Jets eliminated from playoff contention after 34-10 loss to Dolphins, extending 15-year drought

The New York Jets face another disappointing season after their elimination from playoff contention following a 34-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins, extending their postseason drought to 15 years.

Why it matters: The Jets long-standing struggles highlight systemic issues within the organization that continue to thwart progress.

• This defeat marks the sixth consecutive year the Jets will finish with double-digit losses, tying for the third-longest such streak in the Super Bowl era.
• The team’s inability to contend has become a significant source of frustration for players and fans alike.

What’s new: This latest setback underscores the ongoing turmoil at the quarterback position.

• Tyrod Taylor's injury forced rookie Brady Cook to make his NFL debut, during which he completed 14 of 30 passes for 163 yards but was sacked six times.
• Justin Fields, the demoted starting quarterback, remains sidelined due to injury, compounding the Jets' offensive challenges.

Yes, but: Despite the bleak outlook, there are signs of resilience among the players.

• Running back Breece Hall expressed the emotional toll of the team's annual struggles, stating, "It's a yearly thing...you see your peers...get to have a lot of fun."
• Center Joe Tippmann echoed this sentiment, lamenting, "It sucks being in that situation again this year," emphasizing the collective desire to break the cycle.

What to watch: The response of interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich and current head coach Glenn will be critical as they navigate the remaining games.

• Glenn stated, "Get better; that's it," indicating a focus on improvement rather than results, while also taking responsibility for the latest loss, saying, "This one is on me."
• The defensive performance was particularly concerning, with the team allowing 239 rushing yards, a statistic Glenn characterized as unacceptable.

The bottom line: The Jets are at a crossroads, where fundamental changes may be necessary to escape their prolonged playoff drought.

• With a foundation that appears shaky, Nick Folk remarked, "You can build a house on a bad foundation, but it's not going to stand very long." This metaphor underscores the urgent need for strategic reassessment within the organization.
• As the season progresses, the Jets must identify key areas for improvement if they hope to avoid repeating history in the coming years.