In the words of former New York Jets' head coach Herm Edwards, "you play to win the game."
Quincy Williams never played for Edwards, but the starting linebacker would seemingly agree with the old coach's famous statement.
Long eliminated from postseason contention, the Jets are playing out the string that ends with a Week 18 road trip to New England. From the sound of Williams's comments, however, the desire to win hasn't left the locker room.
"Motivation and the vibes around the locker room is going 1-0 this week, especially because it's a big game. The goal is breaking the losing streak," said Williams.
Although the linebacker hasn't been around for all of the losses, New York has dropped 15 games in a row to Bill Belichick's Patriots. Earlier this season, the Jets suffered a 15-10 defeat to New England in Week 3 at MetLife Stadium. Their last victory in the rivalry came on December 27, 2015.
"It's in the back of everyone's head, for sure, just because of the rivalry," said Williams.
After re-signing to a new three-year contract last March, Williams is having a career year for the Jets' defense. He has accounted for 131 total tackles, 10 passes defensed, four quarterback hits, 2.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception and one fumble recovery. Despite his production, Williams was snubbed by the Pro Bowl Games voting. He finished as a fifth alternate.
No matter the result of the regular season finale, the Jets (6-10) will finish ahead of the Patriots (4-12) in the AFC East standings.
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