The New York Jets basically missed the playoffs by one quarter of football last season, but they could be a lot further on the outside looking in this year if their current losing trend continues. Veteran wide receiver Brandon Marshall is not concerned about the way the team has started. In fact, he thinks it could be a good thing.
Following Sunday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Marshall said the Jets are in a “perfect position” after their 1-4 start.
“I’m more than confident that we will turn this thing around,” he told reporters, via Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post. “The story will be sweet if … when we turn this thing around.
“This is a perfect position for us. We have great talent in this room. We’re one of the most talented teams in the league. So, we can do one or two things — we can fold it up and cry, or we can stick together and continue to work.”
Marshall then took things a step further, saying he promises the Jets are going to turn their season around.
“I’m already over this loss. We’re going to turn this around. I promise you that,” he said. “Starting right now. I promise you that.”
Marshall also held himself accountable for the loss to the Steelers, noting that his dropped pass on 3rd-and-9 in the first quarter hurt the team. He said all of New York’s stars need to “play cleaner” going forward, starting with himself.
“We’re 1-4 and now is the time to stick together,” he added. “We put ourselves in a hole. Our backs are against the wall. We just need to continue to have weeks like we did last week — it was the best week [of practice] we’ve had in my two years of being here. That’s what we need.”
Unfortunately, good weeks of practice mean nothing if they don’t translate to wins. The Jets are dealing with a potential quarterback controversy after an offseason filled with drama at the position. With a tough road game coming up against the Arizona Cardinals next Monday, it’s not inconceivable that the Jets could begin the season 1-5. Making the playoffs would be next to impossible if that happens.
