New York Jets: 2020 Schedule Release and Breakdown
The New York Jets began the 2019 season tied with the NFL’s second easiest schedule. Coming into 2020, the team now sports the NFL’s second-toughest schedule with an opponent winning percentage of .531.
Last season, New York Jets fans were left optimistic and hopeful because the team’s schedule played into their favor. Unfortunately, Sam Darnold‘s mono, injuries to C.J. Mosley, Avery Williamson, and Quincy Enunwa and poor line play ended all hope.
It was a demoralizing week one loss, where the Jets squandered a 16-0 lead to lose 17-16 to Buffalo at home. From there, Darnold was ruled out the next three games after coming down with mono. It could have been four games had it not been for an early Week 4 bye week. Gang Green went on to lose those next three games, opening the season 0-4. The 2019 Jets season was over, and it was only the first week in October.
The team did bounce back in week 5 with a shocking home victory over the then NFC East-leading Dallas Cowboys. Darnold came back and impressed, and knowing the easier part of the schedule was coming, Jets fans felt positive. It was the following week where Darnold “saw ghosts,” and the Patriots thrashed the Jets 33-0 at home. At 1-5, this is what ultimately ended any playoff hopes for good.
To the New York Jets’ credit, the team played hard for Adam Gase and ended the season on a strong note. They ended the year 6-2 leaving many to believe that had Darnold not went down, the Jets would be playoff-bound.
This offseason, the Jets overhauled the offensive line, bringing in a mix of free agents and draft picks. Bringing in Connor McGovern, Greg Van Roten, and George Fant was a great start. The team then drafted Mekhi Becton and Cameron Clark, and just like that, a total upgrade.
The team did lose Robby Anderson but added other pieces in Breshad Perriman, Pierre Desir, Frank Gore, and Patrick Onwuasor. General Manager Joe Douglas did a nice job adding quality pieces in the draft as well. Adding Denzel Mims, Bryce Hall, and Ashtyn Davis is very important as they could all potentially be day-one contributors.
Even with the new faces, the team still has a tough schedule ahead. For Gang Green, how will they stack up with each 2020 opponent?