Outside of a fourth-quarter rally in Tampa Bay, the New York Jets’ offense has struggled to put up points since a strong start to the 2025 season.

New York combined for just nine first-half points in losses the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor each making starts this season, the results have been the same.

The Jets must start faster, as head coach Aaron Glenn pointed out.

Or do they?

Speaking to reporters ahead of Friday’s practice, Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand shared fresh insight into what the Jets offense looks like going into Week 4, and why their “slow starts” are being misconstrued.

Jets OC adds context to offensive woes

When it comes to starting fast, Engstrand believes the team is already doing that. The first-year OC thinks New York just needs a final push across the goal line.

“Last week, we go out and we have two scoring drives right out of the gate, two field goals,” Engstrand said. “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.”

As Engstrand said, the Jets need to turn those field goals into touchdowns. However, their first-quarter scoring drives in Tampa Bay highlight that the scripted plan was working. Any time a team is able to put up points on the opening drive, it’s a sign of good preparation and structure.

For a first-time offensive play-caller in the NFL, Engstrand has done an exceptional job of scheming players open and getting the offense ready to play each Sunday.

Compared to previous years, which were marked by a stagnant offensive philosophy, Engstrand has passed several tests early on. That includes preparing the offensive unit for what is to come against their upcoming opponents.

“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,” he said. “But I would say nothing that we have seen from the Bills or Tampa was anything that we didn’t see on tape.

“So, again, to me it’s just a matter of us going out there and executing at a high level consistently.”

For as strong as Engstrand has looked from a play design and play-calling perspective, the Jets are still 0-3. New York may be prepared going into games, but they also need to find a way to turn field goals into touchdowns, which, in turn, will convert losses into wins.

Until the unit finds a way to do so, the offense will remain a work in progress.