FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Christopher Johnson was in an elevator when he heard the crowd roar. He had just left the field and was en route to his box when the Lions picked off Sam Darnold’s first career pass and returned it for a touchdown.



The Jets acting CEO admitted his heart sank, but his confidence in the 21-year-old quarterback never wavered. Maybe this moment would eventually be viewed similarly to the low point of a Disney movie, he explained. The one that sets up the fairytale ending.



“Like when Bambi’s mom died,” Johnson said.



Darnold did bounce back, tossing two touchdowns to help lead New York to a 48-17 victory. It was a very un-Jets-like outcome, considering the beginning. And maybe that’s because these don’t feel like the same old Jets.



And it starts at the top.



Penalties were an issue for the Jets last year. They ranked 27th in the league. So in hopes of rectifying the situation, Todd...