The Jets face the Colts on “Monday Night Football” for the second consecutive season. Things could not feel much differently around the Jets from that game to this one, an illustration of how quickly things can change in the NFL.
The meeting last year was in Week 2 with plenty of uncertainty about who the Jets exactly were under new coach Todd Bowles and with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback. After a resounding 20-7 win over the Colts, who had been in the AFC Championship game eight months earlier, the Jets looked like a team on its way with their new coach and quarterback. The Jets defense was ferocious that night in Indianapolis, forcing five turnovers — three by Darrelle Revis.
After the game, the locker room was jubilant and optimism was as high around the Jets as it had been in four years. Owner Woody Johnson slapped hands with players outside of the locker room and celebrated with Bowles.
Fast forward to the present and the Jets are 3-8, and there are questions about the future of Bowles, Fitzpatrick and Revis with the Jets. They limp into this Monday night game with that old pessimism in the fanbase back at full strength.
The only good news for Jets fans right now? Things can change quickly in the NFL. Just think about the last 15 months.