After the Vikings ended the New York Jets two-game win streak on Sunday, linebacker Darron Lee speaks on the state of the locker room.
Despite a poor showing against Minnesota, New York Jets starting inside linebacker Darron Lee, in an article by Darryl Slater of NJ.com, says the team won’t suffer the same fate they did last season.
In 2017, the Jets started by losing their first two games of the season. They quickly followed with a three-game win streak, to sit at 3-2 and surprise many that didn’t expect them to win three games all season.
Entering Week 4 against the Patriots at home, the Jets had some believing they could continue their success. However, after building a 14-0 lead, the Patriots rallied and defeated the Jets 24-17. That loss was the first of nine in the team’s last 11 games.
In addressing concerns that the team might have after Minnesota ended their two-game losing streak, Lee responded with determination.
“It’s not like they came in here and just smacked us,” Lee said of the Vikings. “It’s nothing to sit here and hit the panic button about. We’re fine. No one is worried or panicking here. We’re fine as a group. We’re a lot more close-knit [than last year].
“I know in a couple years past since I’ve been here, the wheels have fallen off, and all hell would break loose. But we’re fine, and no one is panicking here. We weren’t as close-knit as a group as we are now. Nobody has got their head hanging down.”
The Jets play road games at Chicago (3-3) and Miami (4-3) in the next two weeks before coming home to face the Bills on Nov. 11. Historically the team has struggled against Chicago (lost four straight) especially on the road where they have lost four of five games since 1979.
The Dolphins pose another interesting threat. Despite losing three of four since starting the season 3-0, they defeated the Jets in Week 2 at MetLife Stadium and rallied from 14 points down in the second half to win last season’s game at home.
What lessons have the Jets learned so far through their first seven games this season? Road games against two beatable teams in the next two weeks will tell a lot.