A quick glance at the New York Jets stats makes it painfully obvious: Tanner Engstrand’s offense hasn’t been very good to start the 2025 season.

With a first-time play-caller and new quarterback, the Jets rank 16th in points per game, 25th in yards per game, 9th in rushing yards per game, and 31st in passing. The numbers share a story of a unit that is mediocre at best, with clear weaknesses in key areas.

For some (perhaps most), those results fall directly on the shoulders of offensive coordinator and play-caller Tanner Engstrand. For a few others, much more is required to portray an accurate explainer.

The context, and—more importantly—the tape, show a coach who is exceeding expectations while doing what he can with the talent provided.

Tanner Engstrand: No longer an unknown

Before the season, Engstrand was considered the most ambiguous wild-card on Glenn’s staff. Through three games, he’s been a pleasant surprise of competency and creativity.

Engstrand is scheming players open throughout each game. While the ball, and players may not be executed to the level the coaching staff may want, it shows that at least the scheme matches the talent at this point.

One of the main bright spots, especially compared to last season, is New York’s newfound ability to get points on the first drive. In two of the first three games, the Jets have scored a field goal on their opening offensive drives.

That is a sign of proper preparation and a good central thought process in play design. It’s another testament to Engstrand’s prowess as a play-caller.

“Last week, we go out and we have two scoring drives right out of the gate, two field goals,” Engstrand said before Friday’s practice. “Now, would we prefer to be in touchdowns? Absolutely, there’s no question about it. So, as far as starting fast, I don’t think that’s an issue for us.”

Scheming players open

Starting fast is one thing. Scheming plays for your best players is something that past Jets offensive coaches have struggled to do.

Engstrand is off to a great start with that, though. Despite being the team’s legitimately only receiving option, Garrett Wilson is 10th in the league in receiving yards.

Breece Hall has also been a key part of the team’s offensive gameplan as well. New York has plenty of weapons to be a dangerous group this season. With Engstrand designing plays, the Jets are getting their best players the ball when they possibly can.

It’s up to the other parts of the unit to begin stepping up and executing across the board.

“I think everybody, as a new play-caller, starts to put his calls, his game, onto the tape that they’re always going to take things to try and take that away,” Engstrand said. “So, again, to me it’s just a matter of us going out there and executing at a high level consistently.”

The Jets still have a long way to go in their development of the offense. Engstrand’s belief in starting fast, and getting the most out of his best players is the right plan to make the group among the best in the NFL.

It may not happen now, but Gang Green is on the right path. A large chunk of that credit belongs to the man who was once labeled the “greatest unknown” on the coaching staff.