The New York Jets had a shot at the playoffs this season, but after starting the season 7-4, the Jets lost six straight, including scoring nine total points in two key games against the Jaguars and Seahawks that ended their playoff hopes. At 7-10, the Jets once again finished in last place in the AFC East behind 13-3 Buffalo, 9-8 Miami and 8-9 New England.
Sauce Gardner wants to make sure that doesn’t happen next season. Gardner believes the Jets will be playing past Week 18 next season.
“This time next year, we’ll be in the playoffs, for sure,” Gardner said following the Jets’ 11-6 loss in Miami to wrap up the season.
Sauce Gardner: “This time next year, we’ll be in the playoffs. For sure.” #Jets
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) January 8, 2023
The Jets extended their postseason drought to a league-leading 12th season and also wrapped up their 7th straight losing season. They have finished last in the division in six of those seven years, only finishing ahead of the 5-11 Dolphins in 2019.
Gardner had an incredible rookie season, leading the league in passes defended and very well could end up as the Defensive Rookie of the Year. He’s already cemented himself as one of the foundational pieces for the Jets franchise. He has all the confidence in the world and he should due to his play.
However, it’s very fair to believe 2023 is “playoffs or bust” for Robert Saleh and/or Joe Douglas. Yes, the Jets improved to seven wins this season, but after starting 7-4, that “improvement” doesn’t exactly jump out at you. The Jets need to have a winning season and be playing at least on Wild Card Weekend come January 2024. If not, the 2024 coaching staff could look very different.