The New York Jets’ playoff dreams crumbled in a gut-wrenching 32-26 overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins, a defeat that epitomizes the team’s ongoing struggles.
With seconds ticking away and a potential game-winning field goal within reach, the Jets watched their hopes dissolve in the most painful manner possible.
Miami’s comeback was orchestrated by Tua Tagovailoa, who led a decisive overtime drive culminating in Jonnu Smith’s game-winning touchdown.
Smith, largely quiet throughout the match, emerged as an unexpected hero with three critical catches that sealed the Dolphins’ victory.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter delivered another punch to Jets fans, confirming the team has now extended its playoff drought to 14 years—the longest active streak in the NFL.
Even more devastating, this dubious record stands as the most extended playoff drought across all major U.S. sports leagues, including the NBA, NHL, MLB, and WNBA.
With a loss today at Miami, the Jets now have been eliminated from the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season, extending the longest active drought across the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB and the WNBA. pic.twitter.com/Sxj0vpaXC0
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 8, 2024
The Jets’ 3-10 record officially eliminates them from playoff contention, while the Dolphins maintain their postseason hopes at 6-7.
The fan reaction was swift and merciless, with social media erupting in criticism.
Fans didn’t hold back, unleashing a barrage of brutal comments. “The Jets are arguably the worst sports franchise in the history of major US professional sports,” one fan wrote.
The Jets are arguably the worst sports franchise in the history of major US professional sports.
— Covid Thoughts… (@ThoughtsCovid) December 8, 2024
Another targeted Aaron Rodgers directly: “I’m sure (Aaron) Rodgers will blame this on someone else. Never gonna take responsibility.”
I’m sure Rodgers will blame this on someone else. Never gonna take responsibility
— Preston Jarneski (@parlay_pj) December 8, 2024
The Rodgers criticism continued unabated. “The Rodgers experiment was a total failure,” one fan declared.
The Rodgers experiment was a total failure
— Dr.Respect (@Dr_Respect77) December 8, 2024
Others chimed in with “Time to Retire old man” and “And they thought this was their best chance at making playoffs.”
Time to Retire old man
— RG | CMFK (@idonttshower) December 8, 2024
And they thought this was there best chance at making playoffs ?
— AP24’ (@24umass) December 9, 2024
Despite being mathematically eliminated, the Jets have four remaining games against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills, and a rematch with the Dolphins.
NEXT: Aaron Rodgers Did Something On Sunday That He Hasn’t Since 2021