On Sunday, the New York Jets travel to Denver to take on the Broncos in a battle of last-place opponents.
Entering this season, not much was expected from the New York Jets offensively. Josh McCown was a journeyman quarterback who had lost 20 of his previous 22 NFL starts and never threw for more than 2,600 yards and his career-high for passing touchdowns was 13.
The rest of their offense, especially their offensive line and wide receivers, were young, inexperienced and poised to have a lot of growing pains.
As the New York Jets travel to Denver, they should notice a drastic difference in how the offense has performed on the road compared to when they play at MetLife Stadium.
So far this season, the Jets have a record of 1-4 on the road. They are averaging just 17.4 points per game and have their two lowest scoring games on the road, having scored 12 points at Buffalo in the opening week and 10 points against the Buccaneers in Week 10.
They have struggled running the ball on the road as well, averaging just 69.2 rushing yards per game. Overall they are averaging just 248.8 total yards per game. Against the Cleveland Browns in Week Five (a team that is currently 0-12), the New York Jets had their lowest offensive yardage output of the season, totaling just 212 overall yards while rushing for just 34.
Josh McCown has also not done as well on the road either. In his five road games this season, McCown has averaged 203.6 passing yards per game, thrown for eight touchdowns and five interceptions. He is averaging 6.4 yards per attempt and has a quarterback rating of 87.5
Meanwhile, the New York Jets have really enjoyed the comforts of home offensively.
The New York Jets have a record of 4-3 at home this season and only have the Los Angeles Chargers left on the schedule. They are averaging 25.5 points per game, rushing for 133.7 yards per game and averaging 386.3 overall yards per game.
The offense has even improved drastically as the season has gone on. In their last three home games, the New York Jets are averaging 33 points per game and 403.3 yards per game. Quite a difference.
Take a look at the team’s offensive numbers at home as compared to on the road this season.
| Statistic | Home | Road |
|---|---|---|
| PPG | 25.5 | 17.4 |
| YPG | 386.3 | 248.8 |
| Rush YPG | 133.7 | 69.2 |
Josh McCown has also clearly enjoyed the MetLife Stadium atmosphere. He is averaging 266 yards per game, 8.2 yards per attempt, thrown 10 touchdowns to just three interceptions and owns a 103.2 quarterback rating.
Sitting at 5-7, the New York Jets are a long shot to make the postseason, but if they have any dreams of getting back in the playoff race, they need to pick up the offensive pace on the road. Three of their final four games are on the road with the first-place New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots waiting after their visit to Denver this weekend.
