The Jets within the playoffs?
No, this isn’t a joke. If the playoffs began at present, Gang Green could be the No. 6 seed within the AFC. However, there are 11 video games left within the season, so quite a bit can change between every now and then.
Currently, the Jets, who’re a stunning 4-2, have the second-longest postseason drought within the massive 4 North American sports activities as they final made the playoffs in 2010. Only the NBA’s Sacramento Kings (2006) have gone longer with out making the playoffs.
The Jets have a 37% probability to make the playoffs, in keeping with FiveThirtyEight. The web site is predicting Robert Saleh’s staff will end with a 9-8 report.
This weekend’s recreation at Denver is gigantic because the Green and White may very well be in place to lastly finish that lengthy drought with a win within the Mile High metropolis. Since the enlargement of the playoffs in 1990, groups that began the season 5-2 have made the postseason 75.5% of the time. Teams that start the 12 months 4-3 have made the playoffs 48.2% of the time.
If the Jets are going to make the postseason, it seems their dashing assault — together with their protection — should cleared the path. During Gang Green’s three-game profitable streak, its protection has allowed 47 factors. For these mathematically challenged, the Jets’ protection is permitting a median of 15.6 factors per recreation.
Quarterback Zach Wilson has been a little bit of a recreation supervisor since coming back from his knee accidents. In the three video games since his return, Wilson has handed for 572 yards, one landing and two interceptions.
That may finally result in groups placing seven or eight gamers within the field making an attempt to decelerate rookie Breece Hall, who has been on an absolute tear the final three weeks.
During that span, Hall has rushed for 279 yards and three touchdowns. He additionally has six receptions for 117 yards.
“I think Zach has proven he can win with his arm too,” Saleh mentioned. “Green Bay was heavy man to begin the sport and actually all through the sport. When you play as a lot man as they tried to play, you’re going to surrender explosive performs.
“We will see how each game presents itself. Every team usually sticks to its philosophy and how they want to approach things. Teams usually try to take away what you’re really good at and make you do something else.”
The remaining schedule is favorable for the Jets as they’ve solely three video games left in opposition to groups presently above .500 — two in opposition to the Bills and one in opposition to the Vikings in early December.
With an offensive id and the gifted younger gamers they’ve, 9 or 10 wins and a wild card spot within the AFC is actually not out of the query for the Jets this season.
D-LINE PREPPING FOR THIN AIR
Last season, the Jets gamers received a style of what it feels prefer to play within the skinny air in Denver.
Denver shut out the Jets 26-0 at Empower Field at Mile High in a recreation Gang Green allowed 343 whole yards to quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and the Broncos offense.
The Jets have rather more depth on the defensive position than they did a season in the past with Carl Lawson and Vinny Curry returning this 12 months. That actually will help them in a recreation the place the air might be thinner and dryer.
“That was my first time playing there last year,” Sheldon Rankins mentioned. “I’m not going to lie, a drive and a half in and I used to be ‘phew,’ I see what y’all are speaking about — it’s a bit of skinny up right here.
“It helps in any environment just to know we got guys that we can roll out there and guys that can truly make impact plays any time they’re on the field, that definitely helps.”
JOHNSON LIKELY OUT AGAIN
The Jets had been with out considered one of their first-round picks in opposition to the Packers final Sunday. It seems that might once more be the case in opposition to the Broncos.
Rookie defensive finish Jermaine Johnson didn’t observe Wednesday as he’s nonetheless coping with an ankle damage he suffered within the Week 5 victory in opposition to the Dolphins.
Saleh mentioned Johnson is getting quite a bit higher and hopefully he could make his return subsequent week. In Johnson’s absence, the defensive position was capable of sack Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers 4 instances and maintain him below fixed stress through the 27-10 victory.
Duane Brown (shoulder), Quincy Williams (ankle) and Braxton Berrios had been all restricted throughout Wednesday’s observe.
QUINNEN EARNS WEEKLY HONORS
After his excellent recreation in opposition to the Packers, Jets defensive sort out Quinnen Williams was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Williams recorded 5 tackles, two sacks, a pressured fumble and a blocked area aim within the Jets’ beautiful victory over Green Bay. This is the primary Defensive Player of the Week award for Williams and he’s the primary Jets defensive lineman to earn the consideration since Kris Jenkins (2008).
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Source: www.bostonherald.com