The Sports World is in a New York State of Mind

New York sports is back in the spotlight, and for once, it feels like everything is right with the world.

The Knicks are champions. The Yankees are heading into the postseason with key players getting healthy and a seemingly manageable American League standing in front of them. And now, perhaps the most unexpected development of all — both New York football teams are 1-0.

Yes, you read that correctly.

The Jets and Giants both won on opening day for the first time since 2009. For New York football fans who have spent years searching for reasons to be optimistic, this is the kind of start that can make September feel a whole lot different.

The Jets opened the season with a decisive road victory, and there was plenty to like about what they saw from some of their young players. The win was even sweeter because it came against their former head coach, Robert Saleh.

New York wasted little time getting started, scoring a touchdown on its opening possession for the first time since 2016. Rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq, the Jets’ first-round pick, also made some history by becoming the first Jets first-round selection to score a touchdown in his debut since quarterback Richard Todd did it in 1976.

That is quite a gap between touchdowns.

More importantly, the Jets looked like a team that believes it can actually compete. Young players stepped up, the offense showed promise and suddenly there is renewed hope that this season might not be lost before it even gets started.

Then came the Giants.

New York defeated its division rival in prime time, ending another frustrating chapter in its recent struggles against the Cowboys. Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo and new addition Isaiah Likely helped lead the way, while the team showed a different energy under new head coach Harbaugh.

There was a noticeable sense that this Giants team might actually have some fight.

And that changes the conversation.

Not long ago, preseason optimism surrounding either New York football team would have been met with plenty of skepticism. Now, after one week, those postseason predictions suddenly don't seem quite so far-fetched.

Of course, it is only Week 1. We have all watched New York teams start seasons with plenty of promise before watching that promise disappear somewhere around Halloween. So nobody should be planning a parade just yet.

But that's not really the point.

For the first time in a long time, both teams gave their fans something to feel good about on the same weekend. The Jets have young players showing promise, while the Giants appear to have found a new sense of confidence under their new coaching staff.

The arrow is pointing up for both teams, and that could make for a very interesting fall.

And here's the fun part: There may even be a little history working in New York's favor.

Coincidentally — or maybe not — the last time the Jets and Giants both won their season openers, the Yankees won the World Series less than two months later.

That's a pretty good coincidence for New York sports fans.

The Knicks are already champions. The Yankees are preparing for October. The Jets are 1-0. The Giants are 1-0.

For a city that has endured more than its share of disappointing sports seasons, this is about as good as September can get.

Maybe it is time to stop asking when things will turn around.

Maybe they already have.

The sports world is back to being in a New York state of mind.