Can the New York Jets be a dangerous team if they make the playoffs?
As we prepare for the final three weeks of the season, many fans wonder of who will make the playoffs in the AFC. The wildcard picture is a very tight three team race between the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. It is going to be an exciting finish because all three of these teams are playing exciting football. Two of these three teams that make the playoffs will probably do some damage against the top seeded opponents. The one team that I think that can do major damage is the New York Jets, who have won there third consecutive game, this past weekend they defeated the Tennessee Titans by the final score of 30-8. It was a very impressive game by how they played on both sides of the ball in beating a much weaker team. I think there change in attitude came when they played both the Miami Dolphins, and the New York Giants. There attitude seemed like they were a much more focused team. The comeback against the Giants late in the fourth quarter showed me a lot about this team. Head coach Todd Bowles has this team focused on the goal that is in front of them, and that is to worry about there next opponent which is the Dallas Cowboys. Compared to last year, this team has a totally different mindset in how to approach game preparation. This organization has proved a lot this season in who they are. During the losing streak the team looked lost, and not hungry in wanting to win. Todd Bowles was not happy, and let the team have it. He must of said the right things to them because they are playing like they did earlier in the season.
The offense was at a stand still a few weeks ago when they looked like they couldn't score a point at all. I don't know if it has to do anything with it, but after Ryan Fitzpatrick trimmed his beard he has been playing at all time high. He hasn't thrown a interception in this three game winning streak. I think in the beginning of the season he was trying to do to much where it would cost his team. Now that he feels more comfortable the offense looks like a well oiled machine. What helps Fitzpatrick the most is he has the best duo of Wide Receivers in the game in Brandon Marshall, and Eric Decker. These two players are having great years, and have been very productive. What also has helped the offense become very balanced is the running game with the combination of Chris Ivory, Steven Ridley, and Bilal Powell. These three players have made it more difficult for opposing defenses. If they can continue to score like the way they have been it will allow the defense to rest which is very important. Decker and Marshall are in the top 25 in wide receivers currently in the game which is good to have on your team. Brandon Marshall is the first person in NFL history to have a 1,000 yard season with four different teams.
This defense has stepped up big time in this winning streak by forcing turnovers, and getting to the Quarterback. The defensive front of Damion Harrison, Sheldon Richardson, Muhammed Wilkerson, and Leonard Williams have been a force that teams cant really handle. The way they shut down the New York Giants in the second half, and in overtime was very impressive in how they held them to no points. The defense and offense have this mindset when someone is out due to injury that the next teammate will step up, and produce. The defense was missing some key player's, and those who played in their place came up with some key plays. The defense has given up of a average of sixteen points in this three game winning streaks. They have to keep this mentality going into Saturdays game against a well offensive team in the Cowboys. The Jets will be getting a key player back in cornerback Marcus Williams who leads the team in interceptions he has been out with a MCL injury, and he is likely to play. If he returns he can help the secondary in having to cover Dez Bryant, Cole Beasley, and Terrance Williams. It will be interesting to see how much running the Cowboys do because the Jets have the best run defense in the league. The defense for the Jets only gives up 78.9 yards per game which to me is an amazing achievement and Dallas averages 118 yards a game so it will be fun to watch.
The schedule for the Jets does not get any easier as they will face their rivals the final two games of the season. They will be facing the New England Patriots, and Buffalo Bills. The Jets will look for revenge because they know they should of won those games earlier in the year. If they are able to win those games it will be a tremendous achievement. I think this team is hungry, and want this very bad. I think they are getting healthy at the right time because they will need all hands on deck to make this run. Many believe if they are able to make the playoffs that they can surprise a lot of people. This team has exceeded peoples expectation, and need to continue to build on this. This team has a certain swagger that they believe they can go far, and don't want this to end. The only problem with this playoff scenario is that the Jets need the Chiefs, and Steelers to loose at least one of their final games. The reason for this is if these three teams ended up in tie then the Jets will be the odd team out. The New York Jets have a lot of work to do, and need to start by beating the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday night. I believe the Chiefs will lose at least one game and the Steelers will lose as well. I think the final week will make, or break the playoff teams season. Lets see what happens, and hopefully it goes the way they want it to.
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