Why a loss to Patriots in lopsided 'rivalry' could doom Jets

Quarterback Zach Wilson is no stranger to having a poor performances against the Patriots, throwing seven interceptions to just two touchdowns over four career starts versus them. The 24-year-old hit rock bottom last season after completing 9-of-22 passes for 77 yards in a 10-3 loss to New England. In the postgame news conference, he refused to accept responsibility for the defeat. Three days later, the Jets benched him.

A starter again following Aaron Rodgers's season-ending Achilles injury, Wilson must deliver in a game that may define the season for the Jets.

In Week 2, the Cowboys routed New York, 30-10. Afterward, several Jets stars expressed their displeasure. Running back Breece Hall sent a cryptic tweet, and cornerback Sauce Gardner deactivated his account on X. 

Rumblings of a tense, restive locker room reared their ugly head last season, when several Jets questioned whether Wilson was the right guy to lead this team. This time around, the way to ease these worries is simple: win. 

With a victory over the 0-2 Patriots, New York would improve to 2-1 and 2-0 in the division after defeating the Buffalo Bills in the opener. A win would serve as a confidence-booster for Wilson and give Jets players and fans a reason to believe in him.

With a loss, the Jets would fall to 1-2 and must take a hard look at whether Wilson is the answer at quarterback as Rodgers continues to rehab. The schedule won't get easier any time soon for New York, which will host the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4. 

Head coach Robert Saleh and others in the organization preached in the offseason that these aren't the "same old Jets." After talking the talk, it's time New York walked the walk.