How about this: Can we allow that there is some merit in Obi's argument? Being a lifelong Bulls fan, I can say with some confidence that Jordan had more impact on those teams than just what he displayed on the court -- there certainly
was a palpable lift when he was on the team that hasn't been there since. Reggie White did provide a similar lift when he came to Green Bay, I firmly believe this. And sure, I'm more than willing to believe that Brett brought something similar to the team last year*, and is doing so for the Jets this year.
HOWEVER, do I believe that this is the one difference between last year and this year? That our record is significantly worse this year simply because Brett and his 'inspiration' aren't in Green Bay anymore? No way -- that's crazy talk, and it inflates the effect of that 'inspiration' to a level that makes no sense.
I'm willing to consider that the lack of Brett's presence may be one of several factors (injuries, much tougher schedule, missing players like Williams more than any of us predicted) that's led to this disappointing season.
Perhaps we might even have a win or maybe two more, because
perhaps that 'inspiration' might have borne out in a couple last-minute drives...
maybe. It's hard to say, because as someone already pointed out we simply can't know what's in the players' hearts.
Bottom line: the line between above average and below average in the NFL is razor thin, and we're simply on the wrong side of it this year, due to several factors. Look at Carolina last year -- very similar story, and this year they're challenging the Giants for the best record in the NFC. That's just how the NFL works these days -- parity will make for some roller-coaster rides.
*please note that I'm specifying last year on purpose -- I doubt very highly that his fellow players were inspired the previous couple years when he was happily throwing them under the bus in his public statements.