Mediocre, subpar, disappointing, and lacking: these are all interchangeable terms that could describe the Jets’ 2017. They could also accurately describe the past seven years for the Jets, who have been absent from the playoffs since 2010.
But sifting through the dictionary of 2017 Jets terms, something seems different. Words such as “improvement,” and “competitive” began sprouting about more often than we’ve seen. It gives way to the notion that the Jets’ played through an emotional roller coaster of a season with an abundance of highs and lows.
To simplify the ride, we took a look at three games that all but summed up what 2017 represented for the Jets.
New York Jets vs Cleveland Browns | Week 5 | 10/8/17
Prior to the start of the season, many put an early label on the Jets as the league’s “new Browns.” They weren’t projected to win very much, if not at all, and a lackluster roster screamed “tank.” But as Week 5 approached, the Jets had a step on the Browns with two wins compared to zero. However, this matchup would likely solidify the tag of who would earn the spot as the NFL’s newest laughing stock.
And that theme seemed to be well and alive through the first 15 minutes. Neither the Jets nor the Browns could find any sort of momentum in the first quarter, thus making the game a hard watch.
The Jets finally struck first with a Chandler Catanzaro bomb of a field goal midway through the second quarter, but quickly slipped up. The Browns’ plugged in quarterback Kevin Hogan after DeShone Kizer continued to underwhelm, and it seemed as if they had found their stride.
Hogan came out of the locker room in the second half and exposed the Jets secondary off the bat. A long drive led to an early touchdown to tight end David Njoku, and the Jets were suddenly falling to the lowly Browns.
However, Josh McCown kept the Jets on their feet against his old team. He came back with a drive of his own to eventually find Austin Seferian-Jenkins for the go ahead touchdown. Shortly after, it looked as though he had put the nail in the coffin with yet another touchdown to Jermaine Kearse.
All the Jets had to do was hang in there.
Up 17-7 late in the fourth, things looked to be in the bag. However, the Jets did what the Jets do, and let Cleveland find a way back. Hogan ran the hurry up offense and shred apart the Jets defense, eventually finding Duke Johnson for the 41-yard touchdown. They quickly attempted an onside kick down only a field goal, but the Jets were able to recover and notch the close win.
Final Score: Jets 17 Browns 14
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills | Week 9 | 11/2/17
Now with a record of 3-5, the Jets were allowing their shocking season to come to a collapse. A Week 9 win against the Buffalo Bills was key toward their efforts to stay afloat. They had already dropped their first match up against them, and were sitting with a 1-2 record within the division.
The Thursday Night prime-time game was pressurizing for both teams. While the Jets were looking to stay relevant, the Bills were hoping to add onto their already dominant 5-1 record. It was set to be a blood bath under the lights. And it sure played out to be.
After coming off a delusional loss to the Atlanta Falcons where Matt Forte openly complained about not receiving enough touches, the veteran running back found the endzone twice.

The Jets defense also looked reborn. They put the pressure on Tyrod Taylor all night and racked up a season-high seven sacks and forced three turnovers. They were also able to put the plug on LeSean McCoy, who burned them in the Week 1 matchup. This time, he garnered only 25 rushing yards, a career low.
-
Ep 101: Conference Championship Sunday - Preview, Prop Bets, and Predictions
by Full Press Coverage on January 29, 2023 at 11:25 am
However, the Bills didn’t stop trudging until the end, as the Jets once again allowed for a fourth quarter comeback. Taylor was able to find the endzone twice within the last four minutes, closing the gap to be a two possession game.
That was just enough for the Jets as they walked away with the victory and kept their playoff hopes alive. It looked as though this was the game that would turn the Jets fortunes around, however, many know that didn’t end up to be true.
Final Score: Bills 21, Jets 34
New York Jets at Denver Broncos | Week 14 | 12/10/17
The Jets were now three weeks off their Bye, and were still hanging by a thread in the playoff hunt. Gang Green was coming off yet another emotional win against Kansas City and looked to keep the momentum rolling.
But a trip to Mile High screamed “trap.” The Broncos, though stout defensively, were riding an eight game losing streak. Their season was all but done, and perhaps the Jets took that notion too lightly.
Denver hadn’t won in over 70 days, and was caught in the midst of their longest losing streak in franchise history. Trevor Siemian was at the helm, and the Jets certainly expected their own defense to shine against the interception machine.
That didn’t happen. On the day, Siemian threw for 200 yards and looked as though he could have solved all of the Broncos’ issues. Him and Demaryius Thomas tore apart the Jets’ defense and put all the pressure on the offense to come out and make it competitive.
It was a crap-shoot. Josh McCown felt the pressure throughout the entire first half, taking a few monster hits while receiving no support from the O-Line. He was only 6/12 for 46 yards before one of those hits took him out of the game, and eventually the rest of the season.

Third year quarterback Bryce Petty was brought in to help stop the bleeding. He, similarly, failed to overwhelm. Rust was extremely evident as Petty continued to overthrow and miss open targets. He finished the day only 2/9 for 14 yards.
It was a demoralizing shutout for the Jets, who were now all but eliminated from the playoffs. They couldn’t squeak out a single point against one of the league’s worst teams, and their true colors finally showed.
Final Score: Broncos 23, Jets 0
That’s All Folks
Looking back at each of those games may sum up what the Jets were throughout 2017. The close game against Cleveland relayed the fact that the Jets were not as surprising as many thought. It opened the doors for harsh criticism in regards to their capped competiveness. It was also a foreshadowing for the slew of late-game collapses that soon followed.
The Thursday night demolition of the Bills encompasses the Jets’ hope for a great future. They played their hearts out under the lights, and showed their true potential for playing seamless football.
A Mile High beat-down closes the book, however. It proved to the fans and media that much work still needs to be done; that Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg may have been mistakes all along. It also put the spotlight on management and the coaching staff to better perform. Nothing should be taken for granted, and a young developing team should never be hoisted to such low standards and efforts at any cost.
Heading into 2018, the Jets should take these three games and boil them down to a full on recipe. Some ingredients will be absolutely necessary, while others can be replaced or discarded all together.
– Kyle Hirshkind is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Jets and covers the New York Jets. Like and follow on Follow @kylehirshkind Follow @FPC_Jets
-
Ep 141: Andy Reid, Eagles, And Conference Championship Weekend w/ Joe Bannerby Full Press Coverage on January 27, 2023 at 5:36 pm
Clark and Ira are joined by former Eagles President Joe Banner to talk […]
-
Ep 140: The 49ers/Cowboys Rivalry With Former San Francisco Tight End Brent Jonesby Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2023 at 9:02 pm
Clark and Ira are joined by former 49ers tight end and three time Super […]
-
Ep 137: Hall Of Fame Discussion w/ John Turneyby Full Press Coverage on December 30, 2022 at 5:33 pm
Football historian John Turney of Pro Football Journal joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 136: Remembering The Longest Game Ever Played With Larry Littleby Full Press Coverage on December 24, 2022 at 1:09 am
On the 51-year anniversary of the longest game ever played (Chiefs vs. […]
-
Ep 135: Hall of Fame Semifinalist Jahri Evans Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on December 16, 2022 at 3:51 pm
Former Saints guard and 2023 HOF Semifinalist Jahri Evans joins Clark and […]
-
Ep 134: Remember AFL/NFL Star John Hadl with Nick Canepaby Full Press Coverage on December 8, 2022 at 2:39 pm
Former Hall of Fame voter, Nick Canepa, joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 133: Hall Of Fame Semifinalist Henry Ellard Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on November 30, 2022 at 4:28 pm
Former Rams and Redskins wide receiver, Henry Ellard, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 132: Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Semifinalists w/ Rick Gosselinby Full Press Coverage on November 22, 2022 at 6:15 pm
Clark and Ira are joined by Pro Football Hall of Fame voter Rick Gosselin […]
-
Ep 131: 'Football Heaven' With PFHOF Senior Advisor Joe Horriganby Full Press Coverage on November 17, 2022 at 5:55 pm
Pro Football Hall of Fame Senior Advisor, Joe Horrigan, joins Clark and […]
-
Ep 130: Remembering John McVay With Hall of Famer Eddie DeBartolo Jr.by Full Press Coverage on November 13, 2022 at 1:42 am
Clark and Ira are joined by Hall of Fame owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. to […]
-
Ep 271: NFL Championship Roundby Full Press Coverage on January 26, 2023 at 1:58 pm
-
Ep 270: NFL Divisional Roundby Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2023 at 1:31 am
-
Ep 269: NFL Playoff Previewby Full Press Coverage on January 12, 2023 at 4:13 am
-
Ep 268: Week 16 Fantasy Rankingsby Full Press Coverage on December 21, 2022 at 9:45 pm
-
Ep.130: Bowling For Talentby Full Press Coverage on January 28, 2023 at 6:00 am
Biggs sits down with Kenneth Berry from the Tangents And Touchdowns […]
-
(Season 3.1) Commanders Roundtable w/ Deuce, DH, and DTby Full Press Coverage on January 27, 2023 at 3:56 am
George Carmi hosts Deuce, DH, and DT as they discuss the latest topics of […]
-
1/30 - Conference Championship Recap: Eagles, Chiefs Advanceby Full Press Coverage on January 30, 2023 at 10:35 am
Ian and John recap the Eagles and Chiefs victories on Conference […]
-
1/27 - Conference Championship Preview: Who is Going To The Super Bowl?by Full Press Coverage on January 27, 2023 at 9:50 am
Ian and John preview Conference Championship Weekend and give their picks […]
-
1/23 - Divisional Round Recap; Chiefs, Bengals, Eagles, and 49ers Advanceby Full Press Coverage on January 23, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Ian and John recap Divisional Round Weekend in the NFL. Learn more about […]
-
1/20 - Buccaneers Fire Byron Leftwich, NFL Divisional Round Previewby Full Press Coverage on January 20, 2023 at 10:19 am
Ian and John discuss the firing of Byron Leftwich and whether or not it […]
-
Talkamania Episode 230by Talkamania on September 6, 2022 at 11:43 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 229by Talkamania on August 5, 2022 at 3:37 am
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 211 "Steel Reserve"by Boot 2 The Face on January 28, 2023 at 6:59 pm
We preview the Royal Rumble and other things in the week of pro wreslting. […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 210 "No Monè, No Monè, No Monè"by Boot 2 The Face on January 19, 2023 at 12:55 am
Rucker and EJ are back discussing Rucker going to Impacts Hard to Kill […]
-
Kings at Wolvesby Broken Controller Media on January 30, 2023 at 5:30 pm
-
Pick & Rollout: Iowa State at Texas Techby Broken Controller Media on January 30, 2023 at 5:00 pm
-
Lakers at Netsby Broken Controller Media on January 30, 2023 at 4:30 pm
-
Magic at Sixersby Broken Controller Media on January 30, 2023 at 3:38 pm
-
Pick & Rollout: North Central at Norfolk Stateby Broken Controller Media on January 30, 2023 at 3:00 pm
-
Pick & Rollout: Virginia at Syracuseby Broken Controller Media on January 30, 2023 at 1:00 pm
-
1/30 - Conference Championship Recap: Eagles, Chiefs Advanceby Full Press Coverage on January 30, 2023 at 10:35 am
-
Ep. 85: UMass-Lowell Head Men's Basketball Coach Pat Duquette Interviewby Full Press Coverage on January 30, 2023 at 6:00 am
-
Pelicans at Bucksby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 9:00 pm
-
Clippers at Cavsby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 6:45 pm
-
1/6 - Damar Hamlin Update, Bills/Bengals, AFC Playoffs, Week 18 Picksby Full Press Coverage on January 6, 2023 at 3:11 pm
-
Winter Classic: Bruins Rally To Beat Penguins At Fenwayby Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:09 am
-
1/3 - Bills/Bengals Postponed; Bruins Topple Penguins In Winter Classicby Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:05 am
-
1/2 - Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Week 17, Bills/Bengalsby Full Press Coverage on January 3, 2023 at 3:22 am
-
12/30 - New Year's Eve, Luka Doncic, NBA Talk, Week 17 Preview and Picksby Full Press Coverage on January 1, 2023 at 2:29 am
-
Aaron Rodgers, Packers Win Third Straight; Playoffs In Sightby Full Press Coverage on December 27, 2022 at 7:36 pm