The Jets are 1-2. Their former coach Bill Parcells, who won two Super Bowls with the Giants, famously said, “You are what your record says you are.” Both things can be true at once.
Yes, the Jets have a losing record going into their Week 4 road matchup against the 2-1 Chicago Bears this Sunday. However, they have the elements of a team that is rising. After a 23-10 seasoning opening road win over the Tennessee Titans (0-3), the Jets relinquished a 10-point lead in Week 2 at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and lost to the Green Bay Packers (1-2) 20-17 in overtime. Last Sunday, they went toe-to-toe with the Lions (2-1) in Detroit, but ultimately took a 31-24 defeat.
Still, the signs are evident that the Jets possess the tools to build a strong foundation to become a playoff contender. It’s unlikely they’ll reach that level this season, but an eight- or nine-win campaign is achievable. Better in-game decisions by the coaching staff, led by second-year head coach Aaron Glenn, and more precise execution by the players in all three phases of the game — offense, defense and special teams — will increase their probability of winning close games.
“Right here, it’s this gap we have to close, and that’s from a coaching and players’ perspective,” said Glenn, using his fingers to illustrate a small separation after the Lions game. Glenn was the defensive coordinator for Detroit from 2021 to 2024 prior to being hired by the Jets in January 2025.
“These guys are going to fight, and it’s a belief system also,” Glenn added. “Our guys believe all the work that was put in in OTAs and training camp, man. We’re right here and our guys know it’s this gap right here that we got to close.”
With veteran Geno Smith having stabilized the quarterback position, throwing for 321 yards while connecting on 31 of 37 pass attempts against the Lions, the Jets finally have a signal caller who instills confidence that the offense can manufacture enough production and points to be consistently competitive. The defense currently is second in the league in yards allowed per game at 258.3. The Jets still have 14 games remaining in the regular season and a long and grueling path ahead. Nevertheless, there is plausible reason for optimism from their fans.
