Garrett Wilson on the Jets trying to beat Patriots to snap 4-game losing streak: ‘We gotta start somewhere’

On Sept. 19, the Jets were riding high after a 24-3 victory over the Patriots, which was their second consecutive win at the time.

But Gang Green hasn’t won another game since.

Entering their second game against the Patriots (1-6) on Sunday, the Jets (2-5) are on a four-game losing streak and face a virtual must-win game to keep their playoff dreams alive.

“We gotta start somewhere and that’s who are next opponent is,” Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson said. “We gotta go out and do what we gotta do. If we want to get on the streak we wanna get on and if we are going to do it, it starts this weekend. We got the Patriots and we are going to handle our business.”

The last month has been a roller coaster for the Jets. On Oct. 8, Jets owner Woody Johnson fired coach Robert Saleh following three-plus seasons and a 2-3 start. Then interim coach Jeff Ulbrich demoted offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and made passing game coordinator Todd Downing the new play-caller.

In addition to those moves, the Jets acquired wide receiver Davante Adams in a trade with the Raiders on Oct. 16. However, the offense and defense have continued to struggle during their losing streak.

Gang Green’s offense is averaging fewer points per game (17.5) than it did when Hackett was the play-caller. In the 37-15 loss to the Steelers, the Jets’ defense allowed the most points and yards (409) this season.

In addition to that, Adams and Aaron Rodgers questioned the Jets’ energy after the prime-time game. In fact, Adams, who has been with the Jets for less than two weeks, gave what Rodgers called “the realest speech” he has heard during his 20-year career.

With 10 games left, the Jets’ season is on the brink, and the margin for error is slim.

“I know this sounds crazy, but for a guy that just showed up a couple of weeks ago, I really think Davante’s speech at the end of the game, and I really think him shining a light on the fact that the energy has to be right,” Ulbrich said. “I think we’ve identified why it wasn’t right and we fixed it.

“I felt like this week it was the team that we need to be going forward and, and so excited about, you know, reinventing ourselves in a way.”

The Jets will face a Patriots team with its own problems. New England has lost six consecutive games following its Week 1 upset victory against Cincinnati.

Following their loss to the Jaguars in London last Sunday, Patriots coach Jerod Mayo called the players a “soft football team across the board.” On Monday, Mayo clarified his comments to say he meant the Patriots played soft against the Jaguars, not that they were a soft team.

It appears Mayo was trying to motivate the Patriots ahead of the game against the Jets. Either way, Ulbrich is expecting to face an inspired New England club.

“I think we always prepare for their best, we always do,” Ulbrich said. “I know that sounds cliche and coach talk, but that’s the truth. We just approach it as we’re going to get the best version of this team possible.

“And whether the coach said that or not, I think they’re going to come out ready to play. As we all know the NFL isn’t a big rivalry league. But as far as rivalries are concerned, this is this is kind of one. So, you know, both teams are going to be ready.”

INJURY REPORT

The Jets will be without three key players against the Patriots and potentially more.

Right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle), defensive tackle Leki Fotu (knee) and safety Ashtyn Davis (concussion) will all not play against New England. All three players are also potential candidates to be placed on injured reserve.

Safety Tony Adams (hamstring) and wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) are also both doubtful to play against the Patriots.

Right tackle Morgan Moses was limited all week and is questionable. However, Moses is trending in the right direction, according to Ulbrich.

There is good news for the Jets on the injury front. Cornerbacks D.J. Reed  and Michael Carter II will both return to the secondary.