The Progression of a Jets Fan

Being a Jets fan has two very distinct phases. The first phase involves unwavering over-confidence and optimism that despite the Jets’ troubles; they will someday get over the hump and win when it matters most. The second phase is noticeably different. It is characterized by a sort of numbness that comes from being hardened through many years of disappointment while in phase one. Members of phase one get excited over every winning streak and believe it is a pre-cursor to great things in the future. However, members of phase two are emotionally unaffected, and thus, are prepared for disappointment. For now, I am still a phase one Jets fan while my dad is slipping into phase two territory. I get upset when he says something to the effect of, “they will find a way to blow it,” or, “this game is not over yet,” even though we are winning by three touchdowns. I want him to have some hope, some confidence, that just once; the Jets will pull through when it matters most. But, he knows better than to let the Jets manipulate his feelings too much. I wish I could say the same. I care way too much, and as a result, the Jets toy with me. Phase one Jets fans are destined for failure.
Let’s flashback to earlier this season. The Jets are 3-0 with wins over a talented Texans team, the best 0-3 team in NFL history (Tennessee), and most importantly, the Pats at the meadowlands. Rex Ryan was looking like a genius. Our defense looked impenetrable. Mark Sanchez was the next Namath. At that juncture, I felt it was safe to let myself go. I began bragging to my friends. I read every article in the newspaper and on ESPN.com, most of which were singing the Jets praises. My expectations had officially soared to Super Bowl or bust. I only made myself more vulnerable to disappointment. I should have known better. Three weeks and three losses later, I was devastated. My devastation only continued as we slumped to a 7-7 record and lost our most dynamic offensive player (Leon Washington) and our most important defensive player (Kris Jenkins). I had really thought this was the year we would find a way to put it all together. Instead, we have lost three games on the final drive of the game, and have home losses to Buffalo, Atlanta (without Michael Turner), and Jacksonville.
But, somehow, just as I was ready to give up on this season and prepare for the next one, the Jets aren’t finished messing with me yet. In a scenario that could seemingly only be thought up in a movie, all of the teams ahead of the Jets in the wild card race lost Sunday, leaving the Jets in control of their own destiny going into the game against the Colts. Putting the Jets in control of their own destiny is like allowing a drunk best friend to drive you home in the middle of rush hour on route 4. Yet, for reasons that I cannot fathom, the Colts pulled their starters in the second half, effectively forfeiting the game. They are aware that preseason is over, right? That sets up the following scenario: All the Jets need to do is beat the Bengals on Sunday Night Football, in the last ever game at the Meadowlands, and they are in the playoffs. It seems like an utter travesty based on the Jets poor play this season, but it is true. Once again, my expectations have soared, showing that I am still a phase one fan. I am confident that we can be competitive in the playoffs because our defense is strong, and we are able to run the ball effectively. Both are integral for playoff teams who could be subjected to playing in poor weather conditions. Oh wait, I almost forgot. We still need to beat the Bengals first! If we win, I will be the first to declare the Jets as super bowl contenders. But, if we, “find a way to blow it,” phase two may not be too far away. My hopes can only be shattered so many times.

Advertisement

Tags: colts, football, jets, mark, rex, ryan, sanchez, sports