EMBRACE THE TANK
As New York Jets fans, we can’t have it both ways. We can’t complain that the “Jets can’t even tank properly” with the way they ended the 2014, 2017, and 2020 seasons. But then throw a fit when they set an NFL record with a minus 107-point differential in the month of December.
We can’t lament Woody Johnson’s lack of patience and organizational stability — yet call for Aaron Glenn to be fired after just one season.
Also, we can’t ignore the fact the Jets are barely fielding a NFL caliber team. Xavier Newman, Harrison Phillips, Mason Taylor, Tyrod Taylor, and Eric Watts, all missed Sunday’s embarrassing 42-10 loss to the New England Patriots.
Breece Hall and Qwan’tez Stiggers left the game early with knee injuries, while the following players were already on injured reserve: Tony Adams, Braelon Allen, Tyler Barron, Kris Boyd, Jarvis Brownlee, Jr, Andre Cisco, Justin Fields, Gus Hartwig, Kiko Mauigoa, Marcelino McCrary-Ball, Will McDonald, Isaiah Oliver, Josh Reynolds, Azareye’h Thomas, Jay Tufele, Alija Vera-Tucker, and Garrett Wilson.
As Jets fans we have every right to feel disappointed, frustrated, and helpless. 15 years of bad football is too much. But Glenn and GM Darren Mougey are only responsible for one of those years.
And while the product on the field has been hard to watch, at least the new regime has earned positive grades for a solid draft class, a handful of good in-season pickups, and making the difficult decision to deal Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams for a bounty of draft picks.
Glenn told us that his goal in 2025 was to put a team on the field that Gang Green fans could be proud of. He failed miserably at that goal. I’ve personally felt zero pride watching the Jets over the last four weeks.
But while I have been watching putrid football, I have seen my team’s draft position improve from #8 to #3. We’ve been calling for them to “tank properly” for years. At least they are doing that right.
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Prior to NFL Draft season, let’s not forget the lesson of last night’s Sunday Night Football game won by the San Francisco 49ers 42-38 over the Chicago Bears. The 12-4 49ers are led by QB Brock Purdy, while the 11-5 Bears are led by QB Caleb Williams.
The two successful quarterbacks were drafted on opposite ends of the draft. Williams was first overall in 2024, while Purdy was dead-last (262nd overall) in 2022.
Theoretically, the higher you pick, the better your odds. But good QBs can be acquired in many different ways. At the end of the day, Glenn/Mougey deserve an encore season. But if they mess up their choice at QB, they won’t earn a third.
VETERAN LEADERSHIP
In yesterday’s disheartening loss to the New England Patriots, even Glenn questioned his players effort. I wonder if the Jets would’ve played with more pride if they still had proven leaders like CJ Mosley or Quinnen Williams on their team?
Looking ahead to 2026, veteran leaders are needed on defense, and there’s two ex-Jets that could fit the bill. 36-year-old New Orleans Saints LB Demario Davis, who we talked up last week in “Mac’s Picks for Week 16”, and 29-year-old Denver Broncos DE John Franklin-Myers are playing on expiring contracts.
They are the types of competitors that the Jets need in the huddle and on the field.
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
Speaking of the “new DC”, I think Glenn needs to take a big swing. He needs to bring in someone with a proven track record of success, and an established reputation. He needs someone with presence who can add swagger to Florham Park.
Minnesota Vikings DC Brian Flores is sure to get looks as a head coach, but if he is not tapped for a top position, he could be the perfect running mate for AG. Not only will he demand respect from day one, but he could help Glenn regain some of his lost luster by showing that he is not afraid to surround himself with big personalities.