The New York Jets continue to struggle in the 2023 NFL season, mirroring a long-standing pattern of disappointment for their fans. Despite offseason acquisitions like left tackle Tyron Smith and receiver Mike Williams, the Jets sit at a dismal 4-12 record, placing them third in the AFC East. The team’s hopes hinged on the return of superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers from an Achilles injury; however, the reality has been far from competitive.
Following a lackluster start to the season, the Jets made a significant change by firing head coach Robert Saleh on October 8. He was replaced by defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as interim head coach. Saleh's leadership resulted in a 2-3 record before his dismissal, and Ulbrich has not fared any better, with a 2-9 record since taking over. The team’s struggles have been compounded by the underperformance of key players, notably linebacker Haason Reddick, who was acquired through a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Reddick's first seven seasons showcased his talent, averaging nearly eight sacks and 62 tackles per year without missing a game. However, his 2023 season has been marred by a holdout that limited his participation in training camps and games. As a result, he has played only nine games and started just one, leading to a significant drop in production. Despite this, Ulbrich defended Reddick, calling him 'one of the most unselfish players' he has encountered, a statement that has raised eyebrows given Reddick's recent actions. This disconnect reflects broader issues within the Jets organization, highlighting the need for substantial changes to reverse their fortunes.