What Is 2017 New York Jets football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 New York Jets finished the NFL season with a 5–11 record under head coach Todd Bowles, missing the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year. Quarterback Josh McCown led the team with 2,926 passing yards, while rookie safety Jamal Adams recorded 77 tackles and 2 interceptions.

Key Facts

The 2017 New York Jets had a 5–11 win-loss record
Todd Bowles was head coach for the third consecutive season
Josh McCown threw for 2,926 yards and 18 touchdowns
Rookie Jamal Adams started all 16 games at safety
The Jets ranked 31st in total offense with 285.6 yards per game

Overview

The 2017 New York Jets season marked the franchise's 48th year in the NFL and their seventh consecutive season without a playoff appearance. Competing in the AFC East, the team struggled with consistency on offense and defense, finishing with a 5–11 record under head coach Todd Bowles, who was in his third year at the helm.

Despite a promising start to the season, including a 3–2 record after five games, the Jets faltered down the stretch, losing eight of their final 11 contests. The team's performance was hindered by quarterback instability in prior years, though veteran Josh McCown provided a temporary spark before injuries and inexperience derailed momentum.

Record: The Jets finished 5–11, placing them last in the AFC East, ahead of only the Cleveland Browns in the conference standings.
Head Coach:Todd Bowles remained head coach, maintaining defensive control but failing to elevate the team’s overall performance.
Quarterback Play:Josh McCown started 13 games, throwing for 2,926 yards and 18 touchdowns with only 9 interceptions.
Rookie Impact: First-round pick Jamal Adams, selected 6th overall, started all 16 games and recorded 77 tackles and 2 interceptions.
Offensive Struggles: The team ranked 31st in total offense, averaging only 285.6 yards per game, one of the lowest in the league.

How It Works

The 2017 season was structured around rebuilding the Jets’ roster with young talent while managing short-term quarterback needs through veteran leadership. The team’s approach combined immediate performance goals with long-term development strategies.

Quarterback Transition:Josh McCown was signed to stabilize the position; his 89.8 passer rating was the best of his career, offering temporary reliability.
Rookie Integration:Jamal Adams was expected to strengthen the secondary; he played 97% of defensive snaps and quickly became a defensive leader.
Coaching Strategy:Todd Bowles emphasized a tough defense, but the unit allowed 23.5 points per game, ranking 23rd in the NFL.
Offensive Scheme: The Jets used a West Coast-influenced offense under coordinator John Morton, but lacked consistent playmakers.
Injury Impact: Key players like Bilal Powell and Leonard Williams missed multiple games, disrupting continuity.
Draft Focus: With the 6th overall pick, the Jets prioritized defense, selecting Adams over offensive needs, signaling long-term planning.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2017 Jets were compared to other rebuilding teams in the AFC, particularly in terms of quarterback development and defensive investment.

Team	Record	Passing Yards	Rushing Yards	Points Scored
New York Jets	5–11	2,926	1,378	246
Buffalo Bills	9–7	2,899	1,923	267
Miami Dolphins	6–10	3,133	1,577	283
New England Patriots	13–3	4,641	1,793	441
Cleveland Browns	0–16	2,890	1,300	234

The table highlights the Jets’ middling offensive output compared to division rivals. While they outperformed the Browns, they lagged behind the Bills and Dolphins in rushing and scoring. The Patriots’ dominance in all categories underscored the gap within the AFC East. New York’s reliance on McCown’s passing was evident, but without a strong ground game or elite defense, progress remained limited.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a transitional year that set the foundation for future roster decisions, including the eventual selection of Sam Darnold in the 2018 draft. It illustrated both the challenges of rebuilding and the importance of strategic drafting.

Rebuilding Blueprint: The focus on Jamal Adams signaled a shift toward building through defense and the draft.
Quarterback Evaluation: McCown’s performance helped the team assess short-term options before committing to a rookie QB.
Coaching Accountability: Bowles’ job security declined after another losing season, leading to his dismissal in 2018.
Front Office Moves: GM Mike Maccagnan used the season to evaluate talent, culminating in the 3rd overall pick in 2018.
Fan Engagement: Despite losses, McCown’s leadership and Adams’ play offered hope and sustained fan interest.
League Positioning: The poor record improved New York’s draft stock, enabling them to select a franchise quarterback the following year.

The 2017 New York Jets may not have achieved on-field success, but their season played a crucial role in shaping the team’s direction, emphasizing long-term planning over short-term wins.