FOXBORO, Mass. — Aaron Rodgers stood at the lectern, sullen, the brim of his hat casting a shadow over his eyes. It’s hard to see in the dark.
Two years ago, in the same room, Zach Wilson sat in the back, waiting his turn as then-New York Jets coach Robert Saleh was peppered with questions about the second-year quarterback after an embarrassing 10-3 loss to the New England Patriots. When Wilson stepped up to that same lectern, he sealed his fate. Asked if he felt like he let the defense down due to his poor play: “No,” he said, “no.” His teammates were upset. Wilson was benched a week later. It was the Jets’ first step on a path that has led them to this moment, with Rodgers, and this darkness.
At that moment with Wilson two years ago, the Jets were 6-4. They had hope. At this moment, they are devoid of it. Even as their season tumbled into misery, Sunday’s road game against the struggling Patriots was supposed to be a respite. Instead, they lost 25-22 after a series of unfortunate moments, mess-ups and embarrassments. It was bad from the beginning, but it still never felt like they’d lose this game. They couldn’t. Until they did.
Read more about why the Jets season feels unsalvagable below.
GO FURTHER
After loss to Patriots, it’s too dark to see how Aaron Rodgers’ Jets can save their season
