This is the time for the Jets to rediscover their identity

New York's Jets are trying to reclaim their run-first identity after two weeks in which the ground game stalled against three strong defenses. Ground-and-pound attempts have hit a brick wall, prompting a renewed focus on getting the running game going as a prerequisite to a more efficient passing attack.

On Thursday, Jets coach Aaron Glenn said, 'We have to run the ball better. Listen, I know we were going against three really good teams. That doesn’t matter to me. I have an expectation of this team how we operate and I’m not going to stand down from that and our guys won’t stand down from that. We have to get our running game going, which opens up our passing game. We all know that.'

Glenn stressed that the emphasis on running is meant to balance the offense and open more passing options when defenses adjust to the run. He said the plan is not a reaction to a rough patch but a deliberate rebuild of the team’s identity as a run-heavy attack.

The Jets publicly embraced a run-first identity in the offseason, and the coach’s remarks Friday reiterate that approach as the team seeks to bounce back from recent results. Executing with better blocking, improved rhythm, and more efficient carries will be the focal points as the Jets move forward, with the belief that a stronger ground game will make the passing game more dynamic when opportunities arise.