An overnight transformation is impossible for the New York Jets.
They have so many problems to address that go beyond the team.
It seems like the endless cycle of hiring and firing coaches won’t be the solution.
New York Jets | 2021 Injuries #Jets #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/pUr2a5heJV
— NYJ Matt (@NYJ_Matt) October 25, 2021
Instead, there must be a transformation of their culture.
It’s a gradual process that will not take one season to complete.
Therefore, the fans and their front office alike must stretch their patience further.
Worst NFL Team Of All Time
Some would argue that the Detroit Lions hold the infamous distinction as the league’s worth franchise, especially after an 0-16 season in 2008 and an 0-7 start in 2021.
However, records show that the Jets might be the rightful holders of that dishonor.
While the Lions do not have a Super Bowl victory yet, they won three NFL championships in the 1950s.
In contrast, Super Bowl III was the only world title the Jets have since their establishment in 1960.
Just watched this because I so badly want to remember when #NYJets football wasn’t so frustrating and sad to watch. 1998 is the best and most complete #Jets team after Super Bowl III. Should’ve gone all the way. #NYJ #TakeFlight #AllGasNoBrake #NFLFilms #NFL #ATeamToBeProudOf pic.twitter.com/2SU0Gz6GDs
— Mario Scipioni (@MarioScipioni) October 25, 2021
Playoff appearances are pretty even with the Lions entering the postseason 15 times since the Jets’ inception.
Meanwhile, the former AFL franchise has reached the playoffs 14 times.
At least the Lions’ last playoff game was a 26-6 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the 2016 Wild Card round.
On the other hand, the Jets’ last playoff appearance was in 2010, wherein they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game.
Rex Ryan said the Jets' loss on Sunday was an embarrassment for their coaching staff.
"Congratulations, there's no passion, there's no nothing." pic.twitter.com/GWdUi5LfgF
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) October 25, 2021
Yes, both teams gave their fans countless heartbreaks.
But the suffering by Jets fans is worse.
Poor Talent Evaluation
The Jets’ last winning season occurred in 2015 when they finished at 10-6 but missed the playoffs.
A year before, they drafted safety Calvin Pryor when Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was still available.
They got it right in 2015 by selecting defensive end Leonard Williams but traded him to the Giants in 2019.
Last season, he finished with 11.5 sacks and won NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors twice.
Giants have won 8 games since the start of last year. In those 8 games, Leonard Williams has a combined 10 sacks. He’s also made game changing plays outside of those sacks in every single win. He deserves more respect and admiration from this fan base. pic.twitter.com/O3sXhcFtVX
— Justin Penik (@JustinPenik) October 25, 2021
He signed a three-year extension before the 2021 season.
The Jets’ draft woes continued in 2016 when they chose Darron Lee instead of Deion Jones, Joe Schobert, or Jaylon Smith.
They hit the bullseye with Jamal Adams in 2017, but he’s not with the team anymore.
Finally, the Jets took Sam Darnold over Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.
Sam Darnold's overall PFF grade is now lower than 2 of his 3 seasons with the Jets.
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) October 25, 2021
The jury’s still out on Quinnen Williams, Mekhi Becton, and Zach Wilson.
But imagine how strong the Jets could be if they got the right players.
They could be a consistent playoff fixture with Rex Ryan finally leading the team to a Super Bowl.
Instead, the Jets can’t even compete against the other AFC East squads.
No End In Sight
If only there’s a magic spell that can instantly make the Jets relevant.
Unfortunately, that’s not possible because there seems to be no expiration on their futility.
They continue to languish in their division’s cellar, and Wilson will miss some time due to injury.
Joe Flacco will return to take his spot, but how much of help will he be?
Eagles trade QB Joe Flacco to Jets. (via @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/JFqql9eWyu
— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2021
It will be another long season for the Jets, and fans would rather have them tanking for an early draft pick.
But that might not be the solution given the draft day misses they’ve had over the years.
Here they are, stuck in mediocrity for a while.
The Jets remain grounded, and no one knows when liftoff will occur.
NEXT: Jets Acquire A Familiar Face To Replace Zach Wilson