In front of their biggest audience of the season Monday night, the New York Jets made painfully clear what's been following them around like a pesky cough for the better part of two months now—-that they're absolutely god-awful.
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On the losing end of 41-10 beatdown by the Indianapolis Colts, the Jets fourth consecutive loss and sixth in the last eight games, it was perhaps the most inopportune time for the team's worst outing of the season.
In his postgame remarks, head coach Todd Bowles acknowledged as much.
"For the first time this year, we got our ass handed to us," Bowles told reporters. "That's very disappointing from a physical standpoint... I don't think we had a lot of effort...I'm sure there are some people who showed up, but for the most part we got our ass kicked...It's very troubling when you get your ass kicked."
It was every bit as bad as Bowles made it out to be. New York managed just 250 yards (36 total on the ground) to the Colts 421, and made 13 first downs, while surrendering 27.
Moreover, the Jets secondary had no answer for Andrew Luck, who was close to perfect in his first game back from a concussion, connecting on 22-of-28 for 278 yards and 4 touchdowns. And, for that matter, wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, who ran amok with 9 catches for 146 yards.
But in spite of all the negative takeaways, Bowles remains confident his job is secure.
"No," Bowles answered when asked if this season might be his last with the franchise. "You know your job is in jeopardy when you take one of these jobs."
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Calls for his ouster, however, are growing louder. New York Daily News reporter Gary Myers opined that after 28 games, the writing is on the wall and Bowles "has proven he's not the right man to end the Jets nearly half-century Super Bowl drought."
With four games remaining (the 49ers, Dolphins, Bills, Patriots) that by all appearances look to equal at least two more losses, that sentiment could be echoed by the front office before the season even ends.
