November 23, 2015, Queens, NY The New York Jets find themselves a .500 team after ten games which is somewhat shocking since they were 4-1 at one time. They found themselves one game behind the New England Patriots and were considered by many to be a lock for the playoffs. Now they find themselves on the outside looking in, especially after losing to the Houston Texans yesterday, 24-17. The Texans have had their share of setbacks this year, but they have now won three in a row for the first time since 2012.
First-year head coach Todd Bowles has shown at times that he’s been bitten by the first-year willies by committing some late game tactical errors, (a.k.a., brain cramping). Ryan Fitzpatrick’s warts are starting to show. He threw two consecutive interceptions at the end of the game when the Jets had an opportunity to tie the game. Center Nick Mangold has become an oft-injured lineman. Darrelle Revis left the game yesterday due to a concussion, and he doesn’t appear to be totally healthy this season anyway.
The Jets are hopelessly behind the Patriots who are 9-0 and clearly have their sights on an undefeated season (regular and playoffs). They are ½ game behind the Buffalo Bills who are healthy again and, therefore, dangerous, and they (Jets) are a game in front of the Miami Dolphins who have Jekyll and Hyde tendencies.
With six games left on their schedule, the Jets would do well to split them. Next Sunday, they play the Dolphins at MetLife Stadium; that’s a pick ‘em game. The following week they play their stadium mate, New York Giants; edge goes to the Giants (who aren’t exactly world beaters). The Jets get the Titans at home on December 13th; that should be a win. Then, they play the Cowboys and Patriots the next two weeks; the Jets won’t be favored against the Cowboys now that Tony Romo is back and forget about beating the Patriots. The last game of the regular season is an away game against division rival Buffalo Bills who will be favored to beat the Jets.
The Jets control their trajectory and where they will land. But at this crucial juncture in the season, they must re-think, re-flect, re-tool, and re-fuel.
Professor Clifford Benton can be reached at @cliffordbenton.