The New York Jets still have something to play for to close the 2023 NFL season.
Sure, Gang Green clinched its fourth consecutive double-digit loss campaign and 13th straight season sans a playoff berth, but ending a 15-game losing streak against AFC East rival New England is on the players' minds this week.
"The motivation and the vibes around the locker room is going 1-0 this week," linebacker Quincy Williams said Monday, via The Associated Press. "This week, it's special because it's a big game, because we play the Patriots. I think the goal is breaking the losing streak, honestly. So with it being the last game, most people (usually) already have their minds set on like their vacation and stuff. It's not that way in the locker room. So I'm actually excited about that."
The last time the Jets beat New England was Week 16, 2015, during Ryan Fitzpatrick's magical run in New York. Zero Gang Green players from that day remain on the roster -- the Patriots employ three players: center David Andrews, special teams star Matthew Slater and long snapper Joe Cardona.
"I mean, it's not something that's like verbally talked about," Williams said of the losing streak. "But I can say it might be some side-type conversations, but it's in the back of everyone heads, for sure, just because of the rivalry of the team, really."
The Jets fell 15-10 to the Patriots at home in Week 3 this season.
With the future of Patriots head coach Bill Belichick in question heading into the finale, the Jets knocking off the legendary coach to end his tenure in Foxborough could also be an interesting subplot. Jets owner Woody Johnson previously said on the record that he intends to bring back head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas to continue the rebuild.
"We've been on a roller coaster this whole season, but there's still like silver linings that we see through our practice and throughout the week and things like that," Williams said. "And then there's looking forward to next season and knowing that going into this offseason, we have a smaller list of things that we have to work on to be that Super Bowl-type team or be that playoff-type team.
"So I say this year was like a year of progress. It's going in the right direction. And that's also what I would say to anyone who asked me or any fans who are like, 'What can you say about the season?' Like, bro, just hold on, bro. We're getting close, really."
