FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets seem to be grappling with challenges that extend beyond their poor performance on the field, missed chances, and untimely mistakes.
Following last Sunday’s defeat against Miami, wide receiver Garrett Wilson suggested that a losing “gene” might be behind the team’s struggles, which have dropped their record to 3-10.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, speaking on Wednesday, introduced another possible explanation that may seem more ominous.
“It could be something along those lines,” Rodgers said regarding Wilson’s idea. “It might be some kind of curse we need to break as well.”
For decades, frustrated Jets fans have humorously speculated about negative forces impacting the franchise since Joe Namath delivered his famous Super Bowl guarantee in January 1969. That game remains the only time the Jets have participated in the NFL’s championship event.
Rodgers, who has previously won a Super Bowl with Green Bay, came to the Jets with hopes of leading them back to the big game, reflecting on how isolated the team’s only Lombardi Trophy appears during his initial news conference nearly two years ago.
However, Rodgers’ inaugural season in New York was abruptly halted due to a torn Achilles tendon that occurred just four plays into the opening match, fueling speculation about a “curse” among disenchanted Jets supporters.
With last Sunday’s loss, the Jets have now extended their playoff drought to 14 years, marking the longest active streak across major North American professional sports. The team is also set to search for a new general manager and a head coach after this season, while the future of Rodgers in New York remains uncertain.
“Regardless of the situation, this team and this organization are going to find a way to overcome these obstacles eventually,” Rodgers stated. “The culture is shaped by the players. There are guidelines set by the organization and staff, but ultimately, it’s the players who bring it to fruition.
“At some point, we need to determine what that magic formula is to convert games that we should win into actual victories.”
This season, the Jets have held leads during the fourth quarter in five games, yet they have lost every one of them, including their last three contests. This inability to secure wins led Wilson to propose the idea of a “gene.”
“I’m not sure exactly what he meant,” Rodgers remarked with a smile. “I can’t pinpoint what to call the situation where we’ve lost leads or failed to capture the lead late in the games, but that’s part of it. We’ve struggled in crucial moments.”
“Many of those defeats could be traced back to plays made in the first, second, or even third quarters, where if we made the right play, the game wouldn’t even reach that point. Unfortunately, in those situations, our performance has faltered, whether it be on offense, defense, or even special teams.”
Rodgers indicated that creating a winning culture demands a deliberate and intentional effort, emphasizing the need for leadership, strong practice habits, and high standards both inside and outside of the locker room.
He affirmed that this year’s Jets team is “on the cusp” of achieving that culture.
“We’re very close yet still haven’t managed to find that special blend,” he commented. “There are a lot of great individuals in the locker room—an admirable mix of veterans and young talent—but we simply haven’t managed to pull everything together.”
