TAMPA, Florida – New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn is facing a complicated start to the season, with a 0-3 record, similar to that of his predecessors. However, Glenn insists that this situation is not a reflection of the years of failure that have marked the franchise.After the close 29-27 defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, Glenn was defiant, arguing that the team’s comeback in the final quarter and the near victory demonstrate the tenacity of his players.Glenn used an expression that has tormented Jets fans for decades, a term that previous coaches avoided mentioning.
“We’re not the same team, as everyone says, the ‘same old Jets.’ These guys are going to fight no matter the situation. They don’t give up.”
Aaron Glenn
The coach, who played as a cornerback for the Jets from 1994 to 2001, knows the history of the franchise better than many, with more than half a century since their only Super Bowl appearance. Instead of shying away from the challenge, Glenn sought the head coaching position with the intention of turning the team’s fortunes around.Currently, they are in the midst of adversity, trying to transform a culture of defeat. The Jets have accumulated nine consecutive losing seasons and a 14-year playoff drought, the longest active streak in the NFL.Glenn was on the verge of securing his first victory, as the Jets overcame a 17-point deficit at the start of the final quarter and took the lead 27-26 thanks to a blocked field goal and a 50-yard touchdown return by Will McDonald, with 1:49 remaining in the game.Kevin Sabitus/Getty ImagesThe cameras caught Glenn celebrating on the sidelines, but the Jets allowed Baker Mayfield to advance 48 yards in seven plays. Chase McLaughlin scored the winning 36-yard field goal as time expired, frustrating the Jets’ improbable comeback.This was the Jets’ fifth loss since the start of last season when leading in the final two minutes of the final quarter, the most in the NFL and two more than any other team. For the second time in three games, they lost by a field goal in the final two minutes.”There are many games to play and we can build on this,” Glenn said. “The only thing I don’t do, which I understand the New York media is trying to do, is the negative parts. I’m not going to be like that. We’re going to focus on what we did well, we’re going to move forward because we’re going to improve.”The Jets performed poorly for three quarters, falling behind 23-6. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who replaced the injured Justin Fields, committed two turnovers: a fumble and an interception that resulted in a touchdown.However, the Jets picked up the pace and Taylor (26 of 36 passing, 197 yards) threw touchdowns to Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard. Then, McDonald scored thanks to the blocked field goal, something the Jets hadn’t achieved since 1997.«We didn’t play well in the first quarter, in the first half, what are you going to do about it?», said Wilson, who made 10 receptions for 84 yards. «You can’t go out there and put in an hour of bad play. We had to get better, but there really was no excuse for not looking better in that second half once we had that deficit that we shouldn’t have been in in the first place».The Jets have suffered two defeats by a margin of two points, which has fueled the hope of Glenn and the locker room. They face the Miami Dolphins (0-3) next Monday night.”From outside this locker room, the fans, the analysts, whoever, if you’re not in the building, you’re going to see a team with 0-3 because that’s what we put on the field,” said linebacker Jamien Sherwood. “Obviously, you’re right to think that, but for the men in this room, no, we’re not a 0-3 team.”Wilson adopted a pragmatic approach.”We have 0-3,” he said, “and it’s an uphill battle.”
