A Eulogy To The 2024 New York Jets
The New York Jets have officially lost to the Arizona Cardinals 31-6. As a fan of this team, I want to write a quick eulogy to the 2024 New York Jets season, as this game pretty much ended all the chances of this team getting to the playoffs. They aren't mathematically eliminated, but let's be real, they're not getting in.
You know, I have been a fan of this franchise since I was born. I have always paid attention to every single play in every game. This recent loss heavily angered me for a different reason. Not because they lost, and got dominated against the Arizona Cardinals, because I expected that. The thing that angered me today, is that the Jets had so many days to prepare for this game, and they looked like they hadn't practiced in months. That's inexcusable, and this team should be ashamed of themselves.
The New York Jets Coaching Issues Are Telling
Many thought that Jeff Ulbrich would be a more competent coach than Robert Saleh, but it's clear he's not. Ulbrich is way over his head as a coach, and he doesn't even know what can or can't be challenged. He just doesn't have what it takes to be a head coach, and it's clear he's not going to be hired as one next season, with any team.
By the way, can people please stop with the Robert Saleh was not the problem nonsense? First off, yes he was, and second, Robert Saleh wasn't the solution either. People have to stop pretending like they would've still had a shot with him, as Saleh was an awful head coach, who should have been fired last season.
This Offense Looks Like It's Checked Out
The offense has a cluster of problems. It starts with Aaron Rodgers. Look, I respect Aaron and what he has brought to the game, but he looks done. He still puts up solid numbers, but how many hits can this man take? The offensive line, while better, is still super lackluster. Tyron Smith left the game with an injury, and it's time to start Olu Fashanu for the rest of the season.
What a great move it was trading for Davante Adams, who did a whole lot of cardio in this game. Then again, this team wasted a 3rd round pick on Malachi Corley, and Xavier Gipson is getting more snaps than him. It's telling that a special teams player is getting more snaps than a rookie 3rd round pick. There was nothing that the Jets got from the tight ends, but then again what else is new? This team has not had a consistently great tight end since Mickey Shuler in the 1980s.
The three positives on this Jets offense are WR Garrett Wilson, RB Braelon Allen, and RB Breece Hall. Garrett Wilson deserves better, as the dude has been a great receiver for most of the season. Don't be shocked when his contract is up, and he refuses to sign a new deal with this franchise. As for Braelon Allen, the Jets really have something in him. Dude is a really good power back, and if the Jets develop him further, he should be a part of this team for the future. Breece Hall looked great today at least, that's a positive.
You know what's funny? Mike Williams scored more points as a Steeler than the entire New York Jets offense yesterday.
The Defense Is A Mess
The big issue with this squad, is this overrated defense. Let's start with one player, Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner. He proved once again that he is the most overrated cornerback in the NFL. I have to ask, does the dude ever practice tackling? The guy tackles like he is in middle school, and can barely even wrap up guys properly. He has also gotten handsy when he is in coverage, and his decline has been noticeable.
The linebacker core was a big strength, as Quincey Williams is a beast. That dude is hands down the best player on the defense, and it's not close. It's not his brother Quinnen Williams, who has not looked like himself this season. I agree with Joe Beningo, when he said Quinnen Williams is turning into Muhammad Wilkerson. Ever since Quinnen got paid, he has not been the same player.
What a great idea it was trading for Haason Reddick in the offseason. Dude was missing all game, and I was wondering if he was in the witness protection program. What a waste of another 3rd round pick. At least Will McDonald has gotten better, and that is a plus.
By the way, this Javon Kinlaw—get this guy off this team, please. What an awful signing he has been. The dude has been horrendous at stopping the run. The biggest mistake was trading John Franklin-Myers to the Denver Broncos for some double bubbles and some old Tupac Shakur CDs. The run defense was just awful, and it is embarrassing every time a long run occurs.
The one thing that has killed this defense all season is due to one word, ego. Everyone got way too egotistical, and took the comparison to the 1985 bears to heart. They didn't take it in their brains to maintain that compassion, and it has shown all season.
Why There Is Nothing To Look Forward To?
I mean, what is there to look forward to with this team? The present is all but cooked, as the Jets are a long shot to make the playoffs. They have to win out to even have a chance, and with how they made the Cardinals look, it's unlikely. It's clear that Aaron is not the future, and who even knows if he will play in 2025, as he turns 41 in December, and he's playing hurt. What should they do now? Tank for a higher draft pick that they will use on a Defensive Tackle or QB to look for the future?
What future? The Jets in 2025 are going to have a whole new look. The coaching staff is going to change, and who the hell would want to come here to coach? Watch, they're going to hire Mike McCarthy when he gets fired from Dallas at the end of the season. They're going to need a GM, as Joe Douglas is done. He better get his bags packed, and I recommend he update his resume when applying to new NFL jobs.
The Jets ownership is the problem, but Woody Johnson couldn't care less. After all, he cares more about what the team wears, and how his chain looks, than the team. He cares more about his new government ambassador job than the Jets. It is stunning that he's getting another ambassador role, after the many scandals that came out in his first tenure as the Great Britain ambassador. For the next 4 years, Woody is not going to be a part of the Jets, and guess who's taking over? His brother Christopher Johnson is taking over as the acting owner. He is the man who decided to hire Adam Headgase over Dan Campbell to coach. Nothing is going to change until this franchise gets new and competent owners.
It's games like this where I have accepted I will never see this team win a Super Bowl while I'm alive, and I'm 24 years old. Such a shame that this is where the Jets are at. After so much hype and hope, it's now all over for them. Thank goodness that I have the Charlotte Hornets and New York Rangers playing now, as they have more of a chance at success in their seasons than the New York Jets do. I will forever be a New York Jets fan, but this season is all but over.