The New York Jets aren't hiding their frustration. They aren't pretending that everything has gone according to plan. Losses have piled up, and that has compounded an already disappointing season.
But frustration can become either a distraction or a source of motivation. Defensive tackle Harrison Phillips made it clear which direction he believes the Jets need to take when asked about the team's approach heading into Sunday's matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
“We’ve mentioned this week. If you are frustrated, take it out on our opponents," Smith said.
"We've mentioned this week - if you are frustrated, take it out on our opponents" Harrison Phillips talks about the frustration Jets players showed last week during their loss to the Chiefs: pic.twitter.com/cyTCORbGEC
— SNY Jets (@snyjets) November 13, 2026
Phillips' message is about channeling the team's collective frustration, but quarterback Geno Smith made it clear that the disappointment is personal, too.
"I'm pretty frustrated with myself personally. [I'm] just looking at how I can be better for the guys and be a better quarterback so we can get it done," Smith said.
"I'm pretty frustrated with myself personally. Just looking at how I can be better for the guys and be a better quarterback so we can get it done."
— SNY Jets (@snyjets) November 8, 2026
Geno Smith talks about the Jets' red zone problems: pic.twitter.com/hwgZpewnVr
Smith's comments offer another perspective on the challenge facing New York. Phillips wants the team to direct its frustration toward its opponents, while Smith is focused on what he can do differently to help his teammates.
Both messages point toward accountability rather than allowing disappointment to linger.
There's a difference between being frustrated with how a season has unfolded and allowing that frustration to dictate what happens next. The Jets have heard plenty about what needs to change. Against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, they'll have a chance to show whether that message has finally started to resonate on the field.
Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 NFL season.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Harrison Phillips shares Jets’ plan for handling frustration
