New York Jets fans rain down boos as NFL season goes from bad to worse
The 0-6 New York Jets were losing at home to the Carolina Panthers when head coach Aaron Glenn decided to run the clock down rather than take a Hail Mary attempt - and fans were furious
The New York Jets are halfway to 0-7 and fans have had enough.
Right before the end of the second quarter, Justin Fields was sacked as the Carolina Panthers pass-rush once again got through. He hit the turf with 11 seconds remaining in the first half, and the Jets still had a timeout remaining.
However, head coach Aaron Glenn - who made an odd call on the opening drive - decided to let the clock run out rather than chuck a Hail Mary attempt to the end zone. This decision was met with a chorus of boos from whatever was left of the crowd inside MetLife Stadium.
The decision to not go for it highlights a lack of belief in either the offensive unit or the protection surrounding Fields. Either way, it’s not a promising sign for Jets fans as the franchise find themselves 10-3 down to the 3-3 Panthers.
The scene closely resembled the bizarre end to the first half against the Denver Broncos in London a week ago, which led to star receiver Garrett Wilson angrily confronting Glenn on the sideline. The Jets produced just 82 yards of offense in that disappointing showing, losing 13-11.
Wilson is absent for the visit of Carolina, which is probably a good thing as the decision not to call the timeout and throw a Hail Mary likely would have set him off again. After the Broncos incident last week, he said: "I just didn't know exactly what the plan was. Once I figured it out, I was disappointed. I'll just say that.
"I didn't know exactly what the plan was. Once we converted the fourth down, I just thought we were going for the, trying to make the play.
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"Obviously, we get to another fourth down and it's a tough spot to be in. In hindsight, I get why they did that, but in the moment, I was just like, 'man...'. I don't know. Yeah."
It’s perhaps more alarming for the Jets that not only did the fans boo the team, but the boos came from the heavily reduced crowd. MetLife Stadium has a capacity of over 82,000, but it’s unclear if even half that figure was reached on Sunday.
If there’s one thing that owners hate more than losing, it’s missing out on revenue and tickets. Woody Johnson may have a decision to make over Glenn’s future if the Jets continue to underwhelm on offense and lose each week.
However, Johnson is reportedly ready to stand by Glenn’s side as he attempts to rebuild the Jets. It’s likely going to be a two- or three-year process for Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey to turn things around, but this could feel like an eternity for fans amid the team’s struggles.