New York Jets: Longest Playoff Drought in Major Sports
It seems like the New York Jets are facing an unfortunate reality. While the Buffalo Sabers have just ended their lengthy playoff drought, qualifying for the NHL playoffs for the first time in 14 years, the Jets now have the longest playoff drought among all teams in North America’s major professional sports.
The Jets last reached the playoffs during the 2010 season, where they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game. Unless something drastic changes, making the playoffs next season seems rather unlikely for them.
This past season was particularly tough for the Jets under first-time head coach Aaron Glenn, as the team finished with a dismal record of 3-14. They even made history—though not in a good way—by finishing the season without a single interception. At the trade deadline, they dealt away key defenders Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams for future draft picks.
Justin Fields was brought on board last offseason with high hopes of becoming a starting quarterback. Unfortunately, injuries saw him starting only nine games. Then backup Tyrod Taylor also fell to injury after four starts, forcing the Jets to turn to undrafted rookie Brady Cook for another four games.
In an effort to rebuild, the Jets completely reshuffled their quarterback lineup. Fields was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, while Taylor remains a free agent. Cook, however, continues to be part of the roster.
In another significant move, the Jets recently acquired Geno Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders. Smith has had a rocky season, leading the league in interceptions with 17—despite missing two games due to injuries. He did manage to complete 67.4 percent of his passes for a total of 3,205 yards, along with 19 touchdowns and those unfortunate interceptions.
The Jets are banking on two first-round picks, specifically the second and sixteenth overall selections in the upcoming draft, as well as the potential impact of Smith and the new free agent signings, to finally change their playoff fate.
If things don’t improve, the Jets risk extending their playoff drought for yet another year in the highly competitive landscape of professional sports.
