The Oklahoma Drill Podcast is back to analyze the New York Jets 2021 schedule. Are the playoffs feasible in Robert Saleh’s first year?
The New York Jets 2021 schedule has been released. This means everybody’s first attempt to predict a 17-game (18-week) schedule has arrived. (And yes, it’s still strange to say 10-7 or 5-12.)
Interestingly, the Jets begin the year in Carolina to take on the Panthers.
Sam Darnold makes his first Panthers start against his former team. Conversely, Jets rookie Zach Wilson will likely start his career against the man he replaced.
Darnold also reunites with former Jet Robby Anderson, who will be getting his first chance to play his old team. Panthers Head Coach Matt Rhule also has ties to the Jets, as Rhule was nearly hired to be the Jets coach in 2019. The Jets hope to leave Charlotte with a win, and confidence they made the right decision in trading Darnold.
After games against the Patriots, Broncos, and Titans, the Jets will head to London to face the Falcons.
Fans in attendance at Tottenham Stadium should expect to see an offensive explosion. The Falcons come stocked with weapons like Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, and Kyle Pitts. However, their defense is questionable at best.
Young Wilson should have plenty of opportunities, but so will Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. The Jets haven’t played in London since 2015 when they thrashed the Miami Dolphins 27-14. Hopefully, 2021 will bring a similar result.
The Jets’ only prime-time game in 2021 comes on the road against the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday Night Football.
The Colts game could be a turning point in the Jets season. They may enter the game at 4-4 against a quality opponent on national TV. With a win in Indy, the Jets would start a two-game division home stretch full of momentum.
If they hit their stride, Gang Green could be 7-4 when they play at Houston in Week 12, with the playoffs very much in reach. If they lose, it could trigger a season-ending slide that leaves the playoffs out of reach.
The final game of the season comes in Buffalo against the Bills.
If the Jets hope to be contenders, road games against top division opponents are must-wins. Buffalo will likely have playoff aspirations of their own. They could be fighting for the division title or even the top seed in the AFC. A win in Buffalo is no easy task. If the Jets pull it off, it may be enough to land them in the post-season.
Oklahoma Drill Podcast hosts Andrew, Matt, and Vitor review the Jets schedule and analyze the biggest games from each month of the season.
The Jets 2021 schedule is packed with storylines, featuring nine home games, seven away games, and one trip to London. The Oklahoma Drill Podcast covers them all.
