Desperation began to set in for the New York Jets at halftime on Thursday night.
A season that had been filled with disappointment, chaos, and frustration was dangerously close to hitting another low against the Houston Texans.
A 21-13 victory, featuring an incredible one-handed touchdown catch by Garrett Wilson and some classic play from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, ended a five-game losing streak and reminded the Jets of what they believe they could be.
“It was kind of season on the line there in the second half,” Rodgers acknowledged. “Obviously, we wouldn’t have been mathematically eliminated, but mentally, to go to 2-7 would have been real, real tough.
“Hopefully this gives us confidence that we can beat anybody because we feel like we could.” For much of their 3-6 start, the Jets have often been their own worst enemy.
Mental mistakes, poor execution, and below-par performance have been the main issues. This led to the firing of Robert Saleh after just five games. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich took over play-calling duties, moving them from coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to pass game coordinator Todd Downing.
New York also traded for Davante Adams and finally got edge rusher Haason Reddick on the field after a lengthy contract holdout. There was far more drama than wins.
Fans were frustrated, and the loud boos during the first half on Thursday night had nothing to do with the Halloween theme. Some were even chanting for owner Woody Johnson to sell the team.
“Offense, we came in and we said that we couldn’t start or get off to a worse start,” running back Breece Hall said. “So, we knew we were only going to be better from there.”
The Jets could apply that same attitude to the rest of the season.
They have a few days off before preparing to play at Arizona on November 10. However, they have a lot of work to do to overcome the rough start they experienced in the first half of the season.
“Ultimately, and I know it’s coach talk, but Arizona is all I’m focusing on,” Ulbrich said. “Like, the world may end after this Cardinals game, but that’s all I’m worried about is this game.”
