The New York Jets entered the 2024 season with lofty aspirations, hopes buoyed by the return of their star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Fast forward to Week 18, and the Jets are now grappling with the harsh reality of a disappointing 4-12 record, closing out the season with yet another inept display against the Miami Dolphins. With playoff hopes extinguished nearly a month ago, the defining moments of this season have been riddled with blunders, controversies, and upheaval.
On the day of their final game, Jets fans experienced yet another embarrassment before the first snap was taken. A pregame ceremony featured the team’s flag crew erroneously displaying the oversized flag upside down at MetLife Stadium. Jori Epstein from Yahoo Sports highlighted this gaffe, which has come to symbolize the Jets' tumultuous season. This moment of incompetence was broadly mocked on social media, with fans lamenting the organization’s downward spiral. One Twitter user succinctly summed it up: "This is the perfect encapsulation of the Jets season." With all the turmoil, fans were left wondering about the future direction of the franchise.
This season’s low point came after New York fired their head coach Robert Saleh, offensive coordinator, and general manager, showcasing the extent of the franchise's need for change. The Jets dismissed Saleh following a dismal start of 2-3 and hired interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich. Since then, the team has won only two of eleven games, with defensive performance plummeting to 27.2 points allowed per game. The Jets' once-powerful defense has not been able to stifle opposing offenses, compounding their struggles.
Despite the bleak atmosphere, fans received one notable highlight as Rodgers achieved his 500th career touchdown pass during the second quarter of the game against the Dolphins, connecting with tight end Tyler Conklin. Following this historic achievement, Rodgers, ever the entertainer, humorously acknowledged, "I would be fine sleeping in my bed 20 years from now with 499, but 500 definitely looksbetter on paper." His second touchdown pass of the game, to Allen Lazard, brought his career total to 501, making him just the fifth player to hit the milestone, joining the likes of Tom Brady and Drew Brees.
Rodgers’ monumental season is clouded by uncertainty. At 41 years old, speculation reigns whether this could be his final season, especially as questions about his health and the Jets' management decisions loom. The star quarterback's tenure has been marred by numerous controversies, including discontent expressed by teammates and apparent dissatisfaction with ownership's meddling.
Additional blunders did not just rest on the field—owner Woody Johnson found himself under fire, constantly criticized for his handling of the franchise, including rejecting trade proposals based on trivial factors, like players’ Madden ratings. This has added to the growing discontent among fans and players alike, with cornerback D.J. Reed expressing eagerness to explore free agency as the season drew to a close.
Adamant on moving forward, the Jets are now tasked with rebuilding their management team and roster. Amid the chaos, the franchise has targeted interviews with potential head coaches, which includes former Jets head coach Rex Ryan. The search for both general manager and head coach is expected to begin shortly after the conclusion of their season.
Looking to the future, the Jets have already begun arbitration over their 2025 schedule. Next season's schedule will see them face off against their AFC East rivals—Buffalo, Miami, and New England—as well as opponents from divisions poised to include contenders from the AFC North and NFC South. Jets fans can only hope for improvement under new leadership, as they tackle tough matchups against elite quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow.
With significant changes anticipated, the integrity of the Jets' training and management approach will be tested throughout the offseason. While certain NFL teams are solidifying their playoff positions, New York finds itself plotting its escape from the clutches of mediocrity.
Tyler Conklin, who was instrumental during the final game, triggered incentives worth $250,000 this season, and finishes with at least 50 catches for the fourth consecutive year. Conklin's contributions are indicative of the silver linings within this tumultuous season of high expectations and low achievements.
Regardless of the outcome, the New York Jets desperately need to recalibrate. They enter the offseason with their heads hung low, the weight of the longest playoff drought looming heavily above them. Their upside-down flag may now serve only as a reminder of the hurdles yet to overcome as they look to recommit to success beyond the 2025 season.