The New York Jets are 2-7, and they could be the 2020 Super Bowl champs.
Well, according to Jamal Adams, that is.
While the season isn't quite over for Gang Green yet — regardless of what the standings may say — the situation is pretty dire. Coming off a 34-27 win over the other hapless New York football team Sunday, the Jets earned bragging rights and maybe a pinch of optimism. That optimism is apparent among its players: The Jets safety has high hopes the rest of the way, high enough that New York will hoist the Lombardi Trophy this season.
Per Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, Adams believes the Jets could take home their first championship since 1968 if they keep playing as they did in Sunday's win.
“We can do it,” Adams said, via PFT. “If we keep doing what we did today, we can do it this year. We can go to the ‘ship.”
Jamal Adams: You ain’t seen nothing yet. #NYGvsNYJ pic.twitter.com/BpN4MzUj2X
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) November 10, 2019
Adams has reason to be confident. A few weeks removed from some messy trade speculation that led the 2018 All-Pro safety and the Jets to opposite ends of the relationship spectrum, Adams made several massive plays in Sunday's W, including two forced fumbles, one of which was brought back for six points.
Gimme that. Gimme six.@TheAdamsEra | #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/0LsfMTpihK
— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 10, 2019
On the other side of the ball, Jets signal caller Sam Darnold echoed Adams' sentiment. Speaking with reporters following the win, Darnold said he believes the squad still has a shot at January football.
"We still have a chance at the playoffs" - Sam Darnold pic.twitter.com/IGrfLVvILt
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) November 10, 2019
"We need every win, from now on," Darnold said following the game. "'Cause we still got a chance. If we get on a roll here, we win out, we got a chance at the playoffs. Guys in this locker room know this, they know that."
The Jets have been decimated by injuries this season at key positions: Quincy Enunwa, C.J. Mosley and Trumaine Johnson have all missed significant time this season, with Johnson and Enunwa hitting IR. They've also dealt with offensive line deficiencies, with the un-retired Ryan Kalil underperforming and injured this season.
Still, the Jets are still mathematically in it, and a franchise's cornerstone players should be expected to keep that optimism. Another cause for hope could be the Jets' upcoming schedule; they play games against the Redskins, Dolphins, Bengals and Steelers the rest of the season but also have games against the Ravens, Bills and Raiders.
All of that to say: It's going to be difficult, but until they're not in it, they're still in it. Should we expect anything less from NFL players?
