The 2024 season appears to be on the line for the Jets this weekend in Foxborough.
Gang Green has lost four consecutive games and has a 2-5 record heading into its game against New England. Coincidentally enough, the Jets’ last victory came against the Patriots on Sept. 19, which seems like an eternity ago.
Since then, the Jets fired coach Robert Saleh, changed offensive play-callers and added Davante Adams in a trade with the Raiders. Haason Reddick also ended his long holdout.
Ahead of this weekend’s must-win game for the Jets, let’s answer some questions in this week’s mailbag.
How hot is Joe Douglas’ seat right now? — @TheDonDrew
On a scale from 1 to 10, I would say 20 because Jets owner Woody Johnson has already fired Robert Saleh. And if Gang Green continues to go in this direction, Douglas’ future with the team as general manager is in serious jeopardy.
Douglas signed a six-year contract with the Jets in 2019 and he is in the final year of that deal. As GM, Douglas has a record of 29-61 and no playoff appearances or winning seasons.
Most people would have already been out of a job with a record like Douglas’. Aaron Rodgers‘ season-ending Achilles injury in 2023 likely bought Douglas and Saleh, for that matter, more time. But the sands in the hourglass ran out for Saleh and are beginning to do the same for Douglas.
Massive changes will occur if the Jets miss the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season. That likely includes a new coach, GM and maybe a new quarterback in 2025.
Do you have a sense of the vibe among the team, as far as going on a playoff run? I know fans are rightfully pessimistic, but I hope the players still believe! — @TripleBoogie
I haven’t polled every player in the locker room, but most are still optimistic. Usually, players believe they are in the playoff chase until the team is officially eliminated. As bad as the Jets have been, we are a little ways from that happening.
However, at 2-5, the Jets have a tough road in front of them. Last season, the Steelers clinched the seventh and final playoff spot with a 10-7 record in the AFC.
If that is the case again, the Jets must finish 8-2 to make the playoffs. The road for the Jets gets a little easier on paper, but games are not decided on paper.
Still, the Jets are too talented a group to struggle as much as they have this season in all three phases. That includes the defense, which has been hit with injuries and seemingly cannot stop the run.
Do you see Davante Adams settling in soon and getting back to playing like his old self again with Rodgers? — @K3llybird
I think so. Of course, considering Adams missed time with a hamstring injury before being traded to the Jets last week, it was going to take time for him to get into a rhythm with a new team despite his history with Rodgers from Green Bay.
But considering they are 2-5 and have 10 games left in the season, the Jets don’t have much time left to wait for Adams to get back to his old self. What also doesn’t help matters is that Rodgers is currently battling several injuries. In addition to his sore knee and low ankle sprain, Rodgers is now dealing with a hamstring injury he suffered against the Steelers. Hamstring injuries are typically the nagging type, and they could limit Rodgers’ mobility for a few weeks.
The tough part for the Jets is that they are again playing three games in 11 days. They visit the Patriots on Sunday and then play the Texans on Halloween.
A healthier Rodgers would undoubtedly help Adams and the rest of the Jets offense.
Could you see the Jets sell at the deadline if they lose on Sunday? — @sportsguyshows
No matter what happens the rest of the season, I can’t see the Jets becoming sellers at the trade deadline. Too many resources were put into the season for the Jets to give up nine games into the year.
Plus, what would the Jets get for some of their players? A six or seventh-round pick wouldn’t do much for a team staring at another rebuild if the Jets can’t turn it around.
However, the writing appears to be on the wall for Mike Williams, who will seemingly see his role decreased with the addition of Adams. Also, Rodgers criticized Williams for running the wrong route during the game-sealing interception in the loss against the Bills.
I imagine Williams will be gone by the trade deadline on Nov. 5, but I would be shocked if Garrett Wilson was traded. A select group of teams have inquired into whether the Jets would be willing to deal Wilson, according to ESPN.
The Jets also have Wilson under contract for two more seasons after 2024, assuming they pick up his fifth-year option. That’s why trading a very good receiver who just turned 24 doesn’t make much sense.
