draft if they finish with the worst record and secure the first overall pick.

The Giants are also 0-2, but have been much more competitive in their games. They had a 10-3 lead against Pittsburgh, but turnovers made it difficult to defeat a very good Steelers team, especially without Golden Tate. In week two, the Giants found themselves down early to the Chicago Bears, but were able to fight back and make it a very close game. The Giants had a play in the end zone where they could have won the game, they could not execute. Unfortunately, the Giants lost Saquon Barkley in that game, who is a massive part of their team. They are trying to replace him for the time being (meaning the rest of the season) with Devonta Freeman, who they just signed.

Safety Bradley McDougald is one of the pieces the Jets got back for trading away their best player Jamal Adams (who is excelling in Seattle), and he has mentioned the differences between the Jets and the Seahawks. McDougald said that even the Jets practices are bad and that they are losing in practice. There have been no reports like this coming out of the Giants, which shows the differences in the culture of both of these organizations. Even though these teams have the same record, the Jets look like the worst team in football and the Giants look like a more competitive squad.

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