The New York Jets haven’t won many football games over the previous five campaigns. Naturally, all that struggling comes with lackluster results on offense.
The Jets have especially struggled in high-stakes situations, and that includes on fourth downs.
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Pro Football Focus recently examined advanced data regarding fourth downs over the previous five seasons (2021-25). What they found about the New York Jets won’t surprise this fanbase. It’s an area new offensive coordinator Frank Reich has to improve in 2026.
The Jets have the fourth-lowest conversion rate on fourth down, according to PFF’s data. From 2021-2025, the Jets have only converted 47.8% of their fourth-down attempts. Only the Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, and San Francisco 49ers have been worse.
The Jets have a new-look offense. Not only is Reich a first-year play caller. Geno Smith is the new starting quarterback, and the 2026 NFL draft added Omar Cooper Jr. and Kenyon Sadiq to the supporting cast of Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, and Adonai Mitchell.
Smith has been among the more aggressive starting quarterbacks in recent NFL history. Will his gunslinging mentality impact the Jets’ approach on fourth downs? If the Jets do attempt more fourth-down conversions, Coach Reich will be tasked with overseeing a far better success rate than what 2021-25 produced.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Analyzing the Jets’ 4th down rate (and you won’t be surprised)
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