10 most miserable NFL fanbases
By Andrew Garda
New York Jets
It’s been a long time for New York Jets fans. A long, painful drought since that one championship in 1968.
They’ve come close a few times—most recently a pair of AFC Championship losses under former coach Rex Ryan. More often than not, though, the Jets find a way to hover somewhere between mediocrity and abject disaster.
Last year was one of the more painful series of follies any Jets fan has seen in some time. Under general manager John Idzik, the Jets ignored glaring needs (mostly secondary and wide receiver) adding only one receiver in Eric Decker and pinning their hopes on the young players in the secondary.
While the secondary eventually pulled out of their tailspin, it was an overall debacle. All the while, quarterback Geno Smith reflected the team’s recent history—doing enough to keep fans hoping, but not enough for anyone to be confident in the future.
Worse yet, the New England Patriots—that most hated of division rivals—continues to stay at the top of the division, winning it and occasionally putting together championships every few years.
It’s hard to say where this season will end up. While they have assembled a tremendous defense, excellent receivers and a pretty solid backfield, they remain unsure as to whether Smith is the franchise quarterback they hope he is. If he manages to fail, with the talent he has around him now, it’s an issue which could set the Jets back years. Considering they appear to be built to win, if not now, soon, having to try and find another quarterback would be painful for fans to say the least.
Next: Miami Dolphins