Jets’ Quarterback Conundrum: What the 2026 Playoffs Are Teaching New York
What does a “good” quarterback really look like in today’s NFL? It’s a question that’s haunted the New York Jets for decades - and one that still doesn’t have a simple answer.
As the Jets sit out the postseason for the 15th straight year, the 2026 NFL playoffs are offering a front-row seat to a harsh reality about the most important position in football. And it’s a lesson head coach Aaron Glenn and the Jets’ front office need to absorb - fast.
The Quarterback Illusion
Here’s the uncomfortable truth the Jets - and really, the entire league - need to face: every quarterback is either overrated or underrated. There’s no in-between. And that perception is almost always shaped by the situation around them.
Whether it’s Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, or C.J. Stroud, quarterbacks come in all shapes, sizes, and play styles.
But none of them - not even the elite - can carry a team by themselves. The expectations placed on quarterbacks today are sky-high, and with the massive contracts and nonstop media scrutiny, it’s nearly impossible for any one player to consistently meet those standards.
So what does that mean for a team like the Jets? It means that chasing the mythical “franchise quarterback” isn’t just about landing a big arm or a flashy name.
It’s about building the right infrastructure around that player - coaching, scheme, offensive line, weapons, and defense. The quarterback may be the face of the franchise, but the success of the team still depends on everything and everyone around him.
Playoff Proof: Allen and Stroud’s Costly Lessons
If you’re looking for proof, just take a look at what happened in the divisional round. Josh Allen and C.J.
Stroud - two quarterbacks widely considered among the league’s best - both watched their seasons end in heartbreak. And both were at the center of their team’s downfall.
Allen, backed by the league’s top rusher and a solid offensive line, had one job: protect the football. But turnovers doomed the Bills.
Stroud, leading a Texans team with the league’s best defense, made critical mistakes that handed the Patriots the win. Neither quarterback is “bad,” but both showed just how fragile the quarterback position can be when things around them break down - or when they try to do too much on their own.
That’s the kind of reality check the Jets can’t afford to ignore.
What It Means for the Jets
For a franchise that’s spent years searching for its quarterback savior, the takeaway is clear: it’s not just about the quarterback. Yes, the Jets need someone who can read defenses, make accurate throws, and take care of the football. But even the most talented signal-caller won’t succeed without the right pieces in place.
If the Jets go all-in on one quarterback without addressing the roster around him, they could end up with a situation like Buffalo - a good team, no doubt, but one that can’t quite get over the hump. And in today’s NFL, that’s not good enough.
This offseason, Aaron Glenn and the Jets’ front office have a chance to build something sustainable. That starts with understanding that quarterback play is only part of the puzzle. Scheme, protection, weapons, and defense - they all matter just as much.
The Jets don’t need a superhero under center. They need a quarterback who can play smart, efficient football - and a team around him that doesn’t ask him to do it all.
That’s how you win in today’s NFL. And if the Jets are paying attention to what’s happening in January, they’ll see it too.