Why the Jets' second-half collapse feels too familiar

The Jets are in the midst of a second-half collapse, losing their last three games and falling out of the playoff hunt after a strong start to the season. It isn't the first time, however, that New York has suffered a midseason implosion.

Following the loss of quarterback Aaron Rodgers just four snaps into the season, the Jets found themselves in an unfavorable situation that mirrored the state of the 2022 team. Despite boasting an elite defense and talented young playmakers on offense, New York was missing a reliable signal-caller.

Leaning upon their defense, the 2022 Jets were able to stay afloat after Zach Wilson suffered a knee injury in Week 1 of the preseason. Once the second-year quarterback returned in Week 4, New York stacked several impressive wins, including an upset 20-17 victory over the Bills heading into the bye.

At 6-3 entering its bye week, New York looked primed to break the NFL's longest active postseason drought. Yet, the Jets offense struggled mightily down the stretch, leading to Wilson's benching and a 1-7 finish to the season.

Similar to last year, the Jets began the 2023 season strong even without their star quarterback. Following a shocking win over the Eagles before the bye, New York remained firmly in the playoff picture at 3-3.

Once again, however, the Jets appeared sluggish coming out of their break. New York's ineptitude on offense led to another 1-3 start to the second half of the season, forcing HC Robert Saleh to bench Wilson on Thanksgiving week for the second straight year.

With the writing on the wall signaling an all-too-familiar collapse, it begs the question why Saleh and GM Joe Douglas didn't do more to salvage this season. The Jets decided to stay pat at the trade deadline, opting to run with Wilson at quarterback instead of acquiring Joshua Dobbs, who has played well after being dealt to the Minnesota Vikings. Though New York made inquiries into the availability of star wideouts Mike Evans and Davante Adams, it was unable to add another target that could divert attention from WR1 Garrett Wilson.

The playoffs and Rodgers' miraculous return now appear out of reach for the Jets at 4-6. Unfortunately for fans of Gang Green, the longest active postseason drought may increase to 13 years despite early optimism this season.