For two veterans who have collectively been a part of 12 losing NFL seasons, this Jets season did feel different. Both Tyler Conklin and Quinnen Williams didn’t visualize themselves with a 3-10 record and no playoff games ahead of them. And it’s difficult to blame them.
They started out with a healthy Aaron Rodgers, who made it past four snaps this year after tearing his Achilles in the 2023 season opener . Of course they believed this time would be different with the future Hall of Famer. The Jets also brought in eight-time Pro Bowl tackle Tyron Smith and star edge rusher Haason Reddick.
They ended the Zach Wilson era. They re-signed what was their reliable kicker in Greg Zuerlein. Robert Saleh was set for his fourth full year with the Jets and was expected to not only have a winning season, but also help scheme up another league-best defensive group.
The pieces to initiate a turnaround were seemingly there but the season unfolded in disastrous fashion. The Jets have lost their last four games, most recently a crushing 32-26 overtime loss to the Dolphins in Week 14 — the defeat officially eliminating them from playoff contention for the 14th straight season. “You can’t go to the playoffs when you can’t win football games each and every week.
I think the main thing is the main thing. Like you’ve got to win football games and we didn’t win enough to do that this year,” Williams told The Post after practice on Friday ahead of their Sunday matchup against the J.