The game started off slow and sloppy for the Jet offense. It felt like a continuation of Sunday’s disappointing performance in the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. But after the first couple of drives, the Jets sprang into action and wouldn’t let up all night. Ryan Fitzpatrick, known for a “weak” arm, began throwing the ball downfield. Instead of settling for field goals, they began scoring touchdowns. The Jet offense was moving up and down the field on a Rex Ryan defense that was uncharacteristically soft as a marshmallow.

This was an encouraging performance. It showed that this team does have the veteran leadership and coaching it needs to have a big year. These might not be your “same-old Jets.”

Historically, especially in recent years, this franchise has never been known as an offensive juggernaut. If you were to pick a side, the Jets have been known as a defensive team. Even this year, the Jets defense is considered to be a top-5 defense in the league.

Thursday night gave a hint of something different. This is the most talented offensive unit the Jets have put together since the late 90s, when they had Vinny Testaverde, Keyshawn Johnson, Wayne Cherbet, and Curtis Martin. Since those years, the Jets have always struggled to score points. Their talent on offense always lacked when compared to the defensive unit. A huge reason for this was that the Jets brass always hired defensive-minded coaches, with minute offensive knowledge.

This is the year the Jets have a complete team. In my previous post No Need for Jets to Panic, I wrote about how the Jets struggled offensively on Sunday against the Bengals. They were one of the best redzone scoring-offense last year. On Sunday though, they could not get a touchdown in the second half and ultimately this led to their downfall. They played too conservative on offense. There were too many screen plays and “gimmick plays” in the redzone, instead of trusting what worked for them last year.

Thursday in Buffalo, the Jets figured it out. Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey made adjustments after the first couple of drives and called plays that sent their wide receivers deep. Fitzpatrick threw the ball downfield and his receivers won the one-on-one battles against the Buffalo secondary. Fitzpatrick used Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker constantly. These guys are money-makers and the main reasons why Fitzpatrick had a career year and broke the franchise passing record last year.

Adding to their wide receiver talent, Fitzpatrick began the game off by targeting an emerging star Quincy Enunwa early and often. Through two games, Enunwa has become that reliable third option the Jets desperately needed behind Marshall and Decker. This will forces defenses to cover all three receivers. Enunwa will keep benefiting because the number 1 and 2 cornerbacks of the opposing defenses will cover Marshall and Decker. Enunwa is too good to be covered by a team’s 3^rd best cornerback or a linebacker. Enunwa has already added a dimension to this offense that will make this team great, and he is only going to get better.

Another new dimension, Matt Forte, adds to this team’s versatility on offense. Chris Ivory was a good running back for the Jets over the last two years. But with Ivory, it was a question of not if, but when will he get injured. He was very injury prone due to his hard-running style. On the other hand, Forte is a smooth runner who waits for holes to open and then attacks. He also provides a catching threat out of the backfield. Fitzpatrick gets another passing option if the opposing team manages to cover all his receivers.

The coaching staff, especially Gailey, deserves credit for this. We’ve seen all too often when the Jets have a lead, the offense gets conservative and all too predictable. Thursday night was an example of Gailey letting the reigns loose for an offense that should have no restrictions. This defense is strong, but also young. It will take some time for the defense to get into rhythm. On the other hand, the Jet offense doesn’t need any time to get into rhythm. They had a good offense last year, and now with Enunwa, Forte, and even rookie wide receiver Jalin Marshall, they have enough weapons and dynamic ability to score with any offense in this league.

After struggling with their identity last week, the Jets finally unleashed a passing attack that doesn’t need to be conservative. They have an aerial attack that can put up points with the best of them. It is time to stop leaning on the defense for a big stop at the end of every game. Meet the 2016 Jets, who will depend on the arm of Fitzpatrick and his weapons to win football games. The Jets are now a complete team.