Part 6/9:
However, in a cruel twist of fate, this hope crumbled in the blink of an eye when Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon just four snaps into the game. What followed was a painful reminder of the Jets' history of misfortune. Despite winning their season opener, the team struggled to find its footing, facing numerous injuries, miscommunications, and ill-timed penalties, resulting in another season devoid of playoff football.
The Long Shadow of Heartbreak
The emotional toll of supporting these two teams cannot be understated. Both franchises appeared to be on the cusp of significant change, with the Mets spending a record amount in an attempt to rebuild after a disastrous 2023 season. Fans were left to wonder what had gone wrong, especially given high expectations that began the year.