EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Jets, led by Aaron Rodgers, found themselves with less than a minute on the clock and one final opportunity to stage a remarkable comeback against the Indianapolis Colts. However, the chance slipped away, reflecting a season full of disappointment.
“There are no more excuses left,” remarked running back Breece Hall. “At the end of the day, we have to secure victories.” The Jets fell 28-27 on Sunday, unable to position themselves for a potential winning score, despite Rodgers being sacked twice during their last drive.
Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich expressed frustrations regarding the team’s mindset after suffering their seventh defeat in the last eight games, leaving the Jets with a record of 3-8. “It’s anger and frustration, and not feeling good about where we are,” he noted. “Clearly, the players are putting in tremendous effort, but it seems like something critical is missing.”
The Jets entered this season with aspirations of contending for a Super Bowl, but now face the possibility of extending their playoff drought to a staggering 14 years—the longest current stretch in the NFL. With the team struggling under Ulbrich, who has a record of 1-5 since taking over for the dismissed Robert Saleh on October 8, there’s speculation about the future of general manager Joe Douglas, whose contract concludes at the season’s end.
Rodgers, nearing his 41st birthday, has hinted at wanting to continue his football career next season. Nevertheless, enduring a tough stretch of losses is challenging for a player of his caliber, accustomed to success. “In my 20th year,” he reflected, having surpassed Dan Marino on the NFL career passing yards list. “I’ve found ways to navigate this for a long time… We need to use this week to clear our heads and come together.”
Instead of heading into their bye week with renewed hope, the Jets will have ample time to reflect on their shortcomings. Cornerback Sauce Gardner emphasized the importance of unity within the team and minimizing external distractions, stating, “We don’t need to point fingers. The outside world will do that regardless.”
On the field, Rodgers completed 22 of 29 passes for 184 yards, throwing two touchdown passes, while Hall contributed with a scoring reception and a rushing touchdown. Yet again, the Jets’ offense struggled to find its rhythm early in the game, failing to produce a first down until their sixth drive, which ultimately led to their first touchdown.
After securing a 24-16 lead with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Yeboah early in the fourth quarter, Rodgers expressed confusion over a missed opportunity to opt for a two-point conversion rather than settling for an extra point. “We discussed going for two before the drive, so I thought we would do it,” he said. “Clearly, something changed in the meantime.”
With a 27-22 advantage and only 2:41 remaining, a 35-yard field goal from Anders Carlson, the Jets’ fourth kicker in as many weeks, put them ahead. However, Ulbrich opted against pursuing a fourth-and-2 conversion, a decision Rodgers supported but felt the team needed to capitalize on more scoring opportunities if they aspired to victory.
In a dramatic turn, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson led his team down the field and secured the go-ahead touchdown with just 46 seconds left. Following a failed 2-point conversion by Jonathan Taylor, the Jets had one last shot, albeit without any timeouts left, adding to the pressure.
The drive commenced poorly for the Jets as Rodgers was sacked by Kwity Paye and fumbled; fortunately, Tyler Conklin recovered the ball. Alas, time was against them, and after a brief glimmer of hope from a catch by Hall and a delay-of-game penalty on the Colts, Rodgers faced another sack from Paye as the clock expired—capping off another painful defeat for New York.
“It’s been tough. I won’t try to mask it,” said wide receiver Garrett Wilson, reflecting the sentiments of a frustrated locker room.