Two Jets fans walk into a bar. One is an optimistic Jets fan… the other is Jimmy Steal. Jim is the result of decades of lack-luster gridiron performances, broken dreams and fumbles that have been etched into football memory leading to a black cloud fan; always rain on the horizon. The other, Carl Craft, sees the future for what it is: a blank slate in which every team can be a champion!
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Both types of fans exist in the Jets world. Both fans watched with amazement as their team acquired one of the best players in the game: Aaron Rodgers. From the beginning of rumors to the, “I intend to play for The Jets” to the actual deal getting done; they chatted in the hallowed WRAT hallways about what the future might bring.
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A run deep into the playoffs? A Super Bowl appearance? A Big Game win? Could it be?
Carl Craft, the optimist.
Jimmy Steal, the realist.
So, here are two takes on how the Jet’s season may go. What side of the fence are you on? Is your grass GREEN like the grass at Carl Craft’s house? Or… are you seeing only the weeds at Jim’s palatial estate?
Week 1: Home Against The Bills
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 01: Quarterback Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills drops back to pass in the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 01, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
Carl’s Pick: Jets win 24 to 17. I won’t be shocked when the Jet’s step out in front in the second quarter but a lot of Bills fans will need smelling salts after the Bills jump to a 17 to 3 lead in the first half only to have their dreams dashed after an inspirational speech at half time from AR. Season record 1 -0
Jimmy’s Pick: The stage is set. National TV. Home Opener. A-Rod’s coming out party. Egg laid. Bills win 20-17 in overtime. Season record 0 -1
Week 2: At The Dallas Cowboys
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 22: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts during the second half of the game against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Levi’s Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Carl’s Pick: Jets win 17 – 10. This will be all Jets all the way. Dallas will be kept to 3 points until a late game TD makes the final score look close. Season record 2 – 0
Jimmy’s Pick: The only gal uglier at the dance the past decade than us have been these chumps. Jets win 24-14. Season record 1-1
Week 3: Home Against The Patriots
FOXBORO, MA – AUGUST 11: Bill Bellichick of the New England Patriots watches the action during a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium on August 11, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Carl’s pick: Jet’s win 35 to 10. Season record 3 – 0
This game will feature the return of Zakk Wilson to the field much to the amazement of the Jet’s faithful. Why? Because the Jets will so man-handle and embarrass the Patriots that they sit Rodgers in the 4th quarter… Zakk goes 4 for 6 with one TD himself.
Jimmy’s pick: Pats win 17-0. Season record 1-2
Oh Carl, have you learned nothing from East Side Dave’s love of Star Wars? Palpatine is Belichick, and Belichick is Palpatine. The Evil Empire never dies, at least when it comes to breaking Jets fans hearts and souls. Zakk will be in, I agree. But for all the wrong reasons.
Week 4: Home Against The Chiefs
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 12: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Carl pick: Jets win 24 – 21. Season record 4 – 0
This is the real reason that Aaron Rodgers was picked up by the Jets. This is the Jet’s come-to-Jesus moment. This is the week that sets up the playoff showdown with the Chiefs and cements the New York Jets as a rightful Superbowl contender. The game is tight but the Jets get the ball in the 4th quarter with less than two minutes on the clock. Rodgers puts together a drive to win it with a field goal as time runs out.
Jimmy’s pick: Chiefs 31 – Jets 27. Season record 1-3
The Jets will give KC a run for their money. However, Patrick Mahomes is the best player…Not just quarterback mind you, PLAYER in the NFL. He knows how big this game is, even early on in the season. Runnin and gunnin’, it will be too much too fast.
Week 5: Away Against The Broncos
DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 08: Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos attempts a pass during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field At Mile High on January 08, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Carl: Jets lose to the Broncos 17 to 10. Season record 4 – 1
After last week’s amazing win over Patrick Mahomes the team takes a mental day off in a trip to mile-high to battle the Broncos with their new head coach, Sean Payton. No one picks the Broncos as Survivor Pools break up like crazy this week.
Jimmy’s pick: Jets destroy the Broncos 31-10 in Mile High. Season Record 2 -3
Russel Wilson is a shell of himself, and I don’t care if it’s Sean Payton coaching him. The Jets D will manhandle this middle of the road team. Revenge game for Jets OC and former Denver HC Nate Hackett.
Week 6: Home Against The Eagles
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 12: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Carl: Jets lose to the Eagles, 24 to 13. Season record 4 – 2
The hangover from beating the Chiefs extends into a second week as the Jets fail to overcome the fire power of the high flying Eagles who are repeating last season’s success. The two weeks of lack luster performance will cause a player-only meeting where the team regroups going into the week 7 bye week. Aaron Rodgers himself calls the players-only team meeting which some see as a strike against head coach Robert Saleh.
Eagles win a squeaker 27-24. Season record falls to 2 -4
Much like the Chiefs game, too much firepower buries Gang Green in the end. Oh there’s a players only meeting alright, but it’s the Defense that has it. Led by Sauce Gardener, to right the ship.
Week 8: On "The Road" Against The Giants
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Carl: Jets win 34 to 6. Season record 5 – 2
The Jets come out of the bye week with a vengeance and treat the Giants to a massive beatdown to start their “second half”. The win is later seen as a statement game in the constant chirping of the Giants faithful looking to poke holes in the Jets epic season. After the game, Aaron Rodgers is seen mouthing the words, “Sit down and shut up!” and “This is our town” to fans in blue. Sales of “This is our town” t-shirts go on sale at Jets.com
Jimmy’s pick: Jets win 14 -0. Season record 3 -4
I can see everything Carl is saying actually playing out. Much like “I own you” to Rodger’s Bears haters in Soldier field. The defense though is the real story, as they respond to Sauce’s meeting, and the bye week, by dismantling the Giants offense. Terry Bradshaw is quoted on the FOX NFL postgame as saying “This might be the game we look back on and say it turned the Jet’s season around”.
Week 9: At Home Against The Chargers
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – JANUARY 14: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks to pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the game in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at TIAA Bank Field on January 14, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images)
Carl: Jets win, 24 to 7. Jets record 6 – 2
The question isn’t IF the Jets win this game, the question is by how much do they win? Turns out they don’t run up the score as the Chargers defense puts up a good fight but in the end, Gang Green’s defense proves to be much, much better. Mark another notch in the belt, boys!
Jimmy’s pick: Jets win 34 -17. Record 4 -4
Unlike the losses to KC and Philly, the Jets overcome an early deficit, and stymie Herbert’s passing lanes. Meanwhile Rodgers has his best day as a Jet. 25 for 34, 316 yards and 3 passing TDs to even up the teams record. The faithful are starting to believe again….
Week 10: On The Road Against The Raiders
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 01: Las Vegas Raiders fans, including “The Hollywood Raider” (L), look on during the second half of the team’s game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 49ers defeated the Raiders 37-34 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Carl: Jets win, 31 to 10. Jets record 7 – 2
I don’t really care that they got Jimmy G. The Jets defense will take care of business in Sin City and the Jets faithful who made the easy trip to Vegas will be treated to a big win on the road. The MVP chants can be heard from the stands from those in green after every TD Aaron Rodgers throws.
Raiders 28 – Jets 7. Season record 4 -5
Carl, you can bet on red and black, just don’t bet on green when it comes to the Silver and Black. All the good feelings from the past two week’s are washed away when the Jets play their worst game of the season in Vegas. Jimmy G has a field day and the Raiders front line dominates the Jets. Rodgers is picked 3 times and sacked another 4. After the game he gets leaves without speaking to the media.
Week 11: On The Road Against The Bills
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 22: Fans cheer as snow falls during the first half in the AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
Carl: Jets win, 24 to 21. Jets record 8 – 2
This is the closest winning finish of the season so far for Gang Green. The game looked like it was on the ropes during the whole thing but in the end the Jets overcome a sluggish start to sweep the season from the Buffalo Bills.
Jimmy’s pick: Bills win 24 -21 Jets record 4 -6
A windy, flurrying Orchard Park, the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Late afternoon game against division rivals. It’s a tough loss for the Jets, but the team realizes they can play with these Bills, and if they were to meet in the post season? Let’s just say it’s hard to beat the same team 3 times.
Week 12: At Home Against The Dolphins
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 08: Safety Jevon Holland #8 of the Miami Dolphins during their game against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Carl: Jets win, 28 to 6. Jets record 9 – 2.
The Dolphins have proven to be one of the NFL’s most disappointing teams in this whole season. The chants of, “Squish the fish” start in the parking lot before the game. The Dolphins have no answer for what has become the NFL’s 2nd stingiest defense.
Jimmy’s Pick: Jets win 21 to 3. Season record 5-6
The Dolphins do become one of the leagues most disappointing teams, and the Jets take advantage in the first week of “Serious December Football”. The Defense has easily their best game of the season, and Carl Lawson, Quennen Williams and company dominate for 7 sacks and 3 INTs.
Week 13: At Home Against The Falcons
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 08: A.J. Terrell #24 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates a defensive stop with teammates during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Carl: Jets win, 17 – 3. Jets record 10 – 2
The Jets defense won this game before Aaron Rodgers even hit the field. Their pick six on the Falcons first drive of the game would prove to be enough to win the game. The rest of the game is on cruise control.
Jimmy’s pick: Jets 24 -14. Jets record 6 -6
A solid win by an increasingly solid offense. Rodgers isn’t brilliant but does enough for the win. After the game when questioned about the team’s chances to win the AFC East, 2 games behind the 8 and 4 division leading Patriots, Aaron smiles and tells the New York Media to “Relaaax”. The talk shows eat it up. Rodgers is starting to feel his oats.
Week 14: At Home Against The Texans
KANSAS CITY, MO – APRIL 29: A Houston Texans fan holds up a sign during the teams fourth round draft pick selection at the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station on April 29, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Carl: Jets win, 27 – 0. Jets record 11 – 2
Please. Just enough already. This win is such a walk in the park that the Jets pull Aaron Rodgers in the middle of the 3rd quarter to give some reps to Zakk Wilson. Even Zakk can hold his own against Houston who has found a way to stink more on defense than last season (which is saying a lot).
Jimmy’s pick Jets win 31 – 10. Season record 7 -6
The team is hitting on all cylinders right now, however the TV talkin heads wonder aloud if it might be a softer second half schedule as much as the team finally gelling. No matter, the Jets are cookin’.
Week 15: On The Road Against The Dolphins
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 15: Skylar Thompson #19 of the Miami Dolphins looks on against the Buffalo Bills during the second half in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Carl: Jets win, 34 to 13. Jets record 12 – 2
Another 4 TD performance by Aaron Rodgers as he connects with four different receivers to find the end zone in Miami. The ground game takes over to ground and pound the 4th quarter away.
Jimmy’s pick: Jets 20 – 13. Season record 8 -6
While the Dolphins play tougher at home against the Jets, the result is the same, as the Jets defense dominates Fin’s backup QB Mike White. The irony is not lost on Zakk Wilson who walks around the postgame locker room with a “Aaron F*cking Rodgers” t shirt on. New England loses to the Chiefs on Monday Night Football, and the Jets find themselves a game back for the division and tied with Buffalo heading into the Holidays!
Week 16: At Home Against The Commanders
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – JANUARY 08: Guard Wes Schweitzer #71 of the Washington Commanders looks on against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on January 08, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Carl: Jets win, 38 to 14. Jets record 13 – 2
Rodgers follows up a massive 4 TD game with 5 strikes into paydirt against a hapless Commanders defense. The defense suffocates the Washington offense. Total and complete suffocation.
Jimmy’s pick Jets win 23 -20 in overtime. Season record 9 -6
Rodgers, while not perfect on the day, drives the team down the field in overtime to send the Jets faithful home to party happily on Christmas Eve.
Week 17: On The Road Against The Browns
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 08: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during the second half of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Carl: Jets win, 28 to 17. Jets record 14 – 2
The only downside to the Jets victory against the Browns is that they didn’t move the game off Thursday night. Fans were hoping for a move to primetime for this beatdown but the NFL never pulled the trigger.
Jimmy’s pick: Jets win 40 – 12. Season record 10 -6
A ten win season! That was what we were hoping for at worst, and they did it. The most lopsided win of the year is made all the better with the Bills beating the Pats. Folks, we have a 3 WAY TIE HEADING INTO WEEK 17!!! Ohhhhh baby.
Week 18: On The Road Against The Patriots
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 01: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots reacts against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Gillette Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Carl: Jets win, 54 to 10. Jets record 15 – 2
Patriots coach Bill Belichick announces his retirement after the Jets run up the score. Refusing to pull Aaron Rodgers until the final drive of the game. Wilson comes in and scores a touchdown on a 17 yard TD strike. It’s the most points ever scored against a Patriots defense. Ever.
Jimmy’s pick: Patriots win 45 to 8. Final regular season record 10 -7. Jets miss the playoffs.
Ohhhh baby. It was a classic no show for an organization that has seen plenty of them. Rodgers goes down with an apparent hamstring injury in the 2nd quarter, and Zakk Wilson has no answers for the storming Patriot’s Defense. Mack Jones throws for over 4oo yards against the Jets D that at times is seen fighting amongst themselves on the sidelines. The Pats win the division and with Buffalo beating Miami, they claim the final wild card spot. the 10 and 7 Jets, winners of 6 games in a row heading into today, are knocked out of the playoffs on the final weekend of the regular season. Rodgers retires a month later. Reality Bites.
