Trevor Lawrence might be aware that only the New York Jets could find a way to turn a victory into a loss. It is part of the unique culture and internal drama involving this struggling franchise.
Entering their match against the Los Angeles Rams 0-13, and in line to receive the top selection in next year's NFL draft, the Jets pulled off the massive upset to gain their first victory of the season, and avoid becoming only the third team in league history to go 0-16.
While this would normally be cause for celebration in Jets World, the victory has the reverse effect of pushing New York down one spot in the draft order, and thus giving the Jaguars the current rights to the No. 1 pick.
As expected, Jets fans are taking the development in a calm and reserved fashion:
https://twitter.com/Caseyski5/status/1340809587793014786
When we needed him most….. he vanished pic.twitter.com/6JKE2Nxd1b
— Jimmy Byrnes (@JimmyByrnes1) December 21, 2020
Pipe down. No one’s cheering … except Trevor Lawrence https://t.co/iUnnEm7Dqs
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 21, 2020
Though both teams have only one victory on the season, the tiebreaker used to calculate the draft order is a team's strength of schedule. With the Jets have played a slightly stronger schedule than the Jags–.593 for New York vs. .554 for Jacksonville--while still retaining the same number of wins, the Jaguars are determined to be the “worse” team between the two, and therefore own the tiebreaker to the top draft choice.
Of course should Jacksonville find a way to win another game during the season's final two weeks, while the Jets lose out, New York would move back up into the number one spot.
Judging from past experience however, the Jets rarely have that kind of luck.
Should the draft order remain the same, it is unclear what decision the New York franchise will make the No.2 pick. Having long set their hopes on obtaining Trevor Lawrence, the Jets and their fans will have to head back to the drawing board as they reimagine the future of the franchise.
If you know a Jets fan, chances are that they are in need of a hug.