Banner reading ‘Rebuilding since 1969’ flies over Jets game

The talk before Sunday’s game wasn’t about touchdown passes filling the air, but rather more airplanes with banners.

An airplane flew over MetLife Stadium during tailgating hours before the Jets hosted the Steelers, with a banner in tow which cleverly read: “Rebuilding since 1969.”

The banner, a reference to the Jets’ last Super Bowl winning team, was meant to deride the current state of the team. It is just the latest sign fans are turning on the current team.

Two weeks ago, FireJohnIdzik.com was formed by four fans and they announced this week their fundraising campaign will allow them to purchase a static billboard and space on two digital billboards near the stadium. Then a plane flew over the team’s facility during Wednesday’s practice with a “Fire John Idzik” banner that got rapturously picked up on by the media present.

Many fans are angered by the direction of the team, especially after last year’s surprising 8-8 record gave them hope. But the returns on yet another draft seem disappointing and free agency failed to address serious needs in the secondary or along the offensive line.

And while many Jets fans are not prepared to tar and feather Idzik, citing he needs more time for his plan, a growing number are boldly getting their message out in flashy ways.

Follow Jets beat writer Kristian Dyer on Twitter @KristianRDyer.