Gang Green Nation
The Jets give a game away to the lowly Patriots and end any remaining hopes for this season
The New York Jets squared off against the lowly New England Patriots on Sunday. It didn’t go well. Playing a team with the worst record in the NFL, on the longest losing streak in the NFL, with the worst roster in the NFL, playing a backup quarterback most of the game, the Jets tried mightily to give the game away, and eventually the Patriots graciously accepted the gift. A season that began with such high hopes now lies in smoldering ruin. The 2024 New York Jets are unlikeable and unwatchable. The Jets high point of this trainwreck of a season came in week three against these same New England Patriots. Back then Aaron Rodgers played his finest game of the season, the Jets defense was absolutely dominant, and the Jets crushed their divisional rivals by three touchdowns. The Jets haven’t won a game since. They are now legitimately in the conversation for the worst team in the NFL. They are unquestionably the most disappointing team in the NFL.
How did the power rankings feel about this latest travesty by the Jets? Let’s find out.
28. Jets 2-6 (22)
It seems nothing can stop the bleeding for these underachievers, who have added Davante Adams and Haason Reddick during a skid that reached five games with a 25-22 loss to the Patriots. Greg Zuerlein missed two kicks and the defense allowed the game-winning 70-yard touchdown drive – finished off on fourth down in the last minute. Aaron Rodgers’ two touchdown passes went for naught.
26. New York Jets (2-6)
Last week’s ranking: No. 23
Last week’s result: lost to New England, 25–22
This week: vs. Houston
On The MMQB podcast this week, colleague Albert Breer brought up the Patriots’ two-point conversion as a moment that showed him that the Jets had called it quits. I went back and watched the play again because, in real time, I was frantically eyeing up the endings of Houston-Indianapolis and Green Bay-Jacksonville. And, my goodness. Two defenders just allowing themselves to get picked and Rhamondre Stevenson walking freely into the end zone.
27. New York Jets (2-6)
Week 8 ranking: 24
Best offseason addition: Running back Braelon Allen
None of their veteran additions are playing up to expectations, so let’s go with the rookie. Allen, a fourth-round pick, has been a nice complement to Breece Hall in the backfield. He has three touchdowns (two rushing and one receiving), playing about 15-20 snaps per game. He’s averaging only 3.8 yards per rush, but that’s deceptive because he’s used in short-yardage situations. The 240-pound Allen has brought a physical edge to the rushing attack.
27. New York Jets (22)
[If the New England Patriots are soft… [what does that make...
