The New York Jets continued their impressive start to the 2015 regular season with a 34-20 win over the Washington Redskins, moving their record to 4-1. Beating Washington at home in itself is not overly impressive but the way today’s game played out showed why the Jets may have a hit home run with their coaching staff hires and new free agent/trade acquisitions…

Despite out gaining the Redskins in the first half and pushing them around on both sides of the ball, the Jets found themselves down 13-10. This was due to two fumbles, one from each of their top receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker along with a Ryan Fitzpatrick interception. Turnovers are the great equalizer and the Jets were victims of two uncommon ones from two of their top offensive players. Previous Jets teams would have allowed these mistakes to snowball and turn into yet another ugly post bye week loss. Not this Jets team…

Continuing a season long trend of second half dominance, the Jets outscored Washington 24-7 in the third and fourth quarter, taking their season total to an astounding 68-20 advantage over opponents in the second half. They also forced two turnovers of their own, bringing their five game total to 12 second half forced turnovers (15 forced overall). This is an extremely positive early sign for the coaching staff. Todd Bowles and company have demonstrated an uncanny ability to make in-game adjustments and properly utilize their talent based on what the opposing team is showing them…and the Jets didn’t have a single accepted penalty called on them today.

Marshall bounced back from his first half fumble with a jaw dropping touchdown reception, bailing Fitzpatrick out of a shaky pass. It was Marshall’s fourth touchdown in five games. Chris Ivory was a workhorse from start to finish. Right now, he is one of the five best backs in the NFL. He racked up 146 yards on 20 carries, a rushing touchdown and 3 receptions for 50 yards. 196 total yards. 8.5 yards per touch. Decker also added yet another red zone touchdown, his fourth of the year.

Ryan Fitzpatrick had an ugly interception but his accuracy issues were not prominent today. He was an impressive 19/26 for 253 yards with the previously mentioned 2 touchdowns along with 31 rush yards and a 18 yard touchdown run. Today was good FItzpatrick or at least more than good enough for the Jets to win with. The Jets offensive line continued their strong season, keeping the pocket clean all game and getting a dominant push in the run game. Willie Colon was back in the line-up and helped lead the charge with James Carpenter and Nick Mangold in the interior.

Defensively, the Redskins only scored points off Jets turnovers. Outside of that, they continued to be suffocating. Darrelle Revis grabbed another interception, already his third this season. Marcus Gilchrist also grabbed his second interception of the season and had another active game alongside Calvin Pryor, who looks like a new man in Bowles’ defense. Sheldon Richardson grabbed a half sack in his debut and helped lead the complete bottling up Washington’s running game. This is arguably the best unit in the NFL right now but they will now face the biggest test on their schedule with an upcoming trip to New England.

People can complain about the quality of the opponents the Jets have beaten but they have won all four of their games by double digits. You play who is on your schedule. New England is likely to be 7 to 8 point favorites at home. The jets should go up there loose, aggressive and relish the chance at having a potential statement game.

4-1.

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