The Jets are always going to Jet, right? Well for the first time since 2010, it seemed as if that had changed…for about five months.
September 11, 2023 marked what was one of the best fandom moments in the lives of many young Jets fans. The lights were dimmed in a sold out MetLife Stadium as thousands of rowdy fans rose to their feet to bear witness to the movie scene unraveling before them. Following the announcement of the highly touted starting lineup, all that was left to announce was the final piece of the puzzle. From the tunnel emerged who was thought to be the franchise's savior. The man who would change it all. A spotlight beamed down on the field as smoke bellowed along the entryway. Primetime Monday Night Football cameras zoomed in as he propped up an American flag in his arms. There he was: Aaron Rodgers.
After agreeing to a deal in April that would send him to New York, the legendary quarterback’s offseason of Broadway shows, New York sporting events and Taylor Swift concerts quickly won over the hearts of fans. Not to mention, an in-depth look into the mind and personality of the play caller the franchise has so desperately needed for years. Hype was at an all-time high for the media proclaimed Super Bowl contenders. Little did fans know, what was supposed to be the introduction of this movie would quickly become the climax. Four plays later, it was all over. Rodgers never completed a pass.
Ever since the gut-wrenching events of week one, the Jets have spiraled out of control. Two consecutive losses have followed, including a blowout to the Dallas Cowboys and the franchises fifteenth straight loss to the New England Patriots. Despite a record that wouldn’t typically spark crisis mode, the Jets are in total disarray at 1-2.
Next in line at the quarterback position is third year play caller Zach Wilson who planned on spending the season as a backup to learn and develop behind Rodgers. However, through three weeks of play in addition to two years prior, he has given both fans and teammates no reason for optimism. Going a lackluster 18 for 36 with a lackluster 156 passing yards with no touchdowns this past Sunday, Wilson has officially hit rock bottom. But the first to come to his defense has been head coach Robert Saleh.
In reference to Wilson after the loss to New England, Saleh told the media, “He’s our unquestioned quarterback guys.”
The result? Public outcry.
Fans are now questioning why the team refused to bring in a veteran quarterback following Rodgers’ injury, to take over in case Wilson struggles. With the front office failing to do so, they have been placed on the hot seat of New York media. They responded on Tuesday by signing veteran, career backup quarterback Trevor Siemian to their practice squad for his second stint in New York. Just the move fans were looking for.
Heading into week four, things will be getting no easier for the Jets as their next matchup is against the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football. The pressure will be on for New York as all eyes will be tuned in. Even the Swifties.
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