The New York Jets should be thrilled following Thursday night’s season-opening game in Philadelphia.
The Eagles’ win over Dallas sent a clear message to the Jets and their fans: New York’s philosophy can work in 2025.
For the entire offseason, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn emphasized that he wanted to build a team that was physical, could run the ball effectively, and play good defense. They signed a fullback, Andrew Beck, as their first move of free agency to prove the point of becoming a run-first team.
Despite the commitment, many Jets fans remain on the fence about the decision. The modern NFL, after all, is all about winning through the air. The prevailing belief has been that if a team does not have an outstanding aerial attack, it won’t be able to win games.
That mindset has shifted in recent years.
Thursday’s win by the Philadelphia Eagles was the latest example that the Jets may be getting ahead of the curve.
Jets taking notes from champs
In Philly’s 24-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys, the Eagles’ offense was a well-oiled machine for most of the contest — until a weather delay shut everything down. As good as they were, though, the passing game couldn’t find a rhythm.
Jalen Hurts finished 19-for-23 passing (82.6%) for just over 150 yards and two rushing scores. His only incompletions came on three throwaways and a Saquon Barkley drop.
Hurts was efficient and consistent, although the Eagles struggled to generate explosive plays through the air. Philadelphia’s top pass-catching duo, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, was held to a combined four catches for 24 yards.
It’s hard to say the passing game was as lethal as many expected. Dallas did a good job of not giving up many big plays and daring Hurts to win the game with his legs – which he did.
Hurts led the game in rushing with 62 yards, scored two touchdowns on the ground, and didn’t turn the ball over.
That is the blueprint the Jets must follow in 2025: Play good defense, run the ball effectively, and don’t commit turnovers.
In a vacuum, it’s hard to compare a player like Hurts to the likes of Jets quarterback Justin Fields. The Eagles’ Super Bowl MVP has gradually improved as a passer throughout his career. Fields, meanwhile, continues to struggle as a passer entering his fifth NFL season.
The similarity is that they require a run-first offense to be successful. However, Hurts has shown he can win in various ways, which Fields has not. Still, the fact that the Jets signed the former 11th overall pick shows they are willing to build an offensive game plan best suited for his skills.
Hurts has proven the run-first approach can work in the modern NFL. The key to his success, though, is that he complements his legs with efficient passing. He does not have to put up Joe Burrow numbers, but with his consistency and lack of turnovers, he allows Philadelphia to win games.
It will be up to Fields to improve in those areas as a passer if the Jets’ offense is to sustain its success at the level of Philadelphia’s.