When optimism is not accompanied by actual improvement, the end result is just false hope. The countless New York Jets fans who have been begging for a genuine turnaround on offense suffered another punch to the gut on Sunday night. And this one might just keep them on their knees for the rest of the year.

What reasonably should have been a successful road game against an interim head coach and rookie quarterback instead became a painful reminder that few sports franchises collect more broken hearts than the Jets. Their failed Hail Mary attempt, which looked promising before two players collided in the end zone, did more than just solidify a 16-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. It also perfectly sums up the state of the franchise.

New York is not far off from being an actual force in the AFC. Its elite defense had them on the precipice of playoff contention going into Week 10. But a stagnant offense that only appeared to ignite near the end of the game continues to limit this squad's ceiling. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson took some time to vent about the Jets' perpetual struggles to put points on the board.

“I don’t know what you all want me to say. I’m tired of this man and I’m gonna play better,” a dejected Wilson said, per Harrison Glaser. “The whole offense wants to play better. We come out every week trying to make it happen. You know, it’s frustrating.”

Wilson battled through an apparent elbow/hand injury and tallied nine receptions for 93 yards. He was one of the aforementioned pass-catchers who was nearly responsible for one of the most thrilling moments in Jets' regular season history.

Zach Wilson, who admittedly threw an impressive Hail Mary attempt, finished with another underwhelming outing (23-of-39 passing for 263 yards and an interception). Garrett Wilson says it best. No matter what the offense tries to do, it seems incapable of producing favorable results.

Those deficiencies could be on display again next Sunday when New York (4-5) visits the Buffalo Bills (5-4).