Why Jets are a good bet to snap NFL's worst playoff drought

Following the loss of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers minutes into the season, the New York Jets should be pleased with a 3-3 record heading into their Week 7 bye. It isn't the first time, however, New York has gotten off to a surprisingly good start.

The Jets arrived at their Week 10 bye last season also feeling good about their situation, having just upset the Buffalo Bills, 20-17, to finish the first half of the season 6-3. With a trip to the playoffs within reach, New York imploded in the second half, finishing the season 1-7 and upping the NFL's longest active postseason drought to 12 seasons.

Week 6's shocking 20-14 win over the Philadelphia Eagles has kept the team's playoff hopes alive, but history has proved that momentum carried into the bye doesn't always translate to the remainder of the season. This year's team, though, seems different. Here are three reasons Gang Green will avoid an all-too-familiar collapse:.

Breece Hall is back and healthy

Hall looked to be running away with the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Award last season before suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 7. The 2022 offense never looked the same following his departure.

Now healthy, Hall looks ready to once again carry New York's offense. The second-year running back ranks second in the NFL in average rush yards (6.5) and rush yards over expected (170).

With Hall, the offense is far more explosive and capable of breaking off chunk plays. Despite playing much of this season on a snap count, the 22-year-old ranks eighth in the NFL in rushing yards (426) and second in carries of 40+ yards (three).

The defense has improved

The Jets had a dominant defense last season that kept them in almost every game. Now, New York has one of the NFL's best groups. After bringing back nine of 11 defensive starters from last season, this year's defense is even better. 

Returning linebacker Quincy Williams and defensive end Bryce Huff are in the midst of breakout seasons, and big-name defenders C.J. Mosley, Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner are playing at All-Pro levels.

Through six weeks, the Jets are first in the NFL in tackles (275) and tied for second in takeaways per game (2.2) and interceptions (eight). New York's defense has already proved it can keep up with the best, making Pro Bowl quarterbacks Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts — three of the five 2022 NFL MVP finalists — look pedestrian.

Zach Wilson has matured

The high of a 6-3 start quickly dissipated for Wilson in his first start after the bye last season. Against the New England Patriots, he completed 9-of-22 passes for 77 yards in a 10-3 loss. Following the brutal performance, the struggling quarterback refused to accept responsibility for his team's defeat and was benched three days later.

Wilson has matured since his infamous comments and seems to be benefiting from having Rodgers in his ear. No longer seen as "the guy," as he was at BYU, the 24-year-old has adjusted nicely to his new role as a game manager. He has only one interception in his past four starts.