As someone from the New York Metropolitan area, it’s been years since the Giants and Jets were both good at football. The last time the New York Giants made the playoffs was 2016, while it has been even worse for the Jets since they were in it in 2010. Midway through the year, it looks like both teams are on track for a surprising postseason appearance. Before the season, both teams were considered by NFL fans and experts to be rebuilding.

New York Giants
The New York Football Giants are currently 6-2 this year and are led by first-year head coach, Brian Daboll. His claim to fame is from developing Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen into the elite player he is today. The Giants wanted someone to help their “franchise” quarterback Daniel Jones play like the person he was supposed to be. It’s safe to say that the Giants and Daboll have accomplished this goal so far with Jones having a career year in a contract season

Despite winning most of their games, the team has dealt with tons of injuries from the preseason until now. Key pieces like Azeej Ojulari, Sterling Shepard, Kenny Golladay, and Kadarius Toney (now traded) have been gone for the majority of the year. Luckily, some players have stepped up huge to lead the team to wins over tough opponents. Some of these teams were the Green Bay Packers led by Aaron Rodgers, the Baltimore Ravens led by Lamar Jackson, and the Tennessee Titans led by Derrick Henry. 

New York Jets
This year the New York Jets are led by second-year head coach Robert Saleh. The Jets are 6-3 right now coming off their biggest win of the year. Last week, their defense shut down Josh Allen and the potent Buffalo Bills offense. Saleh is a defensive minded head coach so it makes sense that this unit would improve so much from last year. They’re now able to compete with the best teams in the NFL while they continue to develop their franchise quarterback Zach Wilson.

The other big reason for the Jets success this year is their 2022 draft class. The rookies have played a huge role throughout the team. Starting with the offense, their leading rusher is Breece Hall, who was drafted in the second round from Iowa State. Hall has unfortunately torn his ACL but when healthy he is one of the best young backs in the league. Drafted one round earlier was Jets leading receiver Garret Wilson, who has been crucial to Zach Wilson and for creating a weapon for defenses to pay attention to. Lastly, the new addition to the team that has arguably had the biggest impact on this season is Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner. He was drafted 4th overall in the 2022 NFL draft, and has done nothing but live up to the expectations. Through nine games, he leads the NFL in pass deflections and is tied for the least touchdowns allowed which is zero.

Both teams will look to continue their hot starts in the second half of the football season.