The New York Jets’ season continues to unravel, and one particular play is being called out by fans as the moment that sums up what’s happening with the team.
The game might be most remembered for the benching of quarterback Zach Wilson, after he was roundly booed by the crowd following a dismal offensive performance by the Jets.
A play shared on NFL‘s TikTok page is being cited as “typical Jets,” in which a turnover happens in a most unfortunate way.
In the video clip, the Jets are on 4th down and have two yards to get. QB Wilson throws to wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who catches the ball for a first down and seemingly more.
Then an unfortunate chain of events happens and after the reception, the foot of Jaguars’ Foyesade Oluokun swings up in the air and dislodges the ball from Wilson’s grasp, which then falls into the grateful hands of Tre Herndon.
Herndon then returns it for a bunch of yards before being run out of play, as boos ring out around the MetLife Stadium.
Jets fans shared their sense of déjà vu in the comments, with one writing: “This stuff only happens to the jets I swear.”
Another added: “That is the most jets thing I’ve seen.”
While a third felt that was the Jets season in a few seconds of play, commenting: “Pretty much sums up the 2nd half of the jets season. rip”
The 19-3 defeat by the Jacksonville Jaguars was the Jets’ fourth defeat in a row and pretty much ends any playoff ambitions they have, as they slump to the bottom of the AFC East with a 7-7 record.
The Jags have a similar record, with the team now on 7-8, but they are on the rise after winning three in a row and have two divisional rivals left to play, including the Houston Texans, who have only won once this season, and could be heading towards winning the AFC South.
Meanwhile, quarterback Wilson must be thinking where he turns next after he was replaced by Chris Streveler in the third quarter after completing nine of 18 passes for 92 yards.
Jets coach Robert Saleh said: “I’m just really disappointed about the display.”
Wilson spoke postgame about the booing fans, saying: “Yeah, it’s [tough]. I don’t blame them. We have a passionate fan base, and they’re here to watch us score touchdowns.
“We’re not scoring touchdowns, we’re not getting first downs, we’re not moving the ball and, obviously, we can’t throw the ball. Of course they’re going to be frustrated.”
Saleh said that he hadn’t considered benching Wilson at halftime despite only 66 yards on offensive and was going to turn to Streveler at some point to see if his running ability might kickstart the offense.
Streveler had only been elevated from the practice squad just hours before the game, so he may have been surprised to have been thrown in to rescue the game with 3:31 remaining in the third quarter.
The Jets were already 16-3 down by then, but Coach Saleh thought there may have been some hope.
He said: “We were trying to change up to get the run game going,” Saleh said. “I know Zach was struggling. Streveler came in, he ran a couple of plays, sparked the offense and got the explosive play.
“It snowballed in a good way for Strev. So we wanted to give him an opportunity to finish the drive. By the time we got it back, we decided we’re already here, so let’s go with Strev.”
On his season debut, Streveler rushed for 54 yards and completed 10 of 15 passes for 90 yards.
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