The New York Jets were handed a harsh reminder of their past on Sunday as one of their former quarterbacks, Geno Smith, led the Seattle Seahawks to a 26–21 victory, effectively ending any slim hopes the Jets had of reaching the playoffs. Smith, who was originally drafted by the Jets in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft and spent four turbulent seasons with the franchise, exacted a measure of revenge that was years in the making.
After the win, Smith didn’t hesitate to savor the moment at the Jets’ expense. He took to social media, posting a meme that perfectly encapsulated his satisfaction, adding a little extra sting to New York’s already disheartening loss. The post quickly went viral, with many fans appreciating the irony of Smith delivering the final blow to the Jets’ playoff aspirations.
The context of Sunday’s game added to the poignancy of Smith’s actions.
The Jets entered the matchup with a less than 1% chance of making the playoffs, and a win was essential to keep their faint hopes alive. Playing at home in MetLife Stadium, New York was hoping to pull off a victory to remain in contention.
However, the Seahawks, led by a determined Smith, were ready to play spoiler, and they did so in convincing fashion. The loss officially put an end to New York’s already tenuous playoff hopes, effectively closing the door on their 2024 season.
Geno Smith, now 34, was more than happy to be the one to shut that door. He threw for 201 yards and a touchdown, displaying poise and control in his old home stadium.
It was a performance that not only showcased his growth as a quarterback since his time with the Jets but also served as a statement about how far he has come. After enduring a rocky start to his career in New York, Smith has found redemption in Seattle, leading the Seahawks to a successful campaign while putting his troubled past with the Jets behind him.
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For the Jets, Sunday’s loss was yet another chapter in what has become a long saga of disappointment. Since Smith left the franchise after the 2016 season, things haven’t improved much for New York. The Jets have now suffered through nine consecutive losing seasons and are set to miss the playoffs for the 14th year in a row—a streak that has frustrated fans and put increasing pressure on the organization to find answers.
Smith’s departure from New York was emblematic of the dysfunction that has plagued the Jets for years. Drafted with high expectations, he was thrust into a difficult situation with a lack of stability and support, which ultimately hindered his development.
His time with the Jets was marked by inconsistency, coaching changes, and a lack of talent around him, and he never quite got the opportunity to reach his full potential in New York. After leaving the Jets, Smith bounced around the league as a backup before eventually landing in Seattle, where he has flourished as a starter.
The irony of Sunday’s game was not lost on fans or analysts. Smith, once considered a disappointment by many in New York, was now the one to end their season.
His social media post alluded to the finality of the Jets’ playoff hopes, likening it to a funeral for their 2024 campaign. It was a fitting metaphor for a team that had entered the season with high expectations—especially after acquiring Aaron Rodgers—only to see those hopes dashed by injuries, inconsistency, and a lack of execution.
For Smith, the victory was sweet revenge and a moment of personal vindication. He had come full circle, returning to the stadium where his career began and proving that he still had what it takes to win on the biggest stage.
The win over the Jets was more than just another game for Smith; it was a statement about resilience, growth, and the ability to overcome adversity.
As the Jets look to the offseason, they are once again faced with questions about the direction of the franchise.
The promise of Aaron Rodgers’ arrival was supposed to signal a new era for the team, but injuries and underperformance have left them in a familiar position—on the outside looking in. Meanwhile, Geno Smith and the Seahawks are preparing for a potential playoff run, with Smith at the helm, proving that sometimes, all it takes is a change of scenery to turn a career around.
The juxtaposition of Smith’s success and the Jets’ continued struggles serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NFL.
For Geno Smith, Sunday was a moment to celebrate how far he has come. For the Jets, it was yet another reminder of how far they still have to go.
