Super Bowl Dilemma for Jets Fans: Patriots vs. Former Quarterback Darnold

The build-up to the Super Bowl brings excitement for fans of the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, while those rooting for the New York Jets might find themselves uninterested in the upcoming matchup. The game presents two possible outcomes: the former Jets quarterback, Sam Darnold, now playing for Seattle, could win his first NFL championship since 2014, or their rivals, the Patriots, might secure yet another title.

For sports enthusiast Jordan Kamzan from Long Beach, New York, the choice is simple. He expressed his support for any team playing against the Patriots, stating, It could be anyone playing the Patriots; I would be cheering for him. Connor Hughes, an NFL reporter covering the Jets and New York Giants, emphasized the struggles of Jets fans by suggesting, If the Patriots win the Super Bowl, that’s when the whole world will just come crashing down on the Jets fan.

The enduring rivalry between the Jets and Patriots goes back to their 1960 competition in the American Football League. It intensified after the NFL merger in 1970, with both teams regularly facing off in the AFC East division. Although the Patriots lead the series 77–56–1, they have shown even greater dominance since 2000, securing a 40-12 record in regular-season meetings, six Super Bowl victories, and 18 divisional titles.

Jets fans hoped the Patriots’ era might end with the departures of Tom Brady in 2020 and coach Bill Belichick in 2024, but the franchise rebounded by reaching the Super Bowl just two years later. This resurgence is largely credited to their young quarterback, Drake Maye, who has been a part of the MVP debate by leading the once 4-13 team to the championship game with personal stats of 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions. Head coach Mike Vrabel, known for his previous success as a Patriots linebacker, has also played a vital role in the team’s reformation.

The Jets missed an opportunity to acquire Vrabel, despite making significant efforts to sway him. According to Hughes, they promised more money and control to entice him from choosing the Patriots, but ultimately, the Jets had to opt for Aaron Glenn, the former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator, who led them to a dismal 3-14 record in his first season.

The Jets’ playoff absence stretches to 15 seasons, leading to a lack of optimism among the fans. Despite drafting Sam Darnold at No. 3 overall in 2018, his time with the team led to a 13-25 record and several awkward off-the-field moments. Known for quips like seeing ghosts during a loss to the Patriots, many still believe circumstances were against him.

Hughes stated, Everything you could possibly do to make a quarterback fail is pretty much what the Jets did. Darnold’s admirable subsequent performance as a starter for the Minnesota Vikings and now the Seahawks supports that notion. Passing for 4,048 yards and 25 touchdowns, with strong chemistry with receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, he showcased competence, particularly in the NFC championship game against the Los Angeles Rams with a 70% pass completion rate and three touchdowns.

Corey Celt, another Jets fan from Commack, New York, expressed no ill will toward Darnold, saying, It’s a choice between the Patriots and Sam Darnold, and I think picking Sam Darnold is an easy one. Kamzan also reflected on the missed opportunities, pondering what could have been had there been better management for the Jets.

In conclusion, the Super Bowl presents an emotional decision for Jets fans as they choose between supporting a former player or hoping for a less painful outcome against their traditional foes.

Greg Rosenstein is the sports editor for NBC News Digital.