The New York Jets made an improbable run to the AFC Championship Game last season while leading the league in rushing and total defense. Now, fans, players, and analysts alike have all joined in on the Jets’ fun, projecting them as one of the favorites for Super Bowl XLV. Before they get to that February 6th game though, they have some lofty regular season goals to take care of.
The last five seasons have seen four different teams lead the league in rushing—the Atlanta Falcons repeated in 2005 and 2006, but failed to make the playoffs both seasons. Similarly, four different teams have led the league in total defense—the Pittsburgh Steelers led the league (yards given up) in 2007 and repeated in 2008 on their way to a Super Bowl victory.
Repeating at the top of the league in any category is difficult to