One of the dirtiest dozens in North America belongs to the New York Jets.
On Wednesday night, anybody wondering why the New York Jets keep playing the waiting game with Aaron Rodgers got a not-so-subtle answer.
The Sacramento Kings of the NBA eagerly anticipated Wednesday, when they defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 120-80 to secure their first postseason appearance in 16 seasons. Consequently, the so-called "big four" professional North American sports leagues ended their longest current postseason drought, which they had inherited from the MLB's Seattle Mariners, over five months to the day (20).
Of course, one of the four teams must be at the bottom, and the Jets are that dreaded group. The Jets had not been in the NFL playoffs in 12 years, and during that time, they made two straight trips to the AFC championship game in 2010 and 2011. The fact that the Jets have only had one winning season throughout that time, the infamous 2015 campaign that saw them squander an opportunity to halt the run at four, only makes matters worse. In seven of the last twelve seasons, they have placed last in the AFC East.
The Jets have enough young, talented players to maintain hope even if the Rodgers trade fully fails. After thrilling freshmen campaigns, Sauce Gardner, Breece Hall, and Garrett Wilson are about to begin their second professional seasons, and they have already added promising experienced players like Mecole Hardman and Allen Lazard.
The Jets had a 7-10 record last year, but they remained in the AFC playoff hunt until the very end of the season due mostly to quarterback problems, which explains their relative tolerance with both Rodgers and his in-name-only employers in Green Bay.
The Jets could have some company over the next two weeks, if that's any solace. The NHL's Buffalo Sabers are mired in an 11-season skid of their own, and if the current playoff scenario holds, that record may continue. The Sabers (35-31-7) now trail the Pittsburgh Penguins by five points in the race for the third and final Eastern Conference wild card slot. Buffalo will face the New York Rangers on Friday at 7 p.m. ET on MSG/NHL Network before leaving on Saturday for a trip to Philadelphia.
While the Jets lead the NFL's active drought chart (the Denver Broncos are in second with seven seasons), they are still far from matching the awful record of 25 postseason absences set by the Chicago/St. Louis Bears (1946-70) and Washington Redskins. Charles Cardinals (1949-73).
Comments
Post a Comment