The New York Jets discovered the perfect gameplan to win with a rookie quarterback, Sam Darnold in Week 1 of the 2018 season. 

Five interceptions on defense. Defensive touchdown. Special teams touchdown. Forty-eight points on the board for the New York Jets.

Yeah, nice hot take Boy Green. That sounds like a perfect gameplan to win with Sam Darnold at the helm.

While all of those things happening will certainly help any gameplan, it’s not about the touchdowns or interceptions, it’s about the principle. Help out your rookie quarterback.

He shouldn’t have to do it all by himself. A good team should be able to support their quarterback.

Andre Roberts averaged over 45 yards per punt return (three returns on the day), that provided one touchdown and two incredibly short fields for Darnold to work with. It doesn’t always have to be a touchdown, it can simply be a solid return.

Defensively, the Jets nabbed five interceptions. Five every week would likely set an NFL record, but it’s about creating short fields for the offense to work with. Sam Darnold proved on Monday Night Football that he can orchestrate his way down the field if need be — evidenced by a six-play, 75-yard drive at the beginning of the third quarter.

Sam Darnold, after his first pass, looked like Superman. But he doesn’t always have to be forced to play like it.

Prior to the season starting, it appeared the Jets had a slew of warts to deal with:

  • Potential sketchy offensive line play
  • Lack of edge rush
  • Linebacker coverage issues

After Week 1, it seems like all of those questions were answered. Darron Lee showed great instincts and cover ability. While technically, the Jets didn’t record a sack, they created pressure which resulted in forced throws from Matthew Stafford. While finally, the offensive line protected Sam Darnold (only two sacks allowed) and opened up huge rushing lanes.

Time will tell if that was the hype of Week 1 or if that’s something the team can build on. The thing I like is that it was a team victory as opposed to Darnold just putting the team on his back.

On Sunday Night Football this week, the Green Bay Packers were destined for a blowout loss to the Chicago Bears. Aaron Rodgers stepped in and solely made sure that wouldn’t happen. The only reason the Packers won that game was because A-Rod made it happen.

The Jets didn’t just win this game because Darnold threw for 198 yards. They won it because the rest of the team supported Darnold’s stellar play. If the team can continue to do that, the question will become, why not us?

The Jets ended multiple embarrassing historic streaks on Ford Field, why not keep the momentum going?

  • The Jets haven’t been to the playoffs since 2010.
  • Gang Green hasn’t won the AFC East since 2002.
  • While the obvious elephant in the room is the Jets haven’t won a championship since January of 1969.

The AFC East may be Tom Brady and the New England Patriots to reign over, but it seems inevitable that the Jets are taking over sooner rather than later.

People call me Boy Green for my unwavering dedication to all things New York Jets. I work at The Score 1260 in Syracuse and I'm extremely passionate about sports. I aspire to continue my rise through the business and hopefully I'll end up working for the New York Jets in some capacity.