It's time for Patriots fans to point and laugh at Aaron Rodgers and the Jets (again)

The Patriots have not been a good team this year, or for the last four years, to be more specific, but the expectations surrounding their team were not high to begin with. If they managed to be competitive despite all that was working against them, that would be more of a shocking development and likely would have prevented Robert Kraft from firing Bill Belichick this past offseason.

That sentiment can't be said about the New York Jets after making a blockbuster trade for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, which immediately made them a Super Bowl contender starting last season. That faded once Rodgers went down with a season-ending injury in the first game of the year in 2023 but picked back up with his return this fall.

Expectations were through the roof for the team that had missed the playoffs for the past 13 years, especially after the acquired Davante Adams via trade in October.

They had every chance to keep that hope alive in Week 14, as they faced the Dolphins and were leading with mere seconds until the end of regulation, only for the defense to allow Miami to force overtime and ultimately win on their first possession.

That inevitably officially eliminated the Jets from the playoffs this year, making it another win for the Patriots despite their disappointing season.

This marks 14 straight years that the Jets have evaded making the playoffs, something the Patriots can take some responsibility for this year, too. Jacoby Brissett coming in for an injured Drake Maye and getting a win against the Jets in Week 8 was another domino down in their hopes of putting together a successful year.

It's looking more and more like Rodgers will be on his way out, and the Jets will have a lot to mull over this offseason, much to the delight of all New Englanders.

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