ORCHARD PARK, N.Y.—In the wake of the Jets' emphatic, cruise-control victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, coach Rex Ryan apparently felt compelled to manufacture some drama. Wide receiver Brad Smith had thrown for a touchdown out of the team's "wildcat" formation, and Mr. Ryan indicated that Mr. Smith was after Mark Sanchez's job.

"We have a quarterback controversy," Mr. Ryan said.

Maybe he was feeling nostalgic for the good ol' days, back when the Jets were cussing up a storm on HBO and engaging in certain off-field extracurriculars that need not be rehashed here. But these Jets (3-1, 3-0 AFC East) are, by all appearances, the new Jets: businesslike, focused and efficient.

As they prepare to play host to the Minnesota Vikings—and old friend Brett Favre—next Monday, there is a historical oddity worth remembering: The Jets also started last season with a 3-1 record, and a lot of the stats are comparable. For example, Mr. Sanchez is completing 58.2% of his passes versus 57.3% through four games last season. And the Jets' defense actually has allowed 121 more total yards this season.

Whether this is cause for concern or celebration is debatable. The Jets did come within a game of the Super Bowl, but they got there the hard way, losing three straight after that 3-1 start and having to scramble to make the playoffs with a 9-7 record. Still, there is little question that the feel of this year's team is completely different. This team has a clear identity, which wasn't the case at the start of last season.